Abstract: A cooking device includes a base unit, an upper unit hinged to the base unit along a pivot axis, an oil accumulating tray, and slidably retaining device. The base unit defines a horizontal plane, and has a lower cooking plate disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal plane, a plurality of grilling members mounted on the lower cooking plate in heat conducting relationship, and a bottom wall disposed underneath the lower cooking plate. The upper unit has an upper cooking plate disposed therein and movable relative to the lower cooking plate. The lower cooking plate inclines gradually and downwardly from a proximate position relative to the pivot axis toward a distal position, and is formed with a fluid outlet at the distal position to communicate the lower cooking plate with the bottom wall. The base unit further has a pair of engagement portions disposed on the bottom wall and spaced apart from each other in a parallel manner.

Abstract: A hair removal wax device comprising at least one tank (9) linked to a heating means (11) and a detachable instrument, independent from the tank (9), designed for sampling from the tank (9) a quantity of molten wax, with a means (12) for transferring of a quantity of hair removal wax from the tank (9) to the detachable instrument, where the detachable instrument is a ductile vessel (1) whose inside volume is variable.

Abstract: A grill for cooking food is provided that has an inclined cooking surface with diagonally positioned ribs projecting therefrom. The ribs have a rounded elongated configuration that all point toward a liquid drain. The ribs have liquid flow channels there between to facilitate liquid flow down the incline into a collection vessel. The cooking surface is surrounded by a retaining wall for holding food in position during a cooking operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric immersion heater utilized in heating liquids contained in a cylindrical container, such as a boiler. The immersion heater is affixed to the side of the container with the heater elements extending through the side of the container through an access hole. The heater elements are contoured so as to allow more than one heater to be installed at a given level through the side of the container.

Abstract: A new Heated Golf Bag Apparatus for heating and drying of the interior of the bag and golfing equipment. The inventive device includes a golf bag having a hollow interior, a heater providing heat to the hollow interior of the bag when activated, a fan circulating air in the hollow interior of the golf bag, a plurality of hollow tubes adapted to accept golf clubs extending into the hollow interior of the golf bag, and a switch in each of the hollow tubes, each switch being able to activate the heater when a golf club is removed and then reinserted into one of the hollows tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for dehydrating fruits, vegetables and foods includes a stand having a recess, a blowing chamber having a top formed with a plurality of perforations, a fan chamber under the blowing chamber and communicated with the blowing chamber, and a tubular member close to a vertical inner wall of the recess, an electric motor fixedly mounted within the recess of the stand, a fan fitted within the fan chamber and drivingly connected with the electric motor, a base having a center hole fitted over the blowing chamber and a tubular portion close to an edge of the base, a plurality of trays each having a tubular portion aligned with the tubular portion of the base, a cover adapted to fit on an uppermost one of the trays and provided with a plurality of holes, an axle extending through the tubular member of the stand and the tubular portions of the trays, and a leg frame telescopically mounted on a bottom of the stand, whereby the trays can be easily turned open or closed as desired.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the transportation of fluid materials or particulate matter Apparatus for use in the transportation of fluid materials or particulate matter in a container for use with container handling equipment, such as an ISO 20 foot container (50). The apparatus comprises body means (52) removably fittable in such a container (50) for defining a volume for containing a fluid material or particulate matter when fitted in such a container. The body means is provided with adjusting means (66) for selectively varying said volume.

Abstract: An apparatus to extract liquid absorbed in a bowling ball having a surface. The apparatus includes a closed chamber to receive the bowling ball therein. A heating element in the chamber increases the temperature of the ball in order to draw the liquid to the surface of the bowling ball. Liquid on the surface of the bowling ball may thereafter be removed.

Abstract: The formula preparation device comprises a housing within which a reciprocating semi-cylindrical closed ended sleeve is located. The sleeve, in conjunction with a semi-cylindrical concavity in a cover of the device, produces a cylindrical cavity within which a formula bottle is horizontally agitated, while being heated to provide a warmed, agitated bottle of formula.

Abstract: A heating system includes an electric heater having coupled thereto a temperature controller and a power activation relay switch coupled to the temperature controller and a meter system coupled to a power terminal on the electric heater to provide an interruptible supplemental heating system for use in residential or commercial buildings. The heating system provides electrically generated heat to supplement a primary heating system which generates heat using fuel oil, fuel gas such as natural gas, propane gas, or other fossil fuels. The electric heater can be an electric resistance heater coupled in series with a primary furnace powered by fossil fuel. When the electric resistance heater is activated, the heat contributed by the heater reduces the required heat output of the primary furnace by a corresponding amount of thermal energy. In one embodiment, an electric utility provides electric power to the electric resistance heater at a reduced cost on an as available, fully interruptible basis.

Abstract: An electric barbecue with rotisserie comprises a frame, a kettle placed on the frame, a resistive electric heater element and a rotary spit. A motor driving the spit is housed in a unit fixed to the frame. A drive arrangement connects the motor to the spit. The unit includes electrical connections to supply power to the element. A single cable is connected to an external power supply to supply power to the connection system and the motor.

Abstract: An integrated refrigeration and rethermalization system for storage of prepared meals in a refrigerated state, rethermalization of the meals in accordance with a rethermalization program, and maintenance of the rethermalized meals at a desired serving temperature is disclosed. Refrigerated meals are placed on trays, supported by heater shelves, in a refrigeration-rethermalization cart having onboard refrigeration. Critical cooling elements of the onboard refrigerator are located within the food storage area of the cart for improved cooling air flow and maximum cooling efficiency. The heater shelves contain one or more heating elements designed to heat only selected food items located on the trays in accordance with preset time-temperature curves, or rethermalization programs.

Abstract: A food warming apparatus includes a housing defining at least one warming cavity having a ceiling. A heater warms food products within the cavity. A grate is provided within the cavity spaced below the ceiling of the cavity. At least one food tray is provided for containing food products and is supportable on the grate beneath the ceiling of the cavity. A seal is operatively associated between the top of the tray and the ceiling of the cavity. The grate includes a biasing portion for biasing the tray upwardly toward the ceiling to assure operability of the seal.

Abstract: A soft hood and module assembly adapted to convert an open baker's rack loaded with pieces of yeast dough into a proofing chamber where the pieces are subjected to a hot humid air environment acting to raise these pieces prior to their baking. The module for generating hot humid air is placed in the base of the rack with its air inlet adjacent the front end of the rack and its outlet adjacent the rear end. The soft hood which is fabricated of flexible plastic sheeting encloses the rack to form a chamber having a feed duct parallel to the rear end of the rack which communicates with the module outlet, and a return duct parallel to the front end of the rack which communicates with the module inlet. In operation, hot, humid air blown out of the module outlet into the feed duct is distributed thereby to pass across the dough pieces supported by the rack into the return duct from which the air flows back into the inlet of the module for recirculation in the chamber to uniformly proof the pieces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating a metallic material held by a holder such as a crucible which is positioned on a base using an electric furnace. The electric furnace includes a sleeve, an electric heating element disposed on the inner surface of the sleeve, a removable lid for covering a top opening of the sleeve and at least one handle disposed on the outer surface of the sleeve for lifting and removing the sleeve from the base or placing the sleeve on the base. When the sleeve is placed on the base enclosing the crucible, the removable lid is placed on the top opening of the sleeve and an electric current is applied to the electric heating element. Heat generated by the electric heating element and retained in the furnace melts the material contained in the crucible.

Abstract: The heatsensitive stencil sheet perforating device of this invention includes a pedestal for an original mounted thereon; a pressing body attached pivotaly on one end of the pedestal for supporting a heatsensitive stencil sheet on an area corresponding to the original mounted on the pedestal; a light irradiation device attached detachably to the pressing body in a defined state, including a light source for irradiating the heatsensitive stencil sheet; a power supply device installed inside of the pressing body, for supplying electric energy to emit light from the light source; a first contact member attached to the light irradiation device, connected to the light source; a second contact member attached to the pressing member, connected to the power source of the power supply device, so as to come into contact with the first contact member when the light irradiation device is engaged in the pressing body in a defined state; and a support member attached to the pressing body, for supporting the light irradiati

Abstract: A rethermalization system for heating refrigerated food on trays, maintaining the food in a refrigerated condition until heated, and heating some of the food to a desired temperature at a serving time while maintaining the rest of the food in a refrigerated condition. The system has a cart which docks inside a refrigerator. The cart has shelves on which trays of food reside. In the shelves there are heaters. The operator programs the system using an intricate series of commands at an operator interface. A first controller interprets the commands and sends the program to a second controller. The second controller controls the heating cycle of the heaters. A current sensor is provided to sense whether there is current to the heaters. The second controller polls the current sensor and compares the findings to what is called for in the program.

Abstract: An apparatus for warming one or a plurality of tortillas or other unleavened breadstuffs individually, on both sides at once, and simultaneously in a traditional manner. The electric kitchen appliance of this device is efficient and easy to use and meets an unmet and growing need. Also disclosed is a method for use.

Abstract: A portable appliance for heating towels and for dispensing heated fluid such as body oil has a suitcase-like housing with hinge-connected base and lid components that define a plurality of compartments for heating towels and liquid when the housing is "open" and the appliance is "set up" for operation, and for receiving components and accessories of the appliance so that the appliance can be conveniently stored and transported when the housing is "closed." A relatively large main compartment is defined by the housing for receiving and suitably heating towels therein for use in concert with the administration of a massage. "Wet" or "dry" towel heating can be carried out within the main heating compartment. A "wringer" for extracting unwanted moisture from towels is defined by a housing portion that drains into the main compartment, and by a towel compressor member that is pivotally connected to the housing.

Abstract: A prepared meals system has at least one food container and cooking unit. The food container has at least two compartments for different foods to be heated at different temperatures and/or times. The cooking unit has at least one cooking station having two or more heating zones on a lower surface and at least one grilling element above the heating zones. The user selects one of several preprogrammed cooking procedures according to the indicia on a selected container having the desired food. A heat controller operates to control the times and temperatures of the heating zones and grilling element to appropriately cook the food in the container.

Abstract: A rapid cooking method is provided in which food pieces are contacted with an air stream at a velocity of at least 1,000 linear feet per minute. Rapid cooking equipment is disclosed which creates high velocity air current.

Abstract: A device for heating a gel used in physical examinations or on the instruments therefor, e.g. a pelvic examination, comprises a heat reservoir in communication with a flue which receivably receives the gel container therein. The container presents a valve operable by the physician's elbow to preclude the need to manipulate the device in order to dispense the gel. Rotation of the container in the flue is precluded by a ridge array restraining movement between the container and flue. The flue/reservoir combination design prevents toppling of the device during use. Hygienical dispensing of a warmed gel onto the user's hands is provided without user manipulation required.

Abstract: An incubator is provided wherein the individual wells of a Micro Titer Plate are heated by means of a continuous temperature regulated flow of warm air (typically 37.degree. C.) blowing through a series of holes from a plate underneath onto the bottom of the wells. A typical Micro Titer Plate can have 96 wells and is used, for example, in medical laboratories. The volume of a well is typically 0.35 milliliter. Both the end temperature and the way the end temperature is reached is the same for all individual wells and is not dependent on either the location of the well on the Micro Titer Plate or its surrounding by other wells.

Abstract: A vertical electric heating oven is provided which includes an oven body incorporating a shell, a reflecting container, a door, a base, and an electric heater, a driver, a rotary rack, and a vertical rack assembly. The electric heater is located vertically in the oven. The driver is placed in the base and has an elongated axle extending out from the reflecting bottom. The reflecting bottom has a dish with the axle extending through its center. The dish provides a space containing the rotary rack, and the rack assembly is placed on the rotary rack and connected to the axle of the driver. Therefore, the horizontal thermal radiation of the electric heater is coordinated with the rack assembly on the rotary rack, which is connected to the driver to roll through 360 degrees to provide full even baking conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus to extract liquid absorbed in a bowling ball having a surface. The apparatus includes a closed chamber to receive the bowling ball therein. A heating element in the chamber increases the temperature of the ball in order to draw the liquid to the surface of the bowling ball. Liquid on the surface of the bowling ball may thereafter be removed.

Abstract: A device for induction heating of meal trays includes an arrangement for supporting a series of trays one above the other. The foods to be heated are placed on a part of the tray that may include a layer of material that can be heated by magnetic induction and under an insulative dish-cover covered on the inside with a layer of material that can be heated by magnetic induction. Induction shelves are inserted between the trays and comprise groups of induction coils. The groups of induction coils are energized separately with high-frequency electrical energy by a multiplexed electrical generator. A detector detects the presence or the absence of the dish-covers. A control unit disables the energization of groups of induction coils near an area in which there is no dish-cover. The device adapts automatically to the presence or the absence of trays and/or dish-covers, optimizing efficiency and minimizing the generation of electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: A personal cooking appliance including a container having a first recess, a first edge surrounding the recess, a timer mounted on a front side of the container, a switch installed on a front side of the container, a pair of lugs each having an elliptical opening, and two grips mounted on respective lateral sides of the container, a first heater arranged within the container and electrically connected with said timer and the switch, a rectangular lid having a second recess, the second recess being less than the first recess in depth, a second edge surrounding the first recess, a third edge surrounding a front and two lateral sides thereof, a pair of ears each having a pin adapted to fit into the elliptical opening, a protective plate provided on a front side of the lid, and a handle fixedly mounted on the protective plate, and a second heater arranged within the container and electrically connected with the timer and the switch, whereby the personal cooking appliance is particularly fit for a bachelor living i

Abstract: An apparatus for food includes a receptacle supported a frame with the receptacle being heated by a resistance heater from a supply of energy over an electric line, the receptacle and frame include means pivotally securing the same for each other, the pivotal securing means including at least one supporting pin having a side opening groove for laterally receiving and hooking the electric line therein thereby guiding the electric line through the supporting pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating a metallic material held by a holder such as a crucible which is positioned on a base using an electric furnace. The electric furnace includes a sleeve, an electric heating element disposed on the inner surface of the sleeve, a removable lid for covering a top opening of the sleeve and at least one handle disposed on the outer surface of the sleeve for lifting and removing the sleeve from the base or placing the sleeve on the base. When the sleeve is placed on the base enclosing the crucible, the removable lid is placed on the top opening of the sleeve and an electric current is applied to the electric heating element. Heat generated by the electric heating element and retained in the furnace melts the material contained in the crucible.

Abstract: A heated tray which can be activated to release a frozen liquid from compartments thereof. The tray includes an electrically insulative body having one or more compartments for receiving a liquid to be frozen. The tray also includes an electrically conductive polymer which can be heated by applying a potential across the conductive polymer. The conductive polymer is provided so as to be adjacent each compartment of the insulative body. The tray further includes first and second electrode grids on either side of the conductive polymer, which electrode grids include electrode members that are adjacent each compartment of the insulative body. The first and second electrode grids and the conductive polymer form a circuit which is used to heat the compartments of the insulative body.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a container for heating textiles. The container is insulated and constructed of flexible materials so as to be collapsible. One or more heating elements inside the container provide heat for warming the textiles.

Abstract: A salvage system for on-site removal and recovery of electrical components such as IC's from PC boards. The unit may be mobile having at least two heating stations, each of which includes a mounting apparatus which positions the PCB above an array of infrared heating sources. Initial heating occurs at the first station and subsequent heating to above the eutectic point of the solder occurs at the second station. The unit is designed so that a minimum of workers can attend to the initial sorting, cleaning, sequential heating, extracting and storing of removed components. The heating apparatus includes a fan, baffle and deflector arrangement which helps to maintain even heating and avoidance of hot spots.

Abstract: An electric furnace for heating a metallic material held by a holder such as a crucible which is positioned on a base. The electric furnace includes a sleeve, an electric heating element disposed on the inner surface of the sleeve, a removable lid for covering a top opening of the sleeve and at least one handle disposed on the outer surface of the sleeve for lifting and removing the sleeve from the base or placing the sleeve on the base. When the sleeve is placed on the base enclosing the crucible, the removable lid is placed on the top opening of the sleeve and an electric current is applied to the electric heating element, heat generated by the electric heating element and retained in the furnace melts the material contained in the crucible.

Abstract: A toy oven has a heating compartment accessible through an aperture in a front wall of a housing of the oven. A door is provided which is manually movable to close off the aperture. IN one embodiment, the door is slidably mounted and in another embodiment it is pivotally mounted. A mechanical interlock engages the door to prevent it from opening if the electrical power switch is on. Another mechanical interlock prevents the door from opening when the heating compartment is at a high temperature. The oven is thus safe to use by children in normal play. A fan may be provided to cool the heating compartment when the power switch is turned off and is thereafter automatically turned off after a predetermined time or when the temperature in the heating compartment falls to a safe level. A timer may also be provided to automatically switch power off after a predetermined time of inactivity.

Abstract: Thermoregulated assembly for the distribution in collective catering of warm meals within isothermal containers having a tray which incorporates a thermoregulation system including at least one electrical heating resistor. The distribution assembly comprises a transport device including, for each isothermal container, a support, a multiple contact unit cooperating with electrical contact means of the isothermal container, and means for connecting the contact unit to an electrical supply source.

Abstract: A rapid cooking method is provided in which food pieces are contacted with an air stream at a velocity of at least 1,000 linear feet per minute.Rapid cooking equipment is disclosed which creates high velocity air current.

Abstract: A disposable thermoplastic hypodermic syringe having a hollow metallic needle and thermoplastic body portions at least part of which are formed of temperature calibrated thermoplastic having a full flow liquefaction temperature corresponding to point on the time-death curve for microbial life at which the most resistant spore forms are killed within the time the thermoplastic can be liquefied and resolidified. Heat resistant indicia can be applied to the syringe in a manner to reappear on the solidified thermoplastic mass.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage cup for warming beverages that is made of thermally and electrically insulating material, such as injection molded low-melting point plastic, and has an integral heater element that warms the beverage. Also disclosed is a system for retracting the power cord of the cup.

Abstract: Container for transporting warm foodstuffs with a first closable space (1) for the foodstuffs for transporting, a second closable space (2) in thermal contact with a heat source (5), and means (3) for transporting air from said second space to said first space. Container wherein the first space and the second space are mutually adjacent and are mutually separated by an air-permeable partition (4), and the means for transporting air can comprise a fan (3). The heat source comprises for instance a heat exchanger (5) provided with a supply conduit (6) and a discharge conduit (7) for a heat transporting medium, in particular a radiator (5) accommodated in the second space and/or an electrical heating element or a combustion heater (10), in particular a combustion heater operating on motor fuel.

Abstract: An improved electric oven comprises a base on which is supported a covering construction, the base housing a pair of metal heating coils to be coupled to the electric mains by electric cables and connected to the rear wall of the oven base, a cooking plate being moreover provided which can slide between the coils along guides applied to two side inner walls of the base.

Abstract: A toaster having a toaster body, and a bread inlet port formed of a longitudinally extended opening opened at the top portion of the toaster body is composed of a pair of heating members respectively including heaters being parallely installed to a lower portion of the inlet port at adjacent a lengthwisely extended side wall of the toaster body horizontally movably toward and apart therefrom, a carriage member downwardly movably installed to the bottom portion of the inlet port to receive the sliced bread inserted therefrom, and a space regulating member including a link of which a first end being pivotably fixed to the widthwisely extended side surface of the heating member at adjacent gravity center thereof and a second end being pivotably supported by the toaster body, and a spring attached to the position where the second end of the link being supported and linearly extended toward the bottom of the carriage member to receive the carriage member moved toward the spring.

Abstract: An electric barbecue grill including a grill body having a half-round cooking chamber at the top and an electric heating coil horizontally disposed within the cooking chamber at the bottom, a motor mounted outside the cooking chamber and having a sprocket gear on the motor shaft thereof, a rotary cooking grid supported on pulleys within the cooking chamber at the set elevation and rotated horizontally by the sprocket gear along a track on the set elevation.

Abstract: A multi-purpose cooker (10) having a base member (12) including a compartment (20) therein, a cover member (14) cooperable with the base member (12) for providing a food-steaming and food-dehydrating chamber (16) including the compartment (20) of the base member (12), a food retaining member (e.g., 42) retainable in the chamber (16) for supporting food to be dehydrated, and a food retaining member (e.g., 48) retainable in the chamber (16) for supporting food to be steamed. Preferably the base member (12) includes a heater (22) and a switch (78) for selectively energizing the heater (22) for heating water (11) retained in the compartment (20) during the steaming operation. Most preferably the base member (12) also includes a fan assembly (58), and the switch (78) is operable to selectively energize a motor (62) of the fan assembly (58) and the heater (22) simultaneously for dehydrating food, and to energize the heater ( 22) without the motor (62) of the fan assembly (58) for steaming food.

Abstract: A rethermalization system for rethermalizing refrigerated foods in an institutional food service setting is disclosed. A rethermalization cart is provided with a plurality of trays for supporting food items to be served. The trays are supported on heater shelves including heating elements located under the portions of the trays corresponding to locations of food items to be heated. A loaded cart is placed in a refrigerator and is attached to a power supply and controller. A serving time is programmed into the system and the controller provides power to the cart a predetermined interval before the desired serving time. Heater microcontrollers are associated with the heater shelves and control power to the heating element on the shelves in accordance with at least one rethermalization program.

Abstract: A toy oven has a heating compartment accessible through an aperture in a front wall of a housing of the oven. A door is provided which is manually movable to close off the aperture. IN one embodiment, the door is slidably mounted and in another embodiment it is pivotally mounted. A mechanical interlock engages the door to prevent it from opening if the electrical power switch is on. Another mechanical interlock prevents the door from opening when the heating compartment is at a high temperature. The oven is thus safe to use by children in normal play. A fan may be provided to cool the heating compartment when the power switch is turned off and is thereafter automatically turned off after a predetermined time or when the temperature in the heating compartment falls to a safe level. A timer may also be provided to automatically switch power off after a predetermined time of inactivity.

Abstract: An improved thermal curtain for separating a food service cart into hot and cold regions is disclosed. The thermal curtain is composed of composite foam structural elements which have enhanced insulating capability, toughness and the ability to provide structural support for food service trays placed thereon. The thermal curtain is composed of a plurality of vertically superposed tray support/thermal barrier sections which attach to a support bracket which further attaches to the back of the food service cart. The upper portion of the support/barrier is adapted to provide a tray support and conforms to the design of the food service tray to minimize migration of heated or cold air to the opposite compartment. The lower edge of the support/barrier section is composed of a blade seal floating in a retention channel which allows vertical movement of the seal.

Abstract: A cotton candy machine includes a spinner head having upper and lower spinner elements spaced apart at least by about 1/2 inch and defining with a spacer a common sugar chamber operatively communicating with each spinner element. Sugar from the common chamber is directed to each element where it is heated and issues from the head in molten form. Upper and lower apertures of the apparatus are at least about 7/8 inch from respective apertures in other spinner element. The number of same size servings for the same initial amount of sugar is substantially increased over prior heads with elements or apertures not so spaced apart, while energy requirements are at the same time substantially decreased. Apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spinning materials, such as saccharides and non-saccharides, is provided. The apparatus includes a spinner head which is rotatable about an axis. The spinner head includes a heating element which defines a narrow, elongate opening extending about the axis of rotation. The heating element defines an annular wall of the chamber against which material is propelled when the spinner head is rotated. The opening provides a substantially non-tortuous path in which the material is subjected to flash flow and then projected from the chamber into a basin. A helical heating cable may be used as the heating element and to provide a substantially continuous spiral opening of uniform height. The gaps between turns of the heating coil may be determined by comb-like elements which engage and maintain the turns in selected positions.

Abstract: A food dehydrator for drying food with a heated airflow is disclosed, the food dehydrator having a base defining a base inlet, a plurality of stackable trays defining an outer duct along the circumference of each of the plurality of trays, and a top member having an outer outlet defined along the circumference of the top member, the outer outlet being in substantial alignment with the outer duct defined by the trays.

Abstract: In a food service system, prepared meals including chilled foods are assembled in individual meal trays (10) and held in the trays for a period prior to regeneration to prepare the food for heating. A control system of a rethermalizing trolley (12), which accommodates a large number of trays, can discern for itself which dishes (30) in the trays need heating and which are to remain cool. Dishes for hot and cold foods have white and black markings respectively, which results in reflected infra-red signals from sensors (42, 44) of the control system to be of discernably different strengths, so identifying the hot food dishes. Dish temperature is continually monitored by the control system by means of thermal contact with thermistors (46), which enables the system to oversee food temperatures both prior to and during regeneration.