Abstract: The present invention provides for a disinfecting radiation base with a radiation source for providing disinfecting radiation to a storage case for an ophthalmic lens, such as a contact lens. The disinfecting radiation base includes a diffusing material is molded into a shape or geometry that is capable of providing disinfecting radiation to all regions of the lens being disinfected in uniform intensity and contrast. The disinfecting radiation base may also include a processor and digital memory for automated functions associated with the base.

Abstract: A thermal array system is provided. The thermal array system having each thermal element connected between a first power node and a second power node of the plurality of power nodes and each thermal element being connected in electrical series with an addressable switch configured to activate and deactivate the thermal element.

Abstract: A system and method is provided. The system and method calculate target setpoints for each thermal element and index through each thermal element to provide power to the thermal element, sense an electrical characteristic of the thermal element, and determine if the thermal element exceeds a target setpoint for the thermal element based on the sensed electrical characteristic.

Abstract: A thermal system includes a plurality of thermal elements and a control system. The control system has at least three power nodes, wherein each thermal element of the plurality of thermal elements is connected between a pair of power nodes, such that each power node has one thermal element connected between itself and each other power node.

Abstract: A transportable or hand carriable forced air dryer for boots, gloves and facepieces such as gas masks and other headpieces with attached drinking tubes. A pair of manifolds having spaced parallel tubes extend in opposite directions from a blower housing/plenum structure. Each manifold has plural spaced upstanding air discharge tubes. Each air discharge tube has attached thereto a form expander in looped form extending in spaced parallel arrangement and terminating beyond the air discharge to prevent air blockage by the article to be dried. One manifold is permanently connected and the other is quick connected and quick disconnected, without tools for field reassembly. For transport, the released manifold is inverted and nested on the permanently connected manifold for compact installation in a tote bag.

Abstract: Provided is an infrared radiation cooker in which heat from an infrared lamp is directly applied onto food being grilled, to thus cook the upper and inner parts of the food, as well as onto a rotatable pan, to thus simultaneously cook the lower part of the food. As a result, the food cooks evenly throughout without burning or creating residual odors from above to below as well as from outer to inner, and further the rotatable pan of respectively different structures can be selected depending on an intended cooking purpose, to thereby adjust height of the rotatable pan, which changes a heat intensity, to thus vary a cooking style, and which can be used to boil, grill or roast foods as one would like.

Abstract: The device (1) for the processing and cooking of foodstuffs includes a base (2), a container (3) with, on the outer side of its bottom (4), a fixed protecting shell (5) by means of which the container (3) stands in a positioning housing (6) provided on said base (2), a lid (7) to close said container (3), electrical heating means supported by said container (3), a shaft (12) carrying tools (13) rotatably supported inside said container (3), electric means for powering said shaft (12), and safety means at least capable of mechanically clamping the container (3) into its positioning housing (6) and of activating the electric feed of said powering means when said lid (7) moves from an open position to a closed position of said container (3) positioned in said positioning housing (6), the safety means comprising kinematic system for reversibly transforming the movement of the lid (7) between its open position and its closed position into a reversible translation stroke of a first clamping element (26) between a w

Abstract: A system for heating and insulating contrast media is disclosed herein. A thermal insulating cover sized to cover at least a portion of a contrast media container is provided with a heating element. A temperature sensor measures the temperature of the contrast media and communicates this temperature to a temperature controller, which controls the heating element in order to maintain the contrast media near a predetermined temperature. Temperature data is transmitted to a computer system by a data communicator.

Abstract: A muffin maker comprises a support device, a main body and a collecting plate. A pedestal of the support device includes a first inserted portion. Two support arms of the support device include a rotary device. The main body is used for baking muffin and is connected to the rotary device. The collecting plate is mounted on the pedestal of the support device and includes a second inserted portion. The second inserted portion is connected with the first inserted portion and the normal line of the collecting plate is perpendicular to the normal line of the pedestal.

Abstract: An evaporator includes a vaporization chamber having a monomer inlet and a vapor outlet. There is a vapor nozzle in the vapor outlet. The evaporator also includes a collar positioned between the vaporization chamber and the vapor nozzle which increases the pressure in the evaporation chamber while the conductance through the nozzle is substantially unchanged.

Abstract: A thermocycling device includes a sample holder, a thermal reference and a heating and cooling device which is arranged between the sample holder and thermal reference. The heating and cooling device is in thermally conductive contact with the sample holder and with the thermal reference. The thermocycling device further includes a reference heating and cooling device for maintaining the temperature of the thermal reference at a predetermined temperature level during cycling, and a heat sink which is in thermally conductive contact with the reference heating and/or cooling device.

Abstract: A warmer, for a baby bottle, includes a warming chamber configured to hold the bottle and to place water received in the chamber in contact with the bottle; a heater, in thermal communication with the water, that heats the water to a temperature below its boiling point; and a water disposal system that automatically causes displacement of water relative to the bottle so as to substantially remove water from contacting the bottle, after the bottle has been warmed by the water. Other embodiments of the warmer are provided, along with related methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid thermal cycling including a thermal diffusivity plate. The thermal diffusivity plate can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly during thermal cycling by a thermoelectric module. An edge heater can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly during thermal cycling.

Abstract: A system and method directed to a dehydrating device, which may include a dehydrating enclosure and an adapter. The adapter may be operable to couple the dehydrating enclosure to a power unit, which may include a power source disposed inside the power unit, and a control source operable to control the power source. The power unit may be detachably couplable to at least one of the dehydrating enclosure or a cooking enclosure. The power unit and the cooking enclosure may collectively combine into a multi-stage counter-top electric oven. The power unit and the dehydrating enclosure may also collectively combine into a dehydrator. The dehydrating enclosure may include a plurality of stackable dehydrating trays through which dehydrating air is circulated from the power unit.

Abstract: A sports equipment bag assembly having a removable bag enclosure for heating bats using sunlight. The removable bag enclosure has a transparent outer panel and a solar reflective inner panel. The reflective surface both insulates and reflects the solar light to heat the bats. The removable bag enclosure is removably fastened to a larger bag assembly by a fastener such as a zipper. The removable bag enclosure and the larger bag assembly have hooks that enable them to be hung upon a fence or similar structure. The sports equipment bag assembly further provides a shoulder strap to facilitate carrying.

Abstract: A compact portable heating device adapted to heat multiple food products simultaneously is provided. The heating device includes at least one heating element positioned opposite at least one other heating element to form a slot between heating surfaces of the elements for receiving food product. One heating element is mounted to move linearly along a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the heating surfaces. Preferably, a first set of movable heating elements are meshed with a second set of heating elements to form an alternating arrangement. One or more heat generators, e.g. steam generators, are positioned to provide heat while minimizing the size of the device.

Abstract: A wax remover for removing solidified wax within a wax container of a scent-warmer device includes a base having a size and shape configured to fit within a wax container of a scent-warmer device, and at least one tab attached to and extending from the base for removing the base from a wax container of a scented warmer device. Such wax removers are used to remove wax from a wax container of a scent-warmer device. A scent-warmer assembly includes a scent-warmer device that comprises a base housing a heat source, and a wax container configured to be heated by the heat source during operation of the scent-warmer device. The assembly further includes a wax remover disposed within the wax container, and a wax disposed at least partially over the wax remover within the wax container.

Abstract: A grill with improved-configuration grease collecting box comprising feet, a pan mounted on the feet and a heating device on the backside of the pan, the feet form an opening to contain the grease collecting box, both sides of the opening have supports, the opening mounted a grease collecting box inside, and the grease collecting box mounted on the supports, said pan has grease outlet orifices on the top of grease collecting box. The grease collecting box of the present invention located below the pan, it does not occupy the additional space and uneasy to be turn overed by incaution, which add the security; Mounting the grease collecting box on the feet does not need any additional fitting device, and the simple configuration is advantageous to be carried; The grease collecting box being hidden in the feet make the appearance of the grill to be more aesthetic.

Abstract: A heating device includes a housing, a thermally conductive receptacle, a cover, a heating element, a temperature sensor, a user interface and a power source. The thermally conductive receptacle is disposed within the housing and is accessible through an opening. The thermally conductive receptacle is sized to receive, completely contain and heat a container containing a product used in sexual activities. The cover is attached to the housing and is disposed over the opening to provide access to the thermally conductive receptacle and enclose the container containing the product. The heating element is disposed within the housing, and is connected to the thermally conductive receptacle. The temperature sensor is disposed within the housing and is connected to the heating element or the thermally conductive receptacle. The controller is disposed within the housing and is electrically connected to the heating element, the temperature sensor, and the user interface.

Abstract: A multi-use thermal cup device is provided that includes a cup, a sensor, a thermometer, a user interface, and an electronic controller. The cup has at least one heating element disposed between its inner and outer walls. Electro-mechanical connection points are included on the outer wall of the cup and the electronic controller, which are sized to allow the controller to be connected to the cup at a distance sufficient to insulate the controller from heat dispersed from the cup. An insulating air gap is formed between the cup and the electronic controller to protect the controller from any dissipating heat. The controller is programmable to direct the power supply to the heat conductors and to control the function of any device connected to the sensor in response to information received from the sensor and the user-defined sampling parameters.

Abstract: The bottle warming device of the present invention includes a housing, a heating element disposed in the housing, and a basket receivable in the housing. The basket is movable between a first position in which a bottom of the basket is positioned a first distance from a top of the housing, and a second position in which the bottom of the basket is positioned a second distance from the top of the housing, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-inflating heat sanitizer, which uses convective heat transfer to eradicate bed bugs within an item. The heater unit propagates and reheats the air within the present invention as the heated air flows through the present invention. The heat chamber enclosure is a compartment that allows the heated air to circulate around the item and raise the temperature of the item to above 140° F. The structure of the heat chamber enclosure is inflatable walls, which are pressurized when the heated air flows into the heat chamber enclosure. The heated air will then vent out of the inflatable walls into the treatment volume, where the item is located. The insulated ducts lead the heated air from the heater unit into the inflatable walls and lead the heated air from the treatment volume back to the heater unit.

Abstract: Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measurable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.

Abstract: The household appliance (1) for the production of bread comprises—a cooking chamber (11), —electrical supply means (19) for heating said cooking chamber (11), —a drive means ((12) pivotally activated in said cooking chamber (11) by a geared motor (13), —a container (10) which can be accommodated in said cooking chamber (11) and having at least a containment chamber (2) for the bread and at least a mixing shovel (3) positioned inside said containment chamber (2) and able to be directly or indirectly moved by said drive means (12), said containment chamber (2) being so configured to have a first proportion ratio (R1) between every dimension (A, B, ?) of its base and its height (H), and a second proportion ratio (R2) between the dimension of its height (H) and the length (L) of said shovel (3), said ratios being able to give to the cooked bread in said containment chamber (2) a mainly low and wide shape with a little crumb.

Abstract: Gas barbeque grill weather cover systems are operable to shelter a gas barbeque grill from rainfall. An exemplary embodiment has a weather cover portion configured to be disposed above a cover portion of a gas barbeque grill and at least one support member with a first end configured to be secured to the weather cover portion and a second end configured to be secured to the gas barbeque grill cover portion. The weather cover portion is configured to substantially prevent rainfall becoming incident on an outer surface of the gas barbeque grill cover portion.

Abstract: Charcoal grill weather cover systems are operable to shelter a charcoal grill from rainfall. An exemplary embodiment has a charcoal grill weather cover portion configured to be disposed above a charcoal grill cover portion. The charcoal grill weather cover portion includes an exhaust portion and at least one support member. The support member includes at least a first end configured to be secured to the charcoal grill weather cover portion and a second end configured to be secured to the charcoal grill cover portion. The charcoal grill weather cover portion is configured to substantially prevent rainfall becoming incident on an outer surface of the charcoal grill cover portion while facilitating exhaust of combustion gasses out from the charcoal grill weather cover portion.

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns a Combination Urn and Hot Plate for supplying heat to both liquids and solids, typically beverages and food, for heating or keeping same warm.

Abstract: A steaming oven having a collector plate disposed in an oven chamber. A collector plate is disposed above a boiling water reservoir in the oven chamber. The collector plate has a drain tube inserted into an overfill tube. Waste material from the steam and food droppings is conveyed from the oven chamber via the drain tube and the overfill tube. A barrier shields one or more water level probes or sensors from water turbulence, thereby providing reliable water level sensing by the water level probes or sensors.

Abstract: A system for support and securement of a thermal heating panel of a carousel oven upper a rotational axle includes a flat upper receiver formed of several diametric strips. The upper receiver is proportioned for complemental receipt of the heating panel. At, or integrally secured to, the bottom of the upper receiver, and situated polarly symmetrically about the axle, is a cradle proportioned for complemental fit upon a male drive shaft at an uppermost end of the axle. Due to the weight of the heating panel and its slow rate of rotation within the carousel oven, the force of gravity of the heating panel is sufficient to maintain the upper receiver and its cradle upon the male drive plate even in the absence of positive securement between the elements. Alternatively, the heating panel is entirely replaced by a grill-like surface, secured above or below the diametric strips to permit the grilling of types of meat or food other than those typically cooked upon the thermal plate panel.

Abstract: A heating appliance comprises a chamber portion defining a heating chamber, a lid portion, a heating apparatus to heat air in the heating chamber, a food temperature sensor to sense an internal temperature of an item located in the heating chamber, a user interface configured to receive designation of a desired time of completion of heating of the item from the user, and a control circuit configured to control the supply of power to the heating apparatus. The control circuit is in communication with the temperature sensor and the user interface. The control circuit may control the heating apparatus so that the internal temperature of the item reaches a predetermined temperature at the desired time of completion designated by the user. The control circuit may control the heating apparatus so that the internal temperature of the item is maintained at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time before an end of the desired time of completion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a portable device for heating the ends of plastic tubing to enlarge the diameter and increase the flexibility of the tubing to more easily connect with various fittings.

Abstract: An optical fiber reinforcing heating device 6A is equipped with a base part 12, while the base part 12 is provided with a sleeve accommodation groove that contains a fiber reinforcement sleeve and a heater having a U-shaped cross section, which heats the fiber reinforcement sleeve. A pair of fiber holders 19 that holds and clamps fusion-spliced optical fibers 3 are disposed on both end sides of the sleeve accommodation groove. A lid part 23 that covers the fiber accommodation groove 13 is attached openably and closably to the base part 12 through a rotary axis. A protector 24 for windbreak and heat insulation is joined to the lid part 23 through a rotary axis 25. The protector 24 is a member for preventing winds from entering the sleeve accommodation groove from a gap between a side wall of the base part 12 and the lid part 23.

Abstract: An evaporator includes a vaporization chamber having a monomer inlet and a vapor outlet. There is a vapor nozzle in the vapor outlet. The evaporator also includes a collar positioned between the vaporization chamber and the vapor nozzle which increases the pressure in the evaporation chamber while the conductance through the nozzle is substantially unchanged.

Abstract: A portable warmer for use with a cell culture plate in order to maintain culture samples borne by the culture plate at a desired temperature includes a body having formed therein a shelf that is sized and shaped to generally conform to the outside dimensions of the base of a cell culture plate. The shelf includes a substantially horizontal surface atop of which the base of the cell culture plate may be freely rested. The shelf also includes a preferably electric heating element, which may be formed unitary with the horizontal surface of the shelf or may be contained within the body of the portable warmer in an area and in a manner adapted to cause heating of the horizontal surface of the shelf. The portable warmer is provided with one or more clamping devices for securing a received cell culture plate in place atop the shelf.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to heating systems. In various embodiments, a tray may be supported adjacent a housing having a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat to food items within each of the heating compartments. In other embodiments, a vessel may be configured to be disposed in a housing having a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat within each of the heating compartments. In further embodiments, a housing may have a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat within each of the heating compartments, and the heating compartment may have open ends arranged around a circumference of the housing.

Abstract: A continuous oil fryer used to fry food slices, such as potato chips, having an internal oil stripping capability. The fryer accumulates the steam produced by the frying process in a hood and utilizes such steam, after superheating the steam by passing it through a heat exchanger, to strip oil from product immediately upon removal from the hot oil bath by passing the superheated steam through a product bed while on an output conveyor. The superheated steam removes oil from the product on the output conveyor without increasing the moisture level of the product. The fryer therefore accomplishes the same function as a low-oil stripper without increasing the footprint of the frying unit and with less energy.

Abstract: A bread toaster includes an outer cover, a toaster base, a toaster frame mounted on the toaster base, a first sliding member slidably provided on a predetermined side of the toaster frame, a second sliding member also provided on the same predetermined side of the toaster frame, a front supporting frame and a rear supporting frame provided at a front side and a rear side of the toaster frame respectively, a lid arrangement, and a control circuitry, wherein the lid arrangement is arranged to be operated between a closed position and an opened position for closing and opening the toasting slots of the bread toaster.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treating elongate food products in a process space using a conditioned airflow, comprising: a housing bounding the process space, with a feed opening arranged in the housing and a discharge opening arranged in the housing for respectively carrying elongate food products into the process space and discharging thereof from the process space, transport means for displacing the elongate food products through the process space, blowing means for generating an airflow in the process space, and conditioning means for conditioning the airflow.

Abstract: A food warming apparatus includes a heating compartment that can hold one or more trays containing previously cooked food portions. A cover for a tray has a horizontal section and a vertical section extending downwardly from one side of the horizontal section. A rack in the heating compartment includes a channel and a stop that blocks the front end of the channel. The vertical section of the cover fits securely in the channel behind the stop such that the rack supports the cover substantially only through the vertical section. When a tray is inserted into the receiving space cooperatively defined by the cover and rack, the cover is lifted up so that the horizontal section rests on the tray and at least partially blocks the open top of the tray, thereby restricting evaporation of liquids from the previously cooked food portions contained in the tray.

Abstract: In a toaster, a toasting carriage is latched during toasting by an electromagnet actuated by a timer control circuit, and released when toasting time has elapsed. One of two rectifying circuits is always live and supplies a DC current to the timer control circuit and another, separate rectifying circuit supplies a DC current to energise the electromagnet when the toasting cycle is initiated. A first switching module switches a current flow through the heating element, while a second switching module isolates the always live rectifying circuit from the heating element. Switches of the first and second switching modules are disposed in an array and are closed by movement of the toasting carriage to the toasting position. More responsive and stable electromagnetic latching contributes to reducing risks associated with a fire that could occur during use of the toaster.

Abstract: A grilling apparatus comprising: a base housing; a cooking grate positionable on or in an upper portion of the base housing; a radiant heat cavity within the base housing below the cooking grate; at least one electric heating element within the radiant heat cavity; and a reflective surface within the radiant heat cavity which diverges outwardly in an upward direction at an angle of from 20° to 60° from horizontal.

Abstract: An oven according to some embodiments includes an oven chamber in which food is cooked, a heating element, a fan, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the oven chamber, a remote input device, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the remote input device and to change the fan or heating element based at least in part upon the signal received from the remote input device. In a method of operating the oven according to some embodiments, the oven enters an operating mode from an energy-savings mode responsive to receiving an signal from a remote device.

Abstract: A compact portable heating device adapted to heat multiple food products simultaneously is provided. The heating device includes at least one heating element positioned opposite at least one other heating element to form a slot between heating surfaces of the elements for receiving food product. One heating element is mounted to move linearly along a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the heating surfaces. Preferably, a first set of movable heating elements are meshed with a second set of heating elements to form an alternating arrangement. One or more heat generators, e.g. steam generators, are positioned to provide heat while minimizing the size of the device.

Abstract: A scent pod for scenting the air and methods of use. A scent pod comprises a container having a base and at least one sidewall, wherein a majority of the base and the at least one sidewall is formed of plastic having a thickness of at least 0.1 millimeters. A scented wax inside the container comprises a fragrance and a first temperature at which the scented wax liquefies and evaporates fragrance. The scent pod warmer generates heat at a second temperature hot enough to completely liquefy the scented wax in less than three hours, and the plastic for the container comprising a plastic having a heat deflection temperature high enough to withstand the heat generated by the scent pod warmer without deforming.

Abstract: A dual-sided cooking device is provided that determines whether the upper and lower cooking platens are substantially parallel to each other when in a cooking position. In addition, the method and device in accordance with the invention are capable of identifying a type of food item placed on a lower cooking platen of a two-sided cooking grill.

Abstract: A portable heater with ovoid receptacle is disclosed. The portable heater comprises a top member comprising a semi-ovoid cavity, a bottom member comprising a semi-ovoid cavity, a hinge operatively connected to the top and bottom members, and a heating mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus for thermally conditioning probe cards prior to use in a testing system are provided herein. In some embodiments, a probe card thermal conditioning system may include an enclosure configured to support a probe card and a heat transfer element disposed proximate a bottom of the enclosure for thermally conditioning the probe card prior to installation in a prober. The heat transfer element may be a heating and/or cooling element. A controller may be provided for controlling operation of the heat transfer element, optionally with temperature feedback. Multiple enclosures may be provided for independently conditioning multiple probe cards. The enclosure may be contained in a cart or may be part of shipping container for shipping a probe card. A fan may be provided for circulating air within the enclosure. The fan may facilitate providing a dry purge gas to prevent condensate from forming on the probe card.

Abstract: A device case for a portable electronic device is provided and includes mechanical protection for the device, an active thermal element incorporated within the mechanical protection and a controller to control an operation of the active thermal element, the controller being configured to limit power consumption of the active thermal element and to maintain a predefined internal device temperature.

Abstract: The device (1) for the processing and cooking of foodstuffs includes a base (2), a container (3) with, on the outer side of its bottom (4), a fixed protecting shell (5) by means of which the container (3) stands in a positioning housing (6) provided on said base (2), a lid (7) to close said container (3), electrical heating means supported by said container (3), a shaft (12) carrying tools (13) rotatably supported inside said container (3), electric means for powering said shaft (12), and safety means at least capable of mechanically clamping the container (3) into its positioning housing (6) and of activating the electric feed of said powering means when said lid (7) moves from an open position to a closed position of said container (3) positioned in said positioning housing (6), the safety means comprising kinematic system for reversibly transforming the movement of the lid (7) between its open position and its closed position into a reversible translation stroke of a first clamping element (26) between a w