Abstract: A taco shell heating apparatus for providing a fast, convenient, oil free way to heat taco shells. The taco shell heating apparatus includes a housing with four slots positioned through a top wall of the housing. Each one of the four slots is for selectively receiving a taco shell. A heating assembly is positioned within the housing. The heating assembly toasts the taco shell when the taco shell is received within the housing. The heating assembly further comprises a plurality of heat reflecting elements, at least one heating element, a timing assembly, and at least one extraction device.

Abstract: A device used to thaw a volume of frozen ground where there is a need to dig a posthole, concrete footing, grave, or other cavity, essentially comprises an inverted housing having a closed top and open bottom and one or more light bulbs for providing heat, which are attached through holes in the top surface. The housing further comprises an outer wall with insulation attached to the inside surfaces. The open end of the device has a flange for securing the device to the ground and sealing in most of the produced heat. Light bulb sockets are mounted through rubber grommets, which provide water proofing, within holes in the top surface with 110-volt light bulbs being screwed in from the inside of the device. The device can be formed in many shapes, including rectangular, circular, 90-degree corner, 45-degree corner, and curved corner. Also, multiple devices can be fastened together for use over large area plots of ground.

Abstract: A food treating apparatus and method wherein a reducing DC electric current is provided by a DC electric circuit, the food treating apparatus including a vessel and a handle, and wherein at least part of the electric circuit is integral with the handle and is operative to provide electrons to food in the vessel. Further, the added electrons inhibit and/or reduce the formation of acrylamides in the food prepared in the food treating apparatus.

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: A food serving set for use in combination with a roasting oven or similar deep well cooker is disclosed. The present food serving set is comprised of a plurality of individual containers with sealable lids for maintaining food items in a ready-to-eat condition. The present serving set features collapsible supporting racks, which position the food containers within the deep well cooker while in use. In one embodiment the supporting rack is foldable for convenient storage or packaging of the serving set within the interior space of the roasting oven. In another embodiment the supporting rack may be easily disassembled for storage using a latching mechanism or other suitable quick connect/disconnect fasteners. In another embodiment the food containers include integral peripheral flanges, which are fitted to the inner edge of the cooking vessel and the supporting rack is unnecessary. The food serving set features folding lift out handles for user convenience.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for warming a vessel (12), such as a baby bottle with milk or formula therein, includes a panel of expandable material (14) having a number of flexible heating elements (26) embedded therein. The expandable material includes an outer layer of neoprene rubber (46) and an inner layer of stretchable polyester material (28), such as lycra. The heating elements (26) are finger-like in construction and can flexibly adjust relative to one another to closely accommodate and conform to a baby bottle (12) inserted into the apparatus (10). The heating elements (26) are made of an electrically resistive material and receive electricity from a power supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooking appliance comprising a case (1) and a vessel (2). Said vessel is intended to receive a cooking bath and is equipped with a draining device (10) which is used to drain the contents of the vessel (2) into a draining container (3), said container being removably-disposed in relation to the case (1). According to the invention, the draining device (10) comprises a thermostatic valve (16) consisting of a heat-sensitive mechanical element which moves according to the temperature.

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 cover for a rack to control the temperature of the contents of the rack is provided. The cover comprises a frame having a heater, a soft hood with a top and a bottom, the hood extending downward from the frame, and a duct fluidly connecting the heater to the bottom of the hood whereby the duct introduces heated air into the bottom of the hood. Also included is a method of controlling the temperature of a reaction using the cover of the present invention.

Abstract: A low wattage slow cooker featuring a wrap-around heating element for heating the side walls of the cooking vessel and a top heating element for browning food items is disclosed. The top browning element is integrated into a lid assembly of the cooker and is provided with quick connect/disconnect electrical connectors, which provide for convenient removal of the lid assembly for food service, cleaning, and storage. The wrap-around heating element and the top heating element are interconnected by a controller for heat regulation and selectively energizing the desired heating elements individually or in combination. The wrap-around heating element and the top heating elements are constructed in alternative embodiments utilizing different configurations of resistance wiring for versatility in manufacturing and cooking applications. All embodiments of the present slow cooker are provided with a heatproof ceramic or glass cooking liner, which acts as an heat insulator.

Abstract: An apparatus and device for fusing two or more foam components together by thermal welding, has an interface blade adapted for placement at an interface of foam components to be fused together, and a nozzle proximate to the interface blade for distributing a heated gas at the interface of the foam components. The nozzle may be located in a shroud proximate to the interface blade. An automated foam welding apparatus has a platform for supporting foam components or other components, a clamp for applying pressure to one or more of the foam components, and one or more welding heads mounted upon a track for translation proximate to the foam components to be welded together, the welding heads having an interface blade and a heated gas distribution nozzle, and optionally a trimmer for trimming excess material from one or more of the foam components. A hand-held foam welding device is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrically heated jacket to maintain a hot beverage contained in a disposable hot-beverage container at optimum temperature for consumption. Electrical power for heating may be provided, in various embodiments, by household electric power, electric power from a motor vehicle electrical system, or batteries, which may be disposable or rechargeable. The invention also provides a method for keeping a hot beverage warm comprising providing freshly recharged batteries convenient to the point-of-sale of hot beverages.

Abstract: A roasting oven having a large capacity heating well including a wrap-around heating element for heating the side walls thereof and a top heating element for browning. A function control panel featuring a touch-film interface and digital display of cooking modes is provided for the user's convenience. The heating elements are fabricated in alternative embodiments to provide single-sided or double-sided configurations for particular heating applications. A lid member including the top heating element is attached to the roasting oven by electrically conductive supporting structures, which incorporate the electrical circuit for the top heating element and also provide for convenient disconnection thereof for cleaning and storage. In an alternative embodiment the top heating element is omitted to reduce manufacturing costs and standard electromechanical switches and temperature controls provide the functions of the oven.

Abstract: A multi-functional electric oven structure capable of roasting, sauté, steaming and deep-frying functions, includes a detachable panel at front and upper portions thereof, respectively; an electrothermal tube at lower and upper portions of an interior thereof, respectively; a roast net above the lower electrothermal tube, and a support frame above the upper electrothermal tube, wherein the support frame is for placing a sauté utensil and a deep-frying utensil, and thereby providing the electric oven with roasting, sauté, steaming and deep-frying functions; and a micro-tuning switch on the support frame. When the sauté utensil and the deep-frying utensil are removed from the support frame, the micro-tuning switch is activated, so as to cut off electric connection of the electric oven and to prevent operational hazards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for vending food products in food outlets. The method includes the steps of providing a heating cavity having thermal conductive heating surfaces; placing a container including the food product into the heating cavity, the container engaging at least a first and second surfaces of the thermal conductive heating surfaces; resistively energizing the heating surfaces for heating the food product through conduction of thermal energy to produce a heated food product; and opening the container and serving the heated food product. The invention also relates to a portable, compact and space saving heating apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a baby wipes warmer comprising a housing which defines an upper housing wall. It also comprises a liquid tank assembly that has an upper tank surface defining at least one vapor aperture therethrough. The tank assembly is disposed within the housing in a manner as to form an inside compartment between the upper housing wall and the upper tank surface. The warmer further comprises a heating element which is disposed within the housing to provide heat to the tank assembly. In this regard, a portion of liquid within the tank assembly transitions into vapors when heated by the heating element and flow to the inside compartment through the vapor aperture(s). By providing the vapors, the moisture and coloration of the baby wipes supported therein can be maintained while warming them.

Abstract: An indoor barbecue is provided for indoor cooking of food. The barbecue has a body defining a cavity and a lid for engaging with the body to define a cooking chamber. A cooking rack is supported by the body within the cooking chamber and a container is disposed within the cooking chamber for receiving charcoal.

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 apparatus for warming a medical instrument, preferably a speculum, generally includes a sleeve insert for securing the medical instrument therein, a heating element operatively arranged to heat the sleeve insert and a thermostat operatively arranged to control the temperature of the heating element at or near approximate human body temperature.

Abstract: A food treating apparatus and method wherein a reducing DC electric current is provided by a DC electric circuit, the food treating apparatus including a vessel and a handle, and wherein at least part of the electric circuit is integral with the handle and is operative to provide electrons to food in the vessel. Further, the added electrons inhibit and/or reduce the formation of acrylamides in the food prepared in the food treating apparatus.

Abstract: A heated transportation container is described. The container consists of at least a body and a lid, the body being generally cuboid and having one or more side walls and a base which together define an internal chamber over which the lid can be placed to close the container. Inside the chamber is disposed a pre-frozen or refrigerated cooling pack to keep the temperature low and in accordance with the invention, a laminar heating, panel is affixed, to at least a portion of the inner surface of one of the side walls and/or to base, said laminar panel comprising an electrically resistive component and electrical connections through which power can be delivered to said laminar panel. Battery powered control circuitry is also provided which communicates with a temperature measuring device disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for warming a vessel (12), such as a baby bottle with milk or formula therein, includes a panel of expandable material (14) having a number of flexible heating elements (26) embedded therein. The expandable material includes an outer layer of neoprene rubber (46) and an inner layer of stretchable polyester material (28), such as lycra. The heating elements (26) are finger-like in construction and can flexibly adjust relative to one another to closely accommodate and conform to a baby bottle (12) inserted into the apparatus (10). The heating elements (26) are made of an electrically resistive material and receive electricity from a power supply.

Abstract: A dough proofing cabinet includes a chamber having a chamber panel with a plurality of openings distributed thereon. A heating element may be located to the backside of the chamber panel, or elsewhere outside of the chamber. Operation of a blower causes air flow through the chamber panel openings, past the heating element and back to the chamber along at least one air flow path. In one example both upper and lower air flow paths are provided. An intermediate panel with one or more openings may be provided adjacent the chamber panel to create an area that receives air passing through the wall openings.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of intravenous fluids according to the present invention includes a heating cabinet and a power supply cabinet. The heating cabinet includes a housing, a flexible cover and a heating plate with a generally curved configuration to uniformly heat a solution container. The cover wraps around the fluid container to secure the solution container against the heating cabinet. The heating cabinet further includes a heating controller to maintain the solution at a desired temperature. The power supply cabinet provides power to the heating cabinet and includes a display for indicating a solution temperature. A secondary power supply may be provided in the heating cabinet to facilitate heating controller operation when the heating cabinet is disengaged from the power supply cabinet. The system further monitors and provides reports of fluid temperature history.

Abstract: A cover for a rack to control the temperature of the contents of the rack is provided. The cover comprises a frame having a heater, a soft hood with a top and a bottom, the hood extending downward from the frame, and a duct fluidly connecting the heater to the bottom of the hood whereby the duct introduces heated air into the bottom of the hood. Also included is a method of controlling the temperature of a reaction using the cover of the present invention.

Abstract: A banquet cart includes a heater received in an opening in the bottom panel of the banquet cart. Plates of food are loaded into the interior compartment of the banquet cart in the kitchen. The heater includes a central heater unit and two heat retention material heating panels. The central heater unit heats the interior compartment of the banquet cart for twenty minutes. The central heater unit is turned off, and smaller heaters are turned on to heat the heat retention material heating panels for forty minutes. The smaller heaters are turned off and the banquet cart is rolled from the kitchen to a hallway proximate to the dining area for serving the plates of food to guests. The heated heat retention material heating panels can maintain the temperature of the air in the interior compartment of the banquet cart warm for approximately two hours and forty minutes, keeping the food in the banquet cart warm.

Abstract: A cooking device includes a pivot unit disposed below and interconnecting pivotally bottom surfaces of two tray halves of a tray unit to permit pivotal movement of the tray halves between extended and folded positions. The tray halves have inner sides contacting each other and defining a seam therebetween, and top surfaces flush with each other for providing a large cooking area when the tray halves are disposed at the extended position. An oil-collecting member is mounted on the bottom surface of one of the tray halves, and spans the width of the seam for collecting oil that permeates through the seam.

Abstract: A heated proofing cabinet with improved air flow and minimal air leakage comprises an enclosure having an interior space and an access door. A blower is positioned to supply forced air into the interior space of the enclosure and at least one heater is positioned to heat the air. A venturi air flow chamber has an entrance end connected to receive forced air from the blower and an exit end connected to deliver air to the interior space of the enclosure. A first air duct receives air from the exit end of the venturi air flow chamber and distributes the air to the interior space of the enclosure, and a second air duct receives air from the interior space of the enclosure and directs the air to the blower. Temperature and humidity levels within the interior space of the enclosure are controlled.

Abstract: A towel and garment warmer is provided. The warmer includes a top-opening cabinet having a upper section that is provided with a rack for holding the items to be warmed, and a lower heating section. The two sections are separated one from the other by means of a removable, air permeable grid or screen. Heating is accomplished using an electrical resistance heater such as one or more incandescent light bulbs. An interval timer controls the degree of warming imparted to the items within the cabinet.

Abstract: A device for chilling and warming a baby bottle in a single chamber is described including a method of operating the device. The device typically utilizes a thermoelectric module to chill the chamber. The thermoelectric module can also be used to warm the chamber or a separate resistive heater may be provided. A clock circuit is utilized in certain embodiments that can be set to an activation or target time to automatically cause the device to switch from a chilling mode to a warming mode at the activation time.

Abstract: A base unit of an electric cooking device includes a grill plate that has front and rear edge portions opposite to each other along a plate axis. An oil-collecting hole is formed adjacent to the front edge portion. The grill plate has a top cooking surface that inclines rearwardly and upwardly from the front edge portion to the rear edge portion, that inclines downwardly from the plate axis to left and right edge portions of the grill plate, and that is formed with a plurality of curved grill ribs, each of which includes a portion extending from the left side of the oil-collecting hole to the plate axis, and a portion extending from the plate axis to the right side of the oil-collecting hole.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising, in an insulating chamber, an internal space for receiving a tray divided into a rear compartment for rethermalization and a front compartment for preserving cold, which communicate with each other through an intermediate passage, and which are accessible through a front passage. A front closing flap and an intermediate closing flap are rigidly coupled to each other via longitudinal lateral arms, and are displaced by tilting between a closed position to close the front passage and the intermediate passage respectively and an open position for passing a meal tray from the front to the rear. The closing flaps contribute to the thermal insulation, and enable efficient rethermalizatlon to obtain core-heated food items in the rear compartment and food items preserved cold in the front compartment.

Abstract: A counter-top electric oven includes a head having an electric heating unit. The heating unit includes a heating lamp and a grill underlying the heating lamp. A motor powers two fans for circulating air around the motor, and through the heating unit. An oven body removably receives at least a portion of the electric heating unit, and is supported by a dish. The head, oven body and dish form an interior cavity for cooking food. An expansion ring may be disposed between the oven body in the dish to enlarge the cooking enclosure area. A base supports the dish on the flat surface, such as a counter-top. A holder is slidably connected to the base so as to be extended away from the base for supporting the head and oven body when these are moved to an open position.

Abstract: A cooking device includes two casings each having an inner portion, and a shelf disposed in the middle portion. A heating device is disposed and supported on the inner portions of the casings, and may either be the electrical heating members, or gas stoves, or furnaces, etc. The casings and the heating device may be assembled by the users when required, and may be disengaged from each other for allowing the cooking device to be easily stored and packaged. The casings each may include a chamber to receive boiled fluid material.

Abstract: The roaster consists of: cover 1, the wire grill 2, control 3, base 4 designed to accept the water container and can accommodate aluminum plate covered with PTF TEFLON.

Abstract: A heater device for orthopedic splints is organized in a portable container to preheat plastic splint sheets for immediate use in forming various shapes to fit and to stabilize the injured body portion of the patient. The heater is incorporated in a container having heating elements, a temperature controller, a cut-out sensor, and a supply of plastic orthopedic splint sheets inside. A control panel outside contains a power-on indicator lamp, a heater-on indicator lamp, and a temperature dial control or a toggle switch having multiple preset temperature settings. An AC power input element is on one side of the container. A supply of plastic splint sheets are contained in a separate inner compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for toasting of bread etc. comprising a housing (2) with a slot (3) which issues into a toasting space (4) into which products to be toasted can be introduced, while heater elements (5) are arranged on both sides of this space (4) which each cooperate with a reflector (7) for reflecting radiation in the direction of the toasting space (4), and the housing (2) is made at least partly of a transparent material. In order to obtain an evenly distributed browning and a good view of the products in the toasting space (4), the reflectors (7) cover the whole area of the toasting space (4) and are made of a transparent material.

Abstract: A portable endothermic caulk warmer for warming at least one tube of endothermic caulk. This caulk warmer having an insulated housing, at least one AC heating pad, a AC/DC power inverter and a DC rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A combination toaster and breadbox includes an enclosure, a toaster having a heating area disposed within the enclosure, and a breadbox having a storage area also disposed within the enclosure. The combination may include a fan installed within a gap disposed between the toaster and breadbox within the enclosure that draws in cool air so as to prevent the transfer of heat from the toaster to the breadbox. The toaster may comprise a toaster oven.

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: A food preparation device such as toaster includes a chassis, a heating element, and a carriage for directly or indirectly supporting a food item. The carriage is movable with respect to the chassis to move the food item to or from a cooking position adjacent to the heating element. A Shape Memory Alloy resistance member is connected between the carriage and the chassis. Electric circuitry controls voltage/current to the Shape Memory Alloy resistance member to selectively heat the resistance member and alter its shape to move the carriage to or from the cooking position.

Abstract: A roasting oven having a large capacity heating well including a wrap-around heating element for heating the side walls thereof and a top heating element for browning is disclosed. A function control panel featuring a touch-film interface and digital display of cooking modes is provided for the user's convenience. In an alternative embodiment standard electromechanical switches and rheostatic temperature controls provide the functions of the present oven. The heating elements are also fabricated in alternative embodiments to provide single-sided or double-sided configurations for particular heating applications. A lid member including the top heating element is attached to the present oven by electrically conductive supporting structures, which incorporate the electrical circuit for the top heating element and also provide for convenient disconnection thereof for cleaning and storage.

Abstract: A light weight, portable, temperature regulated enclosure for the pre-heating of artificial insemination guns and the transportation of loaded artificial insemination guns to the place of usage is disclosed. A flexible, planar heater using an etched electrically resistive metallic foil heating element and attached temperature sensor provides regulated heat to the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: A storage drum heater has an elongated housing and is typically used in a vertical orientation between storage drums arranged on a pallet. In one embodiment, the housing has closed ends and vertical sides that intersect four vertical, diagonal surfaces at their vertical edges. A column of holes is located in each diagonal surface, upper holes being axially spaced from lower holes. The housing contains a blower fan and a resistive heating element for heating air expelled by the blower. A battery is located in the housing and provides electrical power for operating the fan and the heating element. The fan draws air into the housing through the lower holes, then blows the air across the heating element and out of the housing through the upper holes, preferably into the V-shaped interstitial space between drums.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for charging a so-called heating washer (heating cushion) (10) with heat energy to be liberated at a chosen point of time through activating the heating washer (10) when the same e.g. has been placed on stiff/tender musculature. According to the invention, the heating washer is steamed, either one or more at a time, in a steam chamber positioned above a water chamber in a steam cooking apparatus (30), wherein the water chamber is separated from the overlying steam chamber by means of a horizontally directed partition plate (34), fluid communication being maintained between the chambers. The charging of the heating washer (10) by means of steam prevents that the heating washers are damaged in the way that may happen when boiled in water.

Abstract: There is provided a baby wipes warmer for warming baby wipes while maintaining moisture and coloration thereof. Such warmer comprises a base member for supporting the warmer on a surface. A body member is engaged onto the base member and has an interior-side housing wall and an upper housing wall which collectively form an inside compartment. The warmer further includes a sponge layer which is disposed within the inside compartment and retains liquid therein. A heating element is disposed about the inside compartment for providing heat thereto. The liquid retained within the sponge layer transitions into vapors when heated by the heating element for maintaining the moisture and coloration of the baby wipes supported upon the sponge layer.

Abstract: A multi-functional cabinet for warming and adding fragrance to an infant's towel and clothing for a predetermined duration as well as providing soothing music. The cabinet is a box-shaped enclosure with a removable lid having an upper compartment for receiving towels and clothing with a sidewall pocket for receiving a fragrance such as baby powder or baby lotion, and a pair of lower compartments for housing a heating element/blower fan and a music source, such as a music box, a compact disc player or tape player. A timer is connected to the heating element, and may also be connected to the music source.

Abstract: A toaster having an electronic circuit including a chip-on-board ASIC that controls the operation of toaster heating elements and an electromagnet to which relatively high voltage is applied to hold an armature carried by a bread carriage and toaster-operating assembly. The armature is freely suspended from a bread carriage and toaster-operating assembly and accurately guided onto the electromagnet when the bread carriage is lowered. The toaster has a one-piece main frame that includes both a base frame plate and a rear frame plate. Several economies are obtained by virtue the construction of the toaster. A one-piece control support member is mounted on the base frame plate that supports both mechanical and electronic assemblies for controlling the operation of the toaster in predetermined relative positions.

Abstract: A proofer includes an enclosure defining a chamber. An air circulation system includes a passageway having an air inlet and an air outlet connected to the chamber. A first fan pulls air into the air inlet from the chamber, and expels air from the outlet into the chamber. A fluid reservoir is positioned adjacent the air circulation system, such that air contacting fluid in the reservoir upon actuation of the first fan is humidified. A heating element heats fluid in the fluid reservoir, and a second fan flows air over at least a portion of the reservoir outside the chamber and cools fluid in the reservoir. A controller selectively actuates the heating element and the second fan based upon the temperature and/or humidity in the chamber to control the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir and thereby reduce fluctuations in temperature and humidity within the chamber.

Abstract: A cabinet maintains one or more food products at a predetermined temperature. In one general aspect, the cabinet includes at least one modular shelving unit capable of interconnecting with one or more additional modular shelving units. Each modular shelving unit includes a passageway for storing food products, a display for presenting information regarding food products stored in the passageway, and a control system for individually controlling the operations of the modular shelving unit.