Abstract: An insulated bag has generally flat top and bottom walls connected by foldable back and opposite side walls which cooperate to define a chamber having a front opening for receiving a food product. Flexible closure flaps extend from the bottom wall and opposite side walls and have releasable fasteners for closing the front opening. Each wall has an outer fabric covering and a porous inner liner and also inner and outer layers of flexible thermal insulation material. A vapor barrier film separates the inner and outer layers of insulation material in each wall and provides for moisture absorption by the inner layers. The top and bottom walls each have a compartment with an edge opening closed by a releasable fastener, and a vacuum insulation panel is confined within each compartment. The top and bottom walls move between a collapsed storage position and an expanded position to receive the product.

Abstract: An electric oven includes an oven body, a first convection system having a first convection heater and a first convection fan that are installed in the oven body to operate for a first space in the oven body, and a second convection system having a second convection heater and a second convection fan that are installed in the oven body to operate for a second space in the oven body. Further, the first and second convection fans are driven by a single common driving unit.

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 heating device includes a case having a plurality of openings and a plurality of slits are defined in bars of the case so that a plurality of heating boards are engaged with the slits of the case at an equal distance. A power control device is connected to the case and includes a power line having a plurality of male connectors. Each heating board includes a heating layer sandwiched between two isolation plates. Two wires are connected to the heating layer and each wire has female connectors, which are connected with the male connectors of the power line. The heating layers of the heating boards dispense heat evenly from the openings of the case.

Abstract: A portable food container for carrying and selectively heating a food article. The portable food container includes a first container section defining a first section outer surface, the container first section including a first section cavity for receiving the food article and a heat source for heating the food article when the food article is received in the first section cavity. The food container further includes a container second section defining a second section outer surface, the container second section including a second section cavity for receiving the food article. The container first and second sections are releasably attachable to each other about the first and second section outer surface so as to be jointly movable.

Abstract: During journeys, and at other times when no stationary heating devices such as microwave ovens or hotplates are available, providing hot foods, liquid or solid, can be problematic. By providing a container with an in-built heating arrangement, the present invention solves the problem. Furthermore, the container is of a modular design. Its parts are easily interchangeable and new configurations for different purposes can be readily put together.

Abstract: A food and food-plate warming device includes a base plate that has a planar top surface and has an outwardly beveled edge provided with laterally stepped ridges concentrically spaced from the top surface center. A cover plate is positioned on the base plate and has an outer lip that is nested on one of the stepped ridges. Handles are conjoined to the outer lip for receiving at least four contiguous metacarpals therethrough. A mechanism is included for heating the base plate top surface such that the food and food-plate interfitted between the base plate and the cover plate can be heated. The heating mechanism includes a heating element intercalated between the top and bottom surfaces of the first base plate. An automatic shut off switch is coupled to the heating element for interrupting power to the heating element when an interior temperature of the device reaches a maximum threshold temperature.

Abstract: A warmer includes: a main casing adapted for storing a wiper box therein; a drawer casing slidably engaged in the main casing and operatively withdrawn outwardly for storing a fluid container including nursing bottle or beverage cup in the drawer casing; and a heating device provided in the casing for warming a wet tissue or wiper in the wiper box stored in the main casing and for warming the fluid container in the drawer casing; whereby when the warming of the fluid container is unnecessary, the drawer casing may be pushed inwardly into the main casing just for warming the wiper box only and also for saving the volume of the complete warmer device.

Abstract: An electric adapter for providing output power to an accessory includes an adapter housing having a projection configured for insertion into a DC power accessory port, the projection carrying an electrical input conductor, a power outlet cord extending from the housing, a manually operable power switch mounted on the housing, the switch operable to electrically connect the electrical input conductor to the power outlet cord, and a timer circuit contained within the housing and configured to electrically disconnect the input conductor from the power outlet cord after a predetermined cycle time period, without removing the projection from the DC power accessory port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermos bag, which includes a container bag and an built-in thermos device. The thermos device includes a frame, a conductive plate, a printed electrothermal plate, an automatic temperature control device, an insulating lining and a bottom plate as a cover unit. After placing it inside the container bag, with the fixation ring sleeve, foot mount and bolts, it is positioned between the thermos device and container bag. The thermos bag made of this structure provide provides the traveler with a thermos bag that is easy to assemble, easy to carry, energy saving and easy to take off for cleaning.

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

Abstract: A heated delivery system for pizza and the like including a thermally insulated receptacle, an electrical resistance heating unit having a heat storing shell molded from thermosetting resin, and an electrical resistance heating member within the shell, the member having the capacity of being heated and maintained at a desired temperature. The heating member may be silicone rubber containing resistance heating elements, and its temperature may be regulated by a suitable temperature control, such as a thermostat or other means.

Abstract: An electronic drinking mug includes a mug having an outer surface, a heating element in thermal communication with the mug for heating a liquid disposed in the mug, and a temperature sensor in communication with the heating element. The mug has a controller in communication with the heating element for selectively activating and deactivating the heating element for heating the liquid in the mug to a desired temperature, and a user interface attached to the outer surface of the mug and being in communication with the controller for establishing the desired temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: A baking system for a plasma display panel which comprises a clean room 1 and a baking furnace having an upper passage 11 for conveying a plasma display panel glass substrate 5 during baking from an inlet 15 of the furnace 3, and a lower passage 13 for conveying the baked substrate 5 in the upper passage 11 towards an outlet of the furnace 3, both of the inlet and the outlet being provided at the same end of the furnace 3, characterized in that only the inlet 15 and the outlet 17 are connected to a clean room 1, while keeping a body thereof outside the clean room 1. Also, there is disclosed a layout method for such a baking system.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater. The container includes a housing forming an interior area and an opening. The opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article from outside the container to within the interior area, and from within the interior area to outside the container. The heater is provided for placement within the interior area for heating the article. The heater includes an electrically conductive coil for providing an electric current when exposed to a magnetic field, and an electrical resistance heating element for generating heat. The electrical resistance heating element is provided in electrical connectivity with the electrically conductive coil. A delivery apparatus assembly is provided which includes an induction range for generating a magnetic field. A heater and a method for delivering food are provided by the invention.

Abstract: A portable warm bag having steam heating device includes a rectangular bag having a pressure sensor, a pressure releasing valve, a switch bottom and a valve cover on both sides of the upper lid, a partition vertically disposed in the bag adjacent a lateral side thereof to define a gap therebetween to receive a vapor creater therein which supplies the vapor into the food containing space via a hose and through a perforated plate above the bottom of the bag, a power source compartment under the bottom of the bag containing a plurality of rechargeable batteries therein for heating a heating bar in the vapor creater to boil the water to create vapor to into the bag to establish a heating circulation into the food which is kept at constant temperature eatable to the user.

Abstract: A thermos container with inner sealing cap and outer cap used to contain solid or liquid foods. Integral heating coils contained within the innermost compartment of the receptacle receives energy from the main power cord connected to the On/Off sliding switch power conductor. When the sliding switch is moved to the On position it activates the battery power to heat the integral coils to a certain temperature to warm the contents of the thermos container. With such applications the invention is a battery operated self heating thermos thus allowing for storage and heat to foods contained within the inner receptacle.

Abstract: The carrying case for storing and transporting heated articles includes a thermal storage assembly having a heat retention member for absorbing and retaining sensible heat and for releasing the sensible heat of a extended period time. The thermal storage assembly includes a heating coil assembly secured to a surface of the heat retention member. The heating coil assembly includes a resistive heating coil disposed adjacent to the heat retention member. The heating coil has a power cord connected to the coil with the coil being retained within a sealed thermally conductive pouch.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus including an audio player; a body with a player seat to which the audio player is attached and from which the audio player is detached; and at least one speaker to output sound signals reproduced by the audio player. The cooking apparatus of the present invention improves installation/removal and operation of the audio player, and expands the range of use thereof.

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

Abstract: 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: An electronic drinking mug includes a heating element in thermal communication with the mug for heating a liquid contained in the mug, a temperture sensoring in communication with the heating element for monitoring a temperature of the liquid, a controller integrally attached to an outer surface of the mug and in communication with the temperature sensor and the heating element for selectively activating and deactivating the heating element so as to heat the liquid in the mug to a desired temperature. In operation, the controller receives temperature readings from the temperature sensor and deactivates the heating element when the monitored temperature of the liquid is greater than or equal to the desired user preset temperature of the liquid. A user interface is integrally attached to the outer surface of the mug and in communication with the controller for establishing the desired temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater. The container includes a housing forming an interior area and an opening. The opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article from outside the container to within the interior area, and from within the interior area to outside the container. The heater is provided for placement within the interior area for heating the article. The heater includes an electrically conductive coil for providing an electric current when exposed to a magnetic field, and an electrical resistance heating element for generating heat. The electrical resistance heating element is provided in electrical connectivity with the electrically conductive coil. A delivery apparatus assembly is provided which includes an induction range for generating a magnetic field. A heater and a method for delivering food are provided by the invention.

Abstract: A travel mug has an outer case, an inner case, a film heater, a temperature control device, and a power source connector. The inner case is fitted into the outer case in conjunction with a spacer, thereby resulting in formation of an air space insulation between the inner case and the outer case. The film heater is fastened to the bottom end of the inner case and is connected to an electrical receptacle of the outer case by a wire which is also connected with the temperature control device located in proximity of the film heater. The receptacle is connected to a power source by the power source connector.

Abstract: A multiple panel cooking oven having individual controls for combined conductive and radiant heating. Each panel comprises an upper heating element for conductive heating and a lower heating element for radiant heating to obtain uniform baking within a zone between panels in the oven. A control panel having displays and keypads interfaces with a processor which provides control signals for adjusting the temperature of the heating elements of the panels. Cooking energy efficiency is increased through the use of radiative and conductive heat transfer, to reduce bake times by significantly increasing heat transfer to the food products. Independent cook zones allow preparation of multiple products simultaneously under different cooking conditions. The oven, in one embodiment may include a convection heating mode of operation. In an alternative embodiment no convection mode is provided and the sole source of heat is provided by the conductive/radiant panels.

Abstract: A thermal-insulation container with electric heater comprising an inner container and an outer container, said inner container being housed into the outer container integrally therewith so as to define a closed space separating the same from the outer container comprises a highly-resistive metal oxide film formed on an outer surface of said inner container facing said closed space, and an electrode unit provided on the highly-resistive metal oxide film facing said closed space for applying an electric current thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating materials or substances in an oven at an oven temperature below their melting and/or vaporization points to either melt and/or vaporize the substance. Substances are inserted into a substantially spherical envelope. The envelope is sealed at a preset pressure. The solid is heated in an oven at an oven temperature substantially below the melting or vaporization temperature of the substance at the preset pressure for a time sufficient to either melt or vaporize the substance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a warming blanket system having a fabric comprising a heating element, a data temperature mechanism configured to provide ambient air temperature data, a user input configured to provide user heat output preference data for a given normal ambient temperature, and a control system configured to input said air temperature and user heat output preference data and adjust heat output to said heating element based upon a deviation of a measured ambient temperature from said normal ambient temperature.

Abstract: A baby formula warming device for warming baby formula. The baby formula warming device includes a body member having a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall defines an interior space of the body member. The interior space of the body member is designed for holding the baby formula. A heating assembly is in thermal communication with the interior space of the body member. The heating assembly has a heat transfer member. The heat transfer member extends into the interior space of the body member. The heat transfer member is designed for transferring heat produced by the heating assembly to the baby formula. The heat transfer member is in a spaced relationship from an exterior wall of the perimeter wall of the body member whereby the exterior wall is designed for remaining cool enough to be handled by a user when heat is transferred to the baby formula.

Abstract: A portable food warming system for keeping food warm while traveling in a vehicle having a power socket. The portable food warming system includes a container that has an opening extending into an interior of the container. A cover may be provided for selectively closing the opening in the container. A heating assembly is provided for selectively heating a bottom wall of the container. The heating assembly preferably includes a housing that has an aperture extending into a cavity of the housing. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the container selectively closes the aperture of the housing. A heating element is mounted in the cavity of the housing for heating the bottom wall of the container when the container is mounted on the housing.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater, and an enunciating device for displaying temperature conditions within the container. The container includes a plurality of walls forming an interior area and an opening, wherein the opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article and the heater from outside the container to within the interior area of the container. The container includes a flap for selectively covering and uncovering the opening to allow access to the interior area of the container. The heater is constructed and arranged for placement within the interior area of the container and is provided for heating the article. The enunciating device includes a temperature sensor for sensing temperature within the container, a temperature display for displaying temperature conditions within the container, and a power source for operating the enunciating device.

Abstract: A portable food container with incorporated heaters including a container portion. The container portion includes a first cover member hingeably coupled with the back wall for covering the open upper end. The container portion includes a second cover member hingeably coupled with the back wall for covering the first cover member and the open upper end. The second cover member contains a thermos bottle therein. A pair of heating elements are disposed within the closed lower end of the container portion. Three insulated receptacles are removably positioned within the container portion including two hot food receptacles and one cold food receptacle. The hot food receptacles are each in contact with one of the heating elements. A control panel allows independent control of a duration and activation time of day for heating by each of the heating elements.

Abstract: Combination Baby Bottle and Baby Wipes Container With integral Warmer with a lighter fluid powered heating element. A baby bottle is intimately associated with the heating element on one side. A baby wipes container is intimately associated with the heating element on the other side. A removably attachable lighter fluid container supplies fuel to the heating element. A piezoelectric push button starting mechanism activates the heating element and a push button stopping mechanism turns the heating element off. A preferred embodiment includes wherein said heating element is cylindrical in shape and said baby bottle has one surface consisting of a concave shape that intimately associates with one side of said heating element and said baby wipes container having a similar concave shape on one surface that intimately associates with the opposite side of said heating element.

Abstract: A pouch is provided for use in transporting packaged hot foodstuff such as pizza. The pouch has front and back walls, and a peripheral wall attached to the front and back walls. An induction heating element is retained in a location structure attached to the back wall for induction heating with the pouch positioned on a surface such that the wall carrying the heating element is on the surface. The element is then positioned relative to the surface for efficient induction heating to create a source of heat while the foodstuff is transported.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater, and an enunciating device for displaying temperature conditions within the container. The container includes a plurality of walls forming an interior area and an opening, wherein the opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article and the heater from outside the container to within the interior area of the container. The container includes a flap for selectively covering and uncovering the opening to allow access to the interior area of the container. The heater is constructed and arranged for placement within the interior area of the container and is provided for heating the article. The enunciating device includes a temperature sensor for sensing temperature within the container, a temperature display for displaying temperature conditions within the container, and a power source for operating the enunciating device.

Abstract: An electronic drinking mug includes a heating element in thermal communication with the mug for heating a liquid contained in the mug, a temperature sensoring in communication with the heating element for monitoring a temperature of the liquid, a controller in communication with the temperature sensor and the heating element for selectively activating and deactivating the heating element so as to heat the liquid in the mug to a desired temperature. In operation, the controller receives temperature readings from the temperature sensor and deactivates the heating element when the monitored temperature of the liquid is greater than or equal to the desired user preset temperature of the liquid. A user interface is attached to the mug and in communication with the controller for establishing the desired temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus comprising a container and a heater is provided for holding an article in thermally conductive contact with the heater. The heater includes a heating grid constructed to provide a output watt density of greater than 2.5 watts per square inch. A heat sink is provided in thermally conductive contact with the heating grid for receiving and storing heat energy from the heating grid. The heater also includes a cover and a power cord. In another embodiment a delivery apparatus includes a controller. The controller provides information to the user about the status of the delivery apparatus by changing the state of a light source.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater, and an enunciating device for displaying temperature conditions within the container. The container includes a plurality of walls forming an interior area and an opening, wherein the opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article and the heater from outside the container to within the interior area of the container. The container includes a flap for selectively covering and uncovering the opening to allow access to the interior area of the container. The heater is constructed and arranged for placement within the interior area of the container and is provided for heating the article. The enunciating device includes a temperature sensor for sensing temperature within the container, a temperature display for displaying temperature conditions within the container, and a power source for operating the enunciating device. A method for delivering food and an enunciating device are provided.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus comprising a container and a heater is provided. The container is provided for holding an article in thermally conductive contact with the heater. The heater includes a heating grid constructed to provide a output watt density of greater than 2.5 watts per square inch. A heat sink is provided in thermally conductive contact with the heating grid for receiving and storing heat energy from the heating grid. The heater also includes a cover and a power cord. In another embodiment a delivery apparatus includes a controller. The controller provides information to the user about the status of the delivery apparatus by changing the state of a light source. A method of delivering food is also provided.

Abstract: A pizza warmer and oven system in which a plurality of pizza warmers containing a phase change material can be charged to their preferred temperatures by resistance heaters positioned in shelves above and below each warmer in an oven. One embodiment has top shelves biased in close proximity with the warmers. Moving a lever causes the upper shelves to be raised by cams, allowing removal or insertion of warmers. Insertion of warmers into the oven trips switches, starting timing circuits which energize the heater and charging indicator lights. At the end of the timing cycle, indicator lights signal the warmer's charged condition. In another embodiment, the top shelves are gravitationally biased down but are each free to move upward slightly for warmer insertion or removal. Turning on the oven energizes the heaters. A thermostat in the heater circuit turns off the heater at a pre-selected temperature.

Abstract: A catering apparatus for delivering heated food product is provided according to the invention. The catering apparatus includes a catering delivery rack, a cover covering at least a portion of the catering delivery rack, and at least one thermal transfer unit provided extending along at least one side of the catering delivery rack. The catering delivery rack includes a frame having a front side, a rear side, a right side, a left side, a top end, and a bottom end. The frame includes a plurality of shelves provided between the top end and the bottom end of the catering delivery rack, and a plurality of wheels provided for movement of the catering delivery rack. The cover covers at least a portion of the front side, the backside, the left side, and the right side of the catering delivery rack.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater. The container includes a housing forming an interior area and an opening. The opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article from outside the container to within the interior area, and from within the interior area to outside the container. The heater is provided for placement within the interior area for heating the article. The heater includes an electrically conductive coil for providing an electric current when exposed to a magnetic field, and an electrical resistance heating element for generating heat. The electrical resistance heating element is provided in electrical connectivity with the electrically conductive coil. A delivery apparatus assembly is provided which includes an induction range for generating a magnetic field. A heater and a method for delivering food are provided by the invention.

Abstract: A serving and transport receptacle (1) for food dishes (2) filled with portioned meals, including a base part (16) which is made to be heat-insulating and provided with recesses (22) as well as means for heating the food dishes (2), and at least one hood-shaped cover part (36) which is made to be heat-insulating and capable of being positioned and coupled with the base part (16). An accommodation surface of the base part (16) includes at least one positioning means (18) rising above the accommodation surface and engaging in a positioning seat (13) provided in a surface (8) of a tray (3) containing the base part (16).

Abstract: A delivery apparatus comprising a container and a heater is provided. The container is provided for holding an article in thermally conductive contact with the heater. The heater includes a heating grid constructed to provide a output watt density of greater than 2.5 watts per square inch. A heat sink is provided in thermally conductive contact with the heating grid for receiving and storing heat energy from the heating grid. The heater also includes a cover and a power cord. In another embodiment a delivery apparatus includes a controller. The controller provides information to the user about the status of the delivery apparatus by changing the state of a light source. A method of delivering food is also provided.

Abstract: A heat retention device is disclosed in the form of a heating pad which includes an electrically resistive coil contained within a volume. The coil terminates at an electric coupler which is external of the volume. A heat retention mass is contained within the volume in thermal conductivity with the resistive element.

Abstract: A bedside rethermalization unit maintains food items placed on meal serving trays, including hot food items to be served at an elevated temperature, in a refrigerated state and rethermalizes hot food items at a desired time prior to meal serving. The unit is preferably in the form of a cart with castered wheels to enhance mobility. The cart includes a cabinet having an upper tray storage compartment for storing and rethermalizing a single day's worth of meals for a single individual, and a lower tray storage compartment for storage of soiled trays and eating utensils. Both compartments are refrigerated. A divider physically and atmospherically isolates the upper and lower tray storage compartments to inhibit contamination of uneaten meals in the upper compartment by soiled trays placed in the lower compartment. Rethermalization of hot food items in the upper compartment may be achieved by convection, conduction, induction, radiant heating, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A wrap heater is provided. The wrap heater includes a first heating sleeve and a second heating sleeve. The first heating sleeve includes a first electrically conductive heating grid, a first stiffening layer for providing rigidity, a first thermostat, and a first cover for enclosing the components in the first heating sleeve. The second heating sleeve includes a second electrically conductive heating grid, a second stiffening layer, a thermostat, and a cover enclosing the components of the second heating sleeve. An extension is provided for separating the first heating sleeve and the second heating sleeve. The wrap heater is provided for heating at least two surfaces of a food product. A method for heating food product, such as pizza, is provided.

Abstract: A delivery bag for pizza or other products includes upper, lower, rear, and first and second side panels and a closure flap. The panels and flap are made from a substantially flexible insulating panel material and have interior and exterior surfaces. The panel material is capable of conveying moisture from the interior surface to the exterior surface. The delivery bag also includes one or more pockets fixed to interior surfaces of the panels. A modular heating element is disposed in each pocket. The delivery bag as described advantageously maintains temperatures of pizzas therein, yet allows relative humidity to decline over a specified period of time, thereby preventing e.g. pizza crusts from becoming soggy. Corresponding methods provide similar advantages.

Abstract: A food container for carrying a heated food product that is provided with a seal which connects the lid of the container to the body portion thereof and visually indicates that the food container has been maintained in a heated condition.

Abstract: A heated container for transport of prepared hot food has a combination of an electric heating element with an insulation layer comprising metal foil layers and fiber layers. The combination of metal foil layers, which spread the heat from the heating element, and the fiber insulation layers provides an efficient food transport container having sufficiently low power requirements to enable powering the heater element from an automotive 12 volt system while maintaining a food temperature inside the container at about 150° F.