Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for a pulse switched high side driver for vehicle sensor. An example method may include switching a transistor of a vehicle circuit to connect a first resistor to a vehicle sensor for a first time period in which exhaust gas temperature values of the vehicle are within a first range of exhaust gas temperatures values. The example method may also include switching, by providing a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal with an on signal value, the transistor to connect a second resistor to a vehicle sensor for a second period of time in which exhaust gas temperature values of the vehicle are within a second range of exhaust gas temperatures values that are greater than the first range of exhaust gas temperature values, wherein the second resistor and vehicle sensor are also included in the vehicle circuit, wherein the second resistor is in parallel with a first resistor and connected between the transistor and the vehicle sensor.

Abstract: In an air conditioner, a drain extraction unit and a refrigerant pipe connecting unit may be disposed in a blocking region in which a discharge port is not provided so that a size of the discharge port may be secured and the discharge port may be uniformly disposed, thereby generating uniform airflow in a room. In a lower housing formed in a circular shape, some of components inside an indoor unit of the air conditioner may be disposed in a protrusion portion that protrudes from the circular housing, thereby facilitating the installation of the air conditioner. A condensate water collecting space disposed outside the housing may be provided in a drain tray, thereby efficiently preventing a leakage due to condensate water generated outside the housing. The housing, the drain tray, and the cover member of the air conditioner may be coupled by a coupling member coupled outside.

Abstract: In an air conditioner, a drain extraction unit and a refrigerant pipe connecting unit may be disposed in a blocking region in which a discharge port is not provided so that a size of the discharge port may be secured and the discharge port may be uniformly disposed, thereby generating uniform airflow in a room. In a lower housing formed in a circular shape, some of components inside an indoor unit of the air conditioner may be disposed in a protrusion portion that protrudes from the circular housing, thereby facilitating the installation of the air conditioner. A condensate water collecting space disposed outside the housing may be provided in a drain tray, thereby efficiently preventing a leakage due to condensate water generated outside the housing. The housing, the drain tray, and the cover member of the air conditioner may be coupled by a coupling member coupled outside.

Abstract: Induction-heated vessels, and processes for manufacturing induction-heated vessels and vessel components, are provided. The vessels can include a ceramic outer layer and a conductive heating element, which can be provided as a conductive glaze or coating, a conductive inner layer, or a label comprising a conductive element and an RFID tag, to allow the thermal transfer or conduction of heat from the heated surface directly to the contents of the vessel, while the ceramic outer layer of the vessel insulates the contents of the vessel. Also, systems and methods for heating and controlling induction-heated vessels and for tracking loyalty, use, and/or sales using RFID-enabled induction-heated vessels are provided.

Abstract: A method of measuring the amount of energy consumed from a water heater having a tank with two or more temperature sensors located a predetermined heights on or in the tank, the method including the step of; for each sensor, determining a corresponding volume of a segment of the tank, measuring the change of temperature at each temperature sensor, calculating the energy for the corresponding volume for each sensor, and summing the energy changes for all the sensors to determine the amount of energy consumed. The energy usage can be recorded with chronological information to construct a usage pattern which can be used for controlling the heater and for providing the user with details of energy usage. The system does not require the use of data derived from a flow meter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for the preparation of a heated beverage, comprising a case or cover or box (battery cover) (8) for mobile phone (60) or external device (6) comprising an internal seat for the corresponding insertion of at least a container (7), said container (7) comprising means (13) for the production of heat, wherein said container (7) comprises contacts (12) to electrically feed said means (13) when said container is inserted in the seat.

Abstract: A method of measuring the amount of energy consumed from a water heater having a tank with two or more temperature sensors located a predetermined heights on or in the tank, the method including the step of; for each sensor, determining a corresponding volume of a segment of the tank, measuring the change of temperature at each temperature sensor, calculating the energy for the corresponding volume for each sensor, and summing the energy changes for all the sensors to determine the amount of energy consumed. The energy usage can be recorded with chronological information to construct a usage pattern which can be used for controlling the heater and for providing the user with details of energy usage. The system does not require the use of data derived from a flow meter.

Abstract: A control panel for an appliance is provided. The control panel can be produced by providing a dielectric substrate having a front surface and a back surface, printing a conductive ink onto the back surface of the dielectric substrate, curing the conductive ink such that the conductive ink forms a plurality of capacitive sensors on the back surface of the dielectric substrate, and positioning the dielectric substrate on the appliance such that the front surface of the dielectric substrate faces outwardly.

Abstract: A tip assembly for use in a gas cutting torch is provided that includes a tip and a mixer. The tip includes a tip central gas passageway and a distal orifice and the mixer includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the mixer is adapted for connection to the tip and the proximal end portion of the mixer defines a connecting member that removably connects the mixer to a torch head.

Abstract: A bottom electric heating element for an oven wherein the electric heating element is positioned in a recessed portion in the oven bottom and has at least one corrugated ribbon of conductive material partially embedded in an insulating base. A glass panel is positioned over the recessed portion and on a compressible heat resistant gasket. The glass panel is transparent or semi-transparent, high temperature resistant and high impact resistant. A frame extends around the glass panel and fastens it to the oven bottom while partially and resiliently compressing the gasket to support the glass panel.

Abstract: A laundry drier has a heater control circuit for controlling the drive of a heater using one of a plurality of high voltages, using a switching circuit realized by a form C contact relay provided between a current-buffered microcomputer output and plurality of heater drivers, so that heater drive capability is ensured even if the current buffer output fails and so that dangerous short-circuit conditions are avoided even if the microcomputer experiences a logical malfunction. The heater control circuit includes a heater for being driven by a plurality of high voltages via a plurality of heater drivers; a microcomputer for outputting a control signal according to a user input, the control signal determining the high voltage drive of the heater; and a heater control interface for generating a plurality of heater control signals corresponding to the plurality of high voltages, based on the control signal of the microcomputer, the plurality of heater control signals selectively enabling only one heater driver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for thermally treating objects. The aim of the invention is to facilitate a better control of the temperature profile of an object to be thermally treated. To this end, the invention provides a method and a device for thermally treating an object in a heating system, especially for treating semiconductor wafers (2) in a rapid heating system (1). The objects are thermally treated at a predetermined temperature progression and the temperature of the object is controlled via a PID control and a feedforward control that are based on a simulation model of the heating system and the object. Said model consists of individual models of components of the heating system and/or the object. The parameters of at least one of the individual models are monitored during the thermal treatment and the model is adapted to the monitored parameters.

Abstract: A display case or food merchandiser for displaying and serving hot food items or other products, has one or more long wave, infrared emitting heating elements. The voltage, and therefore the output, of the heating elements is controlled by a solid state percentage controller.

Abstract: A multifunctional cooking system including a deep well cooker that includes a bottom heating element and a wrap-around heating element which are disposed about the deep well member for heating the side walls thereof is disclosed. The heating elements are fabricated in alternative embodiments to provide one-sided or double-sided configurations for particular applications. Both the bottom heating element and the wrap-around heating element are electrically interconnected by a temperature controlling device for heat regulation and a multi-function controller for selectively energizing the heating elements individually or in combination for various cooking modes.

Abstract: An liquid heating and cooling apparatus for heating or cooling liquid such as drinks is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cup-shaped container for loading the liquid, a thermo device installed in the container for heating or cooling the liquid, and a base removably attached to the lower end of the container for supplying DC power to the thermo device and controlling the cooling or heating of the liquid by controlling the direction of the DC power supplied to the thermo device when the container is attached to the base.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously heating the subsurface and imaging the effects of the heating. This method combines the use of tomographic imaging (electrical resistance tomography or ERT) to image electrical resistivity distribution underground, with joule heating by electrical currents injected in the ground. A potential distribution is established on a series of buried electrodes resulting in energy deposition underground which is a function of the resistivity and injection current density. Measurement of the voltages and currents also permits a tomographic reconstruction of the resistivity distribution. Using this tomographic information, the current injection pattern on the driving electrodes can be adjusted to change the current density distribution and thus optimize the heating. As the heating changes conditions, the applied current pattern can be repeatedly adjusted (based on updated resistivity tomographs) to affect real time control of the heating.

Abstract: A controller for an electric resistance waterbed mattress heater supplied with electric current by an elongate power cord extending between the heater and a power service outlet. The controller includes a small diameter elongate cylindrical housing in which an adjustable on and off switch is mounted and into which the cord is extended and connected with the switch. The switch includes a Bourdon tube to actuate the switch between opened and closed positions when the tube is caused to deflect by changes of pressure therein. A capillary tube is connected with and extends from the Bourdon tube to the exterior of the housing and about which it is formed and supported. An adjusting knob is positioned at one end of the body and is coupled with a part of the switch to move switch parts relative to each other and to the Bourdon tube to adjust and set the operating position of parts of the switch.

Abstract: A device for the control of the cooking process in a steam pressure cooker filled with water and the food to be cooked and heatable by means of a heating element controlled by a control circuit wherein the temperature of the pressure cooker is detected and utilized by way of the control circuit for the adjustment of the heat output of the heating element and in which by means of an adjustable timing element a cooking time can be preselected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a domestic hot water heater system in which the actual temperature of the water in the storage tank of the system is continuously measured and the measured water temperature is continuously displayed at a location remote from the water heater. There are control means located at a remote location for actuating energizing means at the water heater for heating the water. The energizing means is actuated by the person intending to use the heated water on the basis of the measured temperature of the water displayed at the continuous display at the time of measurement and the intended use of the water.

Abstract: A temperature controller for a deep fat fryer including a temperature sensing circuit that determines the temperature of cooking oil in the deep fat fryer and which is connected to a temperature control circuit that controls the deep fat fryer heat source in providing heat to the cooking oil in response to a set temperature from an external input device. The control circuit also includes an anticipation circuit that variably modulates the heating source before the cooking oil temperature approaches the set temperature. The temperature control circuit further includes a resistor divider network that provides selected voltages representing reference temperatures and which are input to several operational amplifiers for controlling the heat source.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled hydrocolloid conditioner comprising a frame, a bath tank separably supported by said frame for containing water heated to a pre-determined temperature useful in the conditioning of hydrocolloid material, heating means comprising a power supply and a heating element disposed within the bath, and a microprocessor interfaced with a triac control circuit for turning on and off the heating means responsive to command from the microprocessor such that boiling cycles are automatically commenced and terminated, holding and tempering baths are readily set and the dentist is signalled the status and readiness of hydrocolloid at all times in each of multiple function bath tanks.

Abstract: A dental mirror warmer to prevent fogging when the mirror is placed in a patient's mouth includes a housing with a cover having an opening. Below the opening is a heating well to receive the reflective end of the mirror. The well has a stainless steel wall connected to a transformer which supplies high current at low voltage to heat the wall. The supply to the transformer is controlled by a photoresponsive device responsive to insertion of the mirror and a timing circuit which permits current supply for a short heating interval. A temperature sensor shortens the interval when heating cycles are initiated frequently. The photoresponsive device is mounted in the housing in juxtaposition with a light transmissive opening in a wall of the heating well. The photoresponsive device includes a source of light arranged to direct light into the heating well through the opening and a photoresponsive element arranged to receive light reflected from the reflective surface of a mirror inserted into the heating well.

Abstract: The shaver warmer of this invention includes a heat transfer portion which almost closely fits the shaver head of the electric shaver to be warmed. A heat supply portion is directly connected to the heat transfer portion and a temperature control portion controls the heating temperature by detecting the temperature of the heat transfer portion. The shaving head of the electric shaver can thereby be heated to a predetermined temperature in a relatively short time so that advantage may be taken of the relatively large thermal capacity of the shaving head of an electric shaver.

Abstract: A sterilizer or aseptor for contact lenses and the like is disclosed, which provides a capsule adapted to both carry and sterilize a single set of contact lenses. The sterilizer includes a well adapted to receive the capsule, and when the well is heated, sterilizing action occurs within the capsule. A cover is locked into a closed position to prohibit access to the capsule and well when the well is heated to an elevated temperature.