Abstract: A portable blender includes a handle having at least one first attachment structure, an activation button, and a power activation member positioned for mechanical engagement with the activation button and a power switch. The blender also includes a container body with at least one second attachment structure. The first attachment structure and second attachment structure are configured to engage each other to attach the handle to the container body and to disengage each other to detach the handle from the container body. The blender further includes a container base configured for detachable engagement with the container body. In one configuration, the blender set includes a motor subunit configured for detachable engagement with the container base, and a power subunit configured for detachable engagement with the motor subunit. In another configuration, the blender includes a motor subunit configured for detachable engagement with the container base, and a power subunit included in the handle.

Abstract: A system and method for preheating a cooking chamber of an oven appliance. The oven appliance may include a bake heating element, a broil heating element, and a convection heating assembly including a convection heating element and a fan. The heating elements are operated simultaneously and/or in different combinations in order to rapidly preheat the cooking chamber. For example, the preheat cycle may include alternating between a first heating routine for a first time period and a second heating routine for a second time period. Preheating the cooking chamber in this manner will reduce oven preheat time, ensure proper heat balance, and improve overall cooking performance.

Abstract: A thick layer heating element (10), in particular for heating a kitchen appliance (100), comprising a planar substrate (24) coated on one of its faces (28) with at least one electrically resistive track (26) which is linked to at least one area of electrical contact, characterized in that it comprises at least one thermal expansion slot (38), said at least one slot (38) defining deformable portions of the heating element, which each comprise a part of the resistive track (26) and which are distributed around said at least one area of electrical contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kitchen appliance, in particular a mixer, comprising a housing (2), on which a vessel (3) can be arranged, wherein the housing (2) has a vessel receiving area (4), to which the vessel (3) can be connected, wherein the vessel (3) and the vessel receiving area (4) have electric contacts (5, 6, 7, 8) for connecting an electric device of the vessel (3), in particular a heating device and/or a measuring device, to a power supply of the kitchen appliance.

Abstract: An actively heated mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container is provided. The mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container can include a body that receives a liquid therein and a heating or cooling system at least partially disposed in the body. The heating or cooling system can include one or more heating or cooling elements that heat a surface of the receiving portion of the body and one or more energy storage devices. The mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container can include a wireless power receiver that wirelessly receives power from a power source and control circuitry configured to charge one or more power storage elements and to control the delivery of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating or cooling elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a flavored coating and mixing the heated flavored coating with an edible substrate is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame adapted to support a kettle, the kettle for containing the flavored coating and the substrate to be mixed, a first heater box operative as a heat source, and a second heater box operative as a heat source.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a heating device for a kettle, comprising an enclosure, a radiator fan, a rack, a core PCB, a wire coil, and a temperature sensor in the enclosure. A heating platform which has a housing cavity is arranged on the upper part of the enclosure. The radiator fan is mounted at the bottom of the enclosure. The rack is fixed inside the enclosure. The core PCB is configured in the lower part of the rack and above the radiator fan. The wire coil which is provided with a heat coil is installed on the rack, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected with the core PCB.

Abstract: A heating device for liquid to warm the liquid and keep the temperature for a longer period of time for the portable use of the cup has been invented. The heating device in the present invention comprises an electronically wired removable cup and a sleeve wherein said cup filled up with liquid is inserted for the heating purpose and the heating process starts through the electronic wires embedded in a heating cup when an electronic switch is activated. The heating elements embedded or equipped within a cup, not within the housing, in present invention keeps the liquid in a cup hot for a longer period of time, for the portable use of the cup. In addition, the electronic power through the cord can be activated or blocked out by a switch on the cord and the cord may also connects with automotive plug, to fit an electric cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle, for various portable use of the cup.

Abstract: An actively heated mug or travel mug is provided. The mug or travel mug can include a body that receives a liquid therein and a heating system at least partially disposed in the body. The heating system can include one or more heating elements that heat a surface of the receiving portion of the body and one or more energy storage devices. The mug or travel mug can include a wireless power receiver that wirelessly receives power from a power source and control circuitry configured to charge one or more power storage elements and to control the delivery of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements. The mug or travel mug also can have one or more sensors that sense a parameter of the liquid or sense a parameter of the heating system and communicates the sensed information to the control circuitry.

Abstract: An actively heated mug or travel mug is provided. The mug or travel mug can include a body that receives a liquid therein and a heating system at least partially disposed in the body. The heating system can include one or more heating elements that heat a surface of the receiving portion of the body and one or more energy storage devices. The mug or travel mug can include a wireless power receiver that wirelessly receives power from a power source and control circuitry configured to charge one or more power storage elements and to control the delivery of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements. The mug or travel mug also can have one or more sensors that sense a parameter of the liquid or sense a parameter of the heating system and communicates the sensed information to the control circuitry.

Abstract: An electric kettle includes a kettle body, a base, a heating element and a wireless signal transmission device. The wireless signal transmission device includes a controller circuitry, a first wireless transceiver, a second wireless transceiver, and a light reflection arrangement. The light reflection arrangement includes a first reflective mechanism provided on the kettle body, and a second reflective mechanism provided on the base, wherein when the kettle body is rotatably and detachably coupled with the base through a lower and an upper connector, wherein when one of the first and the second wireless transceiver is activated to generate a wireless signal toward another of the wireless transceiver, the wireless signal is subject to multiple reflections by the first and the second reflective mechanism until the wireless signal reaches the corresponding first and the second wireless transceiver.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electric cartridge heater and a method of operation, suitable for use in producing high purity silicon in solar cells or solar modules. The apparatus includes a single-piece elongated heater bar having a length, a first end, and a second end. The apparatus also includes a slot beginning at the first end and running a portion of the length, and the slot dividing the heater bar into a first arm and a second arm. An elbow at the second end joins the first arm and the second arm together. The apparatus also includes a first electrode in electrical communication with the first arm, and a second electrode in electrical communication with the second arm.

Abstract: A liquid warming device for heating sterile fluids in a removable basin is described with emphasis on the properties of the basin interaction with the liquid warming device and with a drape that works with the basin to maintain a sterile field above the drape and the top of the basin. Also disclosed are various desirable aspects for a control system for a liquid warming device.

Abstract: A fondue set includes a plurality of utensils, a removable heating vessel for holding a liquid to cook or coat food items, and a fondue stand for holding the heating vessel and the utensils. Each utensil has a food attaching portion for holding a food item. The fondue stand includes a lower portion having a central cavity sized and shaped to hold the removable heating vessel, and an end opening that allows the removable heating vessel to be placed within the central cavity. The stand also includes an upper portion configured to hold the plurality of utensils. The upper portion has a top opening that allows the food attaching portion of the utensils to be placed into the heating vessel.

Abstract: Sample processing systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate with raised and/or non-planar thermal structures on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems may also include structure to urge the sample processing devices against the base plate and thermal structures.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for heating the contents of a vessel wherein said vessel has a conducting plate that contacts the interior vessel contents and actuates a thermostat based on the temperature of interior contents.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for dispensing air treatment chemicals, and refill units for use therewith. Some of these devices have a well facing the heater and a transparent wall to view the use up of the air treatment chemical. Other of these devices have a refill with wells positioned in opposing directions.

Abstract: A cooking appliance for cooking a foodstuff over a period of time including a shell having a heating cavity and a heating element to heat the heating cavity. A container is removably positionable within the heating cavity and includes a food cavity for receiving the foodstuff. A temperature probe is removably insertable into the foodstuff and a controller is mounted to the shell. The controller controls operation of the cooking appliance in a probe mode wherein the temperature probe is inserted into the foodstuff and transmits foodstuff temperatures to the controller for controlling the heating of the foodstuff, a program mode wherein the controller actuates the heating element to heat the container at a temperature for a selected amount of time and subsequently at a lower temperature and a manual mode wherein the controller actuates the heating element to heat the container at a selected temperature.

Abstract: A device for cooking food is disclosed. The device has an elongated body for containing the food to be cooked with a heater at one end and a simmer temperature sensor at the other end. The heater initially brings the substance contained in the elongated member to a boil which is sensed by a boiling sensor. The boiling temperature sensor may be integral with the heater. Once a controller connected to the heater receives a signal from the boiling sensor indicating that the substance is boiling, the controller alternates the power to the heater between a simmer power level and a non-simmer power level which is lower than the simmer power level. The controller controls the power level of the heater in response to a signal from the simmer temperature sensor. The simmer temperature sensor sends a signal to the controller when the temperature of the substance at the end remote from the heater falls below a predetermined simmer temperature.

Abstract: Sample processing systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate with raised and/or non-planar thermal structures on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems may also include structure to urge the sample processing devices against the base plate and thermal structures.

Abstract: A tube shaped and fluid inflatable and electrically heatable in-situ pipe repair device comprising a first outer elastomeric tube layer and a resistive heating component comprised of electrically conductive fibers braided over an elastomeric core. The tube shaped device also contains an inner annulus. The device is fluid sealable and is connectible to a fluid supply and vacuum source. It is also connectible to an electrical power source. The device may also comprise two tube shaped layers configured to fit snuggly together with a resistive heating component held between the two layers. The resistive heating component may be a braided fiber-elastomeric core combination or a conductive fiber configured in a sinusoidal wave or similar pattern.

Abstract: A liquid warming device for heating sterile fluids in a removable basin is described with emphasis on the properties of the basin interaction with the liquid warming device and with a drape that works with the basin to maintain a sterile field above the drape and the top of the basin. The interactions between a temperature sensor and a temperature well integrated in the removable basin are disclosed. Also disclosed are various desirable aspects for a control system for a liquid warming device are provided.

Abstract: A cooking appliance configured with a programmable controller within a heating unit. The programmable controller is configured to control a plurality of functions of the cooking appliance. The controller is located in the base of the appliance and is in communication with a control panel that transmits a plurality of signals to the controller indicative of a user input. The control panel can be arranged nearly flush with an outer surface of the cooking appliance.

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 invention concerns an electric kettle comprising a power supply base (1) including electrical connection means (3), and, a removable container (2) including a reservoir (4), a electrical heating element (5), matching electrical connection means (8) adapted to co-operate with the electrical connection means (3) of the base (1), and control means (9) adapted to interrupt electric power supply of the electrical heating element (5) and which comprise a switch mobile between an open position and a closed position. The invention is characterized in that the power supply base (1) comprises a manual control knob (11) mobile between a neutral position and an activating position, and the kettle comprises transmission means (12) adapted to shift the switch in closed position when the manual control knob (11) is placed in activating position.

Abstract: A kettle is described having a pair of heating elements each connected to a cable with a plug at its end. The two plugs can be inserted into two separate sockets of a wall plug so that each heating element separately receives power from the sockets.

Abstract: An electric cooking apparatus includes an outer pot body, an inner pot body provided with an electric heating member having two conducting terminals, and a socket including a housing formed with two insertion holes, a movable member movably mounted in the housing, two electric contacts secured on the movable member, and an elastic biasing member mounted between the housing and the movable member. Thus, when the conducting terminals of the electric heating member are inserted into the socket, the electric contacts of the movable member are in close contact with the conducting terminals of the electric heating member by the restoring force of the elastic biasing member, thereby enhancing the electric conducting and heating effect of the electric heating member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric warmer for heating a container by means of a heat transfer medium. The warmer comprises a jar into which the container can be inserted for heating, and an electric heating device comprising at least one resistance heating element for heating the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A pan warmer and controller for the pan warmer allows a user to preset operating conditions of the pan warmer using a digital controller, and to lock out changes to the operation of the pan warmer unless a code has been entered. The pan warmer monitors water level and temperature, and automatically adjusts water levels and water temperature.

Abstract: Sample processing systems and methods of using those systems for processing sample materials located in devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems also include connection apparatus that allow for rapid and easy removal and/or replacement of base plates.

Abstract: A programmable slow-cooker appliance uses an application-specific integrated circuit digital controller, in which a user sets a time and temperature for cooking a food item. The digital controller prevents the unit from functioning only as a “keep warm” appliance, and a unique design allows cooling of the application-specific integrated circuit digital programmable controller during cooking.

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: This utility model provides an electric fryer that is composed of shell, fryer proper, electrothermal components, temperature control components and control box, its electrothermal components, temperature control components and fryer proper are fixed together, the control box can be separated from the fryer proper and the shell. The temperature probe with thermal resistor encapsulated inside and the safety probe with fuse encapsulated inside are tightly held and fixed to the bottom of the fryer proper, its outlets are plugged with the control box when the fryer is in use. When washing, the fryer proper, the shell and the control box can be separated from one another, therefore, the fryer proper and the shell can be bathed in water for washing. This electric fryer is suitable for household use, for it is easy and safe to use, and can be washed thoroughly.

Abstract: A programmable slow-cooker appliance, in which a user sets a time and temperature for cooking a food item. A programmable controller prevents the unit from being used solely as a “keep warm” appliance, and a unique design allows cooling of the controller during cooking.

Abstract: A programmable slow-cooker add-on accessory, in which a user plugs a slow-cooker appliance into the accessory, and plugs the accessory into a wall socket or other source of power. The user sets a time and temperature for cooking a food item. The programmable accessory controls the time and temperature of the slow-cooker and enables the slow-cooker to cook at a desired time and temperature, and afterwards to keep the food warm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heatable cup system, comprising a cup (1) and a cup holder (2), that is suitable, for example, for attachment to a console of a motor vehicle. The cup (1) and the cup holder (2) have corresponding, electric contacts (4, 5) for the supply of current to a heating element (3) in the base of the cup (1). The electric contacts of the cup holder (2) are mounted moveably and are designed as magnets (5), in order to produce a contact assisted by magnetic force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating specimens in wells of a metallic specimen carrier. The specimen carrier is heated by applying resistive heating directly to the carrier. An AC source and transformer may be used where the specimen carrier is in series with a single turn secondary winding of the transformer. A magnet may be placed in each well and excited by the heating current to provided a stirring effect.

Abstract: A paraffin filter system (10) includes an in-line low-profile particulate filter (20) connected to a suction tube (14) which is used as an inlet to the paraffin filter system (10). A paraffin pump (54) pumps the melted paraffin from a paraffin spa (12) through the particulate filter (20) to a transfer container (11) via a discharge tube (22). A heater (78) is controlled by control logic (146) to operate in certain modes to melt any residual paraffin in the filter (20) and pump (54) before operation of the pump (54). The control logic (146) provides various modes of operation of the filter system (10) to assure that the system is ready to operate, irrespective of the operation of a control panel switch (6) by the user. When the paraffin is transferred back to the spa (12) from the transfer container (11), the melted paraffin is carried through a bacteria filter (21) in the filter system (10).

Abstract: A detachable power supply apparatus for use with electrical appliances including removable temperature control devices includes a mounting panel on the temperature control device to which an electrical connector on a power supply cord is magnetically and electrically coupled. The mounting panel includes a ferrous contact plate attached to an outer surface thereof between a pair of conductive pins. The power supply cord includes a female electrical receptacle with a magnet subassembly attached at or near an outer surface thereof. The receptacle may be removably coupled to the mounting panel by positioning the receptacle outer surface adjacent the mounting panel contact plate. The magnet subassembly is designed to allow the receptacle to withstand a preselected tensile or pulling force and a preselected shearing or lateral force.

Abstract: A programmable slow-cooker appliance, in which a user sets a time and temperature for cooking a food item. A programmable controller prevents the unit from being used solely as a “keep warm” appliance, and a unique design allows cooling of the controller during cooking.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is two-stage mat for dispensing volatile materials. The mat is comprised of two materials varying either in thickness, thermal conductivity and/or porosity (and coated with like volatile material), or coated with volatile materials having different vaporization pressures. In either configuration, the mat provides for both an instant burst of volatile and then a sustained vaporization of volatile. Methods of using such mats are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric fryer comprising a body comprising a housing and a container between which an insulating chamber is formed; a lid connected to the upper part of said body; a basket positionable in said container for containing food to be fried; heating means for heating the container; controlling means for controlling a heating time and a heating temperature of the heating means; and a base positioned under the body and connected separately thereto. The electric fryer according to the invention is of a novel structure, ensures safety, and can be easily cleaned and saves power.

Abstract: An electric cooking appliance, such as a fryer, having a receptacle provided to receive a cooking liquid, the receptacle being disposed at least partially in a casing having a lateral wall, and an electric connector mounted in an opening of the lateral wall of the casing, the electric connector being provided to cooperate with a mating electric connector connected at the end of a power supply cord. The lateral wall of the casing has an outer rim disposed above the opening, creating a conduit, or trough, that is arranged to keep any liquid that is flowing along the lateral wall of the casing at a distance from the electric connector mounted in the casing.

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: A device for both warming substances and for providing a nightlight. The device can have a single opening in a upper lid portion for allowing various sized containers of substances to be inserted therein. The substances can include lotions, creams, pastes, gels, liquids, and the like. Controls such as rheostats can be adjusted to select desired nightlight intensity levels and desired temperature levels. Timers can adjust when the rheostat settings are to be turned on and off. Visual and/or audible alarms can be activated when selected levels have been reached. The device can have a clock for giving off the current time.

Abstract: A temperature control device for an electric pot assembly includes a base for receiving a pot therein and a receptacle is connected to the base. A temperature probe 41 includes a bi-metal plate and an end of the temperature probe is connected to a U-shaped resilient member on an outside of the base and the other end of the temperature probe extends through a peripheral wall of the base. A temperature sensing member is connected to the temperature probe and has two overlapped plates. An end of the bi-metal plate contacts one of the plates. The pot has an electric wire and a frame connected to a bottom thereof. The temperature probe is engaged the frame when the pot 1 is put on the base. The two plates are separated to open the circuit when the electric wire is overheated.

Abstract: An electronically controlled cooking apparatus for preparing and cooking food, such as a roaster oven, includes a main body having a bottom portion or base with sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom, a cover for covering the main body of the cooking apparatus, and a control assembly for controlling operation of the cooking apparatus that is mounted to the bottom of the base in a recessed pocket formed therein. The control assembly is mounted in the recessed pocket in a spaced apart relationship such that there is a gap between the control assembly and the recessed pocket, allowing air to circulate around the control assembly for keeping the control assembly and its internal circuitry cool. The control assembly includes a control panel covering the front of the recessed pocket and extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A steam exhaust system of an electric pressurizing device which can control the pressure in a cooking vessel and simultaneously can prevent the pressure in the cooking vessel from excessively increasing during the cooking operation. In the steam exhaust system, a steam exhaust pipe penetrates a lid of the electric pressurizing device, and has a steam exhaust channel formed therein. A valve assembly is provided which includes a frame and a pressurizing plate. The valve assembly opens and closes the steam exhaust channel of the steam exhaust pipe by the pivoting of the pressurizing plate. A pressure control device actuates the valve assembly by way of a magnetic force to control the blocking pressure in the steam exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus including a housing having an interior which contains a heating device. A sensor is provided that is operatively connected to the heating device. The sensor having an actuated position, wherein the sensor affects a heat output generated by the heating device. A first and second cooking insert for containing the food to be cooked each being separately positionable within the housing interior. The first cooking insert actuating the sensor when positioned in the housing interior, and the second cooking insert not actuating the sensor when positioned in the housing interior.

Abstract: A safety and/or control device for an electric cooking appliance, the appliance having a case defining a cooking enclosure and a component for heating the enclosure. The device includes: at least one switch arranged to close a circuit for supplying current to the heating component, this switch including a case and an actuating button, at least one sensing element which is movable between a safe position, corresponding to a predetermined configuration for placing the appliance into operation, and an unsafe position, corresponding to another configuration in which the appliance should not be placed into operation, and, optionally, a control unit accessible from outside the case and movable between an on position and an off position. The switch can be operated to close the current supply circuit in response to the sensing element and the control unit, or in response to two sensing elements, when the element and the control unit or both sensing elements are each in a defined position.