Abstract: A radiator module is provided including: a first infrared radiator including a first radiator tube arranged in a radiator plane; and a second infrared radiator including a second radiator tube arranged in the radiator plane. A cladding tube is arranged between the first radiator tube and the second radiator tube. Each of the first radiator tube, the second radiator tube, and the cladding tube is provided with a reflective coating.

Abstract: A thermal array system is provided. The system includes a first thermal element and a second thermal element connected between a first node and a second node. The first thermal element being activated and the second thermal element being deactivated by a first polarity of the first node relative to the second node. Further, the first thermal element being deactivated and the second thermal element being activated by a second polarity of the first node relative to the second node.

Abstract: An arc welder including an integrated monitor is disclosed. The monitor is capable of monitoring variables during a welding process and weighting the variables accordingly, quantifying overall quality of a weld, obtaining and using data indicative of a good weld, improving production and quality control for an automated welding process, teaching proper welding techniques, identifying cost savings for a welding process, and deriving optimal welding settings to be used as pre-sets for different welding processes or applications.

Abstract: An arc welder including an integrated monitor is disclosed. The monitor is capable of monitoring variables during a welding process and weighting the variables accordingly, quantifying overall quality of a weld, obtaining and using data indicative of a good weld, improving production and quality control for an automated welding process, teaching proper welding techniques, identifying cost savings for a welding process, and deriving optimal welding settings to be used as pre-sets for different welding processes or applications.

Abstract: A temperature control circuit for two heating devices respectively provided with a heater and a sensing wire. The sensing wires' ends are respectively connected to a diode. The two diodes' polarity is opposite to that of the sensing wires' connecting ends. Another ends of the sensing wires are connected to a capacitor to form a resistor-capacitor circuit. The heater wires are connected to a diode respectively and then a bi-directional thyristor. The two diodes' polarity is opposite to that of the heater wires' connecting ends. Thereby, the heater wires can be heated up respectively by the positive and negative half-periods of alternating current. When phase shifts occur because of the heater wires' temperature change, the sensing wires can control the bi-directional thyristor via a controller so that the positive or negative half-period are not triggered. Therefore, the heater wires' heating temperatures can be controlled individually.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a four-braid resistive heater, which includes a conductive structure configured to transport electrical currents and to generate heat based on the electrical currents. The conductive structure has first, second, third, and fourth electrical conductors. The first and second electrical conductors are looped around each other along a length of the conductive structure. The third and fourth electrical conductors are looped around each other along the length of the conductive structure. Loops formed with the first and second conductors are interleaved with loops formed with the third and fourth conductors along the length of the conductive structure. The first and third electrical conductors can be electrically coupled together, and the second and fourth electrical conductors can be electrically coupled together.

Abstract: Appliances comprising a base unit and a plug connector coupled to the base unit. The plug connector is configured to electrically couple the appliance to a first socket connector of an electrical receptacle. A channel is formed on or in a first sidewall of the base unit. The plug connector is disposed in the channel when in an engaged position. A defines a channel wall of the channel. The lever is configured to facilitate a transition of the plug connector between the engaged position and a disengaged position. The lever engages the plug connector when in the engaged position and does not engage the plug connector when in the disengaged position.

Abstract: An arc welding system and methods. The system is capable of monitoring variables during a welding process, according to wave shape states, and weighting the variables accordingly, detecting defects of a weld, diagnosing possible causes of the defects, quantifying overall quality of a weld, obtaining and using data indicative of a good weld, improving production and quality control for an automated welding process, teaching proper welding techniques, identifying cost savings for a welding process, and deriving optimal welding settings to be used as pre-sets for different welding processes or applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal control system for controlling the temperature of a fluid. In particular, the invention relates to a control system having at least two heating elements, at least one of which is used for directly or indirectly heating a fluid, and at least one of which is used for heating a thermal probe used to determine the temperature of the fluid. The heating systems are controlled by at least one feedback controller.

Abstract: The present invention generally describes apparatuses and methods used to perform an annealing process on desired regions of a substrate. In one embodiment, pulses of electromagnetic energy are delivered to a substrate using a flash lamp or laser apparatus. The pulses may be from about 1 nsec to about 10 msec long, and each pulse has less energy than that required to melt the substrate material. The interval between pulses is generally long enough to allow the energy imparted by each pulse to dissipate completely. Thus, each pulse completes a micro-anneal cycle. The pulses may be delivered to the entire substrate at once, or to portions of the substrate at a time. Further embodiments provide an apparatus for powering a radiation assembly, and apparatuses for detecting the effect of pulses on a substrate.

Abstract: A carrier, in particular a plastic film, comprising an electrical heating layer is described. The heating layer is applied to at least a portion of a carrier surface. The heating layer is electrically divided by one or more first separating zones, each of which is designed such that a current path changes the direction of flow thereof at the free zone ends, and one or more second separating zones, which are designed such that the current path changing the direction of flow thereof at the free zone ends is divided in at least some sections into a plurality of electrically parallel current sub-paths. One or more second separating zones are associated with at least one free zone end of a first separating zone, with the second separating zones arranged in an aligned extension to the first separating zone.

Abstract: An arc welder including an integrated monitor is disclosed. The monitor is capable of monitoring variables during a welding process and weighting the variables accordingly, quantifying overall quality of a weld, obtaining and using data indicative of a good weld, improving production and quality control for an automated welding process, teaching proper welding techniques, identifying cost savings for a welding process, and deriving optimal welding settings to be used as pre-sets for different welding processes or applications.

Abstract: A temperature control circuit for two heating devices respectively provided with a heater and a sensing wire. The sensing wires' ends are respectively connected to a diode. The two diodes' polarity is opposite to that of the sensing wires' connecting ends. Another ends of the sensing wires are connected to a capacitor to form a resistor-capacitor circuit. The heater wires are connected to a diode respectively and then a bi-directional thyristor. The two diodes' polarity is opposite to that of the heater wires' connecting ends. Thereby, the heater wires can be heated up respectively by the positive and negative half-periods of alternating current. When phase shifts occur because of the heater wires' temperature change, the sensing wires can control the bi-directional thyristor via a controller so that the positive or negative half-period are not triggered. Therefore, the heater wires' heating temperatures can be controlled individually.

Abstract: A layered heater is provided that comprises at least one resistive layer defining a circuit configuration, the circuit configuration comprising at least one resistive trace oriented relative to a heating target and comprising a material having temperature coefficient characteristics such that the resistive trace provides power commensurate with demands of the heating target. In one form, resistive traces of the resistive layer are a PTC material having a relatively high TCR and are oriented approximately perpendicular to a primary heating direction. In another form, resistive traces of the resistive layer are an NTC material having a relatively high BETA coefficient and are oriented approximately parallel to a primary heating direction.

Abstract: A method of performing rapid thermal annealing on a substrate including heating the substrate to a first temperature in a rapid thermal annealing system having a front-side heating source and a backside heating source. The method further includes raising the temperature of the substrate from the first temperature to a second temperature greater than the first temperature. The backside heating source provides a greater amount of heat than the front-side heating source during the raising of the temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: A system for effectively defrosting a plastic window includes a transparent plastic panel, a heater grid having a plurality of grid lines that are integrally formed with the plastic panel, and equalizing means for equalizing the electrical current traveling through each of the grid lines.

Abstract: A thermally regulated electrical deicing apparatus with a flexible cover portion is mounted to an exterior surface of a vehicular windshield; the flexible cover portion includes an electrical deicing element with either a resistance element heat tape or a serpentine woven heating element directed therethrough in electrical communication with an alternating current power supply. A thermistor effects selective heating in the heating element. The electrical deicing element further includes a male alternating current electrical plug conducting current to the heating element through an electrical power supply line, wherein the thermistor is interposed between the male alternating current plug and the heating element, and controls the current conducted to the heating element; and a female alternating current electrical plug attached to the power supply line, which provides a connection means for a second thermally regulated electrical deicing apparatus.

Abstract: A multiple stage open coil electrical resistance heater uses a unique coil configuration on either side of a dividing support plate so that the air passing through the heater is heated uniformly when one or more stages of the heater are energized. The coil configuration also creates a termination zone on one side of the heater so that the terminations of the coils can be situated on the cool side of the heater. The heater coils also includes specially configured terminals to facilitate connection to power using an elongated member such as a stud or bolt.

Abstract: A heater has an outer casing and at least one core assembly. An air inlet is formed through a rear surface of the outer casing. Two air outlets are formed respectively through two sides of the outer casing. Each core assembly is mounted in the outer casing and has at least one fan and two heating assemblies. Each fan draws air axially from the air inlet and blows air radially towards the air outlets. The heating assemblies are mounted respectively in the sides of the outer casing and correspond respectively to the air outlets. With such positioning of the air inlet and the air outlets of the outer casing, and with the fan drawing air axially and blowing air radially, the warm air blows out from both sides of the outer casing. Thus, convection speed is increased and ambient air temperature is warmed more effectively.

Abstract: A beverage brewer (10) with a temperature selectable dispense system having an on-demand hot water heating chamber assembly (30) with a hot water chamber body (86) having a volume substantially less than the volume of beverage brewed during a single brew cycle, a heating element (98) to quickly and substantially alter the water temperature in the chamber body during a single brew cycle and a microprocessor controller (38) for controlling the heating element in response to temperature sensors (40, 42). The controller (38) controls the brewer (10) to brew different types of beverages, with dispense water at different preselected temperatures in response to a manually actuatable switch (72, 74, 76 and 78). The temperature of the dispense water may also be changed from a hotter temperature at the beginning of a brew cycle to a lower temperature during an end portion of the same brew cycle.

Abstract: A modular water heating assembly containing two heating elements (1, 2), each having a thermostat module (5, 6) inserted into a sensing tube (3, 4) and attached to the same threaded boss (7). The heating elements are therefor contained in a single assembly with the elements having a fixed temperature set point differential such that the elements are switched on or off to maintain a constant temperature and reduce energy consumption by minimizing temperature overshoot.

Abstract: A heater has an outer casing and at least one core assembly. An air inlet is formed through a rear surface of the outer casing. Two air outlets are formed respectively through two sides of the outer casing. Each core assembly is mounted in the outer casing and has at least one fan and two heating assemblies. Each fan draws air axially from the air inlet and blows air radially towards the air outlets. The heating assemblies are mounted respectively in the sides of the outer casing and correspond respectively to the air outlets. With such positioning of the air inlet and the air outlets of the outer casing, and with the fan drawing air axially and blowing air radially, the warm air blows out from both sides of the outer casing. Thus, convection speed is increased and ambient air temperature is warmed more effectively.

Abstract: An electric cooking assembly includes a main body portion that defines a cooking area. First and second cooking surfaces are contained within the cooking area. A first electric heating element arranged to provide heat to at least a portion of the first cooking surface, and a second electric heating element is arranged to heat at least a portion of the second cooking surface. The main body portion may include first and second hood members. The first hood member defines the cooking area and the second hood member is positioned at least partially within the cooking area and configured to decrease heat lost from the cooking assembly during preparation of food products in the cooking area. The second hood member is configured for adjustment between an open position providing access to the cooking surface and a closed position covering at least a portion of the cooking surface.

Abstract: An integrated optical device is disclosed comprising a substrate, optical waveguide, and compound optical resonator having a temperature sensor, at least two coupled optical resonators, and a heater localized to each optical resonator. An optical input signal is coupled to one of the resonators making up the compound resonator to form an optical output signal. The center wavelength and shape of the output signal is optimized with a feedback loop using the temperature sensor to control the power dissipated in at least one of the localized heaters. The power dissipated in the remaining resonator heaters is set according to a predetermined function having as an input variable the power dissipated in the resonant heater under control of the said feedback loop.

Abstract: An open coil electrical resistance heater uses a number of offset insulators to support the coil of the heater. The offset insulators configure the run of coil in a sinusoidal shape to hold the insulators in a more secure manner and reduce vibration and noise generation during heat operation. The sinusoidal configuration of the coil also reduces the problem of shadowing of portions of the resistance wire coil.

Abstract: A multi-layer heating assembly, configured to be embedded inside or mounted on a component and to provide ice protection for the component, includes a first heating element, a second heating element, and a dielectric support having opposed first and second surfaces. The first heating element is located on the first surface and the second heating element is located on the second surface. The multi-layer heating assembly is configured to provide failure immunity or variable watt density.

Abstract: A modular water heating assembly containing two heating elements (1, 2), each having a thermostat module (5, 6) inserted into a sensing tube (3, 4) and attached to the same threaded boss (7). The heating elements are therefor contained in a single assembly with the elements having a fixed temperature set point differential such that the elements are switched on or off to maintain a constant temperature and reduce energy consumption by minimizing temperature overshoot.

Abstract: A heatable container suitable for material such as bitumen. The container includes a vessel for holding a flowable material having side wall zones, end wall zones and a base wall zone. The container also includes a heating system for transferring heat to at least the base wall zone as well as a zone disposed along a central longitudinal axis of the vessel. The heating system may also included at least two internal heating ducts for conveying a heat transfer medium, wherein the ducts are disposed substantially parallel relative to the central longitudinal axis of the vessel, and are vertically and horizontally spaced apart relative to one another.

Abstract: A heating system for a cooking appliance includes a first upper heating element and a second upper heating element positioned within a cooking cavity defined by a cabinet of the cooking appliance. The cooking cavity is configured to support a food item therein during a cooking process. Each of the first upper heating element and the second upper heating element is positioned with respect to an upper portion of the food item. A lower heating element is positioned within the cooking cavity. The lower heating element is positioned with respect to a bottom portion of the food item. A controller is operatively coupled to the lower heating element and the first and second upper heating elements. The controller is configured to asynchronously energize the first upper heating element and the second upper heating element to heat the upper portion of the food item.

Abstract: A cooking appliance is provided. The cooking appliance is coupled to a power supply that includes a first hot wire, a second hot wire and a ground wire. The cooking appliance includes a cabinet and a cavity defined within the cabinet. The cooking appliance also includes at least one heating assembly having two electrical heating elements positioned with respect to the cavity. A first electrical heating element is electrically coupled to the first hot wire and the ground wire. A second electrical heating element is electrically coupled to the second hot wire and the ground wire.

Abstract: An electric cooking assembly includes a main body portion that defines a cooking area. First and second cooking surfaces are contained within the cooking area. A first electric heating element arranged to provide heat to at least a portion of the first cooking surface, and a second electric heating element is arranged to heat at least a portion of the second cooking surface. The main body portion may include first and second hood members. The first hood member defines the cooking area and the second hood member is positioned at least partially within the cooking area and configured to decrease heat lost from the cooking assembly during preparation of food products in the cooking area. The second hood member is configured for adjustment between an open position providing access to the cooking surface and a closed position covering at least a portion of the cooking surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a window assembly having a transparent panel and a conductive heater grid formed integrally with the transparent panel. The conductive heater grid has a first group of grid lines and a second group of grid lines, with opposing ends of each group being connected to first and second busbars. Grid lines of the second group are spaced between adjacent grid lines of the first group, with the height of the grid lines themselves in the second group being less than the height of the grid lines in the first group.

Abstract: A cooking device includes a main oven, a controller for controlling the main oven, a mini-oven, and a control for controlling the mini-oven, wherein the control is in communication with the controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heating of samples in specimen carriers, and more particularly to the heating of zones of a specimen carrier for differential heating of samples in a specimen carrier, including a specimen carrier in the form of a metallic sheet, in which a matrix of sample wells is incorporated, apparatus for applying electrical heating current through the carrier, having a plurality of electrical current sources, each connected in series across the carrier and together providing a variety of different possible current flow paths whereby localised regions of the carrier may be selectively heated. The current applied is either alternating current, or direct current.

Abstract: To increase the temperature homogeneity on the surface of a substrate that is to be thermally treated, a method for thermally treating substrates is provided, according to which the substrate is heated by several separately controllable heating elements. A desired-value profile is predefined for each of said heating elements. The method comprises the following steps: locally-analysed measurement of the temperature of the surface of the substrate that faces away from the heating elements, during the thermal treatment; determination of the temperature inhomogeneities occurring on the substrate surface; definition of new desired-value profiles based on said temperature inhomogeneities; and preparation of the new desired-value profiles for subsequent treatments.

Abstract: A method for controlling a heating plant as well as a control system for such a plant. More specifically the invention relates to the control of a heating plant adapted for local heating of surfaces to avoid ice and snow on such surfaces, and in particular controlling street heating plant or point heating plants (for rails), provided with one or several heating elements; so that a low power consumption is obtained. The control system is provided with at least one remotely operated unit (4) adapted to be controlled in such a manner that consumed energy is controlled in dependence of meteorological data representing present and anticipated temperatures and amounts of precipitation.

Abstract: A radiant energy device for shrinking a thin film onto an open top of a container, the radiant energy device comprising: a source of power, to provide power to the radiant energy device; a plurality of fixed energy-emitting units, each of the units when energized being configured to emit radiant energy towards the shrinking film on said open top of the container; and a switching means, operatively connected between the source of power and each of the energy-emitting units, to independently activate at least two groups of the energy-emitting units; wherein, a first group of the energy-emitting units partially shrinks the thin film onto the container, and a second group finishes the shrinking.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally cycling samples of a biological material including a thermal block assembly including a plurality of sample holders for receiving samples of biological material; a heat sink thermally coupled to the thermal block assembly, the heat sink transferring heat away from the thermal block assembly to ambient air in contact with the heat sink; a first heat source thermally coupled to the thermal block assembly to provide heat to the thermal block assembly; and a second heat source thermally coupled to the first heat source and configured to provide heat to a portion of the first heat source. The arrangement of the heat sink, first heat source and second heat source can provide substantial temperature uniformity among the plurality of sample holders. The invention also includes a method for thermally cycling samples of biological material.

Abstract: A temperature control system provides for the optimal management of patient temperature during a surgical procedure, such as those which require the patient to on bypass. The system employs a plurality of controllers as well as a plurality of temperature control means in order to provide optimal temperature control. In one configuration of the invention, controllers for each of the heat exchange devices may be interconnected using a data link. The connection may provide for a master/slave relationship wherein temperature sensors included in each system are employable as temperature feedback for initiating temperature changes. This device may be configured such that it operates in conjunction with another device or provides stand alone temperature control.

Abstract: A system for supplying air to a discrete space to obtain a desired set point temperature within the space includes a plurality of units for conditioning the air in the space. Each of the units has an independent electric power supply cord for connection to a source of electrical power. One of the units includes a master control and another of said units includes a slave control. The master control includes a user temperature control to establish a desired set point temperature within the discrete space. Each of the units includes its own thermostat for sensing the ambient temperatures in the area of the discrete space immediately adjacent the respective units. Each of the units has its own communication device, which enables the master control on the one unit to simultaneously vary the operation of each of the units in inverse proportion to the sensed ambient temperatures to substantially uniformly condition the temperature of the air in the discrete space.

Abstract: A radiation system has at least two elongated envelope tubes permeable to light and infrared radiation which are joined together and sealed from the ambient atmosphere, a first envelope tube of which contains an incandescent coil which is electrically connected through sealed tube ends and external contacts to an external power supply and emits infrared radiation in the near IR range; furthermore, at least a second envelope tube is provided which has an elongated carbon strip as an infrared radiator for radiation in the medium IR range, which is likewise connected through sealed ends and external contacts with the external power supply or with an additional external power supply. Preferably a carbon strip is used as the radiator strip, which is configured either as an elongated coil or forms an elongated strip.

Abstract: A deicing apparatus comprises an integral stack of layers inseparably joined in intimate mutual contact forming a flexible mat. The layers include a first layer to be placed into contact with a surface to be deiced or to be maintained clear of ice, having electrical insulation properties, a second layer of resistance heating, electrically conductive material formed in an electrical conducting path, a third layer of electrically insulating material, a forth heat energy reflective layer of metallic foil, and a fifth layer of thermally insulative and physically tough material. A device for applying an electrical current to the second layer to produce heat energy is provided.

Abstract: A multiloop temperature-control system has a hydraulic bus connected to a plurality of loops for the temperature-control medium and respective hydraulic modules connected to the hydraulic bus, and through the hydraulic bus, to these loops. Plug connectors join each hydraulic module with an electrical supply and control module and the supply and control modules in turn are connected by plug and jack connectors to an electrical bus.

Abstract: A heating unit is provided with heating modules in a housing. Each module has a heating element. An electrical connection is attached to each heating module such that each heating module can be selectively energized to heat its heating element to a high temperature. Alternative embodiments and a related method of rapid heat processing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A radiation system has at least two elongated envelope tubes permeable to light and infrared radiation which are joined together and sealed from the ambient atmosphere, a first envelope tube of which contains an incandescent coil which is electrically connected through sealed tube ends and external contacts to an external power supply and emits infrared radiation in the near IR range; furthermore, at least a second envelope tube is provided which has an elongated carbon strip as an infrared radiator for radiation in the medium IR range, which is likewise connected through sealed ends and external contacts with the external power supply or with an additional external power supply. Preferably a carbon strip is used as the radiator strip, which is configured either as an elongated coil or forms an elongated strip.

Abstract: A radiation system has at least two elongated envelope tubes permeable to light and infrared radiation which are joined together and sealed from the ambient atmosphere, a first envelope tube of which contains an incandescent coil which is electrically connected through sealed tube ends and external contacts to an external power supply and emits infrared radiation in the near IR range; furthermore, at least a second envelope tube is provided which has an elongated carbon strip as an infrared radiator for radiation in the medium IR range, which is likewise connected through sealed ends and external contacts with the external power supply or with an additional external power supply. Preferably a carbon strip is used as the radiator strip, which is configured either as an elongated coil or forms an elongated strip.

Abstract: A radiation system has at least two elongated envelope tubes permeable to light and infrared radiation which are joined together and sealed from the ambient atmosphere, a first envelope tube of which contains an incandescent coil which is electrically connected through sealed tube ends and external contacts to an external power supply and emits infrared radiation in the near IR range; furthermore, at least a second envelope tube is provided which has an elongated carbon strip as an infrared radiator for radiation in the medium IR range, which is likewise connected through sealed ends and external contacts with the external power supply or with an additional external power supply. Preferably a carbon strip is used as the radiator strip, which is configured either as an elongated coil or forms an elongated strip.

Abstract: A portable heater operates at a first power rating to rapidly heat a space and a second power rating, lower than the first, to safely maintain the temperature of the space. The heater uses a first resistive heating element and a second resistive heating element which are configured to automatically supply the first power rating during an initial heating period then step down to the second power rating for continuous operation.

Abstract: A pipe heating device for conveniently thawing out pipelines. The pipe heating device includes a scissor-like member including a first elongate member having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, and also including a second elongate member having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion which is hingedly attached to the intermediate portion of the first elongate member; and also includes a first semi-cylindrical member having ends, side edges and being securely attached to the first end of the first elongate member; and further includes a second semi-cylindrical member having ends, side edges and being securely attached to the first end of the second elongate member with each of the side edges of the second semi-cylindrical member being in contactable relationship with a respective one of the side edges of the first semi-cylindrical member; and also includes a heating assembly for heating the first and second semi-cylindrical members.

Abstract: A gas turbine sealing arrangement which includes a seal housing having at least one seal in close proximity to the turbine rotor. The seal housing is preheated prior to turbine start-up to thermally move the seal housing and its seal radially away from the rotor.