Abstract: Disclosed is a method for heating liquid in a tank, including: providing at least one heating element of PTC type; providing a pulse width modulation regulator; measuring parameters including the temperature of the liquid and the voltage applied across the terminals of each heating element; heating the liquid without regulation, insofar as the temperature of the liquid is below a first threshold temperature; applying pulse width modulation regulation to the electrical supply to each heating element for which the supply voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold insofar as a measured temperature is above a second threshold temperature determined as a function of measured parameters; and determining a duty cycle for the modulation of the electrical supply to each heating element and transitioning progressively from a duty cycle of 1 to the determined duty cycle.

Abstract: A combination microwave and refrigerator system is provided. The microwave oven is connected to a source of power and has at least one control circuit for controlling the operation of the microwave oven. A first power supply outlet is provided on the microwave oven. A refrigerator is connected to the source of power by connection to the first power supply outlet. The control circuit is configured to disable the cooling operation of the refrigerator, when the microwave oven demands cooking power, and enable the cooling operation of the refrigerator when the microwave oven is not drawing cooking power. A sensor is provided in the microwave oven, and is configured to cause cooking power to the microwave oven to be turned off upon the sensor sensing a level of smoke.

Abstract: An electric cooking grill includes a firebox having a first and second heating elements, first and second cooking surfaces positioned over the first and second heating elements respectively, a household power connection, and a power dividing circuit that apportions power from the household power connection to one or both of the first and second heating elements. At least of the first and second heating elements receives up to 100% of the power from the household power connection.

Abstract: A highly versatile control system which is able to control devices in a linked manner is provided. The control system is configured to condition air of a single space 9, and includes: an air conditioner 2 and a floor heating apparatus 3 which cannot directly communicate with each other; a router 4 which is able to communicate with the air conditioner 2 and the floor heating apparatus 3 via communication lines 11 and 12; and a terminal device 5 which is connectable to the Internet 10 and is able to communicate with the router 4 via a communication line 13. The air conditioner 2 and the floor heating apparatus 3 are controlled in a linked manner by a control signal sent from the terminal device 5 via the router 4.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a coolant system. In one example, a method may include diagnosing a condition of a pump of the coolant system based on a temperature change of coolant. The diagnostic may determine if the pump is stuck on or off.

Abstract: A method for identifying a cooking level of a food load in an electromagnetic cooking device is disclosed. The method includes controlling a frequency and a phase of a first RF signal and a second RF signal and amplifying the first RF signal and the second RF signal thereby generating a first RF feed and a second RF feed. The method further includes emitting the first RF feed and the second RF feed into an enclosed cavity to heat a food load and measuring at least one reflection signal. The method further includes calculating a Q-factor for the enclosed cavity based on the reflection signal, monitoring the Q-factor, and identifying a change in the Q-factor exceeding a predetermined change threshold. In response to identifying the change exceeding the predetermined change threshold, a cooking level for the food load is identified.

Abstract: A heater system includes a current source configured to generate an input current and to receive a return current. The system also includes a heater configured to generate heat in response to the input current. The system further includes a plurality of current lead wires interconnecting the current source and the heater and being configured to provide the input current to the heater and to conduct the return current from the heater. Each of the plurality of current lead wires is arranged on a separate substrate layer such that each of the plurality of current lead wires are each spaced apart from each other. At least one of the input current and the return current is divided to be conducted on two or more of the plurality of current lead wires.

Abstract: An automatically flushing water heater maintenance system may be provided, the system including a water heater and a water heater controller. The water heater may include an inlet, an outlet, and a flush outlet having a first control valve in flow communication therewith. The first control valve may be configured to control a flow of water and sediment through the flush outlet out of the water heater. The water heater controller may be configured to communicate with the first control valve by transmitting a first control signal to the first control valve, the first control signal configured to cause the first control valve to open or close as part of an automatic flushing process. As a result of the flushing, the useful life of the water heater may be extended, and/or water heater leakage alleviated. Insurance discounts may be provided based upon using the automatic water heater flushing functionality.

Abstract: An electric heater includes a substrate, and a plane heating element that is located at a surface of the substrate and that includes a pattern portion having a start point and an end point that are connected to each other. The pattern portion includes a plurality of tracks that are spaced apart from one another, that have an arc shape, and that are arranged at positions from an inner side of the pattern portion to an outer side of the pattern portion, where lengths of the plurality of tracks increase from the inner side to the outer side. The plurality of tracks include at least two tracks that are arranged respectively about a first center of curvature and a second center of curvature that is different from the first center of curvature.

Abstract: Composite materials are provided which may include one or more sheets of carbon fibers woven in orthogonal direction bundles; carbon nanotubes embedded within pores between the bundles; and a matrix material in which the one or more sheets and the carbon nanotubes are embedded. In one case, the carbon fibers lie substantially in an x-direction and a y-direction and the carbon nanotubes are oriented substantially in a z-direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the x- and y-directions. Methods for making the composite materials are also provided.

Abstract: A fitting-equipped conductive sheet including: a conductive sheet material in which a plurality of conductive strands are aligned planarly; and a plate-shaped conductive fitting attached to ends of the plurality of conductive strands, wherein the conductive fitting includes a folded-back portion, and a first sandwiching portion and a second sandwiching portion that are folded back with the folded-back portion as a starting point and the first sandwiching portion and the second sandwiching portion are opposed to each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for heating a handgrip of a vehicle. One system includes a first handgrip including a first heating element and a first temperature sensor and a second handgrip including a second heating element and a second temperature sensor. The system further includes a polarity switching circuit configured to provide power, when active in a first polarity, to the second temperature sensor and provide power, when in a second polarity, to the second heating element. The system includes an electronic processor configured to receive, when the polarity switching circuit is active in the first polarity, a temperature signal from the second temperature sensor, compare the temperature signal to a predetermined threshold, and set, in response to the temperature signal failing to exceed the predetermined temperature threshold, the polarity switching circuit to the second polarity.

Abstract: Composite materials are provided which may include one or more sheets of carbon fibers woven in orthogonal direction bundles; carbon nanotubes embedded within pores between the bundles; and a matrix material in which the one or more sheets and the carbon nanotubes are embedded. In one case, the carbon fibers lie substantially in an x-direction and a y-direction and the carbon nanotubes are oriented substantially in a z-direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the x- and y-directions. Methods for making the composite materials are also provided.

Abstract: An operator control device has a control panel with a user side facing a user and an inner side facing away from the user. The control panel has an operator control element region. A rotary knob is positioned on the user side of the control panel in the region of the operator control element region and can be rotated about a rotational axis. The rotary knob is detachably attached to the control panel and has an encoder block with a code section which is at a distance, changing along the circumferential direction, from a lower end side, facing the control panel, of the rotary knob. An optical sensor is arranged on the inner side of the control panel in the region of the operator control element region and is configured to sense a distance between the optical sensor and the code section of the encoder block by electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A water content sensor is positioned within a flowline downstream of a well-choke. The water content sensor is configured to determine a water content percentage of a production fluid flowing through the flowline. A temperature sensor is positioned downstream of the well-choke. The temperature sensor is configured to determine a temperature of the production fluid flowing through the flowline. A heating jacket surroundings at least a portion of the flowline. The heating-jacket is configured to transfer heat into the flowline. A controller is configured to receive a signal from each of the water content sensor and the temperature sensor, and control the heating jacket in response to a signal from each of the water content sensor and the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A water content sensor is positioned within a flowline downstream of a well-choke. The water content sensor is configured to determine a water content percentage of a production fluid flowing through the flowline. A temperature sensor is positioned downstream of the well-choke. The temperature sensor is configured to determine a temperature of the production fluid flowing through the flowline. A heating jacket surroundings at least a portion of the flowline. The heating-jacket is configured to transfer heat into the flowline. A controller is configured to receive a signal from each of the water content sensor and the temperature sensor, and control the heating jacket in response to a signal from each of the water content sensor and the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A grip heater device includes a display unit provided at a grip and including a first light source and a second light source, and a controller including an electric power control section which controls an amount of electric power to be supplied to the heater in response to an operation of a temperature adjustment member, and a light source control section which controls the first light source and the second light source. The display unit is configured to perform: a first color display, a second color display, and a third color display. The light source control section causes the display unit to perform a temperature display with a blinking pattern corresponding to an amount of the electric power supplied to the heater, by use of the first color display, the second color display, or the third color display, in response to the operation of the temperature adjustment member.

Abstract: In a method for operating an induction hob including a controller and including a cooking point including an induction heating coil, a relationship between a cooking vessel temperature and a heating power of the induction heating coil is stored in the controller as area power which results in a constant cooking vessel temperature during long-term operation. By monitoring whether the cooking vessel temperature remains constant, increases or drops when a first relatively low heating power is set after a heating time at a high heating power, it is possible to set a target temperature, which corresponds to the first relatively low heating power, for frying processes.

Abstract: A carbon allotrope heating element includes an electrical resistivity between 0.005 ohms per square (?/sq) and 3.0 ?/sq. A heating system includes a component and a carbon allotrope heating element having an electrical resistivity between 0.005 ?/sq and 3.0 ?/sq. A method includes modifying a carbon allotrope heating element to have an electrical resistivity between 0.005 ?/sq and 3.0 ?/sq and applying the carbon allotrope heating element to a component of an aircraft.

Abstract: A cooking appliance apparatus includes at least one mechanical switch, and at least one driver circuit configured to activate the at least one mechanical switch. The at least one driver circuit includes a protection unit and a bypassing unit, which bypasses the protection unit at least partially in at least one operating state. The bypassing unit is configured as self-controlling.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a proximity sensor for detecting the proximity of an object, the sensor including a sensing element (11), a detection circuitry (65), and a housing (5), the sensing element (11) being arranged in a front portion (21) of the housing (5) such that it is adapted to interact with the object through the front portion (21) and the detection circuitry being interconnected with the sensing element (11) in order to receive a detection signal from the sensing element (11), wherein the detection circuitry (65) is provided on a circuit board (15, 15A, 15B, 15C) extending at least through a middle portion (22) of the housing (5).

Abstract: A transaction card configured to provide variable haptic feedback to a user may include embedded electronic components disposed within the card. The embedded electronic components may include a haptic device electronically controllable to provide haptic feedback, a memory storing one or more haptic feedback profiles and executable instructions, an antenna configured to receive a haptic feedback output identifier signal from a remote source, a processor configured to execute the instructions to provide control signals to the haptic device based on a haptic feedback profile in response to the haptic feedback output identifier signal, and a haptic driver associated with the haptic devices and configured to control operation of the haptic device according to the haptic feedback profile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a windshield device including: a windshield; a heater that is provided in the windshield and configured to generate heat by energization; a temperature sensor that is provided in the windshield and configured to detect a temperature; and a control unit that performs power control on the heater. The control unit is configured to supply an input power to the heater, the input power being acquired by applying a detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor to a function that is determined in accordance with a dew-point temperature of an inside of a compartment separated from an outside of the compartment by the windshield.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to password management. Specifically, a user selects a variable parameter rule from among a set of variable parameter rules. The variable parameter rule includes a set of variable parameter values. The user defines two or more static passwords and maps each static password to a variable parameter value. To access a protected source, the user must enter a valid password that matches one of the static passwords based on a current variable parameter value associated with the variable parameter rule.

Abstract: A device for measuring resistance of a ground tap and a charger for an on-board vehicle including the device. The device includes a current source and an ammeter disposed on a first electrical branch, provided to link a phase of a power supply network with the ground of the installation; a second electrical branch provided to link a neutral wire of the power supply network with the ground of the installation, including a resistor across terminals of which is connected a voltmeter, and a first capacitor in series with the resistor; and a third electrical branch is provided for linking the neutral wire of the network with the ground of the installation, and including, on the third branch, in parallel with the first capacitor and with the first resistor, a second capacitor of higher value than the first capacitor.

Abstract: An ice protection system for de-icing an aircraft and/or for keeping the aircraft free of ice includes a composite structure for an aircraft component and a structural element of an aircraft with an ice protection system that is integrated in the composite structure. The ice protection system includes a flat surface-like electric heating element that is embedded in the composite structure below an outer layer of an outer surface of the aircraft component.

Abstract: A semiconductor ceramic composition with small resistivity at room temperature and large temperature coefficient of resistance is provided; the composition is represented by formula, (Ba1-x-y-wBixAyREw)m(Ti1-zTMz)O3??(1), (wherein, A is at least one element from Na or K, RE is at least one element from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy and Er, TM is at least one element from the group consisting of V, Nb and Ta, and w, x, y, z (each in mol) and the mole ratio m of Ba site to Ti site satisfy the following in equations, 0.007?x?0.125??(2) x<y?2.0x??(3) 0?(w+z)?0.010??(4) 0.940?m?0.999??(5)), and further includes Sr in a proportion of 0.010 mol or more and 0.050 mol or less relative to 1 mol of Ti site, and the mole ratio u of Sr and the mole ratio x of Bi satisfy the following in equation, u?1.8x?0.008??(6).

Abstract: A semiconductor ceramic composition which includes a compound represented by the following formula (1) as a main component, (Ba1-x-y-wBixAyREw)m(Ti1-zTMz)O3 (1) (wherein, A is at least one element selected from Na or K, RE is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy and Er, TM is at least one element selected from the group consisting of V, Nb and Ta, w, x, y, z and m satisfy the following relationships of (2)˜(5), 0.007?x?0.125 (2), x<y?2.0x (3), 0?(w+z)?0.01 (4), 0.94?m?0.999 (5)). And the semiconductor ceramic composition includes Ca in a proportion of 0.01˜0.055 mol in terms of element relative to 1 mol of Ti sites.

Abstract: A control system and method for a thermal circuit that includes a control unit (1) and a valvular device which regulate the passage of a heat transfer fluid (6) through the inside of a thermal circuit, and a thermoelectric element (3) powering the control unit (1) from the heat of the heat transfer fluid (6). The control unit (1) and/or the valvular device are configured to regulate the circulation of the heat transfer fluid (6) through the inside of the thermal circuit, in order to always maintain a sufficient minimum flow to assure, at all times, the electric power supply of the control unit (1). The method includes using a control system to carry out regulation of the circulation of the heat transfer fluid which assures the electric power supply of part or the entire control system.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods directed to using renewable energy sources with hot water heating systems.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for heating of one or more substrates with a plurality of independently controllable heating zones. Pressurized air is provided to each of a plurality of independently controlled heater blocks each including a heating element. The pressurized air is heated in the heater blocks and discharged towards one or more regions of the one or more substrates. The amount of power provided to the heating element in one of the heating blocks may be adjusted relative to the amount of power provided to the heating element in another of the heating blocks. The temperature of one heating zone may thereby be adjusted relative to other heating zones so that the temperature of different heating zones for the one or more substrates may be independently controlled. Heated air may be recovered from the heating zones and recycled. The pressurized air may be preheated by passing through a lift plate.

Abstract: A grip heater controlling apparatus controls an amount of current supplied from a power supply to a grip heater mounted on a handle grip on the steering handle of a motorcycle. The grip heater controlling apparatus has a single momentary switch operable by the driver of the motorcycle, and an amount-of-current controller for changing the amount of current cyclically to at least three levels, including 0, depending on the number of times that the momentary switch is operated.

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 forced air heater is provided that includes: a heating element; a heat sink mounted on the heating element; and an air mover directing air towards the heating element such that the directed air provides impinged airflow in relation to the heating element. There is also provided a heater that includes a temperature sensing device, the temperature sensing device includes: a sensing plate mounted on a metallic component in the environment to be heated; and an electrical contact connected to the sensing plate, wherein the electrical contact is thermally coupled with the metallic component via the sensing plate. There is further provided a method of controlling a heater that includes a temperature sensing device that it is thermally connected to a solid component in the environment to be heated.

Abstract: A control method is provided for controlling a burner of a cooking appliance. According to one implementation the method includes the selection of a desired first power level of the burner within a first discrete set of possible power levels and the selection of a second power level within a second discrete set of power levels, the power released by the burner being the power corresponding to a combination of the selected first and second power levels, the values of the second discrete set of power levels being such that the released power by the burner is between the selected first power level and the next consecutive greater power level of the first set of power levels. A cooking appliance capable of implementing the control method is also provided.

Abstract: An operating control device for adjusting the power of a heating device has a rotary knob that has an off position in which said rotary knob is deactivated, and a working position into which said knob can be brought to adjust the power. The working position is predetermined by a lock-in position, and the rotary knob can be rotated over a working angle of a rotation range in at least one direction of rotation from the working position counter to a counterforce that rises as the angle of rotation increases. The operating control device can detect the angle of rotation and uses a control system of the operating control device for adjusting the power. The control system is configured in such a manner that the power is adjusted more rapidly as the angle of rotation increases.

Abstract: A thermally zoned substrate holder including a substantially cylindrical base having top and bottom surfaces configured to support a substrate. A plurality of temperature control elements are disposed within the base. An insulator thermally separates the temperature control elements. The insulator is made from an insulting material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the base (e.g., a gas- or vacuum-filled chamber).

Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting a single electrical heating element of a hot water heater to first and second AC electrical power sources. Typically, these first and second AC electrical power sources include a utility provided electrical power source and a renewable power source that generates AC power from DC power. The method includes operating a controller that selectively connects and disconnects the first and second power sources. If sufficient electrical power is available from the renewable power source, the utility provided electrical power source may be disconnected to preferentially utilize renewable energy.

Abstract: A heating control system which allows a plurality of heaters to heat an object without depending on a variation in characteristics among a plurality of heater power sources includes: a thermocouple which detects a temperature of an object to be heated; temperature control means that receives a target temperature and a current temperature, and carries out electric power control so that these temperatures match; electric current and voltage detecting means for detecting an electric power value and a current electric power; and target electric power calculating means that receives the electric power value, and calculates the target electric power by multiplying the electric power value by a given ratio. The temperature control means receives the target electric power and the current electric power, and carries out electric power control so that the current electric power matches the target electric power.

Abstract: A non-contact power supply unit including a secondary coil supplies an alternating voltage to multiple heat generation layers provided in a heat generation film. In one of the heat generation layers, a loop is provided as a variable impedance circuit in which the impedance changes according to the frequency. A capacitance element in which the impedance changes according to the frequency is provided in the loop. The heat generation amounts of the heat generation layers are switched by changing the frequency of the alternating voltage generated in the secondary coil according to the size of the recording material that is the heating target.

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: Methods to control power to a cooking appliance are provided. The methods include monitoring a power signal to the portion of the cooking appliance, including monitoring a current and/or voltage of the power signal. The methods also include selectively interrupting power to the portion of the cooking appliance in response to: determining that the current fails to exceed a current threshold within a time threshold, determining that the voltage fails to exceed a voltage threshold within a time threshold, determining that the current exceeds a current threshold for a first time threshold but fails to exceed the current threshold for a second time threshold, and determining that the voltage exceeds a voltage threshold for a first time threshold but fails to exceed the voltage threshold for a second time threshold. The methods also include temperature sensing and controlling the power signal based thereupon.

Abstract: A system for subsea extraction of gaseous materials from and preventing the formation of hydrates.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an electrical heating assembly is disclosed. The electrical heating assembly comprises one or more electrical heating elements. A current leakage sensor is operatively coupled to the one or more heating elements. The current leakage generates a signal indicative of current leakage from the electrical heating elements. The current leakage is proportional to an amount of moisture in contact with the electrical heating elements. A thyristor is coupled to the electrical heating elements. The thyristor is configured to control a power level of the one or more heating elements. A control logic is coupled to the thyristor and the leakage circuit. The control logic is configured to activate the one or more heating elements in a dry-out mode and a control mode. The control logic switches from the dry-out mode to the control mode when the signal indicative of the current leakage is below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A dry fire protection system for a water heater is provided. The water heater includes a body having an elongated hollow for holding water to be heated, an inlet opening and an outlet opening in communication with the hollow for flowing water therethrough. A heating element is coupled to the body for heating the water within the hollow. The dry fire protection system comprises a sensing element disposed in the hollow of the body for detecting the presence of water in the hollow. The sensing element is spaced from and operably connected to the heating element. The sensing element is configured to generate a voltage in response to a temperature of the sensing element. A controller is operably connected to the sensing element for monitoring the generated voltage across the sensing element. The controller is configured to prevent a supply of electrical power to the heating element as a function of the generated voltage.

Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device, the device including an aerosol-forming substrate, a heater including at least one heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, and a power source for providing power to the heating element, the method including determining the temperature of the heating element; and adjusting the power to the heating element to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a desired temperature range, wherein the desired temperature range is dynamically calculated based on a measured flow rate of gas through or past the device. By controlling the temperature of the heating element, an aerosol with consistent and desirable properties can be produced.

Abstract: Techniques for improving user's cooking experience with a SmartCook architecture are described herein. The SmartCook architecture includes a mobile device that is configurable to communicate via the Internet. The mobile device is also configurable to communicate via a SmartCook interface with a SmartCook appliance that is located within a close proximity. The techniques described herein leverage a graphical user interface (GUI) of the mobile device to monitor and control cooking operations of the SmartCook appliance.

Abstract: There is described a method for stabilizing a post-trimming resistance of a thermally isolated electrical component made from a thermally mutable material, the method comprising: generating at least one heating pulse, the at least one heating pulse having an initial amplitude corresponding to a trimming temperature, a slope corresponding to a given cooling rate and a duration corresponding to a given cooling time; and applying the at least one heating pulse to one of the thermally isolated electrical component and a heating device in heat transfer communication with the thermally isolated electrical component, after a trimming process, in order to cause the electrical component to cool in accordance with the given cooling rate, the given cooling rate being slower than a passive cooling rate determined by the thermal isolation of the electrical component.

Abstract: A system for heating a countertop includes a heater comprising a plastic film having a patterned heating element disposed thereon, the patterned heating element defining a resistive path on the plastic film shaped to provide closely-spaced heating traces and shaped to be affixed to an underside of the countertop. The system also includes a control unit electrically connectable to the heating element via a wire, the control unit configured to deliver a direct current signal having a predetermined voltage level to the heating element according to a user selectable power level.