Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier, a cooking apparatus, or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, and time-automated switching of modes of operation. The circuit includes a single control switch to manually set power output, to set a value for automatically comparing and responding to a sensed condition, and to set a time-automated sequence of operational modes. The circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably an application-specific integrated circuit, to provide circuit logic. The single control switch, preferably a push-button switch, selects a mode of operation. The circuit includes a thermistor or humidity sensor. The unit responds to the sensed condition, in accordance with the temperature/humidity value set by the control switch. The unit bypasses sensor operation in manual mode. In timed mode, a manual or automatic mode operates for selected time, followed by an automatic mode or powering off.

Abstract: An apparatus including a reference resistor for use with ratiometric temperature sensing of a device to be sensed. The resistive element has a resistance dependant upon a temperature of the device to be sensed and is electrically coupled to a reference resistor. The reference resistor is maintained at a substantially constant temperature by a temperature controller. A sensor circuit is electrically coupled to the resistive element and the reference resistor to sense their electrical parameters when a current passes through them.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop having at least one heating element and a controller capable of automatically performing a cooking process by operating the heating element at multiple power levels for multiple time periods. More specifically, upon activation, a consumer, through manipulation of a control, can select an initial power level and an initial time duration for the initial power level. Once the initial power level is selected, a second power level and second time duration may be selected. With this arrangement, the controller will operate the heating element at the initial, high power level for the first time duration. Once the initial time period has elapsed, the controller automatically lowers the temperature of the heating element to finish the cooking process for the second time duration.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, the electronic control circuit including a single control switch for controlling both power output and responding to a sensed condition. The electronic circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit to provide the circuit logic. The single control switch is preferably a push-button switch which places the unit in the selected mode of operation. The electronic control circuit also includes a thermistor or humidity sensor to sense conditions and, depending upon the set temperature/humidity by the control switch and the sensed condition the unit will operate accordingly. The unit can also operate in a manual mode, thereby bypassing the sensor operation.

Abstract: To facilitate work with several heatable hairdresser cutting tools, a control device for heatable hairdresser cutting tools is proposed, in which the power circuit device (3) is integrated in a mobile unit along with a storage battery (2) and an interface device (4) and the interface device (4) is designed for the connection of several heatable hairdresser cutting tools, where a connecting device (5, 6) is provided for each hairdresser cutting tool, via which current can be passed from the power circuit device (4) to heat the respective hairdresser cutting tool.

Abstract: A user control generates a heat level input signal responsive to a user of a cooktop heating element. Logic generates an output signal having a duty cycle corresponding to the input signal. An electromechanical device connected to apply power from a source to the heating element in response to the output signal.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a gas burner element, at least one electric heating element and a convection airflow system having a convection fan about which is disposed the at least one electric heating element. A control unit selectively activates the gas burner, the electric heating element and the convection fan to establish a desired temperature within the oven cavity. Once established, the control unit then cycles operation of the gas burner and electric heating element to maintain the desired temperature. With this arrangement, in a start-up period during which products of combustion are highest, operation of the electric heating element aides in the combustion process to reduce emissions from the appliance, as well as causing a reduction in overall cook time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method particularly applicable to an automotive vehicle seat, through which the control of heating of heating elements is carried out by an electronic circuit, based on the temperature monitored in the heating elements and using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The signals applied to the heating elements are progressively adapted to the condition of the different heating elements at all times and throughout their useful life, by variation of the working cycle of the signal applied to the heating elements in the form of a fixed frequency pulse train, and applying said signal after an initial transient state, during which state a maximum voltage has been applied to the heating elements and has been maintained until reaching a desired percentage of an assigned temperature by each of said heating elements.

Abstract: A power control system for an electric cooktop. The power level is set by a knob connected to a potentiometer. Potentiometer information is digitally communicated by a controller over a serial communication bus to a power unit. The power unit communicates power level display information back to the controller over the same serial communication bus. The display information is displayed as numbers on a digital display by the controller. The power unit controls a heating element of the cooktop according to the potentiometer information. A second potentiometer can be added to control a second heating element by operating as a slave to the first controller. Further, multiple heating elements can be controlled by a single potentiometer by dividing the angular rotation into multiple segments or ranges.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling a heater of a drying machine is disclosed, which includes a plurality of switches, each switch having a plurality of input terminals being supplied with different input voltages and an output terminal, and each switch connecting any one of the input terminals with the output terminal according to a switching control signal, and a heater connected to the output terminal of each switch and varying its temperature according to the voltage being supplied therein.

Abstract: An ice and snow melting heater control assembly including at least one sensor, at least one heater element and a controller communicatively coupled with the at least one sensor and the at least one heater element, the controller directing status information about at least one sensor to the at least one heater element.

Abstract: A heating element device has a laminate of a plurality of heating element plates, each of the heating element plates having an insulator and a resistor, which is capable of generating heat upon the supply of electric power, provided on the insulator. The plurality of heating element plates are each independently controllable with respect to energization. The heating element device also has a temperature detection plate having an insulator and a resistor, capable of undergoing a change in resistance value upon a change in temperature, provided on the insulator.

Abstract: A control unit, which divides a controlled system into a plurality of zones and carries out control of the individual zones separately, can match the timings for the zones to reach a steady-state reference temperature by basic control. It can effectively reduce overshoot and undershoot after reaching the steady-state reference temperature, and suitably control the temperature of a wafer in the fabrication process of semiconductor devices.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling an electric cooking appliance, a boost condition is initiated by increasing the power level of one or more electric heating means (2) to a maximum power level from a previous lower power level. Elapsed time (38) during cooling of the appliance since an end of an immediately previous period at the maximum power level is monitored, as is difference in power levels between the maximum power level and the previous lower power level. Duration (34) of the boost condition is set according to one of the elapsed time (38) and the difference in power levels and a level (36) of temperature boost in the boost condition is correspondingly set according to one of the difference in power levels and the elapsed time respectively.

Abstract: A heater control system that utilizes electronic temperature control at each of a number of interconnected heaters is provided for monitoring and operating heaters within a narrow temperature range. In one embodiment, a heater control system is provided that is adapted for controlling a number of heaters positioned on pipe and components of a piping system from a remote location. The heater control system includes satellite controllers mounted on each heater connected daisy chain fashion and includes a monitoring station with a user interface for allowing a user to monitor and to remotely control the operating status or temperature of each heater in the heater control system. To satisfy the user's space requirements, the size of each controller is maintained at a small form factor and a single cord is used to provide power and communications lines to and between the controllers.

Abstract: A power supply system for outputting low voltage electrical power from a high voltage power source includes an isolation-type power conversion device, such as a transformer having a primary high voltage side and an isolated secondary low voltage side. The low voltage side is interconnected with a power output arrangement, which is adapted to supply low voltage power to a load, which may be in the form of an electric blanket or the like. A switching arrangement is interconnected with the high voltage primary side of the power conversion device, for providing intermittent operation of the power conversion device. The period of intermittent operation of the power conversion device is controlled via a control arrangement, to vary the power output from the low voltage secondary side of the transformer and thereby to the electrical load.

Abstract: A method for operating a multi-stage electrical heater comprised of several heating elements. In conventional multi-stage electrical heaters, the resistance value of the individual heating elements scatters. In order that the individual heating elements emit the same power, specifically the required nominal power, despite the scattered resistance values, the voltage on the individual heating elements is separately regulated down to the required nominal power, proceeding from a maximum electrical resistance of the individual heating elements, at which the entire applied operating voltage yields the nominal power of the individual heating elements required for operation.

Abstract: An electric cooking hob having a plurality of heating elements distributed in matrix formation below a heat-resistant surface on which one or more cooking utensils can be located in random manner. The cooking hob can determine the location, form and dimensions of one or more cooking utensils positioned on the cooking hob. The cooking hob uses a signal source to determine which heating elements lie under the cooking utensil. The cooking hob can heat the elements lying below the cooking utensil by a power source. Each heating element being able to be energized with a polarity opposite to the polarity of the current used to perform the determination, so that the power source and the signal source can be applied at the same time to different heating elements.

Abstract: A method for driving appliances and a household appliance for operating two household appliances includes connecting a first household appliance to an electrical wall outlet and disposing an appliance plug receptacle inside the first household appliance, for example, an ironing dummy. The second household appliance, for example, a pressing iron is plugged into the plug receptacle. To prevent an overloading of the electrical mains, a regulating unit disposed inside the first household appliance regulates the current consumption of at least one of these household appliances.

Abstract: Preset electric powers are distributed and continuously supplied to a plurality of coils to uniformly heat a fixing member in a warm-up period, and the preset electric power is supplied only to the coil corresponding to a region whose temperature is lowered in a ready state.

Abstract: An operating device for an electrical and/or electronic apparatus is adapted to the operating behavior of a user. The apparatus has a plurality of operating states which can be chosen or set by way of the operating device. The selection and/or setting, by the user, of the operating states is stored in a memory. A number of how often a given user input is implemented is ascertained and, for the next selection and/or setting of an operating state, that one which is implemented most frequently is suggested. An operating device for carrying out the method has a memory for storage of the implemented selections and/or settings of operating states, a counter for ascertaining the number of how often a selection and/or a setting is implemented, a calculator for ascertaining the frequency of a selection and/or setting and a comparator for ascertaining the most frequently implemented selection and/or settings.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop having at least one heating element and a controller capable of automatically performing a cooking process by operating the heating element at multiple power levels for multiple time periods. More specifically, upon activation, a consumer, through manipulation of a control, can select an initial power level and an initial time duration for the initial power level. Once the initial power level is selected, a second power level and second time duration may be selected. With this arrangement, the controller will operate the heating element at the initial, high power level for the first time duration. Once the initial time period has elapsed, the controller automatically lowers the temperature of the heating element to finish the cooking process for the second time duration.

Abstract: A control circuit for a vehicle seat having at least one heating element and at least one fan is provided. The control circuit includes a two-pole switch having two synchronously actuated switch elements. The switch elements are operatively connected to the heating element and the fan to operate the heating element and the fan in a first operating mode wherein only the heating element is active, and a second operating mode wherein both the heating element and the fan are active. When two heating elements are employed, the two heating elements are connected in parallel by the switch elements in the first operating mode and are connected in series by the switch elements in the second operating mode.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor wafer heat treatment apparatus and method, which can carry out a heat treatment to suppress variations in line widths within surface on a semiconductor wafer and the like, which includes: a heating plate for heating a semiconductor wafer to a predetermined temperature; a temperature measuring unit for measuring temperatures when heating the semiconductor wafer or a semiconductor wafer equivalent placed on the heating plate, at portions divided into a plurality of regions; and a controller for controlling the temperatures of the semiconductor wafer, and based on the temperature measurement result of the temperature measuring unit, the controller controls the temperature in heating the semiconductor wafer, for each of the plurality of regions. In cooling after the heating process, based on the temperature measurement result, the controller controls the temperature in cooling the semiconductor wafer, for each of the plurality of regions.

Abstract: A method is provided, the method comprising measuring at least one parameter characteristic of rapid thermal processing performed on a workpiece in a rapid thermal processing step, and modeling the at least one characteristic parameter measured using a first-principles radiation model. The method also comprises applying the first-principles radiation model to modify the rapid thermal processing performed in the rapid thermal processing step.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, the electronic control circuit including a single control switch for controlling both power output and responding to a sensed condition. The electronic circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit to provide the circuit logic. The single control switch is preferably a push-button switch which places the unit in the selected mode of operation. The electronic control circuit also includes a thermistor or humidity sensor to sense conditions and, depending upon the set temperature/humidity by the control switch and the sensed condition the unit will operate accordingly. The unit can also operate in a manual mode, thereby bypassing the sensor operation.

Abstract: A heated metal forming tool including an un-heated mounting plate that is attached to a press. A tool detail is attached to the mounting plate. Insulation surrounds the tool detail to thermally isolate it from the mounting plate, and from the tool surroundings. The tool detail is heated internally by heaters disposed in zones within the tool detail. The temperature of various portions of the tool detail can be independently controlled by varying the temperature within any of the zones.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus includes a fixing heater, and a zero-cross detector that detects zero-cross points of a frequency of an alternating current (AC) power supply connected to the heater. The image formation apparatus also includes a controller that controls light-on of the heater by pulse-width-modulation (PWM)-controlling the frequency of the AC power supply, that controls a duty width of a PWM control signal for the frequency of the AC power supply for a half period that corresponds to a period between the adjacent zero-cross points detected by the zero-cross detector, and that controls an amplitude of an input current from the AC power supply so that a waveform of the input current becomes a rough approximation of a sine wave.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling heater element operation in an oven includes a proportional heater signal generator that is mounted in associated with an oven operational mode switch. The signal generator operates in a sub-interval about a mode indicator to generate a proportional signal for controlling a heater element. The proportional signal may be used to alter the input voltage or timing control of the heater element.

Abstract: Food heating operations and manual manipulations associated with a cooking appliance are controlled by a computer system connected to displays and input switches which arranged in physically associated pairs, each pair having a display and a switch and the pairs are physically located at diverse locations on the grill in proximity to the location of the performance of the manual operations they signal. Other inputs provide data inputs for appliance attributes, food heating attributes and mode selections. Control of cooking and staging occurs and the work product is tracked beginning from entry of raw food work product onto the grill all the way through removal of the work product for assembly into a sandwich or diversion to holding for subsequent chili preparation.

Abstract: A control system for a cooking appliance enables a consumer to perform a complete cooking operation regardless of whether food is placed into an oven after a preheating operation or from a cold start. In general, under circumstances where the consumer does not intend to allow the oven to be properly preheated prior to inserting the food to be cooked therein, an initial programming operation is followed by an additional control sequence by the user to establish a cold start cooking operation wherein the lack of preheating is automatically compensated for, preferably by causing the oven to reach a peak temperature for the oven which is well above a temperature set by the user for the overall cooking operation. After the peak temperature is reached, the oven temperature is allowed to gradually reduce to the preprogrammed cooking temperature.

Abstract: A state control apparatus includes a calculator for calculating adjustment amounts for adjusting a plurality of end effecting devices on the basis of preset values and measured amounts measured by a plurality of meters. The measured amounts indicate respective states of the end effecting devices. The adjustment amounts are required for conforming the measured amounts to the preset values, respectively. The state control apparatus further includes a parameter generator for generating a plurality of parameters on the basis of settings by a user. The state control apparatus further includes a comprehensive controller for outputting activating signals for activating the respective end effecting devices based on the respective adjustment amounts and the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: A water heater for providing heated water to one or more users includes a first and second tank enclosed in a shell an a mode selection device that is operable to switch between a first selected mode and a second selected mode. The first tank is for storing water in a heated state and for providing water in the heated state during the first and second selected modes. The second tank is for storing water in an unheated state during the first selected mode and for storing water in a heated state and for providing water in the heated state during a second selected mode.

Abstract: A method for operating a multi-stage electrical heater comprised of several heating elements. In conventional multi-stage electrical heaters, the resistance value of the individual heating elements scatters. In order that the individual heating elements emit the same power, specifically the required nominal power, despite the scattered resistance values, the voltage on the individual heating elements is separately regulated down to the required nominal power, proceeding from a maximum electrical resistance of the individual heating elements, at which the entire applied operating voltage yields the nominal power of the individual heating elements required for operation.

Abstract: An intermediate electrical connecting apparatus (14) for a seat-heating system (10) includes a first junction (48) and a second junction (50). The first junction (48) is electrically coupled to a first heating element segment (30) of a heating element (18). The second junction (50) is electrically coupled to a second heating element segment (32) of the heating element (18). A seam segment (52) is electrically coupled between the first junction (48) and the second junction (50) and includes a plurality of redundant electrically conductive connections (54), which have a spacing arrangement therebetween.

Abstract: A system used to program and coordinate the cooking operations for two or more ovens such that the cooking operations are completed at the same time, independent of particular setting variations. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a single controller is utilized to program each of the ovens, with the controller incorporating an auto sequencing feature which causes the different cooking operations to be automatically performed, while terminating at the same time. Preferably, the system enables a second cooking operation to be programmed and initiated after a first cooking operation, while still providing for the auto sequencing of the cooking operation.

Abstract: A first sensor provides a demand for heat signal to a condensing boiler or water heater for control of the variable firing rate. A second sensor controls a bypass valve to allow a portion of water leaving the primary heat exchanger to reenter the primary heat exchanger. The bypass valve is controlled to maintain the temperature of water entering the primary heat exchanger above a minimum. When the boiler is operating at a reduced firing rate based on the demand for heat and an increase in firing rate is needed to maintain the temperature of water entering the primary heat exchanger above the minimum, the variable firing rate is increased.

Abstract: A system used to program and coordinate the cooking operations for two or more ovens such that the cooking operations are completed at the same time, independent of particular setting variations. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a single controller is utilized to program each of the ovens, with the controller incorporating an auto sequencing feature which causes the different cooking operations to be automatically performed, while terminating at the same time. Preferably, the system enables a second cooking operation to be programmed and initiated after a first cooking operation, while still providing for the auto sequencing of the cooking operation.

Abstract: Preset electric powers are distributed and continuously supplied to a plurality of coils to uniformly heat a fixing member in a warm-up period, and the preset electric power is supplied only to the coil corresponding to a region whose temperature is lowered in a ready state.

Abstract: In a heating apparatus in which a plurality of heating bodies are provided and a ratio of an electrical amounts supplied to the respective heating bodies can be changed, two or more phase electrical power supplying means for supplying electrical powers to the heating bodies in accordance with a phase of AC voltage are provided, and a heating ratio of the heating body is changed by thinning, at a predetermined rate, phase wave forms for supplying an electrical power to one of the heating bodies among combinations of the heating body and the phase electrical power supplying means, thereby preventing increase in terminal noise voltage.

Abstract: A system and method for developing a heat treatment process using a model radiative-heating oven, which repeatably and accurately simulates an industrial heat treatment system. In order to simulate the industrial heat treatment system, the model radiative-heating oven uses a variety of scaling factors, such as heating density parameters. The model radiative-heating oven also may have a quickly openable and closable object carrier, which facilitates a timely start and end of a desired heat treatment process. An oven temperature stabilizer also may be provided for thermally stabilizing the model radiative-heating oven prior to the desired heat treatment process. The present technique also may utilize a variety of heat profile controls, such as time, temperature, and power levels, to provide the desired heat profile in the heat treatment process.

Abstract: A control circuit for a vehicle seat having at least one heating element and at least one fan is provided. The control circuit includes a two-pole switch having two synchronously actuated switch elements. The switch elements are operatively connected to the heating element and the fan to operate the heating element and the fan in a first operating mode wherein only the heating element is active, and a second operating mode wherein both the heating element and the fan are active. When two heating elements are employed, the two heating elements are connected in parallel by the switch elements in the first operating mode and are connected in series by the switch elements in the second operating mode.

Abstract: An oven includes a food chamber with an access door which houses a water evaporator chamber in fluid communication with the food chamber. By sensing the temperature of the water in the evaporator and the dry bulb temperature within the food chamber and by controlling a dry heat source that heats the air and a wet heat source that heats the water, the cook can control both the final food temperature and the degree of browning of the food.

Abstract: A heater effectively uses a current controlled fan motor in series with a resistance heating arrangement. The fan motor preferably is wound with a gauge of wire to appropriate for the relatively high current provided to the fan motor. This arrangement is effectively used to adjust the fan speed to match the heat output when the heating arrangement has variable heat output. More desirable operating characteristics are achieved without increasing costs and fan motor manufacturing savings are realized. The portable heater preferably produces heat at different outputs and the current used to power the resistance heating arrangement is used to power the fan motor.

Abstract: A universal voltage fuser heater lamp is described for use in either United States or European markets having different voltage standards. The fuser lamp comprises first and second filaments having equal resistance and a switching mechanism for connecting a power supply to the fuser lamp. The switching mechanism connects the first and second filaments in a parallel configuration when the voltage is 120 Volts and connects the first and second filaments in series when the voltage is 240 Volts from the power supply.

Abstract: A cooking configuration includes a cooker having at least one control unit for controlling heat output of the cooker, an operating unit and a display unit each connected to the control unit, and a cooking space. The configuration also includes a cooktop having a sensor unit for weighing articles set down on the cooktop and establishing a weight measurement and a data line connecting the cooker to the cooktop. The sensor unit is connected to the control unit and communicates the weight measurement to the control unit. The cooker or the cooktop has an operating element for transferring the weight measurement from the sensor unit to the control unit. The operating element is connected to the control unit and the sensor unit and is disposed in the cooker or the cooktop.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling a heater of a drying machine is disclosed, which includes a plurality of switches, each switch having a plurality of input terminals being supplied with different input voltages and an output terminal, and each switch connecting any one of the input terminals with the output terminal according to a switching control signal, and a heater connected to the output terminal of each switch and varying its temperature according to the input voltage being supplied thereto.

Abstract: A universal voltage fuser heater lamp is described for use in either United States or European markets having different voltage standards. The fuser lamp comprises first and second filaments having equal resistance and a switching mechanism for connecting a power supply to the fuser lamp. The switching mechanism connects the first and second filaments in a parallel configuration when the voltage is 120 Volts and connects the first and second filaments in series when the voltage is 240 Volts from the power supply.

Abstract: There is provided a control apparatus for a light radiation-type rapid heating and processing device in which a power factor can be improved, the influence of a higher harmonics strain can be eliminated and a rapid temperature increase of a heated substrate can be performed without any delay in control. Lamps are arranged within a lamp chamber of the light radiation-type rapid heating and processing device, and the workpiece heated and processed is arranged in a processing chamber. The region where the lamps are arranged is divided into a plurality of zones corresponding to a distance from the center of the region, and at least one lamp is arranged in each of the zones. A power control unit is provided for each of the zones. The control parts generate a PWM signal in response to a control pattern stored in advance and send it to each of the power control units.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, the electronic control circuit including a single control switch for controlling both power output and responding to a sensed condition. The electronic circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit to provide the circuit logic. The single control switch is preferably a push-button switch which places the unit in the selected mode of operation. The electronic control circuit also includes a thermistor or humidity sensor to sense conditions and, depending upon the set temperature/humidity by the control switch and the sensed condition the unit will operate accordingly. The unit can also operate in a manual mode, thereby bypassing the sensor operation.