Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aerosol provision apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, and an aerosol provision apparatus, are described.

Abstract: In an image heating device having a plurality of heating blocks which are controllable independently in a longitudinal direction of a heater, an increase of the size of the heater can be suppressed, and temperatures of a plurality of heating block can be detected. The heater has a first temperature sensor corresponding to a first heating block, a second temperature sensor corresponding to a second heating block, a first electric conductor electrically coupled to the first temperature sensor, a second electric conductor electrically coupled to the second temperature sensor, and a common electric conductor electrically coupled to the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a heating arrangement includes applying a first polarity voltage to a heater of the heating arrangement, detecting a first polarity heating leakage current, applying a second polarity voltage to the heating arrangement, detecting a second polarity heating leakage current, and determining health of the heating arrangement via the first polarity heating leakage current and the second polarity heating leakage current.

Abstract: A temperature controller (1) for a temperature control mechanism (M) arranged for heating of a device (2) is described. The temperature controller (1), includes an input (3) for a temperature signal (Y), an output (4) for a control signal U for controlling the temperature controller, and a first control loop mechanism (CLM1) can output a first predicted temperature ({tilde over (X)}) of the gas surrounding the device. The temperature controller also includes a first model ({tilde over (S)}) of the thermal properties of the device, a second model ({tilde over (M)}) of the thermal properties of the device, and a second control loop mechanism (CLM2) can output the control signal (U).

Abstract: A fryer and method for cooking food products is provided that automates the movement of baskets carrying the food products. The fryer includes a cooking chamber with a heating element located therein for heating cooking medium in the cooking chamber. The fryer also includes at least one vertical transport assembly that selectively engages with and moves the basket vertically into and out of the cooking medium. A horizontal transport assembly selectively engages with and moves the basket horizontally between different positions. The horizontal transport assembly hands off the basket to and from the vertical transport assembly, and first and second hooks on the horizontal transport assembly engage with front and rear receiving mechanisms on the basket to continuously maintain at least two points of contact with the basket. This allows for controlled pivotal movements of the basket when food products are to be added or removed from the basket.

Abstract: A window glass heating device for a vehicle is provided with a window heater configured to heat a whole area of a window glass, a window heater control unit configured to control the window heater, a camera heater that is an electric heater which heats a camera-imaging window area which is a part of the window glass included in an imaging area of a camera that images a vehicle exterior from a vehicle interior via the window glass, and a camera heater control unit configured to control supply of power to the camera heater. The camera heater control unit is configured to acquire window heater operation information, acquire a temperature of the camera heater, and control supply of power to the camera heater such that the temperature of the camera heater is within a predetermined temperature range based on the window heater operation information.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled substrate support for a substrate processing system includes a substrate support located in the processing chamber. The substrate support includes N zones and N resistive heaters, respectively, where N is an integer greater than one. A temperature sensor is located in one of the N zones. A controller is configured to calculate N resistances of the N resistive heaters during operation and to adjust power to N?1 of the N resistive heaters during operation of the substrate processing system in response to the temperature measured in the one of the N zones by the temperature sensor, the N resistances of the N resistive heaters, and N?1 resistance ratios.

Abstract: A modular brewing system is described for providing hot water and managing power to multiple brew tower modules using a single centralized boiler and power management module so as to limit the number of high-power circuits required in a coffeehouse or store. The boiler and power management module manages power of components of the centralized boiler assembly and any brew tower modules connected thereto, including the boiler heaters, the grinder motors, and the brew chamber heaters.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing substrates are provided. The system can include: a processing chamber configured to process a substrate based on a recipe; a plurality of sub-systems in operable communication with the processing chamber for controlling corresponding parameters associated with processing the substrate; and a controller in operable communication with the processing chamber and each of the plurality of sub-systems and configured to control each of the plurality of sub-systems and the processing chamber using information included in the recipe and feedback provided by at least one of the plurality of sub-systems. The controller is configured to compare information included in the recipe and feedback provided by at least one of the plurality of sub-systems with stored empirical information relating to the recipe and each of the plurality of sub-systems, and adjust at least one of the corresponding parameters associated with processing the substrate based on a determined comparison.

Abstract: Methods for operating an oven appliance, as provided herein, may include various steps for activating top and bottom heating elements (e.g., at overlapping times) prior to limiting activation of one of the heating elements based on one or more received temperature signals.

Abstract: According to examples, an apparatus may include a processor that may identify a first period for a heated system, the first period including a first set of power events and a first zero power event for the heated system and may identify a second period for the heated system, the second period including a second set of power events and a second zero power event for the heated system. The processor may also borrow, from the second period, a portion of a second power event of the second set of power events and may apply the borrowed portion of the second power event to a first power event of the first set of power events during the first period to remove the first zero power event from the first period.

Abstract: According to one or more implementations, a method is disclosed for operating heating elements disposed in a heating compartment of a cooking system. The method includes receiving a zero-crossing indication based on an alternating current and defined by zero-crossing circuitry. The method includes energizing a first heating element of the heating elements with the alternating current based on the zero-crossing indication and according to a modulation schedule.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibration non-contact temperature sensors within a process chamber are described herein. The calibration of the non-contact temperature sensors includes the utilization of a band edge detector to determine the band edge absorption wavelength of a substrate. The band edge detector is configured to measure the intensity of a range of wavelengths and determines the actual temperature of a substrate based off the band edge absorption wavelength and the material of the substrate. The calibration method is automated and does not require human intervention or disassembly of a process chamber for each calibration.

Abstract: A heater with reduced electromagnetic wave emissions, comprising two heating elements separated by an insulating layer and receiving opposite-phase alternating current in a way that cancels out electromagnetic wave emissions.

Abstract: A connected oven, including a set of in-cavity sensors and a processor configured to automatically identify foodstuff within the cooking cavity, based on the sensor measurements; and automatically operate the heating element based on the foodstuff identity.

Abstract: A system and method to control the power supplied to heating elements of a conveyor oven. The conveyor oven includes a plurality of heating elements to evenly distribute heat in an oven compartment. During peak-loads, the current draw of the heating elements may exceed available power of a power supply. Therefore, a system and method to reduce the total current draw of the plurality of heating elements is provided. The system includes a controller configured to perform the methods disclosed herein. The methods effectively lower the total current draw by rapidly cycling a plurality of relays connected to each of the plurality of heating elements to achieve even distribution of heat and reduced current draw during peak-loads.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the technique of the present disclosure, there is provided a substrate processing apparatus including: a heater heating a substrate in a reaction tube; a temperature controller controlling the heater; a valve controller adjusting an opening degree of a control valve to adjust a gas flow rate; and a main controller instructing a recipe including: (a) elevating an inner temperature of the reaction tube to a predetermined temperature at an elevating rate; (b) processing the substrate at the predetermined temperature; and (c) lowering the inner temperature of the reaction tube at a lowering rate. The main controller controls the temperature controller and the valve controller so that the inner temperature of the reaction tube changes in (a) or (c) at the elevating or lowering rate by heating in parallel with cooling by the gas supplied through the control valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and articles for temperature conditioning a surface. An article is formed from a first layer having a plurality of openings and a second layer having a corresponding plurality of openings. At least one interior chamber constructed and configured to retain a fluid without leaking is defined between an interior surface of the first layer and an interior surface of the second layer. At least one flexible fluid supply line delivers the fluid to the at least one interior chamber. At least one flexible fluid return line removes the fluid from the at least one interior chamber. At least one control unit that is operable to selectively cool or heat the fluid is attached to the at least one flexible fluid supply line and the at least one flexible fluid return line.

Abstract: Methods for forming single crystal silicon ingots with improved resistivity control are disclosed. The methods involve growth of a sample rod. The sample rod may have a diameter less than the diameter of the product ingot. The sample rod is cropped to form a center slab. The resistivity of the center slab may be measured directly such as by a four-point probe. The sample rod or optionally the center slab may be annealed in a thermal donor kill cycle prior to measuring the resistivity, and the annealed rod or slab is irradiated with light in order to enhance the relaxation rate and enable more rapid resistivity measurement.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transfer unit for transferring a toner image onto a sheet, a fixing device for fixing the image, the fixing device including a heating member including a heat generating element and electrodes on both sides of the heat generating element in a sheet conveyance direction and connected to the heat generating element, and a pressure element for pressing against the heating member, and a controller for controlling an adjustment mechanism so that a distance between the heating member and the pressure element becomes a first distance during a fixing process and a second distance larger than the first distance during temperature raising of the heating member, which is conducted before the fixing process.

Abstract: In an electric water heater having adjustable set point and differential temperatures, upper and lower heating elements, and associated temperature sensors respectively operative to sense upper and lower tank water temperatures, a specially designed control system is provided for controlling the heating elements. The control system is operative to prevent dry firing of the heating elements by measuring temperatures over time with the temperature sensors.

Abstract: A thermoforming device according to the present invention has a masking plate and a heater block. A plurality of the heater blocks are disposed with a space therebetween in a planar direction of the masking plate. The thickness of the masking plate is 0.2-3.0 mm. The distance of the space is 1-15 mm, and the distance of the space is set at least five times larger than the thickness of the masking plate. Heat to be transmitted to the masking plate from a high temperature heater block is more easily transmitted in the thickness direction of the masking plate than in the surface direction of the masking plate, and is more easily transmitted to the sheet than to a portion, of the masking plate, corresponding to a low temperature heater block, whereby a temperature difference is provided between different zones of the masking plate.

Abstract: Methods for heat treating food products include controlling a temperature of a heating element to a maximum temperature correlated to a desired temperature for the food product. A sensed temperature of the heating element may be used to control the maximum temperature. An oven includes a heating element and a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the heating element, and a controller that limits the temperature of the heating element based on output from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A combination microwave and refrigerator system is provided. The microwave oven is connected to a source of power and has a 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 safety sensor is provided in the microwave oven, and is configured to cause cooking power to the microwave oven to be turned off upon the safety sensor sensing a dangerous condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting including a learning system and a reference system. The electronic plumbing fixture fitting includes a user input module and a processor. The user input module includes a mechanism to receive from the user numerical value(s) of parameter(s) for water to be delivered through a discharge outlet of the electronic plumbing fixture fitting (e.g., a temperature) and a mechanism to deliver to the user the numerical value(s) of the parameter(s) via the water delivered through the discharge outlet of the electronic plumbing fixture fitting. Additionally, the processor includes a mechanism to learn a range of the numerical value(s) of the parameter(s) from a minimum value of the parameter to a maximum value of the parameter (e.g., from a lowest achievable temperature to a highest achievable temperature).

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for protecting against unsafe electric current conditions. A protections circuit may be used in a device, such as an electric grill, that has one or more electric loads, such as heating elements. The protection circuit may protect against various failure scenarios, including, without limitation, instances of ground fault, over current, driver failure, and failure of a microprocessor. In response to a failure, the protection circuit may trip a latch relay or disable a triac driver to stop current from flowing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aerosol provision apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, and an aerosol provision apparatus, are described.

Abstract: This heating device (100) includes: a heater (10) for heating an object (1) to be heated; a temperature detection unit (20) for detecting a temperature of the object (1) to be heated; and a temperature regulator (30) which controls the heater (10) so as to make the temperature of the object (1) to be heated equal to the target temperature. The temperature detection unit (20) comprises temperature sensors (21, 22). An identification unit (34) identifies, from temperature data detected by the temperature sensors (21, 22) and manipulation quantity data corresponding to electric power applied to the heater (10), a heat transfer function between the heater (10) and the temperature sensors (21, 22), and a heat transfer function between the respective temperature sensors (21, 22). A determination unit (36) detects a change of the transfer functions, and determines an abnormality in the heater (10) or the temperature sensors (21, 22).

Abstract: A power management system obtains first data regarding several groups of electrical devices, including a budget and a respective priority metric associated with each of the groups. The system allots a respective amount of electrical power for use by each of the groups based on the first data. Further, the system obtains second data regarding the groups, including a respective amount of electrical power consumed by each of the groups. The system determines that a first group has consumed a first amount of electrical power that is greater than or equal to a second amount of electrical power that had been allotted for use by the first group. In response, the system re-allots at least a portion of a third amount of electrical power that had been allotted for use by a second group for use by the first group instead.

Abstract: A hair dryer is provided that may include a main body, a handle, a flow path, and a fan. The handle may include a handle case and a handle frame. The handle frame may include a flow stabilizer located upstream of the fan. A fluid flowing in through an inlet may pass through the flow stabilizer to flow to the fan. A sound absorbing space to reduce noise may be formed between an inner circumferential surface of the handle case and the flow stabilizer.

Abstract: A hands-free hair dryer assembly that has a concave housing assembly with an open top portion, at least one side surface, and a bottom portion having a bottom exterior surface. At least one air inlet is disposed through the bottom surface or the at least one side surface. At least one electrical fan assembly heats and blows air drawn through the at least one air inlet. An airflow distribution plenum directs heated air out the open top portion. A plurality of removable, protruding duct members disposed within the concave housing assembly broadens the airflow distribution and changes the speed of the airflow. The housing portions may be divided into two parts so that the hands-free hair dryer can be at least partly extended or retracted to change the dimensions of the open top portion.

Abstract: Modular infrared heater units for a sauna and methods for constructing a sauna. The infrared heater units include one or more heating elements disposed in a housing. The housing is configured for direct mounting on walls of a structure and includes a pigtail for coupling to a controller. The housing is dimensioned to accommodate a paneling or other cladding on the walls and includes a trim frame that obscures edges of the cladding adjacent to the heater unit. Construction of a sauna unit includes mounting of a plurality of the heater units on walls of the structure; electrically communicably coupling the heater units to a controller; and providing any desired cladding to the interior of the structure.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck is configured to adsorb and retain an object thereon. The electrostatic chuck includes: a base body on which the object is mounted; an electrostatic electrode that is provided in the base body; a plurality of heating elements that are provided in the base body; and a plurality of current control elements that are provided in the base body, and each of which is connected in series with a corresponding one of the heating elements. Each of operations of the current control elements is controlled in accordance with light radiated toward a corresponding one of the current control elements from an outside of the base body.

Abstract: A card substrate laminating device including a transfer roller configured to heat a portion of a transfer layer of a transfer ribbon and transfer the portion of the transfer layer from a carrier layer of the transfer ribbon to a surface of a card substrate. The transfer roller includes a diameter of less than 0.537 inches and a compliant exterior surface layer or coating. The compliant exterior surface layer or coating can include silicon rubber. The compliant exterior surface layer or coating can be approximately 0.020 inches thick. An internal heating element is configured to heat the transfer roller from an ambient temperature to a laminating temperature, at which laminating operations are performed, within 40 seconds.

Abstract: An induction heating device includes an induction heating circuit, a sensor configured to measure current applied to the induction heating circuit, and a controller. The controller includes: a switch driving unit configured to control operation of an inverter unit and to allow a resonance of the current, a container sensing unit, and a control unit. The container sensing unit is configured to: convert a first current value before the resonance into a first voltage value; control the switch driving unit to charge a working coil; compare the first voltage value with a resonance reference value; convert a second current value after the resonance into a second voltage value; generate one or more output pulses; and compare the second voltage value with a count reference value. The control unit is configured to determine whether an object is present on the working coil based on the one or more output pulses.

Abstract: A method of operating an oven appliance includes obtaining a temperature set point, determining, based on the temperature set point, an electric heating temperature range and a gas undershoot temperature limit, the gas undershoot limit being below the electric heating temperature range, determining that a chamber temperature of the oven appliance has dropped to the gas undershoot temperature limit, and operating a gas heat source to maintain the chamber temperature above the gas undershoot temperature limit.

Abstract: A heater assembly or dryer appliance, as provided herein, may include a housing, a heating element, and a thermostat. The housing may have an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface may define a chamber, an inlet, and an outlet. The housing may further include an embossing mount extending radially outward along the outer surface. The heating element may be disposed within the chamber to selectively heat air in a flow of heated air from the inlet to the outlet. The thermostat may be mounted on the outer surface of the housing. The thermostat may include a probe, a first mounting tab, and a second mounting tab. The probe may be positioned in thermal communication with the chamber. The first mounting tab may be secured to the embossing mount. The second mounting tab may be held against the outer surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing including a power source; a reservoir including an inlet, an outlet, and configured to contain vaporizable material and couple to the housing; and a PTCR heating element configured to electrically couple to the power source and heat the vaporizable material to form an aerosol. The PTCR heating element includes an electrical resistivity that varies based on temperature. The electrical resistivity includes an electrical resistivity transition zone including an increase in electrical resistivity over a temperature range such that, when the PTCR heating element is heated to a first temperature within the transition zone, current flow from the power source is reduced to a level that limits further temperature increases of the PTCR heating element. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A control module for an electrical appliance is provided. The control module comprises a wireless interface, a processor coupled to the wireless interface and a plurality of pins extending from the bottom of the module coupled to the processor, the pins for twist lock interfacing with a receptacle of an appliance, wherein the processor can send and receive command related to the control of the appliance.

Abstract: This electronic cigarette (1) comprises: —a heating element (10) able to vapourize a substrate during a smoking period; —means (30) for measuring an approximation (AUIOMESOO, UIOMESOO) of a characteristic of the voltage (U10(t)) across the terminals of the heating element (10) during this smoking period, said approximation being measured across the terminals (BI, B2) of a circuit (500) no component of which exhibits intrinsic characteristics not disturbed by the inhalations; —means (30) of estimating an approximation (AU10TH(t), UIO-m(t)) of said characteristic of the voltage (U10(t)) across the terminals of the heating element (10) in the absence of inhalation during said smoking period; means (30) of calculating an intensity (F) representative of the intensity of the inhalations during said smoking period on the basis of an integration of the difference between said approximations during said smoking period; and —means (30) of estimating the said quantity of substrate vapourized by the heating element at le

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically determining and analyzing electrical responses related to a group of elements. In an embodiment, the method includes one or more computer processors determining a group of elements electrically connected to a power distribution unit that supplies AC power to an AC load of the group of elements. The method further includes determining a resistance corresponding to the group of elements utilizing a solid-state relay. The method further includes dictating a phase angle trigger value to activate a solid-state current-flow control device. The method further includes determining a set of inductive impedance values corresponding to the group of elements utilizing the solid-state current-flow control device to control AC current flow to the group of elements based on the dictated phase angle trigger value. The method further includes generating an analysis of the determined set of inductive impedance values corresponding to the group of elements.

Abstract: A support pedestal is provided that includes a substrate having a top resistive layer defining a first set of zones and a bottom resistive layer defining a second set of zones. Each zone of the first and second set of zones is coupled to at least two electric terminals from among a plurality of electric terminals, and a total number of electric terminals is less than or equal to a total of the first and second set of zones.

Abstract: A contactor with a rotary actuation system, the contactor including a plurality of switching devices configured to switch a plurality of electrical circuits, a plurality of cam followers each operably coupled to one of the switching devices, wherein each cam follower is configured to actuate a switching device, and a cam mechanism, the cam pivotally attached to a point rotation, the cam having plurality of lobes about its perimeter, the cam in operable communication with each cam follower such that upon rotation of the cam mechanism, each cam follower engages a lobe of the plurality of lobes, it causes each cam follower to actuate the respective switching device. The contactor also includes an actuator connected to the cam, the actuator responsive to a control current and operable to rotate the cam and a controller, the controller operable to supply a control current the actuator.

Abstract: There is provided a technique that includes (a) acquiring temperature data of at least one of a heater temperature defined by a temperature of a heater and a furnace temperature defined by an inner temperature of a process chamber, and acquiring a power supply value indicating an electric power supplied to the heater; (b) acquiring a reference temperature of the temperature data; (c) creating a predetermined equation using a prediction model of estimating a predicted temperature of the temperature data; (d) calculating a solution of minimizing a deviation between the reference temperature and the predicted temperature based on the predetermined equation; and (e) outputting a calculated power supply value calculated from the solution, and processing a substrate while controlling heating of the heater based on the calculated power supply value.

Abstract: Provided is a cooking apparatus and method of controlling the cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber; a heating portion installed in the cooking chamber; and a smoking agent accommodation portion separably mounted on the heating portion and capable of accommodating a smoking agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel eyewear system and a method to configure the same. An eyewear system consistent with the present disclosure comprises an eyewear frame and a lens casing attached thereto. The eyewear system comprises a set of insertable lenses fitted between said eyewear frame and said lens casing. The lens casing comprises a pliable material to receive the set of insertable lenses. Further, the present disclosure provides a method for a consumer to design and order a pair of eyewear using an online system. The method may include prompting a user to choose from a plurality of unique frame options. Based on the user's selection of the frame, display to the user a plurality of lens casing options. In addition, based on the user's selection of the lens casing options, associate the selected frame and the selected lens casing with a customer order.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for adjusting the heating power of at least one heating element (40) of a domestic appliance (10), wherein the domestic appliance (10) includes a temperature sensor (50) for measuring a temperature (T) in a receiving space (20) of the domestic appliance (10).

Abstract: A water heating system including a tank, a first heating element, a second heating element, a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a controller having an electronic processor and a memory. The controller is configured to determine an output temperature setpoint, determine whether a period of expected high water demand is approaching, and in response to determining that the period of expected high water demand is approaching, activate the second heating element. The controller is further configured to deactivate the second heating element when a second temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor crosses a second temperature threshold, activate the first heating element when the second temperature crosses the second temperature threshold, and deactivate the first heating element. Wherein the first temperature threshold is lower than the second temperature threshold and the first and second temperature thresholds are higher than the output temperature setpoint.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the continuous production of materials, preferably for producing material boards made of essentially non-metallic material, comprising a continuous furnace (1) for continuously heating material (3) on an endlessly circulating conveyor belt (10) and a press (2) provided downstream in the production direction (15), wherein the continuous furnace (1) comprises a plurality of magnetrons (4) for generating electromagnetic waves and hollow conductors (5) with outlet openings (6) for feeding the waves into a radiation chamber (14). The invention is intended to solve the problem of reacting to various operating modes for the continuous furnace and, in particular, to heat up the material used in the best possible manner for later pressing.

Abstract: A contactor with a rotary actuation system, the contactor including a plurality of switching devices configured to switch a plurality of electrical circuits, a plurality of cam followers each operably coupled to one of the switching devices, wherein each cam follower is configured to actuate a switching device, and a cam mechanism, the cam pivotally attached to a point rotation, the cam having plurality of lobes about its perimeter, the cam in operable communication with each cam follower such that upon rotation of the cam mechanism, each cam follower engages a lobe of the plurality of lobes, it causes each cam follower to actuate the respective switching device. The contactor also includes an actuator connected to the cam, the actuator responsive to a control current and operable to rotate the cam and a controller, the controller operable to supply a control current the actuator.