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: An apparatus manufactures a semiconductor device. The apparatus includes a film formation device, a first detector and a second detector. The film formation device forms an embedded layer for embedding a trench disposed at a substrate in the semiconductor device. The first detector detects a state of a first region of the substrate where the trench is disposed. The second detector detects a state of a second region of the substrate, the second region disposed outside of the first region. The film formation device ends film formation of the embedded layer, based on a condition that difference between a first detection result corresponding to the state of the first region and a second detection result corresponding to the state of the second region is smaller than or equal to a threshold value.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cooking apparatus having a heating module capable of moving in a two-dimensional space and, particularly, to a cooking apparatus comprising: an upper plate configured to support a cooking vessel, a heating module disposed movably in a space provided under the upper plate and included a coil, and a rail disposed under the heating module to guide movements of the heating module, wherein electric current is supplied to the rail and the heating module supplies an alternating current through the rail. According to the present disclosure, the heating module supplies a current through the rail rather than receiving a current through a separate connection coil or wiring from an external power supply, thereby enabling shorting or disconnection of a current to be prevented even if the heating module moves.

Abstract: There is described a cartridge for use with an apparatus for heating aerosol generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol generating material. The cartridge includes a first body defining a first chamber and aerosol generating material is located within the first chamber. The first body includes a first base including a sheet of heat conductive material and has a first outer surface and at least a major portion of the first outer surface is for contacting a first heating surface of a heater of the apparatus for heating the aerosol generating material within the first chamber.

Abstract: An electric water heater has upper and lower electric resistance type heating elements respectively controlled by a single pole, double throw upper thermostat and a single pole, single throw lower thermostat. The upper and lower thermostats are operatively interconnected by a wiring harness having outer conductor end portions that are connected to a terminal block portion of an external junction box to provide the water heater with a variety of heating element operating modes without having to replace either of the thermostats, vary the wiring harness interconnections therebetween, or vary the connection between the outer conductor end portions and the terminal block. The water heater may thus be advantageously manufactured in a single variant that may be easily and quickly modified in the field to selectively alter the heating element control mode of the water heater.

Abstract: A method of performing a defrost operation in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system having a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, the method including determining that the defrost operation is needed; determining a capacity for the defrost operation in response to one or more prior defrost operations; beginning the defrost operation at the determined capacity; monitoring a defrost parameter; determining if the defrost parameter indicates a need for increased capacity; and increasing the capacity of the defrost operation when the defrost parameter indicates the need for increased capacity.

Abstract: A countertop cooking appliance having a housing defining a cooking chamber, a user interface, three heating sources within the cooking chamber, each separately controllable by a controller which distributes power to each heating source as percentages X1, X2, and X3, respectively, and X1+X2+X3?100%. The countertop cooking appliance may also include multiple fans for circulating heated air within the chamber. Preferably, a first fan is positioned proximate the first heating source so as to circulate heat generated by the first heating source, a second fan is positioned proximate the second heating source so as to circulate heat generated by the second heating source, and a third fan is positioned proximate the third heating source so as to circulate heat generated by the third heating source. The fans may also be independently operated by the controller.

Abstract: A method of operating a water heater in a load shed mode can include detecting that an upper water heater thermostat control module in a water heater is calling for heat to be provided via an upper heating element of the water heater while the water heater is in a load shed mode of operation wherein a first leg of power to the water heater is decoupled from an input to the upper water heater thermostat control module and responsive to the upper water heater thermostat control module calling for heat, transmitting a signal to end the load shed mode of operation at the water heater so that the first leg of power to the water heater is coupled to the input of the upper water heater thermostat control module so that the upper heating element of the water heater is enabled to heat water responsive to the upper water heater thermostat control module calling for heat.

Abstract: In preset calculation, a plurality of cooling banks are set to be feedforward or feedback banks, and each of water injection amounts in these banks is calculated. In cooling history management, a recalculation position for re-executing the feedback calculation is set. In feedback calculation, a temperature correction value for compensating a delay due to a conveyance time period from a position of the feedback bank to a position of a delivery side pyrometer, and a response delay of the feedback bank is calculated, when a segment reaches the recalculation position. In the feedback calculation, each of water injection amounts in the feedback banks that is calculated in the preset calculation is changed for each of segments based on a delivery side temperature target value, a delivery side temperature actual value calculated for each of the segments, a delivery side temperature prediction value that is recalculated, and the temperature correction value.

Abstract: A method of operating a tankless water heater for heating a continuous supply of water. The method includes detecting a water flow condition within a heating chamber of the tankless water heater and regulating electrical current to first and second heating elements in response thereto. Both the first and second heating elements are located in the heating chamber, and respectively have first and second wattages, where second wattage is different than the first wattage. The regulating step further includes providing electrical current to the first heating element and not to the second heating element when a first flow condition is detected, and providing electrical current to the second heating element and not the first heating element when a second flow condition is detected, and providing electrical current to both of the heating elements when a third flow condition is detected.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing uninterrupted power to an external device. The system and method include a power supply module coupled to an AC power source and to an external device via a power line, a switching module coupled to the power line, a redundant power supply unit coupled to the AC power source and to the switching module. The switching module is configured to detect an electrical state of the power line and connect the redundant power supply unit to the power line for providing redundant power to the external device based upon the detected electrical state.

Abstract: Embodiments of an electronic vapor provision system having a longitudinal axis are disclosed. The electronic vapor provision system includes a control unit and at least one cartridge configured to engage with and disengage from the control unit substantially along the longitudinal axis. The at least one cartridge includes a reservoir of liquid to be vaporized. The electronic vapor provision system further includes an induction heating assembly including at least one drive coil and a plurality of heater elements. The heaters elements are located in the at least one cartridge for vaporizing the liquid. The at least one cartridge is configured to feed liquid from the reservoir onto the heater elements for vaporization. The at least one cartridge is located, when engaged with the control unit, such that the heater elements are within the at least one drive coil. The electronic vapor provision system is configured to support selective energization of different heater elements from the plurality of heater elements.

Abstract: A water heating system can include a water heater having a tank, and a first temperature sensor disposed toward a top end of the tank to measure a first temperature and a second temperature sensor disposed toward a bottom end of the tank to measure a second temperature. The water heating system can further include a controller communicably coupled to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, where the controller determines an amount of heated water in the tank based on a plurality of algorithms and measurements made by the first and second temperature sensors. The plurality of algorithms solves for at least one calculated temperature for at least one point between a first location of the first temperature sensor and a second location of the second temperature sensor, where the at least one calculated temperature is used to determine the amount of heated water in the tank.

Abstract: Provided is a power control device 100 comprising: a current detector 31 that measures a combined current value obtained by combining currents flowing through a plurality of loads 1-4; and an output calculation unit 11 that calculates a correction value obtained by dividing a total value of products of operation output values for the loads 1-4 and rated current values of the loads 1-4, respectively, by the combined current value obtained by the current detector 31, and that performs power supply control for the loads 1-4 on the basis of a corrected operation output value that is a product of the operation output value and the correction value for each of the loads 1-4, in which in a system that heats or cools a workpiece by means of a plurality of loads, heating control or cooling control can be performed in which an effect of a fluctuation in load characteristics is reduced.

Abstract: System and methods of operating a water heater receiving power from an electrical grid. The water heater includes a heating element, a controller, and a first control circuit. The first control circuit including an energizing terminal and a microprocessor. The method includes connecting an energizing terminal of the first control circuit between a power output terminal of the controller and the heating element, receiving driving power from the controller based on a temperature signal. The method also includes receiving a control signal from the controller based on electrical grid information, and selectively energizing the heating element, by the microprocessor of the first control circuit and through the energizing terminal of the first control circuit based on the control signal.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.