Abstract: A system and method for nematode extermination in lawns using an array of insulated heat blankets (2) placed on the lawn, and energized in a controlled sequence to raise the soil temperature to an effective degree and depth to exterminate nematodes. An electric current controller such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) activates a first subset of the blankets (2) until they reach an upper setpoint temperature, then maintains the blanket temperature within a desired range with reduced current while activating additional blankets. The heat penetrates the soil over a period of about 20 to 50 hours to raise the temperature to at least about 52° C. (125° F.) at a sufficient depth such as at least 12 cm (4.7 inches) to kill at least most nematodes.

Abstract: A control system for an oven includes a first and a second temperature sensor, and a controller. The oven has a first cavity and a second cavity and includes, a first electrical heating element positioned within the first oven cavity, and a second electrical heating element positioned within the second oven cavity. The first temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature within the first oven cavity, and the second temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature within the second oven cavity. The controller is operatively coupled to the temperature sensors and the heating elements. The controller is configured to receive signals from the sensors and energize both the first and second heating elements by allowing energy to be supplied to only one of the first and second heating elements at a given time.

Abstract: Control system and apparatus for controlling current input to an electrical resistance element such as a seal wire. The system and apparatus of the present invention is a closed loop feedback modification to conventional systems, and takes advantage of the inherent expansion of the seal wire as it is heated. The feedback mechanism monitors both the actual current passing through the wire, and the length of the sealing wire, and adjusts the current applied to the wire, responsive to those monitored inputs. The usage of the sealing machine is also monitored and the application and amount of current flowing to the wire is varied based on this usage.

Abstract: A roller-equipped annealing lehr for flat glass, having a roller conveyor inside a lehr housing, with heating units arranged in pairs above and below the roller conveyor, in rows situated one after another and extending transversely to the feed direction. Temperature regulators are provided with predetermined desired values and actual temperature values that are measured in a position-dependent fashion. In order to achieve a desired stable temperature distribution and to prevent stresses in the flat glass, a feedback loop arrangement for at least one pair of heating units situated at a particular position in the row, presets as a control variable the heating output required to predetermine the temperature distribution in the region of this position as a predetermined portion of a heating output, which is calculated based on at least one actual temperature value measured at a different position in the row.

Abstract: An electric cooking appliance is provided. The electric cooking appliance includes a plurality of surface heating elements and a plurality of sensors configured to monitor an operational status of a corresponding surface heating element. The electric cooking appliance also includes a first cooking unit, a second cooking unit and an electronic control to facilitate sharing power between the first cooking unit and the second cooking unit based on the operational status of the plurality of surface heating elements.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for vapor phase fluid delivery to a desired end use are provided, wherein the conditions of the system are monitored to determine when the water concentration or supply vessel surface temperature exceeds a specified value or when the low vapor pressure fluid pressure falls below a specified value for the purpose of removing a first supply vessel from service by discontinuing vapor flow from the first supply vessel and initiating vapor flow from a second supply vessel.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit, for use in connection a hot melt adhesive dispensing system having a relatively large applicator head, has a plurality of heater circuits and a plurality of temperature sensors disposed upon different regions of the relatively large applicator head, wherein the electronic control circuitry can effectively interface between the plurality of heater circuits and the plurality of temperature sensors, and the adhesive supply unit (ASU) hose and head connector, so as to control individual ones of the plurality of heater circuits and thereby ensure that all of the heater circuits will maintain the same temperature setting throughout all regions of the applicator head.

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

Abstract: A redundant control circuit comprises a pair of heater circuits for heating a hot melt adhesive hose assembly to a predetermined temperature level, and a pair of temperature sensors which are used to sense the temperature of the hot melt adhesive hose assembly and to control energization of the heater circuits in order to maintain the desired temperature level. A first one of the heater circuits would initially be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry, and in a similar manner, a first one of the temperature sensors would likewise be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry.

Abstract: In general, one embodiment of the invention is directed to apparatus for warming pre-cooked sandwich buns and the like to a desired holding temperature and then holding the buns at such holding temperature. The apparatus comprises a cabinet having at least one compartment with a bottom wall, a top wall and opposite side walls. Adjacent the bottom of the compartment is at least one heat source for delivering heat to buns in the compartment. A control mechanism controls the heat source to deliver heat to the buns to warm the buns to the desired holding temperature and then to vary the amount of heat delivered to the buns to hold the buns at the desired holding temperature. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus has a first heating member and a second heating member provided in a heating portion, and a current control unit which controls an AC current to be supplied to the heating portion, The current control unit executes a wave number control, on the AC current supplied to the heating portion, in a unit of predetermined number of half-waves so that an AC current to the first heating member is supplied in a positive-negative symmetrical pattern in the unit of predetermined number of half-waves; an AC current to the second heating member is supplied in a positive-negative symmetrical pattern in the unit of predetermined number of half waves; AC currents to the first and second heating members are supplied in a positive-negative symmetrical pattern in total in the unit of predetermined number of half-waves and the current control unit increases the duty ratio alternately for the first heating member and the second heating member.

Abstract: A food timing system is disclosed that includes a number of timer modules associated with food holding devices in a restaurant. The timer modules are connected in a network for communicating information about the food being held in food holding compartments of the food holding devices. Each timer module includes a plurality of timers, with each timer being associated with a food holding compartment of a food holding device. The timers measure the holding time of food in each food holding compartment and are capable of transferring the holding time to another timer when the food is transferred to a holding compartment associated with the other timer.

Abstract: A fluid-heating apparatus for heating a fluid and method of operating the same. The fluid-heating apparatus includes a heating element for heating a fluid surrounding the heating element and a control circuit connected to the heating element and connectable to a power source. The control circuit includes a current path from the power source to the heating element back to the power source, a switch connected in the current path, and a current sensor. The method includes initiating a heating state of the fluid-heating apparatus, initiating a non-heating state of the fluid-heating apparatus, applying a voltage to the heating element during the non-heating state, sensing a leakage current of the heating element during the application of the voltage, and determining a degradation of the heating element with the sensed leakage current.

Abstract: A substrate holder for supporting a substrate in a processing system and controlling the temperature thereof is described. The substrate holder comprises a first heating element positioned in a first region for elevating the temperature of the first region. A second heating element positioned in a second region is configured to elevate the temperature in the second region. Furthermore, a first controllably insulating element is positioned below the first heating element, and is configured to control the transfer of heat between the substrate and at least one cooling element positioned therebelow in the first region. A second controllably insulating element is positioned below the second heating element and is configured to control the transfer of heat between the substrate and at least one cooling element positioned therebelow in the second region.

Abstract: An oven temperature control system for an oven cell having a top heating element with two separate heating conductors in a top portion of the oven cell, a bottom heating element with two separate heating conductors in a bottom portion of the oven cell, and a convection heating element and fan. A control separately controls the on and off operations of each of the heating elements and the convection fan based on a selected mode of cooking operation and a selected temperature for cooking. A plurality of temperature sensors are positioned at different locations in the oven cell and operatively connected to the control. The control determines the selected temperature for cooking to be maintained in the oven cell by averaging selected temperatures sensed by the plurality of temperature sensors in predetermined proportions based on the selected mode of cooking operation.

Abstract: An on-chip temperature control system includes a temperature sensor, which monitors a temperature of a chip, and a hysteresis comparator which checks whether the temperature is in an acceptable range. A reference adjustment circuit is responsive to the hysteresis comparator to adjust an on-chip voltage to control the temperature locally by adjusting a local supply voltage, if the temperature is out of range.

Abstract: A power management system for managing the power supplied to a plurality of warming elements in a brewing machine, so as to conform to pre-set power safety requirements.

Abstract: Electric heating device comprising an electric radiator (10) for heating the air passing through it, said radiator comprising a casing (12), at least one resistive element mounted in the casing and constituted by at least one zigzag metal strip (22) which is disposed so as to be directly exposed to the air passing through the casing, and a circuit (30) for controlling the electrical supply of the resistive element or elements connected to a power supply. The electric radiator (10) comprises a set of individual heating modules (20) disposed parallel to one another in the casing (12) and so as to be directly exposed to the air passing through the casing, each heating module (20) comprising a pleated or corrugated metal strip (22) and an electronic switch controlled by the control circuit (30) intended to selectively inhibit the electrical supply of the metal strip (22).

Abstract: A heating device of the invention comprises a heater, a main power supply, and an auxiliary power supply. The heater includes a main heating element which generates heat with power supplied from the main power supply, and an auxiliary heating element which has a resistance different from a resistance of the main heating element and generates heat with power supplied from the auxiliary power supply. The auxiliary power supply is provided to supply to the auxiliary heating element a current that is different from a current supplied from the main power supply to the main heating element.

Abstract: A resistive heater adapted for heating a fuser belt is provided. The heater comprises a substrate, a first resistive trace formed over the substrate, and a second resistive trace formed so as to at least partially overlap the first resistive trace.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cooktop heating system that include a first cooktop heating element, a second cooktop heating element, and an interface device. The system also includes a controller for selectively associating the interface device with any one or both of the first cooktop heating element and the second cooktop heating element. In another aspect, the system includes at least one cooktop heating element, a potentiometer, and controller arrangement operatively connected between the potentiometer and the at least one cooktop heating element to determine heating of the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the input provided by the potentiometer and control power provision to the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the determination.

Abstract: There is an apparatus having a housing, a heating element, a heating element switch, a heating chamber, a heating chamber cover, and a controller. The housing is handheld. The heating element is disposed within the housing. The heating element switch may be electrically coupled with the heating element. The heating chamber is disposed within the housing. The heating chamber cover may be adapted to at least partially eject the heating chamber from the housing when the heating chamber cover is displaced relative to the housing. The controller is electrically coupled with the heating element switch. The controller is adapted to control a transfer of energy to the heating element. The controller may be adapted to prevent the transfer of energy to the heating element if the heating chamber cover is not in a closed position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A system configured to provide food storage, preparation, and delivery in a finished cooked state includes a computer control interface, a freezer/refrigeration module, a food transport mechanism, a heating/cooking module, and a delivery area. The meal system is configured to provide food storage, preparation, and delivery in a finished cooked state. The system may be configured in the form of an independent unit or in the form of a combination of separate modules. The computer control interface, freezer/refrigeration module, food transport mechanism, heating/cooking module, and delivery area may be communicatively interconnected wirelessly or non-wirelessly.

Abstract: A temperature and flow rate controlled capillary aerosol generator includes two heating zones optionally separated by a region in which a pressure drop is induced. Power is metered or applied to the downstream, second zone to achieve a target resistance, and therefore a target temperature, while power is metered or applied to the upstream, first zone to achieve a target mass flow rate exiting the second zone. A target temperature is achieved in the second zone to generate an aerosol from the liquid flowing through the generator at the desired mass flow rate.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck (“chuck”) is provided for controlling a radial temperature profile across a substrate when exposed to a plasma. The chuck includes a number of independently controllable gas volumes that are each defined in a radial configuration relative to a top surface of the chuck upon which the substrate is to be supported. The chuck includes a support member and a base plate. The base plate positioned beneath and in a spaced apart relationship from the support member. The gas volumes are defined between the base plate and the support member, with separation provided by annularly-shaped thermally insulating dividers. Each gas volume can include a heat generation source. A gas pressure and heat generation within each gas volume can be controlled to influence thermal conduction through the chuck such that a prescribed radial temperature profile is achieved across the substrate.

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 cooking appliance includes a heating system which is preferably capable of combining radiant, convection, microwave and conduction heating techniques to perform a cooking operation. The cooking appliance includes a convection fan and at least one heating element. A controller is provided to regulate a triac to maintain a desired heater intensity through phase angle firing. Essentially, an AC waveform provided to the heater resistor travels through the triac which is turned on by the controller at predetermined points in the AC waveform, with the delay from a zero point waveform crossing functioning to regulate the amount of power sent to the heater resistor. When the signal from the controller is removed, the triac advantageously turns off at the next zero crossing of the AC waveform such that an operationally and economically effective control system is provided.

Abstract: An aircraft hot water supply system (10) comprising a group of water-use stations (14a–14f) each including a hot water line having a heater (40a–40f) which heats water at a heating rate dependent upon power provided thereto. A power manager (44) allocates different non-zero percentages of heater-dedicated power to different heaters (40) depending upon conditions at the corresponding water-use stations (14). A network (46) is provided to establish peer-to-peer communication among the heaters' controllers (48a–48f).

Abstract: The oven includes a lower electrical heating element which is located below a support member. Two laterally spaced apart upper electrical heating elements are supported above the support member and the food to be cooked. An electrical system is provided for supplying electrical power to the lower electrical heating element and to the two upper electrical heating elements. A controller is provided for controlling electrical power applied to the lower heating element and to the two upper electrical heating elements. By way of a thermocouple, the controller senses the temperature in the oven and controls the lower heating element to maintain a set point temperature, i.e. 550° F., in the oven. When any of the upper heating elements is activated, and is in a broiling sequence the controller disables these upper heating elements if the temperature in the oven rises above an upper temperature level of i.e. 585° F.

Abstract: A thermal processor including a heated drum assembly for thermally developing an image in an imaging media. Thermal processor includes an enclosure spaced from and forming an oven around heated drum assembly, enclosure having a media entrance, a media exit, and a vent. Thermal processor further includes a condensation trap and a duct positioned external to enclosure and coupled between vent and condensation trap, duct configured to communicate air from oven to condensation trap.

Abstract: Provided are a temperature control method and apparatus for driving a polymerize chain reaction (PCR) chip. In the temperature control apparatus, which is for a polymerize chain reaction chip, PCR chips receive electric power from the outside and generating heat to maintain a predetermined temperature and for outputting actual temperature information to the outside. electric power supply units supply electric power to the PCR chips according to input control signals, and a controller generates the control signals based on control information including pre-established control temperature and control time information and the actual temperature information supplied from the PCR chips in order to supply the control signals to the electric power supply units. In the present invention, it is possible to examine various kinds of DNA at the same time because the temperature control apparatus controls the temperatures of DNA samples at the same time.

Abstract: A cooking platform includes at least one surface heating element having a first power consumption level and an oven located under the surface heating element. The oven includes a first heating element having a second power consumption level and a second heating element having a third power consumption level. The second heating element has at least two heating sub-elements. One of the two heating sub-elements is configured to be deenergized when a sum of the first, second, and third power consumption levels exceeds a power consumption limit of the cooking platform.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop having at least one heating zone having first and second heating elements and a control element for setting a desired cooking temperature for the heating zone. When the control element is rotated in a first direction, only the first heating element will be activated and, when rotated in a second direction, both the first and second heating elements are activated. The control element includes a variable resistor that changes resistance as the control element is rotated through nearly 360° to alter the operational state of the heating element(s). A controller senses the change in resistance and determines in which direction the control element is rotated so as to activate the appropriate heating element(s).

Abstract: A multiple-zone power control system for controlling electric heating elements, including a power control unit having multiple control zones, a touch-sensitive function key, and a touch-sensitive on/off key for activating and deactivating one of the control zones. When all of the control zones are deactivated, the touch-sensitive key must be touched for at least a cold start duration in order to activate the designated control zone. Alternatively, the designated control zone is prevented from being activated if the touch-sensitive function key is touched while the touch-sensitive on/off key is being touched. The control system also includes two power controllers connected by a communication bus. When one of the power controllers initiates a lockout condition, the other power controller initiates a corresponding lockout condition. Multiple heating elements can be controlled together using a single set of control keys. A element size key toggles between different combinations of heating elements to control.

Abstract: A water heater control system is disclosed that can be programmed by a user to go on and off at predetermined times and maintain temperatures below normal usage temperatures. The water heater control system may also program itself based on usage of the hot water by users. The control system may also be remotely controlled, using a computer, wireless communication, or other communication device. The water heater control system may be included with a new water heater or used to replace existing control systems.

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 devices for supplying electrical power 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 devices, thereby preventing increase in terminal noise voltage.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus equipped with heaters and a method of controlling the same. An aspect of the present invention is to increase convenience of a user by identifying a kind of an accessory, such as a wire rack, a crumb tray or the like, present in a cooking cavity based on a variation in an inner temperature of a cooking cavity at an initial operating stage of a cooking mode using the heaters and automatically performing the ON/OFF control mode of the heaters suitable for a corresponding accessory. A cooking apparatus is provided including two or more heaters installed in a first position of a cooking cavity heating food, the crumb tray is inserted in a second position of the cooking cavity and is used to contain the food in cooking modes using the heaters, and a temperature detection unit is installed between the first and second positions to detect an inside temperature of the cooking cavity.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling the output power to DC electric heater elements to reduce the input current ripple and to fine-tune the output power to meet the fine-tuning percentage requirement. In one embodiment, a method is performed for controlling output power to heater elements in an electric heater system. The process includes receiving a power request by the heater system, providing output power controls for each heater element, and determining a particular output power control based on output power controls provided for each heater element and the power requested. Further, the heater system selectively controls the output power to one or more of the heater elements to meet the power request.

Abstract: The appliance has a cooking plate (10) and a radiant electric heater (2) having multiple heating zones (12, 14, 16) arranged substantially side-by-side. A temperature sensing assembly (34) incorporates an electrical component (42) located in a position confined within a first heating zone (12) and having an electrical parameter which changes as a function of temperature. Electronic control apparatus (30) is connected to the electrical component (42) by means of electrical leads (44), the electronic control apparatus being adapted to detect the number of heating zones that are energised and to control energisation of the heater in dependence thereon.

Abstract: A system for controlling temperature control elements used to alter temperatures of a liquid comprises a temperature sensor, a first temperature control element, a second temperature control element, and logic. The temperature sensor is configured to sense temperatures of the liquid, and the first and second temperature control elements are each configured to alter a temperature of the liquid. The logic is configured to selectively control, based on the sensed temperatures, activation states of the first and second temperature control elements such that a total activation time associated with the first temperature control element is substantially equal to a total activation time associated with the second temperature control element.

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 plurality of individually corresponding heaters and temperature sensors are provided along with a plurality of a PID control means. An average temperature/gradient temperature calculating means calculates the average temperatures of the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors and the gradient temperatures based on the measured temperatures. Each of the PID control means outputs an operation signal so that the average temperatures or gradient temperatures may be made equal to the desired values. A distributing means distributes the operation signal from each of the PID control means to each heater so that control by the PID control means may produce no effect on the control of the other PID control means.

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: The invention relates to an electric heating device and a method of controlling such a heating device, by means of which homogeneous heating of a heating register is to be achieved. For this purpose, the allocations between the control channels of a control device and the heating elements are varied at predetermined time intervals.

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 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: 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: An improved air data sensing probe de-icing system that provides for dramatically increased reliability and lifespan, utilizing solid-state heating elements that are electrically connected in parallel and having inherent temperature control, where each of the heating elements are able to provide full system power in the event of failure of one of the heating elements such that system redundancy and de-rating is achieved.

Abstract: An evaporation device is disclosed for evaporating volatile substances such as insecticides and aromatics of a type having a housing containing a heating block with a heating element, a container for a volatile substance to be evaporated, a wick having a wick end protruding out of the container into a wick opening in the heating block, a switching device for the activation and deactivation of the heating device, and an adjusting device for the adjustment of the degree of evaporation. Preferably, two heating elements with different heating capacity are carried by the heating block. The heating elements are operatively connected to the switching device to adjust the heat output of the heating device and the degree of evaporation of the volatile substance.