Abstract: A modular heating unit comprising modular heating bins is disclosed. The modular heating bins may be arranged into different configurations to accommodate different kitchen food preparation layouts.

Abstract: A method of managing electrical power storage can include remotely controlling operation of one of a plurality of water heating units included in a single water heater, separately from controlling a remainder of the plurality of the water heating units, at a customer location in response to a remotely transmitted indication.

Abstract: A heating cooker of the present invention includes a plurality of light emitting indicator units. The light emitting indicator units each have a temperature sensing unit that senses an ambient temperature of a light emission source. Therefore, deterioration of the light emission source of each of the light emitting indicator units can be suppressed to realize a further reduction in thickness, and to improve visibility of the indicator sheet.

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

Abstract: A heating plate of a semiconductor substrate support for supporting a semiconductor substrate in a plasma processing chamber includes a first layer with an array of heater zones operable to tune a spatial temperature profile on the semiconductor substrate, and a second layer with one or more primary heaters to provide mean temperature control of the semiconductor substrate. The heating plate can be incorporated in a substrate support wherein a switching device independently supplies power to each one of the heater zones to provide time-averaged power to each of the heater zones by time divisional multiplexing of the switches.

Abstract: A heating plate of a semiconductor substrate support for supporting a semiconductor substrate in a plasma processing chamber includes a first layer with an array of heater zones operable to tune a spatial temperature profile on the semiconductor substrate, and a second layer with one or more primary heaters to provide mean temperature control of the semiconductor substrate. The heating plate can be incorporated in a substrate support wherein a switching device independently supplies power to each one of the heater zones to provide time-averaged power to each of the heater zones by time divisional multiplexing of the switches.

Abstract: A heating control unit, including a controller housing is provided. The heating control unit includes a microcontroller arranged within the controller housing, with the microcontroller being configured to generate a control signal for a heater and to output the control signal via a control line to the heater. The heating control unit also includes a temperature sensor arranged within the controller housing and coupled to the microcontroller. An active sensor surface of the temperature sensor forms at least part of an outer surface of the controller housing.

Abstract: A heating plate for a substrate support assembly in a semiconductor plasma processing apparatus, comprises multiple independently controllable planar heater zones arranged in a scalable multiplexing layout, and electronics to independently control and power the planar heater zones. Each planar heater zone uses at least one diode as a heater element. A substrate support assembly in which the heating plate is incorporated includes an electrostatic clamping electrode and a temperature controlled base plate. Methods for manufacturing the heating plate include bonding together ceramic or polymer sheets having planar heater zones, power supply lines, power return lines and vias.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the temperature of multi-zone heater in a process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method is provided to control a multi-zone heater disposed in a substrate support, wherein the multi-zone heater has a first zone and a second zone. In some embodiments, the method may include measuring a current drawn by the first zone at a first time; measuring a voltage drawn by the first zone at the first time; calculating the resistance of the first zone based upon the measured current and voltage drawn by the first zone at the first time; determining a temperature of the first zone based upon a predetermined relationship between the resistance and the temperature of the first zone; and adjusting the temperature of the first zone in response to the temperature determination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preheating a pressed material mat (14) spread on an endlessly and continuously circulating molding band (6) during manufacture of wood material boards, wherein microwaves from one or both press surface sides are beamed into the pressed material mat (14) to preheat the pressed material mat (14) and the pressed material mat (14) is compacted and hardened by application of pressure and heat after transfer to a continuously operating press (1). The invention consists of microwaves in a frequency range of 2400-2500 MHz being used to heat the pressed material mat (14), wherein the microwaves for each press surface side are generated from 20 to 300 microwave generators (26) with magnetrons (20) of a respective output of 3 to 50 kW.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a portable cooking apparatus are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a portable cooking system is provided comprising a cooking plate having a continuous cooking surface, a heating element assembly disposed beneath the cooking surface, a temperature controller for varying the temperature of the cooking surface, and a base that supports the cooking plate on an underlying surface. The base comprises an integrally formed drip pan located beneath the cooking surface, the integrally formed drip pan comprising a recessed portion formed in a top surface of the base.

Abstract: A household range includes a first oven having a first electric cooking element, and a second oven includes a second electric cooking element. A power management system is used to distribute power such that when the second electric cooking element is energized the first electric cooking element is de-energized.

Abstract: A beverage brewer (10) with a temperature selectable dispense system having an on-demand hot water heating chamber assembly (30) with a hot water chamber body (86) having a volume substantially less than the volume of beverage brewed during a single brew cycle, a heating element (98) to quickly and substantially alter the water temperature in the chamber body during a single brew cycle and a microprocessor controller (38) for controlling the heating element in response to temperature sensors (40, 42). The controller (38) controls the brewer (10) to brew different types of beverages, with dispense water at different preselected temperatures in response to a manually actuatable switch (72, 74, 76 and 78). The temperature of the dispense water may also be changed from a hotter temperature at the beginning of a brew cycle to a lower temperature during an end portion of the same brew cycle.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to the field of outerwear, and more particularly to a heat management system configured to provide heat to one or more predetermined regions or zones, such as the upper or lower body, torso, chest, back, neck, arms, shoulders, wrists/cuffs, hands, fingers, feet, toes, and the like. In various embodiments, these heating zones may be controlled by an actuator switch and control electronics that may allow individual heating zones to be actuated alone or in combination, and in some embodiments, in a predetermined sequence. Some embodiments of the actuator switch may include color-coded lighting elements that may indicate the current temperature, zone activation, heating program, and the like.

Abstract: An electric heater is provided with an identifying resistor associated with a connection between the heater and a fan control. When the electric heater is connected to the control, the identifying resistor provides information with regard to the capacity of the particular electric heater that is being attached to the control. The control then utilizes this particular capacity to control both the electric heater and an associated fan motor.

Abstract: Among other things, light that carries information about cooking is directed in a first direction towards a redirection element and, at the redirection element, the light is redirected to be visible to a person cooking.

Abstract: A process chamber of an installation for the thermal treatment of printed circuit boards is described. The process chamber may include a fan wheel supported on a shaft parallel to the printed circuit boards, the fan wheel being disposed between two walls of the process chamber. The fan wheel is open at its two end faces and the two end faces are at such a distance from the walls of the process chamber that gas flows in unimpeded in two substreams between the end faces of the fan wheel and the walls and flows out from the cylindrical surface of the fan wheel over the length thereof and in the extent of the process chamber in the form of a ribbon-shaped gas stream, the gas stream being directed essentially in the cross section through a channel onto the printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for a fail-safe sensor for an HVAC system. The sensor comprises a temperature detector operable to measure a temperature of a component or a medium present at the sensor, a PTC heater operable to heat the sensor to a self-regulating temperature, the heater comprising a resistive element having an electrical impedance which increases with increasing temperature in accordance with a positive temperature coefficient characteristic, and a sensor housing comprising the PTC heater and the temperature detector provided within a single housing. An algorithm is provided for HVAC systems, wherein the sensor is heated to the self-regulating temperature by the PTC heater and is then measured by the temperature detector to confirm that the temperature detector is operating properly. Further, the sensor may be allowed to cool to a temperature of the surrounding medium or the component for sensing the temperature thereof.

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: An apparatus is disclosed for thawing a frozen food item, including a chamber dimensioned to receive the frozen food item, a heat exchanger operable to either heat air in the chamber or to cool the air in the chamber, a fan for creating a flow of the air within the chamber; and a tray disposed in the chamber and having an upper surface adapted to receive and support a lower surface of the frozen food item. The tray is adapted to receive a portion of the flow of air and to provide the portion of the flow of air to the lower surface of the food item such that the portion of the flow of air is distributed across the lower surface of the food item and directed upwardly about the food item.

Abstract: A menu selection device for a cooking device is provided which is constructed such that a single display device may be divided into a menu guide unit and a menu selection unit. The menu guide unit is used to display a variety of menus, whereas the menu selection unit is constructed in the form of a touch screen which allows for selection of a particular menu from among the menus displayed on the menu guide unit. Use of a menu guide unit and a menu selection unit within a single display device makes a greater variety of cooking alternatives available to a user, while decreasing the size of the touch screen portion of the menu selection device and decreasing production costs.

Abstract: An electrically heated water kettle comprises a vessel for holding a liquid for extraction of tea, coffee or other food material. The vessel includes a partially open immersible container sized to allow the passage of water between the walls of the vessel. The container is capable of holding the material while an opening in the container allows the entrance of water into the container upon immersion of the container in the water. The heated kettle incorporates structure to hold the container out of the water until the water reaches an appropriate extraction temperature and to immerse or withdraw the container into or from the water as is necessary to accomplish the extraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooking stove that prevents an instruction from being given using the touch switch owing to a factor different from the user's operation, while hindering the user from having an incongruous or anxious feeling when operating the touch switch. Touch switches 10 to 13 are provided on a glass top plate covering a top surface of a cooking stove main body accommodating a left burner and a right burner; the touch switches 10 to 13 sense an object that contacts with or approaches the top surface of the glass top plate. When any of the touch switches is turned on and then turned off again, heating control 31 executes a pre-assigned process to the touch switch. When the touch switch is turned on, lighting control 32 changes the displays of display sections 14 to 17 to ones corresponding to the state of a burner after the process has been executed before executing a pre-assigned process to the touch switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling temperature of a plant comprising plural temperature control zones, wherein an effective control parameter for a first zone for which a signal representing measured temperature is available is produced according to an algorithm relating measured temperature, a desired temperature and a control parameter associated with a device affecting temperature in the first temperature control zone, the effective control parameter is summed with an offset value representing a proportional offset of the effective control parameter of a second temperature control zone relative to the effective control parameter of the first temperature control zone and the result is applied to control a device affecting temperature in the second temperature control zone.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for vending food products in food outlets. The method includes the steps of providing a heating cavity having thermal conductive heating surfaces; placing a container including the food product into the heating cavity, the container engaging at least a first and second surfaces of the thermal conductive heating surfaces; resistively energizing the heating surfaces for heating the food product through conduction of thermal energy to produce a heated food product; and opening the container and serving the heated food product. The invention also relates to a portable, compact and space saving heating apparatus.

Abstract: A thermostat reading enhancer is provided which includes an enhancer body adapted to be positioned adjacent a thermostat. The enhancer body can have at least portions thereof abuttingly contacting a mounting surface and retained in a position between the thermostat and the mounting surface or retained in a positioned adjacent the thermostat. The enhancer body also has substantially larger enhancer indicia than indicia on the adjacent thermostat visibly displayed on a surface thereof. The enhancer indicia align with the thermostat indicia in such a way that the enhancer indicia correspond directly to thermostat controls and settings. Methods of retrofitting an existing thermostat, installing and using a thermostat with enhanced reading are also provided.

Abstract: In order to be able to dispose the whole of the electrical circuitry of the operating panel (14) of a cooker top (11) on a single, single-layer circuit board (even if lined on both sides) of dimensions which do not project beyond the operating panel (14), there is provided a button selector switch (18) with which a cooking stage switch (19; 19−, 19+) which is also button-actuable can be cyclically successively switched to each of the cooking zones (12) provided, while the other cooking zones (12) remain in their current switching condition. Which of the cooking zones (12) is in operation at the present time and which of them is currently selected by way of the selector switch (18) can be seen from the optical signalling of miniaturized cooking zone lamps (22) or digital displays (23) which are arranged in a manner corresponding to the geometry of the cooking zones (12). A digital display indicates the currently predetermined cooking stage (23) for the currently selected cooking zone (12).

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

Abstract: The present invention provides heating elements and methods for their fabrication and use. The heating elements of this invention include a spirally shaped structure having a plurality of spiral forms, and may contain a thermally conductive, electrically insulated polymeric coating, such as a fluorocarbon resinous coating of about 0.001-0.020 in. in thickness. The preferred spirally shaped heating elements of this invention provide a lower, preferably substantially lower, flux or watt density than that for a Tubular Heating Element of substantially similar Active Element Volume (in3), wherein said spirally shaped heating element has the same or greater overall wattage rating (total watts) than the Tubular Heating Element. The heating elements of this invention preferably have an Effective Relative Heated Surface Area of about 5-60 in2/in3, with a target range of about 20-30 in2/in3, but can generate a heat flux of about 10-50 w/in2.

Abstract: A multiple panel cooking oven having individual controls for combined conductive and radiant heating. Each panel comprises an upper heating element for conductive heating and a lower heating element for radiant heating to obtain uniform baking within a zone between panels in the oven. A control panel having displays and keypads interfaces with a processor which provides control signals for adjusting the temperature of the heating elements of the panels. Cooking energy efficiency is increased through the use of radiative and conductive heat transfer, to reduce bake times by significantly increasing heat transfer to the food products. Independent cook zones allow preparation of multiple products simultaneously under different cooking conditions. The oven, in one embodiment may include a convection heating mode of operation. In an alternative embodiment no convection mode is provided and the sole source of heat is provided by the conductive/radiant panels.

Abstract: In order to be able to dispose the whole of the electrical circuitry of the operating panel (14) of a cooker top (11) on a single, single-layer circuit board (even if lined on both sides) of dimensions which do not project beyond the operating panel (14), there is provided a button selector switch (18) with which a cooking stage switch (19; 19−, 19+) which is also button-actuable can be cyclically successively switched to each of the cooking zones (12) provided, while the other cooking zones (12) remain in their current switching condition. Which of the cooking zones (12) is in operation at the present time and which of them is currently selected by way of the selector switch (18) can be seen from the optical signalling of miniaturised cooking zone lamps (22) or digital displays (23) which are arranged in a manner corresponding to the geometry of the cooking zones (12). A digital display indicates the currently predetermined cooking stage (23) for the currently selected cooking zone (12).

Abstract: A heater for fixing a toner image suffers no cracking of the ceramics substrate, thereof has a high connection reliability between an electrode and a connector thereof, and capable of attaining an improved fixing speed and a size increase of a transfer material. The heater, which is adapted to heat and fix a toner image on a transfer material, comprises a ceramics substrate containing silicon nitride and a heat generator formed on the ceramics substrate. The thermal conductivity and the transverse rupture strength of the silicon nitride forming the ceramics substrate are preferably at least 40 W/mK and at least 50 kg/mm.sup.2 respectively, and the thickness of the ceramics substrate can be reduced to 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

Abstract: This is a system for controlling the heating of water in the tank, water in tank adapted to be heated by a first heater and a second heater, the system comprises a timer adapted to keep time, and a sensor to monitor the temperature of the water in the tank at a first position and the temperature of the water in the tank at a second position. The system is adapted to set a first set point temperature at a specified time and the first set point temperature is varied by the system over time. The system is also being adapted to set a second set point temperature the second set point temperature also being varied by the system over time. The system has an activator to activate the first heater to maintain the temperature of water in the tank at the first position at about the first set point temperature at a specified time. The system has an activator to activate the second heater to maintain the temperature of water in the tank at the second position at about the second set temperature at a specified time.

Abstract: A cooktop service diagnostics method which is effected by a programmable controller system, wherein the programmable controller system: a) executes a routine upon receipt of a first specified pattern of input signals to the programmable controller: b) issues an activation audible signal to indicate receipt of the specified pattern of input signals; c) issues an activation visual signal to indicate receipt of the specified pattern of input signals; d) tests cooktop heating element drivers for malfunction conditions; e) tests cooktop controller input drivers for malfunction conditions; f) issues a malfunction visual signal to indicate the existence and type of any malfunction condition; g) terminates the routine upon the receipt of a second specified pattern of input signals to the programmable controller; h) issues a deactivation visual signal to indicate termination of the routine; and i) issues a deactivation audible signal to indicate termination of the routine.

Abstract: An improved self-regulating pipe heating cable assembly that includes a self-regulating cable having a temperature-sensitive conducting layer between a pair of busses and a plug coupled to a first end of the self-regulating cable for supplying electricity thereto. The improved self-regulating pipe heating cable assembly includes an indicator coupled to the self-regulating cable at a location other than where the plug is connected. The indicator is responsive to the supply of electricity to the self-regulating cable so that proper operation of the self-regulating heating cable assembly can be determined.

Abstract: An integrated refrigeration and rethermalization system for storage of prepared meals in a refrigerated state, rethermalization of the meals in accordance with a rethermalization program, and maintenance of the rethermalized meals at a desired serving temperature is disclosed. Refrigerated meals are placed on trays, supported by heater shelves, in a refrigeration-rethermalization cart having onboard refrigeration. Critical cooling elements of the onboard refrigerator are located within the food storage area of the cart for improved cooling air flow and maximum cooling efficiency. The heater shelves contain one or more heating elements designed to heat only selected food items located on the trays in accordance with preset time-temperature curves, or rethermalization programs.

Abstract: A handheld power control device adapted to be connected to an external power supply for controlling the electric power applied to a heating coil positioned in a fusible area of a thermoplastic pipe joint for thermally fusing the joint. A housing having a cover with a front panel displays various parameters and operating options of the device, and has a plurality of manually operable membrane switches for selecting displayed options and activating the device, and indicating devices for displaying operating states of the device.

Abstract: A remote control cooking apparatus with stackable cookers including a base. The base has an outer wall, an inner wall and is supported by three support legs. Included is a heating element between the outer wall and the inner wall. An electrical conductor prong is provided. The electrical conductor prong is in communication with the heating element and has a top prong and a bottom prong. Also, included is a rheostat timer. The timer has and a female receptacle capable of coupling with the bottom prong of the electrical conductor prong of the base. A top cylindrical cooker is provided. The cooker has a side wall with an upper cooking plate therebetween. The top cooker has a top rheostat. A cover for placement over the top cooker is included. Lastly, three cylindrical cookers are provided.

Abstract: An electric circuit is disclosed which includes a heater element for generating heat, a power switch for controlling the current to the heater element, a night light for providing illumination, and a night light switch for controlling the current through the night light. The night light is operable separately and independently of the heater element. In one embodiment for use in a humidifier the electric circuit further includes a thermo fuse, a thermo disc and a refill light. In another embodiment for use in a heater the circuit further includes a fan, a power light and a second heater element for generating heat.

Abstract: An oven includes a normal heating device, a partial heating capacity device, a first indicator device associated with the normal heating device, a second indicator device associated with the partial heating capacity device, and a control unit. The control unit turns on a full heating capacity of the normal heating device in a preheating phase and turns on the first indicator device to indicate that the normal heating device is on. The control unit turns on the partial heating capacity device in the preheating phase and turns on the second indicator device to indicate the preheating phase. The control unit automatically switches over the normal heating device to a reduced heating capacity in a continued heating phase, when a selected command temperature is reached. The control unit turns off the partial heating capacity device and automatically turns off the second indicator device simultaneously with the switchover to the continued heating phase.

Abstract: A cooking appliance has a heater for cooking, and a switch which generating an operational signal. The cooking appliance automatically turns off the heater a predetermined time after a last pressed switch, i.e., automatic power off function. A caution lamp indicates that the heater will automatically be turned off a minute prior to the automatic power off function.

Abstract: A control system, a control device therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the control system comprising a source of energy, an output producing unit that uses the energy to produce the output thereof, a control device having control structure for interconnecting the source of energy to the unit, the control device having a rotatable shaft that sets the control structure in different positions thereof in relation to the rotational set position of the shaft from an "off" position thereof, the control structure having the amount of the energy passing therethrough from the source to the unit being different for each set position thereof, indicating structure operatively associated with the shaft for visually indicating the set position of the shaft and, thus, the amount of energy being fed by the control structure to the unit, and sensing structure operatively associated with the shaft that senses the set position of the shaft and electronically displays that sensed position of the shaft whereby th

Abstract: A parameter control system for an oven which may, for example, be a baking oven or a convection oven having the capability of injecting steam into the cooking cavity. The parameter control system precisely controls cooking temperature, cooking time, humidity and air flow in the oven. The parameters can be easily and repeatably set.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrofusion joint, in which the electric power is supplied to a heating wire, which is buried in a resin, to melt the resin and thereby connect pipes together, and more particularly to an electrofusion joint, in which a member to be connected to a sensor-carrying connector is molded unitarily with the joint with a code member, which is to be detected by the sensor, molded unitarily with the member to be connected. A code displayed on the code member is read by the sensor and judged by a control unit as the quantity of power supplied to the heating wire through the connector and the member to be connected, or as the time during which the electric current is thus supplied to the heating wire, whereby an electric power of a predetermined magnitude is supplied thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the current flow through metal foil heating elements in carpet joining tape comprises an oscillator which produces a high frequency output to drive a power amplifier so that the output voltage to be applied to the heating element is at a frequency proportional to or the same as the oscilltor frequency. The output current (Rms) value is controlled by controlling the pulse with using a modulator which either increases or reduces the output pulse width in accordance with a comparison of the sensed output current against a reference derived from a control circuit. The reference voltage is dependent on the operating mode of the apparatus selected by switches or switch and counter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described that determines the temperature distribution of an environment proximate a cable of optical fibers. No additional transducers are required to be inserted within the environment and the presence of electrical magnetic fields does not adversely affect the operation or results of the temperature measurement. The characteristic of materials which enables them to generate spontaneous thermal radiation as a function of their temperature is used to map the temperatures along the cable. A plurality of optical fibers, each having a measurably distinct absorption constant, are used in order to generate a sufficient number of known parameters to enable the temperature of a number of zones to be determined along the length of the cable. Measurement accuracy can be enhanced by the use of known heat sources in the choice of temperature zone dimensioning.

Abstract: Heating apparatus for thermally bonding thermoplastic foil layers to produce a longitudinally welded seam. The heating apparatus comprises an elongated jaw element having a work surface for receiving the thermoplastic foils, at least two heating elements located within the jaw element and at least one temperature sensor associated with each of the heating elements. A control device is coupled to each of the heating elements and its respective temperature sensor to maintain the temperature of the jaw element at a value which will result in bonding of the foil layers. A regulating device is coupled to the control devices and to the temperature sensors for selectively operating the control devices to switch the heating elements in accordance with the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adhesively bonding together in edge abutting relationship two sheets of woven, felted or other textile such as carpet using a joining tape which includes electrically conductive-metal foil or wires and an integral layer of heat softenable adhesive. Electric current is passed through the foil or wires to thereby heat and soften the adhesive. A control circuit senses the voltage and current in the foil or wires and controls the current in accordance with an adjustable predetermined value to heat the adhesive to a temperature at which the adhesive becomes tacky. The control circuit maintains the adhesive in the tacky state while the abutting edges which overlap the tape are adjusted as required to form the desired join. The control circult is then adjusted to increase the current in the foil or wires to increase the temperature thereof and melt the adhesive so that it flows into the material of the sheets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a plurality of portions of food in a like plurality of microwave ovens, and to an electronic system in which the process is carried out. The system includes a memory for accepting and storing the time values representing the processing time of respective portions in respective ovens, a clock, and a processor for calculating and selecting the longest of the time values. The processor also counts down the time remaining in the longest time value as clocked off by the clock, and compares, at predetermined intervals, each time value, one at a time, with the time remaining. A respective one of the ovens is turned on when its time value is equal to the time remaining. The processor will also turn off all ovens when the time remaining has reached zero.