Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus for treating substrates with a treating liquid is disclosed. The apparatus includes a treating tank for storing the treating liquid, and treating the substrates as immersed in the treating liquid, a chamber surrounding the treating tank, a supply device for supplying an inert gas containing an organic solvent into the chamber, a lift mechanism vertically movable, while supporting the substrates, between a process position in the treating tank and a wait position above the treating tank and inside the chamber, a tank temperature control device for controlling temperature of the treating tank, a chamber temperature control device for controlling temperature of the chamber, and a control device for causing the tank temperature control device and the chamber temperature control device to perform heating treatment at least while the inert gas containing the organic solvent is supplied from the supply device.

Abstract: A digital control type power converter for cooking utensils includes a rectifier; a power inverting circuit composed of an IGBT and an LC shunt-resonant circuit; and a SoC chip which internally integrates a MPU, a Programmable Pulse Generator (PPG), an ADC, a COM, wherein the PPG, the ADC and the COM are connected to the MPU. One output of the MPU is connected to the PPG through a first AND gate, and a pulse signal outputted by the PPG is transmitted to the IGBT through a second AND gate. The MPU calculates the present power value according to measured current and voltage signals, and compares the present power value with the required power of the host computer to change the set pulse width value of the PPG. When a magnetic energy conversion detecting circuit outputs an enabling signal, the PPG outputs the pulse signal with the setting pulse width to drive the IGBT and realize the regulation of power.

Abstract: A radio-frequency heating apparatus includes a radio-frequency power generation unit (120), variable phase shift units (142a to 142d) that change a phase of a radio-frequency power generated by the radio-frequency power generation unit (120), radio-frequency power units (140a to 140d), and a control unit (110) that sets a frequency for the radio-frequency power generation unit (120) and a phase shift amount for the variable phase shift units (142a to 142d). Backward power detection units in the radio-frequency power units (140a to 140d) individually detect a reflected power and a through power at the frequency set for the radio-frequency power generation unit (120) by the control unit (110), and the control unit (110) determines a frequency for the radio-frequency power generation unit (120) and a phase shift amount for the variable phase shift units (142a to 142d) for heating the object, on the basis of the detected amplitude and phase of the reflected wave and the through wave.

Abstract: A heating device capable of accurately determining a change in the state of a to-be-heated member, caused in a narrow area. An induction heating coil generates magnetic flux by flow of electric current therethrough. The fixing belt generates heat by the action of the magnetic flux generated by the induction heating coil. A first antenna is disposed at a location where the magnetic flux generated by the induction heating coil can be detected assuming that there is no fixing belt. A second antenna is disposed such that at least some area of the second antenna overlaps the first antenna. A control circuit determines whether or not a state of the fixing belt has changed, based on a result of detection by the first antenna and a result of detection by the second antenna.

Abstract: A temperature conditioning system for outdoor digital signage and method thereof comprises a central control module, a system temperature sensor, a fan temperature sensor, a digital signage control module, an internal power supply module, a display module, a heating module and an external fan, wherein the central control module is responsible for receiving temperature signals detected by the system temperature sensor and the fan temperature sensor; in case the detected temperature is lower than a certain range, the central control module activates the heating module, the external fan and the display module in order to start and display the warm-up process of the outdoor digital signage.

Abstract: A ceramic hob for a cooking appliance provided with a control device for controlling and/or adjusting a real temperature value on at least one part of a cooking plate arranged in a container for cooking by means of an associated heating device. The inventive ceramic hob comprises at least one temperature sensor for determining the real temperature value of a heatable part and at least one control element used for setting said temperature to a desired value, wherein a desired temperature value of the heatable part is assigned thereto. According to said invention several desired values can be assigned to one control element.

Abstract: A water heater system is provided with a solar water heater and an electric water heater having one or more electric heating elements. The solar and electric water heaters are configured to provide a common hot water output. A controller is operatively configured with the water heaters and receives a first signal indicative of a current power demand state of an associated electric utility. In response to the received signal, the controller operates the electric water heater in an energy savings mode during periods of high power demand wherein power consumption of the electric heating elements is restricted. The controller is operatively configured to modulate the degree of power consumption restriction placed on the electric heating elements in the energy savings mode as a function of current hot water supply capacity of the solar water heater.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a battery heating circuit is provided, comprising a switch unit 1, a switching control module 100, a damping component R1, and an energy storage circuit; the energy storage circuit is configured to be connected with the battery and comprises a current storage component L1 and a charge storage component C1; the damping component R1, the switch unit 1, the current storage component L1, and the charge storage component C1 are connected in series; the switching control module 100 is connected with the switch unit 1, and is configured to control ON/OFF of the switch unit 1, so as to control energy flowing from the battery to the energy storage circuit only. For example, the heating circuit provided in the present invention can improve the charge/discharge performance of the battery, and improve safety when the battery is heated.

Abstract: A method for detecting a fire condition in a cooking chamber of a baking oven. The method includes measuring the oxygen concentration in the baking oven and also using an evaluation circuit of an electronic controller to determine the rate of change of the oxygen. The oxygen concentration and the rate of change are compared to predetermined values stored in a memory of the electronic controller. If the oxygen concentration reaches a value smaller than a limit in the range of 15 to 20 percent by volume, and the rate of change of the oxygen concentration exceeds a rate of decrease of about 2.5 percent by volume per 10 seconds, the fire condition is detected. Subsequently an alarm is created and/or at least one of the heat output or air circulation through the oven is reduced.

Abstract: A control method is provided for controlling a heating of a thermal optical element, the thermal optical element having a matrix of heater elements. The method includes stabilizing a nominal temperature of the thermal optical element with a feedback loop to control the heating of heater elements; providing a desired temperature profile of the thermal optical element by a set point signal; determining a feedforward control of the heater elements from the set point signal; and forwardly feeding an output of the feedforward control into the feedback loop.

Abstract: A high efficiency coffee maker is disclosed. An exemplary high efficiency coffee maker includes a heating element; and a passageway operable to conduct a liquid therethrough. The passageway has at least two overlapping portions, each of the overlapping portions being in thermal contact with the heating element.

Abstract: A controllable heating pad, having a heating conductor embedded in the heating pad, a sensing conductor embedded in the heating pad, a resistive material providing a distributed electrical path between the heating conductor and the sensing conductor, a first current sensor to sense a current in the heating conductor and a second current sensor to sense a current in the sensing conductor. A method of controlling a temperature of a heating pad, including the steps of: warming the heating pad to at least a first predetermined temperature by use of an adjustable on/off signal to the controllable switch, measuring currents through an NTC material or a combination of a PTC material and an NTC material; and maintaining a temperature of the heating pad to within a predetermined temperature range by use of the adjustable on/off signal to the controllable switch.

Abstract: A load control system and method of time multiplexing power to a plurality of holding shelves in a food holding cabinet to allow total cabinet power to be limited to electrical distribution capabilities. This method allows for individual shelf heaters to be utilized normally to maintain food temperatures during normal use and modulates power when multiple shelves demand heating that would normally exceed branch circuit capabilities thus tripping the breaker. The system monitors temperature of each shelf and based upon demand executes a logical demand schedule for each shelf heater output (time multiplexing or modulating AC power to each) such that total system demand does not exceed available power to the system.

Abstract: A spa control system that measures the flow of water through the heater of a spa and accurately reports water temperature in the spa using only one solid-state sensor in the heater. The working condition of the sensor is first determined by energizing the spa heater for a brief period of time, with the circulation pump de-energized, then quickly de-energizing the heater and watching for a heat rise at the sensor. A small rise is sufficient to proceed with the flow test. The flow rate is now determined by energizing the pump, with the heater still de-energized, and observing the rate at which the moving water cools the inside of the heater. If there is no circulation of water through the heater, the temperature of the sensor will continue to rise from the energy applied when the heater was briefly energized. This rise will be quite significant and a clear indication of a flow problem.

Abstract: A temperature control system has a plurality of heaters arranged on a control target in a plurality of rows and columns, heaters of the same row being connected to a common wiring and heaters of the same column being connected to a common wiring, wirings of the rows being connected to a side of one pole of a power source via respective elements that respond to a heater firing instruction, and wirings of the columns being connected to a side of the other pole of the power source via respective elements that respond to a heater firing instruction, and a controller that controls driving of the plurality of heaters based on an operation amount that is input for controlling a temperature of the control target.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting a boiler and heating system from damage comprising a control board having inputs and outputs, a processor having inputs and outputs, at least one ambient sensor in communication with the processor, at least one boiler sensor in communication with the processor, a power failure relay, the power failure relay being in communication with the processor wherein the power failure relay is capable of detecting power failure of the boiler, an alarm relay connected to the control board by the at least one output and which is capable of sending notification to an alarm system. When an ambient temperature detection event occurs the ambient sensor communicates with the processor and switches the control board from passive mode to monitoring mode.

Abstract: A temperature-control circuit of a heating line and a temperature-control method thereof are disclosed. The method comprises steps of: outputting a forward square-wave signal by a first forward square-wave signal generation circuit; outputting a reverse square-wave signal by a reverse square-wave signal generation circuit; and outputting a varied forward square-wave signal by a second forward square-wave signal generation circuit. Above square-wave signal generation circuits are respectively connected with an AND gate. When the input square-wave signals are simultaneously logic high, a switch is triggered by a trigger circuit to heat the heating wire.

Abstract: An electric heating module for a room air conditioning system and methods are presented in which the duty cycle of the electric heater banks are controlled to limit the inrush current during the startup phase of the heater or to supplement the heat generated by the heat pump when the heat capacity of the heat pump nears the heat loss of the room being heated.

Abstract: A water heater is provided with monitor/diagnostic display apparatus that selectively provides a user with visual or other type of indicia of the overall efficiency of the water heater. The apparatus includes a monitoring unit that may be mounted on the water heater, and a display unit that may be mounted either on the water heater or remotely therefrom.

Abstract: A multi-stage cooking method for a counter-top electric oven is provided. The oven may include at least one cooking element and at least one control system coupled to the cooking element, the control system including a processor, a storage device, and an input interface. The multi-stage cooking method may include: receiving the multi-stage cooking recipe for the counter-top electric oven; storing the multi-stage cooking recipe in the storage device of the counter-top electric oven; and executing the multi-stage cooking recipe with the counter-top electric oven.

Abstract: Provided is a heater power control circuit which switches on/off a voltage signal supplied from a direct-current power source to control a power of a heater by controlling a voltage applied to the heater. The heater power control circuit includes a voltage smoothing circuit that is disposed between the heater and a switching circuit which switches on/off a voltage supplied from the direct-current power source. The voltage smoothing circuit converts the voltage into an analog voltage signal by smoothing a voltage signal obtained by switching on/off the voltage.

Abstract: We describe an electric toaster or grill for toasting or grilling foodstuffs and the like, comprising: at least one electric heating element for toasting or grilling a foodstuff; and a browning sensor located to receive an air flow from said toasted or grilled foodstuff said air flow entraining particulates from said toasting or grilling; wherein the browning sensor comprises: preferably an electrically conductive chamber or cage including an aperture to enable said air flow including said entrained particulates to pass through the chamber or cage; an ion emitter comprising a heatable electrical conductor; a heating circuit to pass an electrical current through said heatable electrical conductor to heat said electrical conductor to generate ions from said the particulates entrained in said air flow; an ion current sensing electrode to receive said ions from generated from said particulates; a bias circuit to electrically bias one of said heatable electrical conductor and said ion current screening electrode w

Abstract: A method for controlling a cooking process in a cooking appliance includes determining, from a gas concentration detected during the cooking process, a set of function values corresponding to a shape of a function that depends on the gas concentration from a starting time t0 to a current time tn during a cooking process. Respective sets of comparison values for a comparison at the time tn are determined from the sets of reference values. A plurality of the sets of comparison values coming closest to the set of function values is automatically selected, and a set of parameters including at least an ending time of the cooking process is generated. The selected set of parameters is used for an electrical controller of the cooking appliance until a next comparison is made at a time tn+1. The method is automatically stopped as soon as the ending time of the cooking process has been reached.

Abstract: A novel heating method and a novel gas inject schemes for a depositing semiconductor layers on wafers with improved disposition uniformity and disposition composition, deposition rates and decreased depletion rates. The novel heating and gas design can be readily changed in size to accommodate the ever increasing demand for larger substrates, increased batch sizes and increased deposition and heating efficiencies. The heating scheme can operate to 1500° C., and has a high resolution capability for tuning the temperature and gas flows for easy of setup and improved control and repeatability of the deposition process. This novel heating and gas inject scheme in conjunction with the unconventional usage of a non-quartz process chamber promises higher throughputs and higher wafer yields and reduced manufacturing costs for the manufacturing of silicon devices, silicon solar cells and white High Brightness LEDs.

Abstract: A heat pump water heater has a tank portion, an electric heating structure for adding electrical heat to water stored in the tank, and a heat pump for adding refrigerant heat to the tank water. A control system associated with the water heater has three user-selectable heating modes for heating the tank water during a given heating demand cycle—a first mode that initially heats the tank water with refrigerant heat while the electric heat is locked out for a first predetermined period before supplementing the refrigerant heat if necessary, a second mode similar to the first mode but with a longer electric heat lockout period, and a third mode in which only the electric heat is utilized to satisfy a tank water heating demand. Illustratively, the heat pump is disposed in a compact component arrangement on the top end of the water heater tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided that includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a plurality of multiplexed heater electrodes, wherein the heater electrodes are part of a multiplex circuit including a common lead connecting the heater electrodes to a power supply, each of the heater electrodes being associated with one of the microfluidic channels. The microfluidic device also includes a control system configured to regulate power applied to each heater electrode by varying a duty cycle, the control system being further configured to determine the temperature of each heater electrode by determining the resistance of each heater electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods in which temperature regulated cushioning systems are provided in hygienic, convenient configurations are shown. Embodiments provide heating and cooling to provide temperature regulation adapted for human comfort and/or therapeutic effects. Heating and cooling systems implemented with respect to cushioning systems are configured to provided desired temperature regulation for the cushioning system when in use while facilitating hygienic cleaning of the cushioning system. Cushioning structure is preferably adapted to be low weight and to facilitate desired temperature regulation while providing a structure which passively supports and cushions expected loads. Cushion media utilized according to embodiments is modular, such as may comprise a plurality of smaller blocks adapted to cooperate to form a larger cushioning structure.

Abstract: An electric soldering iron comprises a power unit connecting the electric soldering iron to an external power source, an electric soldering iron body comprising an iron head and a motion sensor for detecting motion of the electric soldering iron body, and a control system connected to the power unit and the electric soldering iron body, which comprises a switch, a control unit and a timer. The control unit directs the switch to maintain or terminate connection between the power unit and the iron head based on motion detected by the motion sensor and duration measured by the timer. When the duration exceeds a predetermined value, the control system enables the switch to terminate connection of the iron head and the power unit to achieve automatic cutoff of power.

Abstract: An automatic switch (3) for an electric domestic appliance (1, 13, 33, 36) is provided. The switch comprises a base (4) and associated electronic circuitry (8) for inclusion in an electric power supply circuit that includes a heating element whereby liquid in a container may be heated to boiling temperature. The switch includes a sensor (7, 18) for monitoring radiation emanating from the surface (6) of liquid to be boiled in a container and preferably also a radiation source (5, 19) to produce radiation that is reflected off the liquid surface. The sensor is configured to provide a first output associated with radiation sensed whilst a generally quiescent state of the surface prevails, and to provide a second output associated with radiation sensed when a generally turbulent state of the surface of the liquid prevails that is associated with the onslaught of boiling of the liquid.

Abstract: In order to adjust the firmness of a shaped product in a targeted way, it is proposed to provide at least one section made of a thermoelastic and viscoelastic plastic, a temperature-regulating device placed in thermal contact with the at least one section made of thermoelastic and viscoelastic plastic, and a control device for the temperature-regulating device configured to adjust the firmness of the at least one section made of thermoelastic and viscoelastic plastic by changing the temperature. Such a shaped product can be used as a seat base or bed support.

Abstract: A refrigerated oven having a cooking chamber in which is provided a heating elements and a refrigeration unit chamber in which is provided a refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit is fluidly connected to the cooking chamber. Both the heating element and the refrigeration unit are selectively operable to either cool or heat the cooking chamber to thereby cool or heat a food item located therein. The refrigeration unit as preferably modular refrigeration unit that the slid into and out of the refrigeration unit chamber. Preferably, the refrigeration unit includes an evaporator that is thermally isolate is from a condenser. The condenser as preferably conductively coupled to a base supporting the elements of the modular refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A water heater is provided with monitor/diagnostic display apparatus that selectively provides a user with visual or other type of indicia of the remaining hot water availability of, the recovery time for, and the overall efficiency of the water heater. The apparatus includes a monitoring unit that may be mounted on the water heater, and a display unit that may be mounted either on the water heater or remotely therefrom.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ice protection system for a structure (1100), the ice protection system comprising: a plurality of independently controllable heater elements (1108, 1110, 1112) arranged on the structure; and a control system, operable: to detect an underperformance of at least one underperforming heater element (1114); and to control the supply of power to at least one further heater element (1120) in dependence on a stored relationship or algorithm relating said at least one further heater element to said at least one underperforming heater element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a health status of a water heating device is disclosed. The water heating device may have a controller that incorporates logic to regulate the heater responsive to water temperatures detected at different areas within the water heating device by first and second sensors. Unfortunately, the first and second sensors may fail. To detect fault conditions or otherwise determine the heath status of the water heating device, a logic unit in the controller may perform a test on the first and/or second sensors so as to provide a test output. The logic unit may also determine whether the test output satisfies one or more predetermined thresholds. These predetermined thresholds may be indicative of a properly-functioning sensor. When the test output does not satisfy the at least one predetermined threshold, the logic unit may then set a fault condition indicative of improperly functioning sensors.

Abstract: Methods and system for controlling a heater conductor in a heating element including a sensor conductor separated from the heater conductor by an NTC layer. The heating element is coupled to a control circuit and the flow of electricity from a direct current source through the circuit is controlled such that a change of the resistance of the NTC layer is indicative of the temperature of the heater conductor. This resistance is detected based on a time or amplitude analysis and based thereon, a heating mode of the heater conductor is controlled. In a variation, the circuit is operated in a two-period measurement mode wherein the energy transferred through the NTC layer in one period is equal and opposite to the energy transferred through the NTC layer in the other period.

Abstract: In order to remove snow or ice from an exposed constructional element (1) by means of electric current in a heat emission equipment (3), the supply of power is controlled by way of a controller (13) operating based on physical parameter values as measured by sensors (4, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19) at the constructional element (1) and based on historical data relating to snow and ice conditions. The input data are the effective surface temperature of the constructional element (1) as well as the amount of snow/ice on the constructional element (1), air temperature, wind velocity, precipitation, velocity of the constructional element (1), and vibrations thereof. These input data are compared to stored historical data in the controller (13). The controller (13) then calculates, using stored algorithms, whether the supply of power is necessary, and in that case also the necessary amperage and frequency values, the frequency affecting a time constant of change in the surface temperature of the constructional element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displaying the curve when a desired climate has been reached in a cooking compartment of a cooking appliance by taking into account at least one actual value of the first variable that changes over time and is characteristic of the climate in the cooking compartment. Said method is characterized in that the actual value of the first variable is detected at least once during an interval t0 to t1 and is compared with a desired value of the first variable, said desired value characterizing the desired climate, a point in time t2 when a second interval is to begin and/or the point in time t3 when the desired climate has been reached is/are estimated in accordance with said comparison, and the course of the first variable over time is taken into account at least once when estimating the point in time t3 during a second interval t2 to t3, wherein t2?t1. The invention also relates to a cooking appliance for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.

Abstract: An apparatus for ice removal from a surface has an electrically resistive layer on the surface. An actuation device is provided for mechanically disturbing the surface, as for example deflecting, deforming, or vibrating the surface. When ice has accumulated, an interface layer of ice is melted by heating the electrically resistive layer with an electric current, and an electric current is applied to the actuation device to disturb the surface and release the ice. Alternative embodiments having various forms of actuation device are disclosed. An icemaker using the ice removal apparatus for ice release is described.

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: Provided are a cooking appliance, and a system and method for controlling a cooking appliance. The system includes a RF tag and a cooking appliance. The RF tag stores food information about foods as integrants of a dish and the cooking appliance having a RF reader reads the food information stored in the RF tag. The cooking appliance includes a memory, a cooking appliance controller, and a display unit. The memory stores dish information about dishes that can be cooked using the food information. The cooking appliance controller reads dish information from the memory, and the display unit displays at least one of the dish information to a user.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a portable battery, a controller connected to the portable battery, and a heating module connected to the controller. The controller is provided with a software program that previously detects the voltage variation of the portable battery to change the on/off percentage of the duty cycle of the portable battery and to regulate the output current of the portable battery according to the preset temperature and the detected voltage variation of the portable battery, so that the input current of the heating module is kept at a constant value, and the temperature of the heating module of the heating apparatus is kept at a constant value of the preset temperature at any time.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus for an electric discharge machine configured to perform melt-removal on a workpiece by supplying pulse-like power to a machining gap between an electrode (1) and a workpiece (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-regulating electrical resistance heating element, to an appliance containing same, and to processes for their manufacture. The self regulating electrical resistance heating element (10) comprises a substrate (12) comprising an electrically conductive coating (12a) which serves as a first electrical contact (18) on one side of the composite metal oxide layers. Disposed on said electrically conductive layer (12a) is a first metal oxide (14) which has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. Overlaying the first metal oxide layer, and in electrical series thereto, is a second metal oxide layer (16) having a negative temperature coefficient of resistance and overlaying this layer is a second electrical contact (20). The second metal oxide layer (16) having a negative temperature coefficient of resistance is applied to the element in a manner which ensures it's resistive characteristics are not altered.

Abstract: A multistage control system of a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater for a vehicle is disclosed with a PTC heater that contains heating elements relevant to a first, second, and third stages. An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) outputs a control signal to a first relay, which switches the first stage into an ON and OFF state, for controlling the operation of the first stage of the PTC heater. A heater controller outputs control signals to a second relay and third relay, respectively, for controlling the operation of the second and third stages of the PTC heater, only if the first stage of the PTC heater is in activation via the ECU, wherein the second relay and the third relay each switch the second and third stages into an ON and OFF state.

Abstract: A field device system for use in an industrial process includes a field device configured to couple to the industrial process and monitor or control the industrial process. The field device provides a temperature control signal output related to a temperature of the field device. A heater coupled to the field device heats the field device in response to the temperature control signal.

Abstract: An electrically heated aerosol generating system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate includes at least one heating element for heating the substrate to form the aerosol and a power supply for supplying power to the at least one heating element. The power supply includes a voltage source, two or more supercapacitors, and switches between the voltage source and the two or more supercapacitors. The switches are arranged so that, during a charging mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to be charged by the voltage source and, during a heating mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to discharge through the at least one heating element.

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: A pulse system for detaching ice includes a power supply for applying a high-power heating pulse to the interface between ice and an object such as a cold plate of an ice making system, an ice-container, a heat-exchanger, a refrigerator surface or an airplane wing. Pulse heating may be generated within a metal foil or resistive film disposed upon an object to be deiced, or a capillary tube proximate the object to be deiced. An interfacial layer of ice is melted and the ice is released from the object. A force, for example gravity, pressure of vaporization or mechanical scraping, removes the ice from the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method are provided for a manufacturing process including heating of a processed part. A resistance heating assembly applies an electrical current to a work part comprising a sheet of high-tensile steel having a heat-resistant plating to improve formability. A heating control system regulates the electrical current to the work part in order to control the temperature of the work part. A temperature detector detects a temperature of the work part and generates feedback to the heating control system in order to regulate the electrical current. An electrical resistance detector measures an electrical resistance within the work part and generates feedback to the heating control system in order to regulate the electrical current.