Abstract: A user interface for an oven including at least one heating element is described. The interface includes a reconfigurable display for indicating a plurality of oven control options and a plurality of selectors adjacent said display for user selection of said options. Each of said selectors correspond to one of said options indicated in said display, and a processor is configured to operate said display in response to manipulation of said plurality of selectors with selection specific menus and to control the heating element according to inputs obtained through said selection specific menus.

Abstract: A method of reducing a fusing apparatus recovery time from a low energy-saver mode temperature back up to a high fusing temperature, the method includes supplying power to a heated member of the fusing apparatus to warm the fusing apparatus from a start up temperature to the high fusing temperature from a primary power supply; and supplying full power to the heated member of the fusing apparatus to warm the fusing apparatus from a start up temperature to the high fusing temperature from a battery power supply.

Abstract: Method and device for the heat treatment of substrates, wherein the substrates are positioned in the vicinity of a heated, essentially flat furnace body extending over the surface of the substrate. In order to provide a reproducible treatment when treating a number of substrates successively, the temperature of the furnace body is measured so close to the surface adjacent to the substrate that the withdrawal of heat from the furnace body by the substrate can be detected. The introduction of each substrate takes place at a point in time when the temperature measured in this way is, within certain limits, equal to a desired initial treatment temperature Ttrig.

Abstract: Method for drying laundry and a machine apt to implement such a method, which provide for the use of only one electric resistance (R3) for heating the air utilized for drying purposes. According to the invention, during the starting phase of the drying process, i.e. the initial stage of the air heating, said resistance (R3) is supplied with continuity for exploiting its maximum power and quickly reach a predetermined temperature of the drying air. Following the attainment of said predetermined temperature, a special control circuit (MC,RL,TR,ST) causes said resistance (R3) to be supplied in a shuttered or modulated way, i.e. by alternating supply phases to non-supply phases within repetitive reference periods, in order to manage the power of the resistance in its steady-state condition for obtaining a substantial constancy of the air temperature.

Abstract: A device for satellites is associated with heaters that are turned on when the device is turned off and turned off when the device is turned on. The device includes a power supply, a system for turning the device on and off and a system for turning the heaters on and off controlled by the system for turning the device on and off. The power supply supplies power to the heaters when they are turned on and do not supply power to the heaters to turn on the device. The device is more particularly suited to communication equipment for satellites associated with substitution heaters.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a sensor that detects operating conditions in a plurality of control loops of a heater system and generates signals corresponding to the detected operating conditions. The monitoring system also includes a controller that receives the signals from the senor and determines whether the signals indicate the presence of an alarm condition in one or more of the control loops. The controller is configured to temporarily disconnect power to the plurality of control loops when it is determined that an alarm condition is present, determine whether the alarm condition is present in an individual connector loop, and reconnect power to only those control loops in which the alarm condition is not present.

Abstract: An oven and a method for controlling the ambient temperature in an oven comprising a baking cavity that is preheated with respect to a user-selected temperature set point. The baking cavity can include a rack for supporting a pan that conceptually divides the cavity into an upper heating region and a lower heating region. A broil heating element and corresponding broil temperature sensor are disposed in the upper heating region of the baking cavity. A bake heating element and corresponding bake heating sensor are disposed in the lower heating region of the baking cavity. A controlled is provided to control the activation of the broil and bake heating elements in response to the sensed temperature of the upper and lower heating regions to maintain the entire oven at a temperature substantially equal to a target temperature set point, which is determined based on the user-selected temperature set point.

Abstract: A control circuit (20) for controlling electrostatic discharge in an electric component includes a heater (28) that is thermally coupled to the component. A sensor (30) is used for sensing a sensed condition. A controller is coupled to the heater and the sensor. The controller (24) heats the component in response to the sensed condition. The sensor (30) may include an electron flux level near the component or a surface potential of the component itself.

Abstract: A temperature controller includes temperature-adjusting device and a heating device. A plurality of magnet pieces and magnet attractive pads are respectively provided to terminal faces of the temperature-adjusting device and the heating device respectively for inducing magnetic attraction between the temperature-adjusting device and the heating device for enhancing the mounting force therebetween.

Abstract: A microwave oven and method are described wherein the microwave oven includes an interface unit interfacing with a plug and play drive to read out cooking information stored in the drive that does not necessitate a separate recognition device. The drive has a large storage capacity and a fast processing rate. The microwave oven also includes a display unit displaying the cooking information, a key input unit selecting one or more pieces of cooking information from the cooking information displayed on the display unit, and a control unit controlling the cooking information stored in the USB drive to be read out and displayed on the display unit through the interface unit, and controlling cooking on the basis of cooking information selected through the key input unit. The microwave oven conveniently and rapidly stores and executes various large-sized cooking information without an additional recognition device.

Abstract: In a vehicle air-conditioning system, a supply of electric power to a first electric heater and a supply of electric power to a second electric heater are duty controlled at the same duty ratio in such a manner that the supply of the electric power to the second electric heater is phase shifted by one half of a period from the supply of the electric power to the first electric heater.

Abstract: A system used to program and coordinate the cooking operations for two or more ovens such that the cooking operations are completed at the same time, independent of particular setting variations. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a single controller is utilized to program each of the ovens, with the controller incorporating an auto sequencing feature which causes the different cooking operations to be automatically performed, while terminating at the same time. Preferably, the system enables a second cooking operation to be programmed and initiated after a first cooking operation, while still providing for the auto sequencing of the cooking operation.

Abstract: A first sensor provides a demand for heat signal to a condensing boiler or water heater for control of the variable firing rate. A second sensor controls a bypass valve to allow a portion of water leaving the primary heat exchanger to reenter the primary heat exchanger. The bypass valve is controlled to maintain the temperature of water entering the primary heat exchanger above a minimum. When the boiler is operating at a reduced firing rate based on the demand for heat and an increase in firing rate is needed to maintain the temperature of water entering the primary heat exchanger above the minimum, the variable firing rate is increased.

Abstract: A system used to program and coordinate the cooking operations for two or more ovens such that the cooking operations are completed at the same time, independent of particular setting variations. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a single controller is utilized to program each of the ovens, with the controller incorporating an auto sequencing feature which causes the different cooking operations to be automatically performed, while terminating at the same time. Preferably, the system enables a second cooking operation to be programmed and initiated after a first cooking operation, while still providing for the auto sequencing of the cooking operation.

Abstract: The invention is a device for heating a seat (3) comprising a heating element (2) connected to a control unit (1) which is arranged to feed a current (I) through the heating element (2), a detector unit (6) in connection to the heating element (2) connected to the control unit (1) with current (I) being fed when the measured temperature value falls below a predetermined desired value (TB). The invention is characterized in that the detector unit (6) comprises at least one first temperature sensor (7) on or in the vicinity of the heating element (2) with at least one further temperature sensor (8) at a predetermined distance from the heating element (2). By means of the invention a more even heating of the seat is obtained with an increased comfort for a person sitting in the seat.

Abstract: Disclosed are a key input apparatus in an electronic oven and a control method thereof enabling to reduce a size of a circuit as well as provide a simple design of the key input control part. A key input apparatus in an electronic oven includes a signal level producing part receiving input signals having a uniform level and producing signals having various levels, and a control part receiving the signals having the various levels through one input port and carrying out operations corresponding the signals having the various levels.

Abstract: A programmable cooking system comprising a plurality of programmable cooking devices and at least one data key. Each data key is provided with a data memory for storing program data corresponding to sequences of cooking operations, and the data memory is divided into a plurality of parts each corresponding to a respective one of said cooking devices. Each programmable cooking device includes a programmable control for controlling the cooking device to carry out sequences of cooking operations each of which may use a different cooking power and cooking time duration. Each programmable cooking device further includes a key aperture adapted to receive one of the data keys and a data reader arranged to read from the data key program data from that part of the data memory corresponding to the cooking device, and pass the program data to the programmable control of the cooking device thus making the appropriate sequences of cooking operations available to the cooking device.

Abstract: A device for detecting a condition at a plate or a wall of a domestic appliance, in particular a kitchen appliance, simplifies and improves condition detection. A sound wave transmitter disposed at least at one first location of the plate or the wall transmits sound waves onto the plate or the wall. A sound wave receiver or a sound wave-reflecting element is disposed at a second location of the plate or the wall remote from the sound wave transmitter. At least one parameter of the sound waves is influenced by a condition prevailing between the first location and the second location. An evaluation circuit evaluates the condition-governed influencing of the sound waves.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an appliance at a predetermined temperature. The control system comprises a sensor capable of providing a temperature signal representative of a temperature in the appliance and a controller capable of receiving the temperature signal and determining an amount of time to apply power based on the temperature signal. The amount of time to apply power is a percentage of time to apply power of a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A condensation control system to remove or prevent condensation on a surface, such as a mirror. The condensation control system has a first terminal that is adapted to be directly connected to an AC power source and a second terminal. In one embodiment, the condensation control system includes a heating element, a power regulation device having a trigger, a voltage divider having an output, and a humidity sensor. The heating element is electrically coupled in series with the power regulation device between the first and second terminals. The voltage divider is electrically coupled in series between the first and second terninals and in parallel with the heating element and the power regulation device. The humidity sensor is electrically coupled between the output of the voltage divider and the trigger of the power regulation device.

Abstract: A heater controller for an oxygen sensor associated with a vehicle engine. The controller includes a start detect section, a restart determination section, and a heater delay control section. The start detect section detects whether the engine is started. The restart determination section determines whether the engine is restarted. The heater delay control section operates the heater to activate after a predetermined delay time, delayed from startup of the engine, that is set according to an engine water temperature. The operation of the heater is executed when the start detect section detects that the engine is started and the restart determination section determines that the engine is not restarted.

Abstract: A microwave oven with an electric device is provided in which the microwave oven includes an electric device control button and a control unit. The electric device control button drives the electric device by manipulation of a user and generates a power amount control signal to control power supplied to the electric device. The control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the electric device in response to the power amount control signal. The power amount control signal is a single pulse signal that is generated whenever the electric device control button is manipulated; and the amount of power supplied to the electric device is determined depending upon a number of occurrences of the single pulse signal.

Abstract: A propeller de-icing system (20) includes heaters (30, 32) associated with propeller blades (22, 24). A controller (34) uses ambient temperature information from a sensor (36), for example. The heaters (30, 32) preferably comprise a material having a known coefficient of resistivity. The controller (34) utilizes the coefficient of resistivity information and determines the temperature of the heaters based upon determining the resistance of the heaters. With the inventive system, the heater control is based upon the ambient temperature and a determination of the desired heater resistance corresponding to a desired heater temperature.

Abstract: Water flow heater with a first heater element (20) for supplying a fixed power, a second, controllable heater element (30), a temperature sensor (40, 50) for measuring the temperature of heated water, and a control unit (22, 32, 80) for controlling the heat supply from the second heater element (30) in dependence on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor (40, 50). A water flowrate lying within a predetermined range is safeguarded in that a pump (60) is provided for generating a water flow through a channel (13), and the control unit is designed so as to activate the heater elements (20, 30) in dependence on activation of the pump (60). As a result, the first heater element (20) of fixed power can have a comparatively high power rating without the risk of water being too strongly heated thereby.

Abstract: Faults occurring in the operation of a rapid thermal process system are detected and dynamically controlled in-situ. A data set is generated which represents the power applied to heating elements which are spatially arranged in a plurality of zones. The data is converted to a sequence of fractions respectively representing the power applied to each zone relative to the total applied power. The fractions are sequentially arranged and a least squares straight line fit for the fractions is calculated. The slope of the calculated straight line fit is used in a statistical process control system to determine whether a fault has occurred, and to make appropriate corrections in process control parameters, such as the length of time the process is carried out.

Abstract: A host computer matches indexes of work data stored in an electro-fusion apparatus against indexes of work data transferred to the host computer. Based on results of the matching, the host computer requests the electro-fusion apparatus for transmission of yet untransferred work data.

Abstract: In order to refine a method for electric heating of furnaces for heat treating metallic workpieces, especially vacuum furnaces usable for plasma carburizing or nitriding, in which the heater elements (8a, 8b, 8c) of a furnace are supplied with a heating voltage that is generated in the secondary circuit of a three phase transformer (6) connected to the three phase power network such that a comparatively small reactive power component can be obtained in a simple and economical manner, it is proposed that the primary coil windings of the three phase transformer (6) be switched in the delta connection during a first heating phase and in the star connection during a second heating phase, whereby the switchover time from the delta connection to the star connection is determined as a function of operating parameters characteristic for the heating process.

Abstract: An automated soldering system with an intelligent power supply that can automatically configure the power output to interchangeable soldering cartridges, where the soldering cartridges include readable information to allow the power supply to properly power the cartridge to achieve a desired, entered operating temperature. The system includes a cartridge with an identifier that contains information particular to that cartridge, a reader able to read that information, and an indicator positioned on a connector into which the cartridge is inserted.

Abstract: An improved temperature-sensing tube for an aquarium, includes a temperature-sensing tube, one end of a temperature sensitive switch made from two metal sheets if welded to a heat-sinking piece, the main body of the heat-sinking piece is formed coincident with the shape of and is completely kept close to the inner wall of the outer pipe. Abnormal temperature generated by the running of related members in the electric circuit board is transmitted to the heat sink. Thus, the whole temperature-sensing device can be more accurate and reliable with more economical cost.

Abstract: In a radiant energy heating system having one or more types of radiant energy heating sub-systems, a control system comprising a solid state electronic control panel pre-programmed to control two or more of the types of radiant heating sub-systems, wherein the control panel controls one or more of the types of sub-systems.

Abstract: A pyrolytic self-cleaning oven having a catalytic composition positioned in the oven cavity or exhaust gas passage in order to complete the combustion and/or the oxidation of gases produced by a process carried out inside the oven. The catalytic composition is supported by a ceramic coating on a metal wire. The metal wire is electrically connected to a control system of the oven for controlling the cooking and/or pyrolytic cleaning process. The catalytic composition carried on the metal wire may be part of a net-shaped catalytic element.

Abstract: A method for sensing overheating of a food container positioned on a glass ceramic cooking hob, for example during the preparation of a food contained in said container, electrical heating elements being provided for predefined regions of said hob. The method includes continuously measuring the variation in temperature of the region of the cooking hob during the activation of a corresponding heating element on which the container is positioned on the hob. The method further includes halting said activation when said temperature undergoes a sudden increase relative to a temperature value maintained substantially constant with time during activation of the heating element.

Abstract: A control system includes a control section provided with a CPU (processor) for controlling a machine to be controlled, an operating section provided with an input/output card interface for enabling connection of an input/output card, and a communications circuit for performing communications between the control section and the operating section, the control section comprising a first serial communications interface connected to the CPU via a first communications control circuit, the operating section comprising a second serial communications interface connected to the input/output card interface via a second communications control circuit, and the communications circuit providing a connection between the first serial communications interface and the second serial communications interface.

Abstract: A convection cooking appliance includes an oven cavity surrounded by an air channel assembly. The appliance includes heating units and a microwave generator arranged in the air channel assembly. A blower assembly is provided to generate a recirculating flow of air through the air channel assembly and the oven cavity. A controller, responsive to operator inputs, as well as signals from both temperature and pressure sensors located in the air channel assembly, regulates the activation/deactivation state of each of the components. One of the heating units in the air channel assembly is preferably constituted by an open coil heating element which is de-activated when the pressure is sensed to be below a specified threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature-measuring device intended especially for a heating/air-conditioning installation, and comprising sensors biased by at least one electrical power-supply source.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus which is easy to replace a heat exchange unit to enhance the maintainability and the space efficiency and which can absorb the thermal expansion/shrinkage of a heat exchanger is provided.

Abstract: A system for heating a patient using a radiant heater is disclosed. In order to ensure optimum positioning of the patient various location and indication embodiments are included. The present invention either adjusts the energisation of the heater to provide optimum heating, provides an indicator of the optimum position for the patient, indicates that the patient is not correctly positioned or any combination thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to the new detachable temperature controller, which has a very important characteristic. If there is the force to draw it, the switch can be separated from the magnetic socket to ensure the safety of the electrical appliance. The temperature controller fits the common electrical appliances in the marketing. It consists of two parts, one is the switch to control the temperature, the other is the magnetic socket to connect the power. This kind of connecting method is the focus in this invention.

Abstract: An oven capable of being operated in a self-cleaning cycle wherein the time period of the self clean cycle is responsive to the amount of soil accumulation in the oven. The oven includes a cooking chamber, a heating device for supplying heat into the cooking chamber and an exhaust flue extending from the cooking chamber leading to atmosphere. A heat control device is provided for controlling the operation of the heating device and an input device is used for signaling the heat control device to initiate the self-cleaning cycle. A gas sensor communicates with the exhaust flue for measuring a concentration of a gas component produced from combustion of food soils within the cooking chamber. The gas sensor has a signal output indicative of the measured concentration of the gas component during the self-cleaning cycle. The heat control device receives successive gas concentration signals from the gas sensor and calculates a gas concentration versus time curve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for operating a self-cleaning oven in which a gas sensor, such as for measuring concentrations of CO gas, is located remote from, yet in gas communication with, an exhaust flue of the oven. The gas sensor is located at the end of an outlet tube which extends from the exhaust flue. A sample gas flow is provided to the gas sensor through the outlet tube to isolate the sensor from the heat of the oven and a filter device is located in the outlet tube for filtering the sample gas flow. A valve may be provided at the inlet to the outlet tube. The rate of change (slope) of successive readings of gas concentrations may be used to determine when the combustion of food material is complete, in order to terminate a self-cleaning cycle.

Abstract: An attendance monitoring apparatus is provided for an appliance, such as an electrical appliance, and includes a housing and a motion sensor assembly contained in the housing. A timer assembly is electrically connected to the motion sensor assembly, and an alarm assembly is electrically connected to the timer assembly. The timer assembly is adjustable for selecting a range of predetermined time intervals. Optionally, a current controller is electrically connected to the timer assembly. The current controller controls electric power to the appliance, such as an electric stove. The attendance monitoring apparatus of the invention signals a person with an audible alarm when the person has not attended to the electric stove for a predetermined period of time. Optionally, the attendance monitoring apparatus can turn off electrical power to the stove under these conditions.

Abstract: A compact rice cooker with excellent rice cooking performance while preventing boiling-over is presented. This rice cooker includes a main body 31, a lid for covering the top of the main body, an inner pan detachably accommodated in the main body, a bottom heating coil for induction heating of the inner pan, a control unit for controlling high frequency power to be supplied to the bottom heating coil, and a rice gruel detecting unit disposed in a steam tube of the lid, and therefore electric power supply is controlled by the control unit depending on the detection state by the rice gruel detecting unit. The rice gruel detecting unit makes use of movement of the float due to the rise of rice gruel, and the lid is formed in a compact size, and boiling-over is prevented, so that tasty rice can be cooked.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for controlling a temperature of an electronic device 40, comprising a temperature regulated surface 100 and an actuator 105 adapted to alternately pulse the temperature regulated surface 100 and electronic device 40 between thermally coupled and uncoupled positions, whereby a temperature of the electronic device 40 is controlled.

Abstract: A method of controlling a power supply to heat sources of a printer and an apparatus for controlling power supply to heat sources of a printer include: a heat generating portion having a plurality of heat sources; a power supply unit; a switching portion having a plurality of switches installed so as to connect or disconnect the power supply from the power supply unit to the individual heat sources; thermal sensors for sensing the temperatures of heat-supplied objects corresponding to the heat sources and generating corresponding temperature signals; and a power supply controller for adjusting the on times of the heat sources so that all periods of power supply to the heat sources do not overlap. Output signals from the thermal sensors for the respective heat sources are used to control the switching portion so that the temperatures of the heat-supplied objects are maintained within the respective preset temperature ranges.

Abstract: A compact rice cooker with excellent rice cooking performance while preventing boiling-over is presented. This rice cooker comprises a main body, a lid for covering the top of the main body, an inner pan detachably accommodated in the main body, a bottom heating coil for induction heating of the inner pan, a control unit for controlling high frequency power to be supplied to the bottom heating coil, and a rice gruel detector disposed in a steam tube of the lid, and therefore electric power supply is controlled by the control unit depending on the detection state by the rice gruel detecting means. The rice gruel detector makes use of move of the float due to rice gruel, the lid is formed in a compact size, and boiling-over is prevented, so that tasty rice can be cooked.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system for nonlinear feedforward control for ramp following and overshoot minimization in a plant under control. The present invention augments a feedforward system with a nonlinear compensation mechanism for minimizing the overshoot that occurs in a conventional feedforward system.

Abstract: A heater control system for an air-fuel ratio sensor for an internal combustion engine is provided to supply power to a heater in order to activate the air-fuel ratio sensor quickly at the time of starting the engine. The system comprises an air-fuel ratio sensor arranged in the engine exhaust system for detecting the air-fuel ratio, a heater for heating the air-fuel ratio sensor, a power supply including a battery and an alternator for supplying power to the heater, a power switch for operating a power line for transmitting power from the power supply, a capacitor circuit charged by the power supply and adapted to discharge through the heater the electricity stored therein by the charging, a first switch connected in series with the heater for supplying or cutting off the current flowing to the heater, and a control unit for controlling the first switch to close after the power switch is closed.

Abstract: Safety device composed of a radiation emitter, a radiation receiver disposed for receiving radiation which is produced by the emitter and which traverses a radiation path between the emitter and the detector, the detector producing an output signal representative of the quantity of radiation received by the detector, and an electronic circuit coupled to the detector for analyzing the output signal produced by the detector and identifying a reduction in the magnitude of the output signal as a result of an obstruction in the radiation path, wherein the emitter and the detector are mounted on a cooking appliance in a manner which allows extraneous radiation in the vicinity of the cooking appliance to traverse the radiation path.

Abstract: A stove timer and automatic cut off system is provided including a stove having a plurality of burners each adapted to generate heat upon the receipt of power. A start switch situated on the stove is adapted for transmitting a start signal upon the depression thereof. A timer selector switch assembly is situated on the stove and has a plurality of discrete modes. The switch assembly is adapted to transmit a timer signal representative of a unique predetermined amount of time in each mode. An indication means is situated on the stove and is adapted to alert a user only during the actuation thereof. A relay is connected between the burners of the stove and a source of power. The relay is adapted to supply the burner with power only when actuated. Finally, a control mechanism serves to function in an activated mode only upon the receipt of the start signal wherein the control means actuates the relay.

Abstract: A controller for controlling the cooking of food within a cooking apparatus. The controller is comprised of a temperature sensor input for receiving an output of a temperature sensor and a system for initiating a cook of a food product based upon a set cook temperature and a set cook time. Plural indications of incremental energy that is absorbed by the food product during the cook are determined, wherein each of the plural indications of incremental energy is based upon a difference between a temperature determined at the temperature sensor input and a desired internal temperature of the food product. The end of the cook is established when the total of the plural indications of incremental energy is one of equal to and greater than an ideal energy to prepare the food product based upon the set cook time and the cook temperature.