Abstract: An electronic cook top control system has a cooktop including a heating element. An electronic controller is operatively connected to the cooktop. A rotary position input is operatively connected to the electronic controller. The electronic controller controls a heating level of the cooktop in a first manner in response to rotation of the rotary position input in a first direction. The electronic controller controls the heating level of the cooktop in a second manner in response to rotation of the rotary position input in a second direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boiler control unit (20) for controlling a burner (2) in a heating boiler (1) controlled by a thermal relay (6). The control unit (20) includes a delayed cycle controller (21) which overrides the thermal relay (6) control and thus delays the activating of the boiler. The delay is dynamically alterable by the controller, based on changes in the temperature of the boiler outlet temperature.

Abstract: Objects of the invention relate to a detachable breakaway power supply device that can be selectively coupled to an electrical appliance. A first coupling element is carried by the appliance and a second coupling element is carried by the detachable power supply device. The power supply device is carried by a conventional power supply cord. Attractive magnetic forces between the first and second coupling elements permit selective, removable attachment and electrical contact between the appliance and the power supply device. This arrangement provides a breakaway mechanism in which disturbance of the power supply cord, e.g., by tripping, results in the separation of the power supply device from the appliance to prevent overturning of the appliance and spilling of its contents.

Abstract: A method and system for inducing augmented levels of heat dissipation by exploiting quiescent IC leakage currents to control the temperature in high power devices. A heat control and temperature monitoring system (HCTMS) utilizes a thermal sensor to sense the junction temperature of a component, which becomes self-heated due to the quiescent leakage current inherent to the component upon the application of power to the component. By increasing the voltage level of the power source, this quiescent self-heating property is augmented, which serves to accelerate the preheating of the device, until the temperature rises above the minimum specified operating temperature of the component. The system is then reliably initialized by applying full system power and triggering a defined initialization sequence/procedure.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting the occurrence and extent of waterlogging in steam heating coils which consists of a series of two or more sensors disposed to measure temperature at strategic locations on the heating coils of a steam heat coil panel, a recording device which logs and stores the temperature measurement data at pre-defined incremental intervals over a significant length of the steam heating cycle, and a method for displaying and interpreting the data to accurately identify the existence and extent of waterlogging within the steam heating system. The temperature sensors preferably are attached to the outside wall of the steam heating coils and transmit data to an electronic recording device. In a preferred embodiment the data is displayed as a series of line graphs which can be analyzed by the use of described techniques to identify the occurrence and location of waterlogging within a steam heating coil.

Abstract: A tamper resistant temperature dial and associated method of use is disclosed. This includes a temperature adjustment device associated with a controller for a heating device that includes a rotatable dial for setting temperature in the heating device, a ring that is operatively attached to the rotatable dial or the controller, wherein the ring includes a plurality of notched portions, and a resilient detent having a first portion engagable with at least one of the plurality of notched portions on the ring, a second portion for releasably applying pressure to the resilient detent for disengaging the first portion of the resilient detent from the at least one of the plurality of notched portions on the ring and having a third portion that is operatively attached to the attached to the controller or the rotatable dial. The heating device can be either electric or gas.

Abstract: A system and method of using a set-back or programmable thermostat for heating or cooling systems to also controlling a fast-recovery water heater such as a power-vented fossil fuel powered water heater such that the water heater is disabled during a set-back mode of the thermostat. The system sends a control signal to a relay module adjacent to the water heater, into which the water heater electrical power cord can be plugged into. The interlock mechanism of the water heater prevents operation of the water heater when power to the water heater is interrupted.

Abstract: A cooking appliance having a control strip, constituted of a series of touch-sensitive sensors, are known for adjusting variables for a parameter of an item to be cooked, such as e.g. for the cooking time or the heating capacity levels. An adjustable variable is adjusted from a series of stored adjustable variables depending on the longitudinal position of a finger of a user guided on the control strip. In order to simplify operation of the control strip, the control strip, in at least one main mode of operation, is associated with a subsection of the series of adjustable variables from the entire series of adjustable variables.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing crosstalk noise from being superimposed on a read signal due to noise from a heater line for a slider in a recording disk drive is disclosed. A heater line pair to the slider is not grounded but is in a floating state with respect to an actuator support structure. A heater driver allows a heater current to flow between a positive power supply voltage and a negative power supply voltage. The heater line pair is not grounded, so an impedance is high as viewed from a magnetic disk. Thus, it is possible to effectively suppress a noise transmitted from the magnetic disk and read signal quality is kept from deteriorating due to the crosstalk from the heater line.

Abstract: A thermostat is provided comprising a first connector for connecting to an air conditioner, a second connector for connecting to either a conventional heater or a heat pump reversing valve, and a selection means for selecting from at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The first mode of operation is configured to establish cooling by providing an on signal to the first connector and to establish heating by providing an on signal to the second connector. The second mode of operation is configured to establish cooling by providing an on signal to the first and second connectors, and heating by providing an on signal to the first connector but not the second connector. When the second mode is selected and the second connector is connected to conventional heating, the thermostat detects when both the conventional heating and air conditioning are operating simultaneously during cooling.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the operation of a heating element moving periodically along a predefined path includes first and second sensors positioned adjacent the path of the heating element. The first sensor is configured to sense the presence of the heating element proximate to the second sensor, and the second sensor is configured to sense a temperature associated with the heating element as is passes by the second sensor. A controller receives signals from the first and second sensors and performs a control function such as indicating when the temperature sensed by the second sensor fall outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: In order to dissipate heat losses from the inner conductor (21), the circuit breaker (20) having an elongated inner conductor (21) and an outer conductor (22) which surrounds the inner conductor (21) like a housing has at least one heat pipe (1) which extends from the inner conductor (21) to the outer conductor (22) and has an insulating hollow body (5) in order to form an electrical insulating gap (7). The heat pipe (1) advantageously has a flexibly deformable section (9). The heat pipe (1) can run in a supporting insulator (24) which supports the inner conductor (21). In addition to a working medium, the heat pipe (1) advantageously also contains an auxiliary gas which results in an enhanced dielectric strength at low temperatures.

Abstract: A heat sink that is disposed on a heating element and absorbs the heat generated by the heating element includes: a contact surface to which recessed grooves are formed and the region of which excluding the recessed grooves is in contact with the heating element; insertion members having a thickness, which permits them to fill the recessed grooves, and come into contact with the heating element by being inserted into the recessed grooves; and a turning mechanism that separates the contact surface from the heating element by turning the insertion members in response to a manipulation while abutting the extreme ends of the insertion members against the heating element. With such arrangement, there can be provided the heat sink that can reduce time and effort for removing the heat sink from the heating element while suppressing deterioration of heat absorption capability and an information processing device including the heat sink.

Abstract: A system for wiring a heating element in an electrical appliance to a conventional thermostat switch in a new manner and a new thermostat for supporting the new wiring system. The new wiring system avoids switching the full heating element current for both hot power leads of a split-phase power system to reduce the amount of wiring needed to wire the thermostat switch to a heating element and a pilot lamp showing that current is being provided to the heating element.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to create a temperature control system applied in heating and cooling phases of thermal processing. The invented temperature control system consists of a single frequency converter F to whose output, through contactors, are simultaneously connected: at least one heating system and at least one cooling system. The heating system incorporating resistance heating elements R is actuated by the heating system contactor SG. The cooling system incorporating gas blower, 3-phases induction motor MD is actuated by the blower motor contactor SD. The heating and cooling system contactors (SG and SD) are connected to the output of the frequency converter F and are controlled by the temperature controller RT.

Abstract: A bi-directional tamper resistant temperature adjustment controller interface comprises a control dial having an interior face wherein a cylindrical center boss extends therefrom, said cylindrical center boss having a substantially annular cross section, and a central axial bore adapted to receive a rotatable control member and an exterior side wall of the boss has formed therein a first and a second ring of inline recessed notches adapted for resistively engaging a deflecting member. In one embodiment of the invention the first and second ring of inline recessed notches are a first and second ring of directional serrations wherein the first ring of serrations are angularly directed in a first direction to resist rotation of the dial in one direction of rotation and the second ring of serrations are angularly directed in a second direction to resist rotation of the dial in an opposing direction of rotation.

Abstract: An overheating protection system for a control unit includes an interrupter element, which, in its initial position defined with respect to a circuit board, electrically connects the opposite facing ends of at least one track on the circuit board, and an actuating element which is activated with the overheating of the transistor, and which on actuation against the interrupter element takes effect and releases it at least so far from the tract that the electrical connection is interrupted. A preassembled actuating unit for the interrupter element of the overheating protection is comprises an accommodation housing, in which an actuating element is accommodated and which can be brought into interaction with the interrupter element and which is held releasably by a one-piece latching element formed on the accommodation housing under pretension. An electrical heating device with a control unit protected against overheating is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustment interface for adjusting a controller teaches a novel apparatus and method for controlling the temperature of a heating device comprising a controller cover panel having a rotatable controller dial; a ring member mounted to axially extend beyond and away from the exterior surface, wherein the ring member has projections radially extending from an exterior perimeter of the ring member; and said rotatable controller is operatively connectable to a rotatable controller adjustment and said control dial operable to effect rotation of the rotatable adjustment member when said control dial is grasped and turned and said control dial having a deflection pin extending therefrom having sufficient length and orientation to crossingly engage the projections extending from the exterior perimeter of the ring member such that the deflection pin resistively engages the projections and flexes to travel radially over and disengaging the projections when the control member is turned.

Abstract: Objects of the invention relate to a detachable breakaway power supply device that can be selectively coupled to an electrical appliance. A first coupling element is carried by the appliance and a second coupling element is carried by the detachable power supply device. The power supply device is carried by a conventional power supply cord. Attractive magnetic forces between the first and second coupling elements permit selective, removable attachment and electrical contact between the appliance and the power supply device. This arrangement provides a breakaway mechanism in which disturbance of the power supply cord, e.g., by tripping, results in the separation of the power supply device from the appliance to prevent overturning of the appliance and spilling of its contents.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, the electronic control circuit including a single control switch for controlling both power output and responding to a sensed condition. The electronic circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit to provide the circuit logic. The single control switch is preferably a push-button switch which places the unit in the selected mode of operation. The electronic control circuit also includes a thermistor or humidity sensor to sense conditions and, depending upon the set temperature/humidity by the control switch and the sensed condition the unit will operate accordingly. The unit can also operate in a manual mode, thereby bypassing the sensor operation.

Abstract: A heater effectively uses a current controlled fan motor in series with a resistance heating arrangement. The fan motor preferably is wound with a gauge of wire to appropriate for the relatively high current provided to the fan motor. This arrangement is effectively used to adjust the fan speed to match the heat output when the heating arrangement has variable heat output. More desirable operating characteristics are achieved without increasing costs and fan motor manufacturing savings are realized. The portable heater preferably produces heat at different outputs and the current used to power the resistance heating arrangement is used to power the fan motor.

Abstract: A control unit (3) for controlling an electric household appliance, e.g. a refrigerator, is connected in series with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistive unit (4) which, when supplied with electric current, generates sufficient heat to activate a thermally activated actuating element (6) for selectively turning on/off respective auxiliary switches (9) of the electric household appliance. The thermally activated actuating element (6) includes a temperature-deformable element (7), e.g. a bimetallic plate, the deformation of which is transmitted by kinematic links (10) to a camshaft (8), the cams (12) of which cooperate with the auxiliary switches (9) of the electric household appliance to selectively turn on/off the auxiliary switches (9).

Abstract: A control circuit for a heating pad. The control circuit includes a two-pole, four-position slide switch. The four positions of the two-pole, four-position slide switch include off and three different heat settings of the heating pad. The control circuit also includes three heat setting indicators that are alternatively illuminated when the switch is in the three different heat settings. Diodes are used to direct electrical currents through the indicators as appropriate. The diodes and the two-pole, four-position slide switch are arranged so that current may be appropriately flow through, or may be blocked from flowing through, the indicators when the two-pole, four-position slide switch is in each of the three heating settings.

Abstract: A variable flow thermostat, as applied to an internal combustion engine, provides a means for allowing the flow of coolant fluid from the engine block to the radiator to vary in response to the temperature of the engine coolant sensed at the engine block. The thermostat includes a central control unit that responds to changes in engine coolant temperature by sending signals to one of a plurality of control heaters, each in contact with block of a controllably expandable medium. These blocks, when heated by the control heaters, will heat and expand, exerting a force that controls the degree to which a valve opens. The valve controls the flow of coolant fluid from the engine to either a radiator or a bypass conduit. By varying how many blocks of material are heated, the position of the valve, and thus the amount of coolant reaching the radiator, can be varied.

Abstract: A cooking appliance incorporates a convection system including a blower or fan having an associated heating element used for thawing food items in an oven cavity. The convection fan and its associated heating element are specifically controlled to regulate the air flow and temperature within the oven cavity in a manner which significantly reduces thaw time over ambient conditions, while not negatively effecting food quality. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the convection fan is constantly operated at a high RPM and the convection heating element is operated in the order of 80° F.-100° F. (approximately 26-38° C.) in order to establish and maintain an oven cavity temperature of about 80° F. (approximately 26° C.) for food thawing purposes.

Abstract: A cooking appliance incorporates a convection system including a blower or fan having an associated heating element used for thawing food items in an oven cavity. The convection fan and its associated heating element are specifically controlled to regulate the air flow and temperature within the oven cavity in a manner which significantly reduces thaw time over ambient conditions, while not negatively effecting food quality. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the convection fan is constantly operated at a high RPM and the convection heating element is operated in the order of 80° F.-100° F. (approximately 26-38° C.) in order to establish and maintain an oven cavity temperature of about 80° F. (approximately 26° C.) for food thawing purposes.

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 control circuit for a heating pad. The control circuit includes a two-pole, four-position slide switch. The four positions of the two-pole, four-position slide switch include off and three different heat settings of the heating pad. The control circuit also includes three heat setting indicators that are alternatively illuminated when the switch is in the three different heat settings. Diodes are used to direct electrical currents through the indicators as appropriate. The diodes and the two-pole, four-position slide switch are arranged so that current may be appropriately flow through, or may be blocked from flowing through, the indicators when the two-pole, four-position slide switch is in each of the three heating settings.

Abstract: A fluid fill system includes at least one sensor for indicating whether a fluid level in a reservoir is equal to or greater than a predetermined fluid level and a process control. The process control obtains a reading from the at least one sensor at a predetermined interval and increments a counter if the reading indicates that the fluid level is equal to or greater than the predetermined fluid level and decrements the counter if the reading indicates that the fluid level is less than the predetermined fluid level. Process control operates a fluid supply mechanism when a value of the counter moves beyond a predetermined value.

Abstract: A multi-zone bedding system includes a blanket (or sleeping bag, pad, medical heating enclosure, or the like) defined by two or more zones having independent insulation values. In one embodiment, the bedding system includes a controller configured to independently modify or regulate the insulation value of one or more of those zones to suit the personal preferences of the individual or individuals using the system. The insulation value of the zones may be altered by modifying, for example, the density, material type, air content, internal chemical reaction, electrical current, and/or the thickness of the blanket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for signal control of a switch which outputs a first signal in response to a turning operation thereof and outputs a second signal in response to a depressing operation thereof. If one of the first and second signals is outputted in response to a corresponding one of the switch turning operation and the switch depressing operation and the other signal is thereafter outputted in response to the other operation within a predetermined period, the control device nullifies the other signal. With this arrangement, a heating cooker provided with the switch is prevented from performing an under-heat or over-heat cooking operation on the basis of a misoperation of the switch. Further, the need for resetting a cooking period is obviated which may otherwise arise from the misoperation of the switch.

Abstract: A heating appliance having an electrical circuit that controls the temperature output of the heating appliance is provided with a bimetallic element that opens upon reaching a temperature level. A potentiometer in the circuit is used to select the temperature level within an acceptable range of temperatures. The potentiometer has a rotatable shaft including a first positioning element. A knob is secured to the shaft and has a second positioning element that engages the first positioning element on the shaft. The first and second positioning elements have portions that may be modified to compensate for variations in the temperature at which the bimetallic element opens. The first positioning element may be a rib, while the second positioning element is a slot in a tubular portion of the knob receives the rib and that may be located in a range of arcuate positions.

Abstract: Rare earth metal switched magnetic devices that comprise one or more magnets, a rare earth metal element positioned in the magnetic field produced by the magnet(s) and a system for controlling the temperature of the rare earth metal element are disclosed. The rare earth metal element is formed of a rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy having magnetic properties that change from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic when heated above the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy. Preferably the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy is at or below the ambient temperature in which the rare earth metal switched magnetic device is to be used—approximately room temperature (70° F.) in the case of devices intended for use in a factory. Tailored Curie temperatures can be obtained by alloying rare earth metals together and/or with conventional switchable “soft” magnetic metals—iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Abstract: An electric toaster includes a chassis with one or more toasting compartments. At least one electric heater is located in each compartment, and a cage is positioned in each compartment adjacent the heater. The cage includes lateral sides with a gap therebetween for receiving a food item and stationary supports that extend into the gap from the lateral sides for supporting the food item during a toasting operation. The electric toaster also includes a movable food support rod that is positioned in the toasting compartment for movement between an upper rest position and a lower toasting position below the stationary supports. The movable food support rod is adapted to support the food item above the stationary support and to transfer support of the food item to the stationary support when the movable food support rod travels below the stationary supports.

Abstract: A thermal protector has a fixed plate provided with a fixed contact at the front end portion. There is a first terminal for external connection in the rear end portion and a movable plate having elasticity so that a movable contact provided in the front end portion is brought into contact with the fixed contact by the elasticity. There is a second terminal for external connection connected to the rear end portion of the movable plate; and a bimetal plate, the front end portion being engaged with the movable plate. The movable plate is driven in a direction such that the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact by reversing when a predetermined temperature is exceeded. A part of the movable plate has a double reconstruction provided by folding, and an increase in cross-sectional area due to this double construction substantially decreases the internal resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for signal control of a switch which outputs a first signal in response to a turning operation thereof and outputs a second signal in response to a depressing operation thereof. If one of the first and second signals is outputted in response to a corresponding one of the switch turning operation and the switch depressing operation and the other signal is thereafter outputted in response to the other operation within a predetermined period, the control device nullifies the other signal. With this arrangement, a heating cooker provided with the switch is prevented from performing an under-heat or over-heat cooking operation on the basis of a misoperation of the switch. Further, the need for resetting a cooking period is obviated which may otherwise arise from the misoperation of the switch.

Abstract: An electric appliance control comprising an electromagnet; an electrical switch assembly; a ferromagnetic section movable with a contact of the switch assembly towards the electromagnet; and a user actuated member adapted to move the ferromagnetic section and the contact towards the electromagnet. When the electromagnet is energized and the ferromagnetic section and contact are moved by the user actuated member to an actuated position, the electromagnet can retain the contact at the actuated position by magnetically holding the ferromagnetic section at the actuated position.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for driving an ignition coil includes a first semiconductor switch having a load path connected in series with a primary winding of the ignition coil, and having a control electrode, which is driven in accordance with a first drive signal. The circuit configuration further includes a second semiconductor switch having a load path connected in parallel with the primary winding and having a control electrode, which is driven in accordance with a second drive signal.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a cabinet and wash chambers in the form of drawers which slide in and out of the cabinet. Rigid and flexible closures are disclosed for sealing off the wash chambers when retracted into the cabinet. A detergent dispenser for the dishwasher is provided in one wall of a wash chamber in the wash water discharge path into the wash chamber so that detergent powder is flushed out of the dispenser and mixed with the wash water prior to the latter being discharged into the wash chamber. A wash programme for a dual wash chamber dishwasher is also disclosed which minimizes total water consumption by transferring water from one chamber to the other.

Abstract: A dry bath with a heat conductive block having a plurality of bores adapted to receive tubes containing samples of material. The dry bath includes a heater and a temperature sensor mounted to the block. A heat controller executes a control cycle of initially operating the heater to heat the block in the absence of the tubes to a desired temperature. Next, the heat controller automatically detects a change in temperature of the block in response to tubes being placed in the bores, wherein the samples in the tubes have a temperature different, for example, less, than the desired temperature. In that case, the heat controller operates the heater to first automatically heat the block to a temperature greater than the desired temperature. Thereafter, the heat controller automatically reduces the heat being applied to the block while heat continues to transfer to the samples such that the block and samples simultaneously reach, and are maintained at, the desired temperature.

Abstract: Rare earth metal switched magnetic devices that comprise one or more magnets, a rare earth metal element positioned in the magnetic field produced by the magnet(s) and a system for controlling the temperature of the rare earth metal element are disclosed. The rare earth metal element is formed of a rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy having magnetic properties that change from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic when heated above the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy. Preferably the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy is at or below the ambient temperature in which the rare earth metal switched magnetic device is to be used—approximately room temperature (70° F.) in the case of devices intended for use in a factory. Tailored Curie temperatures can be obtained by alloying rare earth metals together and/or with conventional switchable “soft” magnetic metals—iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Abstract: Rare earth metal switched magnetic devices that comprise one or more magnets, a rare earth metal element positioned in the magnetic field produced by the magnet(s) and a system for controlling the temperature of the rare earth metal element are disclosed. The rare earth metal element is formed of a rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy having magnetic properties that change from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic when heated above the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy. Preferably the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy is at or below the ambient temperature in which the rare earth metal switched magnetic device is to be used—approximately room temperature (70° F.) in the case of devices intended for use in a factory. Tailored Curie temperatures can be obtained by alloying rare earth metals together and/or with conventional switchable “soft” magnetic metals—iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Abstract: A cooking device for cooking food comprising a cavity, a heating element disposed in the cavity, a temperature sensor for determining the temperature in the cooking device and a fan operable in at least three modes, an OFF mode, a HI mode and a LO mode to move air in the cooking device. A fan control device is provided to operate the fan in LO mode by pulsing the fan on for a first predetermined mount of time every second predetermined amount of time to ensure continuous movement of the fan.

Abstract: A protecting device is for use in protecting a radio communication device (15) under high and low temperature. The protecting device comprises a cover member (31) of a heat insulator that defines a room therein. The radio communication device is located in the room. First and second opening portions (31a, 31b) are formed at the cover member. The first opening portion may be opposite to the second opening portion. Each of the first and the second opening portions has a predetermined opening area. The protecting device further comprises first and second damper members (32a, 32b) and has first and second driving sections (33a, 33b, 34a, 34b). The first driving section drives the first damper member in accordance with a room temperature to make the first damper member vary the predetermined opening area into a variable opening area in the first opening portion. The variable opening area is smaller than the predetermined opening area.

Abstract: A semiconductor switching circuit is connected to a DC power source for an inverter to control a servomotor in an injection molding machine, and a PWM signal controls an ON/OFF operation of a switching device in the semiconductor switching circuit so as to feed power to a heater of the injection molding machine. Since the DC power source feeds the heater with power, it is possible to overcome irregularity in power supply, and linearly vary a conducting time, thereby finely and accurately controlling a temperature. The DC power source for the inverter to control the servomotor also serves as a DC power source for the heater, resulting in no need for a special power source circuit.

Abstract: Method for the storage and controlled supply of electric energy for discontinuous loads in steelworks and in particular for metal melting systems and rolling mills, the method comprising at least one main supply line (18) connected to a main supply source (11) of electric energy and a plurality of loads (12-13-14-114-20), whereby the level of maximum active power supplied by that main supply source (11) to the steelworks is limited by a sub-station (27) to a level "P.sub.0 " lower than the peaks of maximum absorption by those loads (12-13-14-114-20), the method comprising at least one accumulation line (16) connected in parallel to the main supply line (18) and supplying at least one storage assembly (17), which is connected to the loads (12-13-14-114-20) through a secondary supply line (19).

Abstract: A thermally-actuated switch includes a pair of switch contacts openable or closeable in response to a change in the length of a shape memory metal (SMM) rod. The SMM rod is caused to change its length by having its temperature increased by heat produced when electrical power dissipated in a heating element that is coupled in electrical circuit with the switch contacts. To this end, the heating element is thermally coupled to the SMM rod, such as by a common heatsink. Where the switch is to be openable, the heating element is preferably in series circuit with the contacts, and where the contacts are closeable, the heating element is preferably in parallel therewith.

Abstract: Compressed air-driven electrical generator supplies electric current to resistance heating element on demand in a baseboard heating system. A thermostat in communication with an air valve actuator, allows compressed air to flow from an air holding tank to an air motor which drives the electric generator whenever the temperature in the control space drops below a pre-selected temperature. An electrical relay switch in series with the electric generator and an electrical resistance heating element opens the electrical circuit between the electric generator and the heating element whenever the temperature sensed by the thermostat drops below the pre-selected temperature.

Abstract: A coffee-maker is provided which comprises a first supply voltage terminal (10) and a second supply voltage terminal (11), a heating element (12), a first switching element (13), and a second switching element (14), which heating element (12), first switching element (13) and second switching element (14) are serially coupled between the first supply voltage terminal (10) and the second supply voltage terminal (11), the first switching element (13) being adapted to set the heating element (12) to a first keep-warm temperature and the second switching element (14) being adapted to set the heating element (12) to a second keep-warm temperature. For an improved control to set the heating element (12) to the first and the second keep-warm temperature, the second switching element (14) is adapted to set the heating element (12) to the second keep-warm temperature depending upon a time needed to establish the first keep-warm temperature.

Abstract: A unitary device requiring no assembly by a user is plugged into an electrical power source to provide freeze protection. The device includes a socket for holding a heat lamp and a pressure connector, such as a plug, for connecting to an electrical receptacle or a live lamp socket. A remote sensor monitors temperature at a location remote from the device, and causes a switch to energize the heat lamp when freezing temperature is sensed. The device is supported by the plug or other connection to the power source. A commercially available heating lamp is a preferred heating element. Ease of installation and lamp replacement make the novel device highly practical for homeowner use.