Abstract: A hand dryer timer having a switch in electrical communication with, and controlling the operation of a heater, a fan motor and a timer motor which are electrically connected to two nonneutral lines of a power source. A cam is mounted on a drive shaft of the timer motor such that the cam rotates with the drive shaft and also slides longitudinally over the drive shaft. The cam has a cam lobe adjacent an actuating arm of the switch. A biasing element is located between the timer motor and the cam and biases the cam to a first position aligning the cam lobe with the actuating arm of the switch. The switch includes two sets of switch contacts in a power circuit for the heater and fan motor, so that at the end of a drying cycle, the two sets of switch contacts are effective to electrically isolate the heater and fan motor from both non-neutral lines of the power source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally analyzing a sample of a material by detecting a heat flow between the sample (7) and a heat source (1) and evaluating a functional relation between the measured heat flow (HF) and an associated temperature is based on controlling the heating power of the heat source (1) so as to cause the heat source to follow a temperature program (17) as a function of time superposed with a modulation (23) of the heating power.

Abstract: A steam exhaust system of an electric pressurizing device which can control the pressure in a cooking vessel and simultaneously can prevent the pressure in the cooking vessel from excessively increasing during the cooking operation. In the steam exhaust system, a steam exhaust pipe penetrates a lid of the electric pressurizing device, and has a steam exhaust channel formed therein. A valve assembly is provided which includes a frame and a pressurizing plate. The valve assembly opens and closes the steam exhaust channel of the steam exhaust pipe by the pivoting of the pressurizing plate. A pressure control device actuates the valve assembly by way of a magnetic force to control the blocking pressure in the steam exhaust pipe.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for identifying a subject medium from several possible subject media within a cooking device, such as deep fat fryer. The apparatus contains one subject medium within the cooking device and has a controller, which includes a timer, and generates a conductivity signal. The apparatus also includes a conductivity measuring device which receives the conductivity signal and measures a conductivity value device in response to the conductivity signal. The controller determines the subject medium's composition by comparing the measured conductivity value to predetermined conductivity values for the known group of subject media.

Abstract: A method of applying an inscription on a copying paper to a heat-resistant surface, such as an exterior surface of a cup, where the paper bears the inscription to be applied to the cup via heat. The heat is provided to the paper exclusively from the rear of an object to be inscribed, where the heat is provided by a halogen lamp. A sufficient temperature is generated at the surface of the object to thereby adhere the inscription to the surface, and then the paper is pulled off.

Abstract: A cooking oven and method which compensates for variations in line voltage so as to achieve uniform cooking results that are independent of line voltage. The method includes providing an oven having a radiant energy source mounted therein, initiating a selected cooking cycle in the oven, measuring the line voltage across the radiant energy source and determining the increase or decrease in the line voltage above or below a predetermined nominal value. An adjusted energization time is determined relative to the predetermined energization time, using the determined increase or decrease in line voltage. The cooking cycle is completed using the adjusted energization time.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system has an air-conditioning unit and a controller which includes a timer setting unit for establishing data including at least one time zone in the time of one day and an operation status in the time zone for the air-conditioning unit. The controller also has a memory for storing the data established by the timer setting means, and operation control unit for controlling operation of the air-conditioning unit according to the data stored by the memory. The timer setting unit includes a first setting unit for establishing the data altogether for all days of the week, a second setting unit for establishing the data for a plurality of groups divided from the days of the week, and a third setting unit for establishing the data individually for the days of the week. The first, second, and third setting units are selected by the timer setting unit to establish the data. Each time new data is established by either one of the first, second, and third setting units.

Abstract: Glass or glass-ceramic materials for a cooking surface of a modern cooking unit can only withstand a certain predetermined limited temperature/time load. In order to guarantee that the permissible temperature/time load is not exceeded during the guaranteed lifetime at a given “standard” usage frequency, a shut-off temperature must be determined by an operating temperature limiting device provided in the cooking unit. So that the full potential of the cooking unit in regard to the load that the cooking surface bears can be attained when the actual usage frequency is less than a nominal value or predetermined guideline, the method provides for a continuous measurement of the accumulated temperature/time load and for continuous determination of the shut-off temperature by comparison of the accumulated temperature/time load with the permissible load for the actual usage duration.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an oven during preheating wherein the oven includes an oven cavity having an interior with at least one heating element for raising the temperature within the oven cavity and a temperature sensor provided for sensing the temperature within the oven cavity. The method of the present invention includes the steps of sensing the temperature within the oven cavity a plurality of times during the preheating period of the oven cycle, calculating the temperature rise within the oven cavity during the preheating period, and cycling the at least one heating element on and off during the preheating period such that the temperature rise within the oven cavity during the preheating period is controlled to match a predetermined temperature rise slope.

Abstract: A toaster broiler oven with an NTC temperature probe located within the oven chamber and a controller that controls the heater of the oven in a thermostat operation for non-toasting modes and in a variable toasting interval length operation in the toasting mode. When the toaster start switch is activated in the toast mode, the controller determines if the oven chamber temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature, such as room temperature. If not, a first toast interval is selected. If so, a second shorter toast interval is selected. The length of the second interval is chosen so that the toaster oven consistently produces toast of a selected color from one toast cycle to the next, regardless of the elapsed time between consecutive toast cycles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature compensated timer for a heating appliance that heats a food item during a heating cycle. The timer includes a coil having first and second terminals and presenting a resistance between the terminals that is a function of temperature changes of the coil. A timing circuit is coupled to the first and second terminals of the coil. The timing circuit operates to drive a current through the coil to maintain a heating cycle and to generate a delay signal a delay time after the heating cycle is initiated. The delay time has a value that is a function of the resistance of the coil. The delay signal is operable to remove the current from the coil to terminate the heating cycle.

Abstract: A heater abnormality detecting circuit includes a heater winding. A fly back pulse extracted by the heater winding is supplied to a heater through a heater resistor, and voltage-divided and supplied to a micro-computer. The micro-computer determines a normality or abnormality on the heater by determining whether or not it is inputted with the voltage-divided fly back pulse in a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A pressure cooker has a hollow main body, a cover disposed on a top portion of the hollow main body, an upper joint disposed on the cover, a handle connected to the upper joint, and a heating device disposed on a bottom of the hollow main body. The heating device has a bottom casing, an upper casing engaging with the bottom casing, a thermal conducting plate disposed on the upper casing, and a thermal generating device disposed between the thermal conducting plate and the bottom casing. An electric circuit board is disposed in the bottom casing. An electric control board is disposed on the upper casing.

Abstract: A supplemental controller for a fiber glass bushing actively performs heating and cooling of a connected segment of the bushing which is otherwise controlled by a primary controller. In one embodiment, the supplemental controller performs heating by means of current injection into a connected bushing segment and cooling by means of current diversion from or around the connected bushing segment. Initial start-up and balancing operations can be performed without activation of the supplemental controller. In another embodiment of the invention, the supplemental controller heats a bushing segment by injecting current in-phase with current from the primary bushing controller and cools the bushing segment by injecting current out-of-phase with current from the primary bushing controller.

Abstract: A power-saving controller for an image-forming apparatus activates a power-saving mode when the image-forming apparatus is operated with a power-saving key while standing by, and controls a fixer to have a target temperature selected by a user beforehand, which is lower than a target temperature of the fixer obtained when the image-forming apparatus stands by. After a predetermined period elapses, when the selected temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, the power-saving controller controls the fixer to have the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A device for controlling a physical quantity set by a user, such as temperature or humidity, in a household electrical appliance such as an oven, a refrigerator or a washing-drying machine comprises, for measuring this physical quantity, at least one member operationally connected to control means for this quantity which operate on means for regulating this quantity, such as at least one electrical heating resistance element, a compressor of a refrigeration circuit or the like. The measuring member is connected to means for generating a square wave electrical signal the period of which is proportional to the value of the measured physical quantity, said electrical signal being evaluated by the control means which, on the basis of its frequency, determine a final value for said signal.

Abstract: A heater control device that prevents a flickering by driving a fixing heater in a phase controlling at a fixed phase angle for predetermined duration when an image forming apparatus starts power supplying to the fixing heater.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an oven cavity having an associated access door provided with a cavity viewing window, a control panel for setting both a desired cooking function and a heat source operating time period, and a light for illuminating the oven cavity of the appliance. The light is controlled so as to be automatically activated prior to the expiration of the set time period for the selected cooking operation in order to bring the attention of the user to viewing the progress of the cooking operation without unnecessarily opening the oven cavity door. If, after viewing the food being cooked, it is determined that further cooking time is warranted, then the process of adding additional cooking time will function to re-set the automatic light activating feature of the invention.

Abstract: A food preparation system, a controller, a computer readable memory, and a method for providing precise on-line control of a heat transfer process on a food item is disclosed. The food preparation system comprises a heating and/or cooling chamber, a sensor, and a controller. The chamber is configured to transfer heat to or from the food item during a phase of the heat transfer process. The sensor is configured to sense an actual temperature in the heating and/or cooling chamber at each real time epoch of the phase. The controller is configured to control the heating and/or cooling chamber according to a scheduled time-temperature profile over the phase. It is also configured to, at each real time epoch of the phase, simulate an internal temperature in the food item based on the sensed actual temperature at that real time epoch. It is further configured to terminate the phase when the simulated internal temperature at a particular real time epoch reaches a target internal temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing a food product is disclosed. The food product is placed inside of an air-tight chamber, in which the food product is to be cooked, wherein steam is generated from a source of water and is introduced into the cooking chamber. The steam heats the inside of the cooking chamber and serves as a heat transfer media to heat the food product as well as a color and flavor transfer media to color and flavor the food product. That is, a flavoring and coloring additive, such as liquid smoke, may be added to the water utilized in generating the steam in order to flavor the food product being cooked. The steam then transfers the flavoring and coloring additive to the food product which condenses on the food product adding flavor and color to the food product.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling the duration of heating and/or cooking an undetermined amount Z of a given food product (5) placed in an oven chamber (1) comprising a heat source (2) and a sensor (4) for picking up a signal characteristic of the heating and/or cooking state of the food product. The invention is characterised in that it consists, after (A) supplying the heat source (2) at an initial moment t.sub.0 so that it delivers a predetermined constant power P.sub.0, in (B) measuring said characteristic signal at several successive moments over a measuring interval from said initial moment t.sub.0 to a final prefixed moment t.sub.c ; in (C) computing over this measuring interval the value S.sub.Zc of the integral of the characteristic signal measurements of taken in absolute value; in (D) deducing the residual time t.sub.r for heating and/or cooking for said undetermined amount Z of food product according to a predetermined polynomial equation linking the residual time t.sub.

Abstract: An integrated electronic starting control system module for diesel engines which provides unique packaging with integration of a multiplicity of features previously unavailable or available only in separate control modules. Integrated into one modular device are improved glow plug and starting system control, monitoring, protection, and diagnostic features.

Abstract: A toast oven is controlled by a microprocessor that is programmed to selectively determine each toasting time in accordance with a user selected toasting requirement and with an initial oven temperature. In this way the toasting time is automatically adjusted to take into account the oven temperature at the beginning of each toasting cycle. The user therefore does not have to make subjective manual adjustments to produce consistent toasting results. A time display on a panel, controlled by the microprocessor, indicates the remaining toasting time during each toasting cycle.

Abstract: A device for disconnecting an electric appliance or a component thereof from a source of electricity including a circuit connecting the appliance or component thereof to a power source through a relay or other component to open the circuit; and a timer circuit connected to the relay. The timer circuit includes a processor for setting the timer circuit, and a manually operated switch in communication with the processor. The timer circuit is activated for a predetermined time increment by closing the switch, and the relay is closed while the timer circuit is activated. When the switch is closed again while the timer circuit is activated, an additional time increment is added to the activation period.

Abstract: A temperature control method and controller for an oven having a heater, a temperature sensor, a fan, a door, a cooking compartment and on oven on/off switch. The method includes a heat up procedure that involves running two or more heat up cycles to stabilize the cooking compartment to a cook temperature. The method also includes a time out procedure that reduces the cooking compartment temperature to a standby temperature in the event a time out period expires between the end of one cooking procedure and the start of the next cooking procedure. The method also includes an automatic cooling procedure that automatically cools the cooking compartment to a safe temperature whenever the oven on/off switch is switched from on to off.

Abstract: A pressure cooker has a main body, a cover disposed on the main body, an air vent valve disposed on the cover, a base seat, an aluminum disk, an electric heating pipe, and a temperature control device. The base seat has a hollow interior, and a chamber. The electric heating pipe is disposed in the base seat. The aluminum disk is disposed on the electric heating pipe. The hollow interior of the base seat receives a bottom of the main body. The temperature control device is inserted in the chamber. The temperature control device has a first recess hole, a second recess hole, and a temperature sensing rod. The electric heating pipe has a first end inserted in the first recess hole, and a second end inserted in the second recess hole.

Abstract: A safety device for use in conjunction with an electric cooking stove includes a relay unit having a plug having two live pins and a neutral pin for insertion in a stove receptacle, a receptacle receiving a similar plug of a stove, a relay arrangement for interrupting connections between the live pins of the plug, and corresponding live sockets of the receptacle; and a control unit connected to the relay arrangements, the control unit generating signals to activate said relay arrangement; the relay arrangement is configured to interrupt only one at a time of the connections between the live pins and the live sockets, and the relay arrangement further includes preset switch or jumper to select which of said connections is interrupted.

Abstract: A toaster includes a housing having an upper wall with bagel half shaped openings; toasting chambers in the housing accessible through the openings and having bagel half shapes; a bread rack in each toasting chamber; inner/outer heating coils surrounding each toasting chamber; electric contacts in the housing for activation of the heating coils; a raising/lowering mechanism connected with the bread racks for moving the bread racks up and down, and including first and second lateral portions connected to opposite ends of the bread racks; first and second guides mounted to the housing for guiding the first and second lateral portions with a small tolerance, a yoke housing connected with the first lateral portion and slidably movable relative to the housing, a lever slidably moving the yoke housing; a yoke slidably movable relative to the yoke housing and closing the electric contacts when the bread racks and yoke are lowered, and a first spring biasing the yoke upwardly; an electromagnet holding the yoke in the

Abstract: A vertically extending, cylindrical toaster having a plurality of modules which may be integrally joined together in a single housing or may be separably stacked one upon the other. Each module comprises at least one individual heating unit having a horizontally oriented aperture opening into the unit. Each heating unit is separated from its vertical neighbors by a heat insulating layer and includes a food receiving grill, an upper heating element located above the grill, a lower heating element located below the grill, and a removable tray below the lower heating element for catching crumbs or other food particles which fall from the grill. The grill may also be movable and/or removable for easy access to the food thereon or for cleaning. Master controls for all the modules and individual controls for each separate module are contemplated to provide versatile control of the cooking processes.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for controlling an electric heater incorporating at least one electric heating element (2A, 2B, 2C) and energized from a single voltage alternating current supply (8). The apparatus includes a control knob (15) for manually selecting any one of a predetermined number of power settings for the heater from the voltage supply (8), the power settings varying progressively between a minimum power setting and a maximum power setting. The apparatus further includes a controller (10) adapted and arranged to supply to the electric heater within a predetermined constant time interval in each power setting a first dissipated power level and a second dissipated power level. The first dissipated power level comprises a first selected proportion of half cycles in a predetermined number of half cycles of the voltage supply and the second dissipated power level comprises a second selected proportion of half cycles in a predetermined number of half cycles of the voltage supply.

Abstract: An improved control method is provided that combines conventional ON-OFF control and conventional phase-angle control to reduce the AC inrush current to an electrical load, such as a tungsten halogen lamp used as a heating element in a laser printer, so that the power control circuit can satisfy both the European flicker and European harmonic requirements. Phase-angle control is applied to the load for a very short time period when it is initially energized, then the control circuit quickly switches from phase-angle control to standard ON-OFF control to reduce the harmonics generated by conventional phase-angle control methodologies. The electrical load exhibits three possible states: power full OFF, power ramp-up, and power full ON. During the power ramp-up state, power supplied to the load is adjusted by delaying the phase angle of the firing pulse relative to the start of each AC half cycle.

Abstract: An electric clothes iron with circuitry for automatically disabling power to the iron when the iron is left unattended for a certain period of time. The circuitry includes a circuit for controlling two timing periods, one for controlling the shut off when the iron is in the horizontal position, and one for controlling the shut off when the iron is in the vertical position. When the user grasps the handle of the iron, the timing circuits are disabled. However, once the user removes his hand from the iron, one of the two timer periods starts to expire. If the timer reaches its prescribed limit before the handle is again grasped, the iron will automatically shut off. If the user grasps the iron during the timing process, the timer will be disabled, and will start the counting from zero the next time the hand is removed from the handled.

Abstract: A method of controlling the tip temperature of a soldering iron of the kind to which rectified commercial AC power is supplied. The tip temperature is controlled by setting a control cycle at N times the cycle of AC power and adjusting the number of supply pulses of rectified voltage during each control cycle.

Abstract: A liquid heating vessel, such as a kettle, enables user selection of the temperature to which the liquid is to be heated. A thermal sensor is provided which is responsive to the temperature of the heating element. During the heating cycle, the operation of the heating element is interrupted, and temperature samples are obtained as the element cools. Analysis of the temperature decay function of the heating element during the interruption enables the liquid volume to be estimated, as well as the time required to heat the liquid to the selected temperature.

Abstract: An electrically powered water heater includes a plurality of heating elements for substantially instantaneous heating of fluid passing through the heater. A controller for powering the plurality of heating elements is responsive to a temperature sensor in fluid communication with the heated fluid. The temperature sensor activates each of the plurality of heating elements for a predetermined period of time that is preferably no more than 32 half cycles. The controller activates a second heating element after a delay of preferably no more than 8 half cycles after activating a first heating element. The predetermined period of time for activating each of the plurality of heating elements may be substantially equal, such that each heating element contributes substantially equally to the heating of fluid. In one embodiment, the heater housing is provided with a plurality of chambers, and a heating element is provided within each of the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A pressure cooker has a main body, a cover disposed on a top portion of the main body, an exhaust steam valve disposed on the cover, a heat conductive disk disposed on a bottom of the main body, the heat conductive disk having a center hole receiving a temperature switch, the temperature switch disposed on a bottom center of the main body, an electric heating pipe disposed on a bottom of the heat conductive disk, and a base seat having a hollow interior receiving a lower portion of the main body, the heat conductive disk, the temperature switch, and the electric heating pipe. A timer switch and an electric source switch are disposed on the base seat.

Abstract: A dryer timing control circuit includes a heater rated to operate at 240 volts and having one side connected to power. A thermostatic switch is connected between power and the other side of the heater. The thermostatic switch closes in response to a lower temperature in the dryer and opens in response to a higher temperature in the dryer. A timer motor rated to operate at approximately 240 volts has a first input connected to power. A timer motor switch operable by the timer motor has a first switch state connecting the timer motor to the heater without an intervening voltage dropping resistor. The timer motor operates in response to the timer motor switch being in the first state and the thermostatic switch being open, thereby applying 240 volts across the timer motor. The timer motor operation is terminated in response to the timer motor switch being in the first state and the thermostatic switch being in the closed state.

Abstract: A glove liner is provided with heating units placed at the fingertips to provide heat to the fingers. The heating units are encased in an electrically insulating material and wires which are covered with an electrically insulating and flexible material connect the heating units in series with a battery pack on the wrist of the wearer. The heating units and the wires are placed on the palm side of the lining and the heating units contact the fingers directly.

Abstract: An integrated circuit constructed to provide control functions to a toaster oven cooking appliance. Said control functions including compensation for input voltage fluctuations, compensation for residual heat due to recycling, audible signal generation, multiple mode selection, safety shut off and others. The integrated circuit also provides flexibility to accommodate multiple models of an appliance in a product line.

Abstract: An oven for warming food, which includesa carcass (2) delimiting a warming chamber;a rack (8) provided with two opposed perforated sidewalls (12) and placed inside of the carcass (2) so as to create first and second lateral spaces (13A, 13B);a blower unit (14) mounted on the back wall (7) of the carcass (2);unit (15) for guiding the air blown by the blower unit (14).The unit (15) for guiding the air blown by the blower unit (14) and heated directs the air only toward the first lateral space (13A). The blower unit (14) draws the air from the second lateral space (13B).

Abstract: A forced hot air method and apparatus for efficiently and rapidly sterilizing dental and medical implements in a confined space. Implements to be sterilized are positioned in a removable caddy supported within a chamber. Fresh air from outside the housing; is drawn into a plenum and heated. A blower rapidly circulates hot air within the chamber to quickly sterilize the implements. Sterilization can be completed within 3 minutes at temperatures of about 325.degree. F. After sterilization, air from outside the housing is rapidly circulated within the chamber without being heated to quickly cool the implements.

Abstract: A novel controller in an electrical smoking system and method, wherein the method includes the steps of: establishing a preferred thermal pathway to be executed with each heater activation responsively to a puff on an electrically heated cigarette; configuring a power cycle in accordance with the desired thermal pathway; dividing the power cycle into at least first and second phases each having a respective, predetermined time period and total energy input for each phase; and adjusting a respective duty cycle (or other power-adjusting factor) in each phase of the power cycle responsively to a voltage reading of the power source such that the established, respective total energy input of each phase is achieved during the time period of each power cycle.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to control a heated area for a glass surface on a motor vehicle. The method and system sense the ambient temperature, determine whether the vehicle charging system is operating within a first predetermined voltage level, and disable the heated area if the charging system voltage is outside the first predetermined level.

Abstract: When the media enters the fuser, the added thermal load causes the fuser temperature to dip. Eventually, the control system compensates for the thermal load and stabilizes the fuser temperature at the desired temperature. Depending on several factors, the dip in fusing temperature may cause a degradation in the fusing process. An improved temperature profile can be achieved by increasing the amount of power supplied to the fusing system a predetermined amount of time before the thermal load enters the fusing system. Similarly, the amount of power supplied to the fusing system is decreased a predetermined amount of time before the thermal load exits the fusing system. The Desired Temperature input to the fuser temperature control system is modified to anticipate changes in thermal loads thereby changing the amount of power supplied to the fusing system.

Abstract: A toaster comprises a housing (1) enclosing a toasting chamber (2) in which is movably mounted a bread carrier (4) between an ejection position and a toasting position in which it is retained by an electromagnetic actuating device (5) comprising a control winding (6) with a hollow support (7) which is secured to a plate (20) carrying electrical connection members (22), and which surrounds a magnetic core (8), as well as a movable armature (9) adapted to retain the bread carrier (4) in its toasting position. The magnetic core (8) is mechanically mounted independently of the support (7) of the winding (6) and of the plate (20), and is secured to a member (24) on the housing (1).

Abstract: A cooking medium management system and method from manipulating a cooking medium during cooking operations. The system has a controller generating a lock-out signal and a transfer signal, and selectively generating one control signal selected from the group consisting of a discard signal, a fresh fill signal, a drain signal, a filtration signal, and a polish signal. The system also has a cooking medium transfer pump and a transfer conduit for transferring the cooking medium to and from a frypot, wherein the transfer pump activates in response to the transfer signal. The system further includes a lock-out device, which receives the lock-out signal and disables a fryer heater. Moreover, this system includes a discard device, which receives the discard signal and includes the frypot, the drain pan, a drain valve and a cooking medium drain. The frypot and the drain pan are placed in communication with the transfer conduit via the drain valve.

Abstract: A heater of a fixing unit of a recording apparatus is constructed by a main heater and a sub heater. When the apparatus is in a standby mode, each heater is first turned off. When a temperature of the fixing unit is equal to or lower than a heating start temperature of the sub heater, the sub heater is turned on. After that, when the temperature of the fixing unit reaches a heating stop temperature of the sub heater, the sub heater is turned off. After that, when the temperature of the fixing unit is equal to or lower than the heating start temperature, the main heater is turned on. After that, when it reaches the heating stop temperature of the main heater, the main heater is turned off. The above operations are repeated. In the recording mode, the order of the on/off periods in a control unit time of each heater is switched every period and the temperature control is executed, thereby reducing a flickering.

Abstract: An electronic control system and a device is disclosed proving improved control and diagnostics of glow plugs as are typically energized in diesel engines prior to and during cold start and also during engine warmup, especially for motor vehicles under human operator control.

Abstract: A toaster has heating elements (H1, H2) arranged at opposite sides of a product (5) to be toasted. The size of the product to be toasted (5) is detected by a sensor, for example a mechanical sensor (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) or an optical sensor device with a photo-emitter and a photo-receiver. The power delivered by the heating elements (H1, H2) is controlled in dependence on the detected size. Thus, the power consumption of the toaster is adapted to the size of the product to be toasted and overheating of the product is avoided and a constant toasting time is obtained.

Abstract: A non-contaminating radiant heater for analytical laboratory use with a controller providing a closed-loop, precise regulation of sequencing patterns of energy emission delivered to a sample at a programmed rate preventing hotspots until a preselected temperature is reached for a preselected time interval all. within a programmed schedule. The radiant heater includes a supporting base functioning as a sample platform, a vertical support member secured to the base and sample platform, and an electrically powered radiant heating element is enclosed by a sealed surrounding and supporting fixture fastened to the vertical supporting member providing a uniform radiation footprint.