Abstract: A thermally insulated substrate, e.g. a system of pipes, is maintained above a selected minimum temperature by means of one or more electrical heaters, preferably elongate self-regulating heaters. Each heater is successively switched on for a heat-up period and then off for a cool-down period. The durations of these periods are successively determined by reference to the ambient air temperature adjacent the substrate at an earlier time, e.g. at the end of the previous cool-down period. The method is particularly useful for temperature-maintenance systems in which a number of heaters are used to heat a complex system of pipes. The durations of the heat-up and cool-down periods for each heater (or for a group of two or more heaters) are separately determined by means of a single microprocessor.

Abstract: A temperature controller for an electrically operated cooking appliance which performs as a thermostatic controller at high temperatures and as a simmerstat or time dependent temperature controller at simmering temperatures.

Abstract: An lightwave oven and method of cooking therewith for cooking food with radiant energy in the visible, near-visible and infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum from a first plurality of high power lamps positioned above the food and a second plurality of high power lamps positioned below the food. The first plurality of lamps are sequentially operated at a first average power level by applying power thereto in a staggered manner so that not all of the first plurality of lamps are on at the same time, and the second plurality of lamps are sequentially operated at a second average power level by applying power thereto in a staggered manner so that not all of the second plurality of lamps are on at the same time. The stagger can be varied to change the time average power level of the first and/or second pluralities of lamps without adversely affecting the spectral outputs thereof. The first and second pluralities of lamps can be operated in one of several different modes.

Abstract: A ladle preheating system and method in which heat input rate to the ladle is calculated and monitored throughout the preheating period, calculating the moving average slope representing change over time of the rate of change of heat input, correcting the moving average slope for unavoidable variations in the measurements of the heat input rate, calculating the change of the moving average slope over time (the approximate second derivative), and signaling to an operator the readiness of the ladle based upon this second derivative's falling below a preset criteria indicating a fully preheated ladle.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a heating unit (10) for cooking food. The unit has a heating element (34) to which electrical current is supplied for generating heat used to cook food such as chocolate and sauces set upon the heating unit. A programmable controller (16) controls the application of current to the heating element to control the heating element temperature as a function of a time and temperature profile established for cooking the food in a particular manner. A temperature sensor (38) senses the heating element temperature and supplies a signal (St) to the controller. The characteristics of this signal are a function of the sensed cooking temperature. The controller is responsive to this signal, and other inputs (24,26) such as desired cooking time, and the amount and quantity of food, to vary the amount of current supplied to the heating element. The appliance is particularly useful in being able to heat chocolate, sauces, and the like without scorching them.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for eliminating the need for an operator to make multiple key entries in order to resume cooking subsequent completion of an initial cooking cycle. In connection with an oven having an electronic controller, the controller is programmed to provide a resume feature which includes the steps of determining whether certain conditions are satisfied subsequent to completion of an initial cooking cycle, and if such conditions are satisfied, then enabling the operator to continue cooking at the same temperature as the immediately previous cooking cycle for a predetermined time period, e.g., 2 minutes.

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

Abstract: A toasting apparatus for bread products (15), consisting of a frame (2) provided with an insertion slot (3) communicating with a toasting chamber (3a) that receives the products and is located between heating elements (10) combined with heat reflectors (6) for directing the thermal energy generated by the heating elements (10) at the products, particularly in the form of radiation. The apparatus is provided with an observation system for visually monitoring the degree of toasting of the products (15) in the toasting chamber (3a). The observation system includes a lighting device (11) for illuminating the toasting chamber (3a) in such a way that an accurate indication of the color of the products (15) being prepared is provided. The toasting apparatus may be in the form of a toaster.

Abstract: An integrated circuit constructed to provide control functions to a toaster oven cooking appliance. The 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: In a toaster having a housing, a bread-supporting carriage movably mounted in the housing for movement between a toasting position, a temperature-maintaining position, a rest position and a supplementary raised position, and a spring coupled with the carriage to apply a force which urges the carriage in a direction from the toasting position toward the supplementary raised position, a manually operable control element is operatively associated with the carriage and is movable to a selected one of a plurality of control positions for retaining the carriage at a selected one of the temperature-maintaining position and the rest position.

Abstract: An oven having two sources of heat is controlled to perform high quality results when the user simply chooses the class of food on a front panel. A first source of heat is active during a first period until a second source of heat takes over during a second period until the temperature rises to a specific temperature threshold. The time required to reach this specific temperature threshold is measured. The measured time is dependent on the size and type of the food to such a degree that the remaining baking time can be determined with high precision along with the required baking temperature during the remaining baking time. The oven then preforms baking for the remaining baking time using either or both of the first and second sources of heat and informs the user about the remaining baking time.

Abstract: A precautionary timer for installation in a kitchen range, as a replacement of a plug-type fuse protecting one of the heating elements of the kitchen range. In a first aspect of the invention, the precautionary timer comprises a threaded fuse stock having first and second electrically conductive terminals set apart from one another, and conductive segments mounted inside the threaded fuse stock and connected to the first and second terminals. A timing unit comprising a low voltage solid state timer and an electronic switch is also mounted inside the threaded fuse stock. The solid state timer is powered by a current transformer sampling power from the current flowing in one of the conductive segments. The semiconductor switch is connected in series with the conductive segments and the first and second terminals, for selectively electrically connecting and disconnecting the first and second terminals to and from one another.

Abstract: An RC oscillator having an oscillation frequency which is controllable by supplying a step voltage signal to a series arrangement of a capacitor and a resistor, the oscillation frequency being dependent on the time for the capacitor to be charged to a given voltage level. In order to vary the frequency, the amplitude of the supplied step voltage is varied instead of the resistance of the resistor via which the capacitor is charged. The amplitude variation can be provided, for example, by a potentiometer which acts as a voltage divider for the step voltage. The tolerance of the potentiometer in regard to its resistance value will not be relevant, because it is only the ratio between different portions thereof which is determinative. The step voltage, and consequently the oscillation frequency, will be proportional to the setting of the potentiometer regardless of the resistance tolerance thereof.

Abstract: A spa is maintained at a ready-to-use temperature by a daily heating cycle that is initiated by a filter cycle clock, which traditionally has been used only for programming the circulation of the spa water through a filter. Once a daily heating cycle has been initiated, it normally concludes only when the temperature of the spa water reaches a desired temperature that the user has preset into a thermostat. However, for safety the heating cycle is terminated immediately in the event the heater temperature becomes excessive, since this event could result from lack of water or inadequate circulation.

Abstract: An electric range override timer unit including an electrically controllable power interrupt circuit positioned between a conventional male power plug adapted for connection with an existing electrical wall socket and a socket assembly adapted for receiving the male plug from an existing electric range; a timer unit in electrical connection with the power interrupt circuit, the timer unit having a timing mechanism having a predetermined maximum time period for sending a control signal to the power interrupt circuit for causing the power interrupt circuit to conduct electrical current between the conventional male power plug and the socket assembly; and a mounting bracket having a first portion secured to the timer unit and a second portion adapted for multiple connecting modes to an existing electric range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the energization of a plurality of sensors used for detecting the air-fuel ratio in an internal combustion engine. The engine has an exhaust passage, and the air-fuel ratio sensors are provided in the exhaust passage. Each sensor includes an element for outputting a signal corresponding an oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas from the engine and a heater for heating the element. The element is activated at a predetermined temperature. A Central Processing Unit (CPU) controls the energizing the heaters. The CPU starts energizing each heater at different time. Alternatively, the CPU inputs duty signals having different phases to the heaters. As a result, the total current load from the heaters is lowered.

Abstract: A toaster comprises a housing (1) enclosing a carriage (4) movable between an ejection position and a toasting position to which it can be brought by a handle (6) connected to one end (7) of the carriage (4) by a driver (8) secured to a finger (11) adapted to actuate a control switch (12) for the electrical supply of a heater (3). The driver (8) is movably mounted on the end (7) of the carriage (4) for movement along a vertical path (l) so as to permit the finger (11) to free the switch (12) when the carriage remains blocked in its toasting position after unlocking a retaining device (10).

Abstract: In the operation of a thoroughly heating course of a microwave oven, when an ordinary temperature food having a weight of less than 500 g is heated to a desired finishing temperature of 75.degree. C., heating is performed until the temperature of the food reaches 75.degree. C. by a normal output of 650 W (a first mode). After time t.sub.1 at which 75.degree. C. is reached, the food is heated and kept warm at 90.degree. C. higher than 75.degree. C. by a lower output of 350 W (a second mode). As a result, the food can be surely and thoroughly heated to the inside.

Abstract: The device includes an elongated electrical heating unit (20) whose length matches the length of an elongated opening in the device, and has a switching system to activate an electrical circuit at the moment when sheets to be bound are placed on the heating unit (20). Heating unit (20) is wired in series with a switch (11) in the switching system and a heating current switch (31). Means are provided to keep this heating current switch (31) turned on when the switching system is turned on. The device includes a comparator (34) whose input is connected to a temperature sensor (26); when a predetermined upper temperature limit (T.sub.max) is reached it turns off the heating current switch (31). There is also a provision so that after the heating current switch (31) is turned off it is kept off until the switch (11) in the switching system has been switched off and then on again.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater arrangement is provided for connection to a dual voltage supply which provides a first alternating current supply voltage and a second alternating current supply voltage higher than the first. The arrangement includes a heater having at least one heating element and a manually operable multiple discrete position switch means for manually selecting in sequence a predetermined number of discrete different power settings for the at least one heating element from the voltage supply.

Abstract: A bread toaster comprising: a frame; a bread-supporting carriage mounted in the frame for vertical movement between a toasting portion and a first bread discharge position, the carriage having an extension; first cushioning means for cushioning arrival of the carriage at the first bread discharge position; return means mounted between the frame and the extension of the carriage; and a control means having an abutment and being movable in the frame for limiting ascent of the carriage to a second position by interaction of the abutment with a part of the carriage, wherein: the second position is a second bread discharge position for discharging bread having a first size and the first bread discharge position is a position for discharging bread having a size smaller than the first size; and one of the abutment and the part of the carriage which interacts with the abutment is provided with second cushioning means for cushioning arrival of the carriage at the second position.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive timing assembly for a toaster appliance includes a single bimetallic element having a first portion connected to a support bracket, which in turn is mounted on a mounting bracket for pivotal movement relative to the mounting bracket. A spring is positioned between the mounting bracket and the support bracket to bias the support bracket toward the mounting bracket. A stop is mounted to the mounting bracket which locks the support bracket in a fixed position when actuated by the toaster carriage assembly at the beginning of a toasting cycle. The bimetallic element has a second portion which operatively activates the toaster lock release assembly at the end of a toasting cycle. The bimetallic element also has a third portion which operatively allows the support bracket to reposition at the end of a toasting cycle so as to provide virtually immediate initiation of the next toasting cycle providing substantially the same toast color as the previous toasting cycle.

Abstract: An installation for melting of snow or ice, e.g. at roof downpipes on flat roofs, in gutters and the like, comprising a heating means (11), a temperature sensor means (4,6) and a control unit (1) for connecting and disconnecting the heating means (11) in dependence on sensed temperature. The temperature sensor means comprises a first temperature sensor (4) for sensing the surface temperature at the place of snow or ice melting, and a second temperature sensor (6) for sensing the air temperature at the topical place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature regulation apparatus capable of easily regulating the temperature of a support for a substance to be treated, such as a semiconductor wafer.The temperature regulation apparatus includes a liquid nitrogen supply device for supplying liquid nitrogen into a temperature regulation space provided in the inside of a support so as to effect flashing of the liquid nitrogen. A heating device for heating the support and temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the support are also provided. A temperature setting device sets the temperature of the support at a desired temperature and a controller controls the liquid nitrogen supply device and the heating device based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensors, so that the support reaches and is maintained at the set temperature.

Abstract: An oven with high power radiant cooking elements which are capable of operating at different intensities is disclosed for cooking food quickly with infrared radiation. The conduction of this infrared radiant energy varies substantially from food to food. Accordingly, the user of the oven must develop a unique data base or recipe for each food. A recipe consists of a number of stages each of which defines the output intensity of each cooking element for a period of time. A method is disclosed for the real time development of a recipe by varying the intensity of the cooking elements during the cooking cycle, optimizing the developed recipe to reduce the number of stages, storing the optimized recipe in memory and retrieving the optimized stored recipe for future use.

Abstract: An image fixing device for heating and fixing an unfixed image on a recording medium has a heater, a measuring device for measuring the electrical energization time of the heater per unit time, and a control for decreasing the quantity of the recording medium passing a fixing position per unit time when the measured time by the measuring device reaches a predetermined value.

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 unique instant-on feature for a cooking device that allows microprocessor control of the device after a period of idling. When activated, the instant-on enabler switch sends a signal to the microprocessor, which checks an internal clock to determine the amount of time the device has remained idle since the last cook cycle. This information is sent back to the instant-on enabler switch, which then selects among an appropriate array of cooking times. These times, longer than the initial pre-set cooking time, are based on testing and compensate for the degree of heat zone stratification in the cooking medium or surface caused by the extended idling. The instant-on enabler program immediately supplies additional heat to the cooking surface upon activation cooking cycle or operator input, allowing the maximum time for the cooking surface to reach proper cooking temperature.

Abstract: A control for an electric heating device for adjusting the duration of the device's heating cycle in order to effectively compensate for variations in the operating voltage supplied to the device. The control includes a means for adjusting the duration of the heating cycle, wherein the adjustment means generates a control voltage for controlling the duration of the heating cycle that is a dynamic function of the magnitude of the operating voltage.

Abstract: An automatic cooker is capable of cooking food according to automatic cooking data stored in a control card. The automatic cooker includes a cooking container for receiving raw food therein, a cooking implement assembly for performing at least one cooking operation on the food in the cooking container, a housing formed with a card slot for insertion of the control card, and a card-type controller mounted in the housing and connected to the cooking implement assembly. The controller receives removably the control card that is inserted from an exterior of the housing via the card slot, and reads the automatic cooking data stored in the control card so as to control operation of the cooking implement assembly in accordance with the automatic cooking data read from the control card in order to cook the food in the cooking container.

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.

Abstract: A Toaster having heating elements whose heating area depends on the slice size. A toaster has heating elements (H1, H2) divided into sub-elements (H1A, H1B; H2A, H2B) which can be activated individually. The size of the product to be toasted (5) is detected by means of a sensor, for example a mechanical sensor (2) or an optical sensor device with a photo-emitter and a photo-receiver. The sub-elements are activated selectively 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 in the proximity of the unused heating area of the heating elements is avoided.

Abstract: A temperature control system for melting a solid cooking medium in a deep fat fryer comprising a chamber for containing a cooking medium; a heating surface within the chamber for heating the cooking medium; a heating device for heating the heating surface; a temperature sensor in the vicinity of the heating surface for sensing the temperature of the medium; and a temperature controller for controlling the heating device to control the amount of heat provided to the cooking medium, wherein the temperature controller includes: a system causing the heating device to generate uniform pulses of heat at a fixed duty cycle for a predetermined period of time, and a system for interrupting the operation of the heating device the predetermined period if the temperature of the cooking medium exceeds a first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An appliance capable of being operated in compliance with the Orthodox Jew requirement that no work shall be done on the Sabbath. The applicance has a control system that monitors and controls all of the components of the applicance. The control system can be activated so that it prevents all visual displays and audible alarms from being actuated by the user during the Sabbath. The control system also prevents any actions of the user from causing the machine to do work.

Abstract: An improved toaster includes a user control panel for receiving and displaying user selections corresponding to a desired toast darkness setting. A toaster shade display displays a user selected toast darkness setting and includes a linear array of LEDs (LED bar), horizontally arranged on an exterior portion of the toaster body. The LEDs are sequentially turned on and off to indicate the user selected toast darkness setting, lighter or darker toast. The user control panel also contains preprogrammed custom settings for one-slice, two-slice, bagel, defrost and reheat mode of operation. A user can select a custom setting or any combination of custom settings thereof.

Abstract: An electric toaster with a housing (1) includes a toasting chamber and a slot (2) provided in the top surface thereof for inserting slices of bread, at least one heating element (3), and at least one bread holder (4) movable up and down on a guide device (6) by a lowering and raising mechanism (8) between the housing (1) and the toasting chamber. The guide device (6) comprises a single vertical slide rail (9) with a slide (10) movably mounted thereon, and the holder (4) is attached only to the slide (10) so that it is cantilevered to the post (9).

Abstract: A method for displaying preheat or oven thermal conditioning times in a countdown timer for both thermal and thermal convection ovens is provided. The method has the steps of providing an oven having an oven cavity, a heating element, a control panel for inputting cooking parameters, and controls connected to the heating element for operating the oven; selecting a preheat temperature using the input control panel, providing a preheat time by using the control system; determining if the oven cavity is pre-conditioned; executing a preheat cycle when the oven is not pre-conditioned; displaying the preheat time in a decrementing manner using the display; and ending the preheat cycle when the decrementing preheat time equals zero. An oven having an improved preheat system is also provided.

Abstract: Resolution of liquid crystal microthermographic measurements are improved by depositing a layer of organic pretreatment on the surface of a semiconductor device. A layer of thermographically sensitive liquid crystal material is then deposited on the organic pretreatment layer so that a controlled liquid crystal material layer thickness and an orientation of a majority of crystal molecules of the liquid crystal material parallel to the surface is achieved. The nominal temperature of the surface to be measured is controlled by sensing the nominal temperature near the surface, converting the sensed temperature to a current temperature sense signal, comparing the current temperature sense signal to a target temperature value, and activating a heater in thermal communication with the surface when the current temperature sense signal varies from the reference signal magnitude.

Abstract: A toaster has electrical parts which are energized from a mains voltage. The bread is conveyed to a toasting chamber (4) by means of a lift (6) and a handle (12). In the end position of the handle (12) a main switch (SW5) is turned on, as a result of which the electrical parts can be powered from the mains voltage. The heating elements receive mains voltage via triacs controlled by a microcontroller. After completion of the toasting cycle the microcontroller turns off the heating elements, which precludes burning of the bread, even if the main switch remains in its on-position as a result of a mechanical defect. Subsequently, the microcontroller checks the presence of the mains voltage. In that case a signalling device is activated to warn the user that the mains voltage supply to the toaster has not yet been turned off.

Abstract: In a method for controlling the actual temperature of an intermittently operated heating means, at least one operating parameter is measured for a predetermined measuring time period (T) during a switch-on interval (86) of the heating means. On the basis of the measured value of the at least one operating parameter, the actual temperature of the heating element is detected. The length of the current switch-on interval (86) is changed in dependence on the result of a comparison between the actual temperature and a predetermined desired temperature. The minimum length of each switch-on interval (86) is equal to the measuring time period (T). The measuring time period (T) is selected to provide that, during the length of the measuring time period (T), the thermal energy supplied to the heating means is less than the thermal energy emitted during the following switch-off interval (88) extending up to the next switch-on interval (86).

Abstract: A heat fixing apparatus includes a heater; a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heater; a bias wave number determining limit for determining the number of bias waves corresponding to a predetermined image fixing temperature in accordance with utility voltage source voltage; a bias wave number changing unit for changing a bias wave number in accordance with temperature changing rate of the heater; and a supply wave number control unit for controlling the number of waves supplied to the heater in accordance with an output of the temperature sensor and bias wave number. The unit includes a PID controller.

Abstract: A bake stuff cooker 10 includes: a main body case 1; a mount plate 2 attached on an upper surface of the main body case 1 for mounting a cook stuff; a heating plate 3 pivotally switchable between a facing position facing the mount plate 2 to form a gap corresponding to the thickness of the cook stuff above the mount plate 2 and a separating position separating from the facing position; the heating plate 3 forming a heating face on an upper surface and/or a lower surface thereof; a lid 5 for forming another gap corresponding to the thickness of another cook stuff above the heating plate 3 and for covering the heating face 31a on the upper surface of the heating plate 3; an induction heating coil 11 for heating the heating face; a control unit 9 for controlling to drive and stop the induction heating coil 11; and a thermistor 92 for detecting a temperature of the heating face, wherein the control unit 9 is provided with a drive time setting circuit 93 for setting a drive time of the induction heating coil 11 in

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic temperature controlling method of an electric rice cooker capable of approximately cooking rice at a set temperature. A reference temperature of an internal pot is pre-set according to a time passage so that the rice can approximately be cooked at the set temperature by controlling the heater operation period. Therefore, a change in the state a boiled rice due to an outside influence may be prevented.

Abstract: The field of the invention concerns heating or cooking appliances. The cooking appliance comprises a casing (2) enclosing an integrated fixed or removable cooking receptacle (1) and heating means thermally connected to the cooking receptacle (1), means (3) for detecting, firstly, whether the cooking receptacle (1) is substantially empty and, in this case, opening the electrical supply circuit of the heating means, and secondly, for detecting whether the cooking receptacle (1) is filled so as to attain the predefined minimum weight, and, in this case, closing the electrical supply circuit of the heating means. According to the invention, the detection means (30) are operable by placing the cooking receptacle (1) in the casing, and by closing the lid (3).

Abstract: A control system for use with a boiler and associated burner. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first control circuit for producing a signal having alternating first and second states, the first state activating the burner and having a first predetermined duration, the second state deactivating the burner and having a second predetermined duration that defines a time period that allows foam and surging fluid in the boiler to settle, and a relay responsive to the first control circuit signal and adapted for connection to a power source and the burner, when the first control circuit signal has the first state, the relay connects the power source to the burner to activate the burner, when the first control circuit signal has the second state, the relay disconnects the power source from the burner to deactivate the burner.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a cabinet defining a food processing compartment accessible through a front access opening, and has a door hinged on the cabinet for movement between open and closed positions relative to the access opening. The door includes inner and outer door panels pivotally interconnected to enable access between the panels. The inner and outer door panels have aligned windows with the windows on the inner panel being larger so as to enable light from lights mounted on the inside of the outer panel to illuminate the processing compartment without glare to the operator. Other features of the invention enable better control of zoned heating within the processing compartment when used in either convection steam or convection hot air modes of operation.

Abstract: A kiln assembly is disclosed, including a heated kiln with an attached control box containing controls connected to the kiln heater. The control box is mounted on the kiln by a hinge, and can be secured with a closure device. A thermally insulated baffle is disposed within the control box and is spaced rearwardly from the front of the control box, and is essentially coextensive with the length and width of the control box to form a chimney. Louvers are provided to allow the flow of air through the chimney. A bank of plugs and sockets is exposed on the baffle, and interconnects the controls with the heater.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric rice cooker including an adiabatic vacuum device having an adiabatic function of repressing an outside loss of a heat generated by a hot plate at a minimum and a keeping warm function of continuously maintaining a heat warmly therein. In the electric rice cooker, an outer case has an inner case disposed therein. A cooking kettle disposed inside the inner case for containing water and rice to be cooked. An hot plate mounted adjacent an outside surface of the cooking kettle for heating the cooking kettle. A lid removably covers a top of said cooking kettle. An adiabatic vacuum member mounted between the outer case and the cooking kettle for preventing a heat from being emitting from the cooking kettle to an outside. The electric rice cooker can repress a loss of an internal heat in a cooking kettle at a minimum by means of an adiabatic vacuum member so that a thermal efficiency can increase, and can continuously maintain the internal heat warmly at a keeping warm process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved glow plug controller. The glow plug controller includes an analog temperature sensor, circuitry for converting an analog temperature signal to digital form, a microprocessor for analyzing temperature and other operating parameters and for controlling glow plugs and monitoring indicators in accordance with algorithms defined in the microprocessor. The temperature and control signals from the microprocessor are converted to analog form and applied to actuate glow plugs and indicators in accordance with determinations made by the microprocessor. A specific embodiment includes a manual override for facilitating operation even if the microprocessor should fail. A false temperature input is provided so that a false temperature representation can be directly applied to the microprocessor for factory and service center testing of microprocessor operation. Glow plug operation is controlled by way of a relay and multiple, independently fused glow plug circuits.

Abstract: A method and an electronic control unit for determining and optionally displaying the remaining time in a treatment program in a household appliance include superposing an initializing test program segment on the treatment programs in order to determine an "installed heating capacity" parameter that determines a gradient. To that end, a defined quantity of the medium is heated with an electrical heater for a predetermined period of time. The "installed heating capacity" parameter and/or a comparison value corresponding to its magnitude is calculated from the attained temperature increase, the defined quantity of the medium and the known period of time and is stored as an operand in a nonvolatile memory for later remaining-time determinations.