Abstract: An output power regulating device for a radiant heating arrangement (2) having a temperature sensor (3) for detecting the temperature of the cooking surface (1), and a preselector (4), is to be so designed that it only supplies the required amount of energy to the radiant heating arrangement (2) in dependence on the thermal loading. For that purpose a microcontroller (10) cyclically detects the variation in respect of time of the actual temperature and the deviation thereof from the reference value. A memory (12) contains a value matrix for the possible pairs in respect of the variation and the deviation in the actual temperature. The microcontroller (10) takes the appropriate regulating value from the value matrix and with that value controls the radiant heating arrangement (2).

Abstract: A heating pad controller is provided which varies the duty cycle during which power is applied to a heating pad heating element. In one embodiment according to the present invention, an oscillator circuit is used to vary the off-time of the duty cycle, with the on-time portion being fixed. User control of the off-time is provided by way of a rotary control knob connected to a potentiometer. The potentiometer is part of the oscillator circuit and is used to vary the resistance through which a capacitor in the oscillator circuit charges up. The output of the oscillator circuit is used to control the gate of a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), which acts as a power switch through which power is applied to the heating element. During power up, the oscillator circuit is overridden and a continuous control signal is applied to the SCR to provide constant power to the heating element to thereby achieve rapid heating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fryer system including a fryer having a vat for containing shortening therein, a heat exchanger disposed within the vat, a heating mechanism for supplying heat to the heat exchanger, and a control mechanism for controlling the heating mechanism. The control means repeatedly cycles the heating mechanism between an off condition and an on condition during a melt mode of operation and maintains the heating mechanism in an on condition during a cook mode of operation. A manual switch is provided for switching the control mechanism from the melt mode of operation to the cook mode of operation. A prevention mechanism is also provided for preventing the control means from entering the cook mode of operation, and thereby maintaining the heating mechanism in an on condition, prior to actuation of the manual switch.

Abstract: An automatic countertop toaster and its control that divides the toasting cycle into three thermodynamic phases related to a change in the physical characteristics of the toaster and the item being toasted. The time of each of the three phases is adjusted according to the user inputs and current conditions to obtain the proper toasting time. The invention disclosed uses a microcomputer to interface with the user and control the toaster. The measured or estimated time since the last toasting cycle and the temperature inside the toaster are used by the microcomputer in table lookups to set the times for the three thermodynamic phases of the toasting cycle. Two of the phases are further modified by the toasting mode (normal, frozen, bagel, frozen bagel, reheat) and the toast darkness setting selected by the user. The sum of the three phases after modification is the total toasting time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature of a system in accordance with a desired temperature curve which is divided into predetermined time intervals. It is the object of the present invention to control the temperature of the system in such a manner that the predetermined and desired temperature curve is observed as exactly as possible.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steam pressure rice cooker with an auxiliary steam pressure exhausting device capable of completely exhausting a high temperature and high pressure steam which remains inside the steam pressure rice cooker immediately after a cooking of rice to an outside of the steam pressure rice cooker. In the inside of a lid for opening or shutting an upper portion of a cylindrical inner frame containing a desired quantity of water and rice to be cooked, an auxiliary steam pressure exhausting device is disposed between a handle of the lid and a weight of the lid. An exhaust button of the auxiliary steam pressure exhausting device is slideably disposed in a first opening which is formed through a center of the handle. A supporting member for elastically supporting the exhaust button is disposed in the exhaust button.

Abstract: A method and a fusing apparatus for producing a reduced recovery time period from a low energy-saver mode temperature back up to a high fusing temperature. The fusing apparatus includes a heating member for heating and fusing toner images onto a copy sheet; a temperature sensor mounted relative to the heating member for sensing temperature of the heating member; a source of primary power supply for supplying heating power to the heating member; a source of secondary power supply, that is less in level than the source of primary power supply, for supplying secondary heating power to the heated member; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor, and to the source of primary and the source of secondary power supplies for turning the source of primary and the source of secondary power supplies on and off responsively to the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A toaster control circuit is disclosed for correcting for toaster cavity temperature variations that occur as a function of the time between toaster heating cycles. This disclosed circuit produces the same toast color during consecutive cycles, regardless of variations in the interval between heating cycles.

Abstract: An appliance (5) for toasting a product (10) comprises detection means (12) for detecting variations of a toasting condition of the product during toasting and for allowing a user to adjust the toasting result as desired. The appliance comprises a temperature sensor (13) which measures the temperature of the product. Timing means (14) are started when a predetermined temperature (Td) is reached. The timing means (14) are stopped when either another predetermined temperature (Tf) is reached or when a predetermined period has elapsed. The appliance is also capable of controlling a process of defrosting of the product prior to toasting of said product.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an integral electric range surface burner control switch user interface made up of two components. The first component, which controls the burner temperature setting, is a standard knob which is rotated to turn the burner on, as well as set the desired temperature of the particular surface burner. The second component is a timer control ring integrally mounted around the surface burner temperature control knob. The timer control ring is concentric with and has the same central axis as the surface burner temperature control knob, and is rotatable to set the desired cooking time for the particular surface burner. When the selected amount of time expires, the power to the surface burner element is automatically disconnected and the surface burner is disabled, thus requiring a resetting of the timer for further use.

Abstract: An electronic timer activates a switch circuit so as to connect electrically a heating device and a power supplying unit of a coffee maker for a predetermined brewing period in order to heat water that is supplied to a filter basket and that comes from a water reservoir of the coffee maker. The processing unit activates the switch circuit for the predetermined brewing period when the brewing time coincides with the current time. A temperature sensing unit includes a temperature-controlled switch which connects the switch circuit to the heating device when temperature of the heating device is below a lower limit of a predetermined temperature range, and which disconnects the switch circuit from the heating device when the temperature is above an upper limit of the temperature range. The temperature sensing unit further includes a signal generating circuit which interconnects the temperature-controlled switch and the processing unit.

Abstract: A temperature controlling device for controlling the temperature of a heating member of a fixing unit of an image forming apparatus, the heating member being heated by a heater to perform a fixing operation at a predetermined fixing temperature, the temperature controlling device is provided with a controller which is operable to control the heater to selectively keep the temperature of the heating member at a first energy saving temperature smaller than the fixing temperature and a second energy saving temperature smaller than the first energy saving temperature when the fixing operation is suspended.

Abstract: The disclosure involves a countertop distiller for home use. Such distiller is of the type including a condensing coil and an electrically-powered water heater. A method for controlling power flow to the heater includes the steps of activating a timer circuit to energize the heater, increasing the temperature of the coil and bypassing the timer circuit when the coil temperature increases to a predetermined value. The heater is de-energized when the water in the raw water container is substantially depleted and the heater temperature increases to a predetermined value because of such depletion. A new electrical circuit for a countertop distiller is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fixing unit for printers or copiers includes a heater, in the fixing unit, for heating a fixing member to fix a toner image on a sheet; a zero-cross detector for detecting zero-cross timings of electric power when a voltage of the electric power is at zero volts; a switching circuit for turning on and off the electric power to the heater; a controller for controlling the switching operation of the circuit so as to provide a first state in which the electric power is continuously supplied to the heater for a second state in which the electric power is not supplied to the heater for a multiple of half-cycles from one of the zero cross timings. In the fixing unit, the electric power is supplied to the heater with an intermittent pattern, including the second state, for a predetermined period after at least one of a turn-on operation of the heater and a turn-off operation of the heater.

Abstract: A toaster having a movable bakery product shield for enhanced toasting quality. A wide slot cavity to receive bakery goods for toasting is defined on one side thereof by an upstanding, stationary product retainer spaced apart from a heating element and, on the other side thereof, by a movable product retainer having a deflector shield connected along its upper edge. Interiorally of the toaster, a carriage mechanism is mounted on an end wall for vertical reciprocal movement between an up position and a down position. Connected to the carriage mechanism and extending longitudinally through the slot cavity is a bread support shelf which is inclined toward the stationary product retainer to cause the lower edge of a bread slice placed in the toaster slot to engage the stationary product retainer.

Abstract: A water heater control modifies a temperature differential setting in a hot water heater according to elapsed time between calls for heat. This allows the temperature setting of the hot water heater to remain low, which reduces the risk of scalding, yet allows the hot water heater to deliver hot water consistently. For example, a hot water heater temperature setting is 120.degree. F. and the temperature differential is normally set to 20.degree. F. After six hours without a call for heat, during which time period the water in the tank has destratified, the water heater control could set the differential to 15.degree. F., which would cause a call for heat when the water temperature drops to 105.degree. F. Once a call for heat is generated, the temperature differential can be set back to 20.degree. F.

Abstract: A toasting or heating appliance, particularly an electrical food toasting or heating appliance such as a toaster, including a housing (1) with a fixed toasting subassembly (5) and a movable toasting subassembly (6) moved by a holder (20) to form a variable-width toasting slot (7), the holder (20) including two side arms (21, 22) rotatably mounted at their ends on the housing (1), a bread rack (15) axially movable in the slot, and a control handle (16) which controls the movement of the movable bread rack (15) and is combined with an actuating member (19) for causing relative movement of the two subassemblies (5, 6), wherein the appliance further includes at least one stabilizing arm (30) arranged behind the movable subassembly (6) and connected to the back thereof via a first hinge (31), as well as to the housing (1) via a second hinge (32).

Abstract: A power saving method of an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic developing unit includes the steps of: beginning a counting operation upon occurrence of an error state in the image forming apparatus, when the image forming apparatus is in a print stand-by mode; determining whether a current counting value reaches a reference comparison value for executing a power saving mode; determining whether the error state is removed from the image forming apparatus, when the current counting value has not reached the reference comparison value; increasing the currently counting value by a given counting unit and returning to determine whether the current counting value reaches the reference comparison value, when the error state has not been removed from the image forming apparatus; and executing the power saving mode of driving the image forming apparatus with electric power lower than electric power required for maintaining said image forming apparatus in the print stand-by mode, when the present coun

Abstract: A toasting or heating appliance, particularly an electric toaster comprising a housing with a toasting slot (7) defined by two movable squeezing grills (13), a bread rack (15) axially movable within the toasting slot (7), a carriage (40) which controls the movement of the movable bread rack (15) and is combined with a control handle (16), and a resilient return member (46) for returning the bread rack (15) to its raised receiving position, wherein the control carriage (40) is axially and resiliently movable relative to the movable bread rack (15) and provided with a member (19) that actuates a drive element (45) for moving at least one squeezing grill (13). The appliance is suitable for use as a toaster.

Abstract: An electric toaster having an automatic resetting heat reduction assembly. The toaster includes one or more cavities to receive bagels, bread, or other food products, and a plurality of heating elements located within the cavities to toast the food products. A carriage assembly movable between a raised nontoasting position and a lowered toasting position lowers and raises the food products into and out of the toasting cavities. When lowered to the toasting position, the carriage assembly activates a heat activation assembly which completes an electrical circuit between a power source and the heating elements, thereby energizing the heating elements to toast the food products. The toaster also includes a heat reduction assembly settable between an original full heat position and a depressed reduced heat position.

Abstract: A method and device for preventing a danger of fire outbreak generated by a needless material inserted between metal fan and bottom sensor comprising means for means for comparing a voltage equivalent to a detecting temperature of bottom sensor with a reference voltage equivalent to a designated cooking temperature, generating signals equivalent to ending of cooking function or not ending from a resultant value counting cooking function time according to system clock and controlling heat source voltage from a resultant value which performs AND-gate operation with the signal outputted from the generating means and the signal outputted from the comparing means and performs cooking by method for controlling cooking process judging the insertion of a needless materials from counting values of driving cooking process counter in case that detecting temperature of a metal pan is lower than the temperature designated for cooking.

Abstract: A warming method in a bread maker characterized as detecting an increasing rate of the baking chamber temperature at the start of the baking operation or a decreasing rate of the baking chamber temperature after the baking operation has ended using a temperature detecting section and a rate detecting section based on an output of an oven sensor, and as causing a heater control section to change either a warming time, which is a time of the warming operation, or warming power to be supplied to a heater during the warming operation, or both the warming time and the warming power based on the detected rate. As a result, the impairment of the flavor of bread can be prevented without being affected by the type of bread to be baked or by the outside temperature.

Abstract: An oven for cooking a food item with radiant energy typically having a significant portion of radiant energy in the visible light range of the electromagnetic spectrum is disclosed. The desired cooking time for the given food item is set in or already stored in the oven controller, and radiation is initiated for cooking the food item for that desired cooking time. At a given time before the end of the desired cooking time, a signal is triggered indicating that a determination must be made as to whether the food item is cooked to the desired degree. Once the food item is cooked to the desired degree, the radiation is either stopped before the end of the desired cooking time, terminated at the end of desired cooking time or maintained beyond the desired cooking time.

Abstract: A control system for a microwave oven having a magnetron unit and method of making the same are provided, the system being adapted to interconnect a power source to the magnetron unit to operate the same, the system comprising a display control module, a power module, and an electrical circuit interconnecting the modules together, each module comprising a microprocessor.

Abstract: A cogeneration system that is particularly suited to residential use comprises an internal combustion engine, preferably diesel, coupled to a generator, preferably of the induction type. The generator and the engine are thermally isolated from each other so that the engine can run hotter (and thus more efficiently) without adversely affecting the generator. A supplemental electric heater supplies additional heat when the thermal output of the engine is insufficient. A dual stage controller for the heater controls its operation for enhanced efficiency. A generator controller enables the generator to serve the additional function of starting the engine when heat is called for, thus obviating a separate starting motor and related equipment. The system provides a high operating efficiency.

Abstract: A seal wire heat control system for sealing thermoplastic film as adapted to control the duration of heat impulses applied to the sealing wire by remembering the past history of the sealing machine. The application of power to the sealing wire is provided by a series of power impulses, the duration of which is shortened incrementally as the apparatus continues to run and is lengthened incrementally when the apparatus sits at rest.

Abstract: An automatic rice cooking apparatus including a rice washing section supplied with a predetermined amount of rice from a rice box via a measuring cup and adapted to wash the rice by a water supplied at a uniform water pressure and a rice cooker adapted to receive the washed rice and a water for boiling the rice controlled in quantity by a water supply time and achieve a cooking operation and a warmth-keeping operation. The apparatus includes a control circuit capable of automatically achieving all rice cooking procedures of measuring the amount of rice to be cooked, washing the rice, adjusting the quantity of water for boiling the rice, cooking the rice and keeping the cooked rice warm in accordance with a selected specification of a user. The control circuit also informs various operation states of the apparatus so that the user uses the apparatus conveniently and simply.

Abstract: A method for controlling temperature in thermal processing equipment having a processing chamber containing members to be processed. The method comprises the steps of heating a plurality of zones of the processing chamber by heaters provided in the zones, respectively, measuring periods of time which elapse until temperatures in the zones increase from a predetermined value to at least one reference value, obtaining time differences among the periods measured, and storing the time differences into a memory, and adjusting timings of heating the zones by the heater, thereby to reduce the time differences.

Abstract: A de-labeler made with easily available structural elements which cooperate to remove a normally non-removable label from a labeled surface of a casing for magnetic media, film, and the like, without using a solvent of any kind. The labeled surface is heated just enough to cause desired viscous deformation of a thin layer of adhesive, or a sufficient decrease of viscosity to loosen the label and enable it to be manually removed, preferably by adhesive failure of the thin adhesive layer. A typical pressure sensitive adhesive ("PSA") is heated to a temperature in the range from 32.degree. C.-65.degree. C., for an interval of time in the range from 5 to 30 seconds, in inverse relationship to the temperature at which the labeled surface is heated. The label is manually peeled away from the surface with a force in the range from 0.5 lb-force to about 10 lb-force, without distorting or otherwise damaging either the casing or the magnetic recording medium encased therein.

Abstract: An apparatus to heat or toast tortillas, and uses adjustable food support arrays and heating element arrays, forming a single food enclosure or a plurality of food enclosures, to change the proximity of the heating elements to the food items being heated so that the device can be used for heating or toasting a variety of food items in addition to tortillas.

Abstract: A deep fat fryer includes a controller operatively connected to a heating element for controlling the operation thereof to apply heat to a cooking chamber. A temperature sensor is disposed in the cooking chamber for measuring the temperature in the cooking chamber and communicating the same to the controller. The controller selectively operates the heating means to apply heat to the cooking chamber. Utilizing the output of the temperature sensor, the controller automatically determines whether the medium contained in the cooking chamber is water, liquid shortening or solid shortening or whether the cooking chamber is empty.

Abstract: Cooking device which requires a lesser amount of data for preparation of a menu necessary to be pre-memorized and which can use a memory having a small capacity. The cooking device (breadmaking device) is provided with a transformation means which transforms a menu number set by a menu set means to the binary digit data having a fixed bit length, and a control data preparation means in which a cord which is able to show the transformed binary digit data by a fixed bit number when the above binary digit data is divided to each fixed bit number, is allowed to correspond to a parameter level of a step control variable, and the above data is read out from the data table which memorizes the data of each step corresponding to the above parameter level based upon the above code and transforms the above read-out data to the control data.

Abstract: A stirring blade driving device for a bread maker. In the device, a stirring blade is rotated by a motor having a main coil and speed-changing coils, and the respective coils of the motor are selectively connected to an ac power supply by a plurality of triacs. The on/off operation of the triacs is controlled by a microcomputer in accordance with the number of revolutions of the stirring blade.

Abstract: A hand-held groover for forming grooves, bevels, etc. in architectural insulation board comprises a resistive cutting blade, a 25 KHz. oscillator, operated by full-wave rectified line current and connected to the cutting blade through a light-weight transformer. The oscillator delivers to the heating element a sequence of electrical pulses synchronized with the line current frequency, each having a duration of 1/120 second. Each pulse consists of plural oscillations at 25 KHz., so that the heating current in the blade is essentially an amplitude-modulated 25 KHz. current. The modulating pulses are selected from the continuous train of 120 Hz. pulses by an adjustable triggering circuit, to adjust the time interval between pulses and thereby control the temperature of the heating element.

Abstract: This Measuring Method of the electric power consumption of the Inverter Cooker enables automatic measurements of the electric power consumption for the keep-warm function, whether actual keep-warm temperature is set somewhat higher or lower, so that the productivity of the Cooker will be improved and judgement for defects of the keep-warm heaters made easier.

Abstract: Water detection device to determine the presence of water in a cooking device having a vessel adapted to receive a cooking medium such as oil which serves as a heat transfer medium for cooking food in the vessel. The temperature of the medium in the vessel is monitored at selected intervals. The presence of water in the vessel is determined by the detection of a decrease in the rate of temperature rise in the range of the boiling point of water. In the event of a decrease in the rate of temperature rise in the range of 212 degrees Fahrenheit control functions are initiated to prevent further rise in the temperature of the vessel and initiate other necessary precautionary steps. Measurement of the rate of temperature rise can also be adapted to to eliminate the effects of certain occurrences which would tend to provide false indication of the presence of water in the vessel.

Abstract: An improved heating time control apparatus and a method for a microwave oven capable of detecting food temperature using an infrared ray coming from food being heated, whereby better heating time control can be possible, which includes a key input circuit for inputting a cooking menu and a food kinds; an infrared sensor circuit for detecting a surface temperature of food in accordance with the amount of infrared rays coming from food being cooked and for converting the detected temperature into a predetermined electric signal; a microprocessor for outputting a first heating time previously set in accordance with a selected menu and a second heating time previously set in accordance with a food kinds and for monitoring an output signal outputted from the infrared sensor and for outputting a result obtained by multiplying an output signal difference between points of a first heating time completion and a second heating time completion by a predetermined coefficient as a third heating time; and an output control

Abstract: A method and apparatus for programmably controlling a cooking appliance. In addition to PREHEAT, COOK, and HOLD modes, the control is operable in a PROGRAM, SPECIAL PROGRAM and TEST mode. In PROGRAM mode a user sets parameters for a plurality of products. In SPECIAL PROGRAM mode global or system oriented settings are made. In TEST mode, individual components may be tested under operation of a control panel. Data may be logged to record usage for individual components and system information. A door sensor override may be used to turn OFF desired components when a door is open. A vent may be opened to reduce humidity at various programmed times during a COOK cycle or based on sensed parameters (e.g. humidity in the cooking chamber. A speaker may provide alarms that are programmable in volume and frequency for different products or events. Restricted access to different program or test modes is disclosed.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for use in a photosensitive material processing system, which is designed so that nonuniformity of drying in a direction intersecting a belt-shaped photosensitive material, e.g., a photographic negative film, photographic paper, etc., is eliminated, and the overall electric power capacity of the system is minimized. A plurality of electric current heaters (44.sub.1 and 44.sub.2) are disposed in parallel in a direction intersecting belt-shaped photosensitive materials (F.sub.1 and F.sub.2) transported, and each electric current heater is individually current-controlled to change the temperature distribution of the heated air, thereby compensating for the nonuniformity of drying of the belt-shaped photosensitive materials (F.sub.1 and F.sub.2) in the lateral direction, for example. The electric current heaters (44.sub.1 and 44.sub.2) are individually current-controlled by making the current input time different for each electric current heater.

Abstract: Controlled infrared heat is used to bond plastic parts (50) together. A fixture (14) includes platens (20, 26) to hold the parts (50) in spaced and aligned relationship during the heating phase of the bonding process, and movable supports to press the platens (20, 26) together during the bond forming phase of the bonding process. A screw transfer system (28) is provided to locate infrared heat sources (42) between the parts (50). An operator station (44), having a controller (48), maintains a minimum voltage (V1) in the heat sources (42) until the heat sources (42) are located, and then, increases the voltage to a second level (V2), to correspondingly increase the heat output of heat sources (42), for a first time period. Operator station (44) then increases the voltage to a third level (V3) for a corresponding time period before reducing the voltage, removing the heat sources (42) and pressing parts (50) together to thereby form a bond.

Abstract: An inverter cooker with a high voltage/low voltage separating device, which can protect the user from accident and prevents the inverter cooker from malfunctioning by separating a low voltage circuit portion from high voltage circuit portion regardless of the performance of signal transmission. According to the inverter cooker, the signal intercommunicating between the high voltage circuit portion such as an inverter controller or a current detector and the low voltage circuit portion such as a function key input device or a system controller is performed through the high voltage/low voltage separating device which has a plurality of photo-couplers.

Abstract: Activation and deactivation of a plurality of heating elements in an electric heating system are separately controllable in accordance with the present invention. Individual heating elements are sequentially activated in response to a demand for heat. A predetermined time delay is imposed between successive activations of the heating elements to allow time to satisfy the demand for heat before another heating element is activated. Normally, the heating elements are also deactivated sequentially in response to a reduced demand for heat, with a predetermined time delay between successive deactivations to allow time to respond to the reduced demand for heat before another heating element is deactivated. A temperature sensor is located in the air discharge plenum of the heating system for sensing the temperature of the discharge air. The discharge air temperature is used to control the operation of the heating elements, a two-speed heat pump, and the "off cycle" of the heating system blower.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heater control device which controls a heater used in an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, a copying machine, or a facsimile machine. The heater control device includes a switch for connecting and disconnecting an application of an alternating current voltage to the heater used in the image forming apparatus, and a switch control unit for varying a period of time for the application of the alternating current voltage to the heater per unit period of time by controlling the switch in accordance with a value of the alternating current voltage applied to the heater. The heater control device can be used regardless of the differing voltage levels of available commercial power provided in various geographic regions of the world respect to voltage.

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: In a temperature controlling method of a kitchen-heating apparatus having a temperature sensor at a certain place in the heating area, the temperature control is performed by comparing a temperature detected by the temperature sensor with a set temperature. In this case, an acceleration of the temperature ascent and descent at each certain interval is required and the temperature of the above heating portion is controlled with a duty ratio which corrects the duty ratio of the above heating portion of each interval with the acceleration of the temperature ascent and descent in the front step.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a heater; temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the heater; electric power supply controller for controlling electric power supply to the heater during image heating, so that the temperature detector detects a predetermined set temperature; and a temperature determining device for determining the set temperature on the basis of a change of the temperature detected by the temperature detector when electric power supply to the heater is stopped.

Abstract: An automatic switching apparatus for a hand held electrically operated appliance, such as a pressing iron. The automatic switching apparatus is provided within a circuit board located within the housing of the iron. The automatic switching apparatus includes a first timing circuit and a photosensitive switch which function in conjunction with one another such that when the user breaks contact with the photosensitive switch located on the handle portion of the iron, the first timing circuit is enabled to de-energize the heating element of the iron after contact has been broken with the photo-sensitive switch for a predetermined period of time. A second timing circuit is provided to disable the first timing circuit for a second predetermined period of time when the iron is initially plugged into the wall outlet so as to permit the heating element to reach a temperature level suitable for ironing without necessitating the user to contact the photosensitive switch when the heating element is initially energized.

Abstract: A heat cooking apparatus includes a gas burner, and a temperature sensor for sensing a food correlative temperature. A microcomputer determines a category of the food on the basis of a time necessary for raising a temperature of the food by a predetermined temperature, and sets a termination temperature according to the category. If the time is more than a predetermined value, the microcomputer determines that the food is "boiled food", and sets a boiled food termination temperature. If the time is less than a predetermined value and a temperature drop occurs during temperature raising, the microcomputer determines that the food is "fried food", and sets a fried food upper limit temperature. If the time is less than a predetermined value and no temperature drop occurs during temperature raising, the microcomputer determines that the food is "deep-fried food", and sets a deep-fried food upper limit 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: Invention discloses a heated die to form long lived aperatures in upper region of plastic wrapped packages; said die featuring improved construction providing focused unidirectional heat flow to avoid package failure leading to product deterioration and package failure and disengagement with display hangers; said heat control effected by micro control of flow of energizing electricity.