Abstract: An appliance and method for non-thermal heater protection during prolonged operation of the appliance is provided. A time limit determination apparatus may prevent prolonged operation heater protection that prevents significant damage to the appliance.

Abstract: A portable warming device for dry heating a towel. The portable warming device includes a heating arrangement that heats one or more surface of the portable warming device so as to heat a towel that is in contact with the one or more heated surfaces. The heating arrangement includes a controller to at least partially control the heating of the towel.

Abstract: A device for heating a substrate with light from a flash lamp having a semiconductor switch connected in series to the flash lamp. After triggering of a trigger electrode of the flash lamp, a first drive signal and a second drive signal are output from a gate circuit. The time period when the semiconductor switch is on due to the second drive signal is longer than the time period that the semiconductor switch is on by the first drive signal. Then, the semiconductor switch is switched on and off by the first drive signal and the substrate temperature is increased to a temperature, which is lower than the desired temperature to be achieved, and is maintained a that temperature for a short time, after which the surface temperature of the substrate is increased to the desired target temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided that includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a plurality of multiplexed heater electrodes, wherein the heater electrodes are part of a multiplex circuit including a common lead connecting the heater electrodes to a power supply, each of the heater electrodes being associated with one of the microfluidic channels. The microfluidic device also includes a control system configured to regulate power applied to each heater electrode by varying a duty cycle, the control system being further configured to determine the temperature of each heater electrode by determining the resistance of each heater electrode.

Abstract: A heater control structure for an ice protection system is disclosed that includes a first multi-role logic block having a first scheduler to schedule the operation of an array of heaters and a first controller to control a first group of heaters within the array of heaters, wherein the first scheduler communicates with a first private data bus and the first controller communicates with a second private data bus, and wherein the first scheduler and the first controller communicate with one another over a first pair of inter-channel data busses.

Abstract: A heater unit includes a power source, a plurality of heaters, and a power supply position-switching device. The power source includes a first power source terminal and a second power source terminal. The plurality of heaters are each connected to one another in series and include a first heater and a second heater. The power supply position-switching device is configured to switch between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first power source terminal is connected with a first heater terminal of the first heater, and the second power source terminal is connected with a third heater terminal of the second heater. In the second state, the first power source terminal is connected with a second heater terminal of the first heater, and the second power source terminal is connected with a fourth heater terminal of the second heater.

Abstract: A heater control unit controls electric power supplied to a heater provided in a seat. The heater control unit includes an outside air temperature measuring portion that measures an outside air temperature, a seat surface temperature measuring portion that measures a surface temperature of the seat, and a control portion. The control portion controls a time for which an initial electric power larger than an electric power in a steady state after the initial state is output to the heater, according to the measured outside air temperature and the measured seat surface temperature in an initial state immediately after the heater is activated.

Abstract: A method is provided for the internal processing of a transparent substrate in preparation for a cleaving step. The substrate is irradiated with a focused laser beam that is comprised of pulses having an energy and pulse duration selected to produce a filament within the substrate. The substrate is translated relative to the laser beam to irradiate the substrate and produce an additional filament at one or more additional locations. The resulting filaments form an array defining an internally scribed path for cleaving said substrate. Laser beam parameters may be varied to adjust the filament length and position, and to optionally introduce V-channels or grooves, rendering bevels to the laser-cleaved edges.

Abstract: A heated seat (302) comprising: a cushion with one or more trench (30) areas; a heater (300) comprising: a carrier (2) with a periphery, the carrier (2) further including: a first electrically functional layer (4) that is made of a conductive material that substantially circumscribes at least a portion of the carrier (2); and a second electrically functional layer (8) that is made of a resistive material; one or more electrical conductors {12} attached to the first electrically functional layer; a trim layer (40) that covers the cushion when the heater is placed over the cushion, and wherein the periphery includes a first side edge (18) and a second side edge (20), and each side edge includes a cutout (26), and the cutouts are located adjacent to each other—forming a neck portion (28); wherein the heater is attached to the cushion by placing an attachment device (32) over the neck portion (28) of the heater and securing one or both ends of the attachment, device (32) to the cushion so that the neck portion (2

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a device for heating an electronic component and an electronic apparatus using the method/device. A heater is disposed at the electronic component. The heating method includes following steps: driving the heater according to a duty ratio by using electrical energy of a power module. If the output voltage of the power module is greater than a first threshold, set the duty ratio as a first ratio. If the output voltage of the power module is less than a second threshold, set the duty ratio as a second ratio. If the output voltage of the power module is between the first threshold and the second threshold, adjust the duty ratio so that the difference between the output voltage of the power module and the second threshold is positively proportional to the duty ratio.

Abstract: A conductor of a power transmission line has its effective resistance to flow of direct current or low-frequency current (such as, for example, 50 Hz or 60 Hz) varied in a wide range to pass current and/or to generate heat for melting ice. Increasing the initial resistance of a conductor is accomplished by modulating the current at a high frequency (HF), such as about 1 kHz to about 100 kHz. The current through the conductor then becomes a mixture of a DC (or low-frequency current) and a high-frequency current. Because the latter flows in a thin skin-layer region of the conductor of depth dependent on frequency, the conductor's resistance to the HF current is higher than its resistance value for low frequency or DC current. By varying the frequency of current modulation in accordance with the present invention, the conductor's resistance is adjusted to a desired value for ice removal.

Abstract: A method for controlling heating processes in a coffee machine which is particularly suitable for preparing coffee on the basis of coffee pads. The coffee machine comprises a continuous flow heater and a pump used to convey water through the continuous flow heater. According to the inventive method, the temperature is measured in the region of the continuous flow heater and/or water which is conveyed by the pump. In order to avoid steam overpressure and to ensure a sufficient, constant temperature during the entire steeping process, the amount of water which is conveyed by the pump is influenced according to temperature. The invention also relates to an electronic control device.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for applying EM energy to a load. The apparatuses and methods may include at least one processor configured to receive information indicative of energy dissipated by the load for each of a plurality of modulation space elements. The processor may also be configured to associate each of the plurality of modulation space elements with a corresponding time duration of power application, based on the received information. The processor may be further configured to regulate energy applied to the load such that for each of the plurality of modulation space elements, power is applied to the load at the corresponding time duration of power application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oven comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, which are separated by separation means, conveyor means for guiding products from the inlet through these chambers to the outlet, temperature control means for controlling the temperature in each chamber individually using a fluid, respectively, and means to adjust the flow distribution over the width of the conveyor means depending on at least one process parameter or recipe.

Abstract: An embodiment of a spa control system includes a heater, a pump for circulating water through the pump, one or more sensors for monitoring temperature, and an electronic controller coupled to the heater, pump and sensor(s) for controlling the heater and pump based on the rate of change in temperature at the sensor(s). A method of controlling a heater in a spa with a spa control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spa control system that measures the flow of water through the heater and accurately reports water temperature in the spa using only one solid-state sensor in the heater. The rate of flow is determined by energizing the pump, with the heater still de-energized, and observing the rate in which the moving water cools the inside of the heater. If there is no circulation of water through the heater, the temperature of the sensor will continue to rise from the energy applied when the heater was briefly energized. This rise will be quite significant and a clear indication of a flow problem. If the flow is found to be adequate, the heater will be energized for a normal period of time. The sensor is now carefully monitored for a sudden increase in temperature, which would indicate loss of a normal flow of water.

Abstract: A controllable heating pad, having a heating conductor embedded in the heating pad, a sensing conductor embedded in the heating pad, a resistive material providing a distributed electrical path between the heating conductor and the sensing conductor, a first current sensor to sense a current in the heating conductor and a second current sensor to sense a current in the sensing conductor. A method of controlling a temperature of a heating pad, including the steps of: warming the heating pad to at least a first predetermined temperature by use of an adjustable on/off signal to the controllable switch, measuring currents through an NTC material or a combination of a PTC material and an NTC material; and maintaining a temperature of the heating pad to within a predetermined temperature range by use of the adjustable on/off signal to the controllable switch.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for forming a photovoltaic cell from a common layer on a substrate are provided. A first pass is made with a first laser beam over an area on the common layer. The first pass forms a groove in the common layer. The first pass forms within the common layer a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is separated from the second edge by the groove. The groove provides a first level of electrical isolation between the first edge and the second edge. A second pass is made with a second laser beam over approximately the same area on the common layer. The second pass provides a second level of electrical isolation between the first edge and the second edge. The second level of electrical isolation is greater than the first level of electrical isolation.

Abstract: An oven according to some embodiments includes an oven chamber in which food is cooked, a heating element, a fan, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the oven chamber, a remote input device, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the remote input device and to change the fan or heating element based at least in part upon the signal received from the remote input device. In a method of operating the oven according to some embodiments, the oven enters an operating mode from an energy-savings mode responsive to receiving an signal from a remote device.

Abstract: A temperature adjustment method is provided to improve operating efficiency and reduce costs. Control of a heating unit in a thermal processing system including a heating control section is performed based on a first output control pattern obtained by subjecting a detection temperature provided by a first temperature detecting unit to an integral operation, a differential operation, and a proportional operation under a condition of a first set of temperature-setting conditions, a second output control pattern obtained by determining a first heat quantity in a period from the start of an increase in temperature detected by a second temperature detecting unit until the temperature inside the processing chamber reaches a maximum temperature, and using a second heat quantity obtained by subtracting the part of the output provided by the proportional operation from the first heat quantity.

Abstract: A water heater comprises a body defining a chamber for holding water to be heated, an inlet opening and an outlet opening in communication with the chamber for flowing water therethrough and one or more power consuming features/functions including a heater for heating the water within the chamber. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the water heater in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode, in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the water heater in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: A reference heater energization delay time is established according to an engine conditions (shift range, cooling water temperature, intake-air temperature, ambient temperature, and oil temperature) during starting period. An extension delay time is established according to an engine condition after starting period. A final heater energization delay time is established by adding the extension delay time to the reference heater energization delay time. Until an elapsed time after starting period of engine reaches the final heater energization delay time, an energization of a heater of an exhaust gas sensor is inhibited. When the elapsed time after starting period of engine reaches the final heater energization delay time, the energization of the heater is started to heat a sensor element.

Abstract: A method for the cooking of a cooking product in a cooking appliance with a cooking chamber that comprises at least one heating device, a computer device, a memory device and at least one sensor device, is carried out, in dependence on a degree of cooking of a cooking product and/or of a cooking duration, in particular determined by the core temperature, the browning, the pH value and/or the cooking value, from values measured by the sensor device with consideration of the at least occasionally deposited values in the memory device via the computer device, wherein at least two steps separated from one another in time, comprising a pre-cooking step, which is interrupted when a determined intermediate value of the degree of cooking and/or of the duration of cooking, in particular a determined remaining time for reaching the cooking duration is reached, and a finishing cooking step, in particular a finishing step that is recalled at a later time point in order to end the cooking of the cooking product with consi

Abstract: A cooking device includes a control mode switch selecting a control mode for controlling a heating operation; a setting switch for selecting a set value in each control mode; a heating control unit for controlling a heating unit based on the control mode and the set value inputted through the control mode switch and the setting switch; and a selection switch for selecting the operation mode. The operation modes include a first operation mode in which all of the plurality of control modes are set to be selectable and a second operation mode in which only part of the control modes are set to be selectable. The heating control unit disables at least one control mode switch when the second operation mode is selected by the selection switch.

Abstract: Provided is a heater power control circuit which switches on/off a voltage signal supplied from a direct-current power source to control a power of a heater by controlling a voltage applied to the heater. The heater power control circuit includes a voltage smoothing circuit that is disposed between the heater and a switching circuit which switches on/off a voltage supplied from the direct-current power source. The voltage smoothing circuit converts the voltage into an analog voltage signal by smoothing a voltage signal obtained by switching on/off the voltage.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a heater, a current-feed switching circuit configured to switch turning-on/off of current-feeding from an AC power source to the heater, thereby feeding current from the AC power source to the heater at a predetermined current-feed ratio, a temperature detector configured to detect a heating temperature of the heater, and a current-feed controller configured to control the current-feed ratio of the current-feed switching circuit such that the detection temperature of the temperature detector falls within a target range. The current-feed controller performs at least one pair of ON lock current-feed control to fix the current-feed ratio to almost 100% in a first period and OFF lock current-feed control to fix the current-feed ratio to almost 0% in a second period every predetermined control period of the current-feed switching circuit.

Abstract: A proximity switch flow sensor detects movement of a faucet handle of a faucet of a hot water container in order to detect flow from the hot water container. The proximity switch flow sensor includes an emitter paired with a detector, which can be mounted in association with the faucet handle to detect open and closed positions of the faucet handle, to provide electronic logic information regarding the status of the faucet handle position, as an indication of a flow condition, to a control unit that controls heating of water in the hot water container. An electro-mechanical switch and a mechanism to transfer movement of the faucet handle to the switch may also be used to detect open and closed positions of the faucet handle as an indication of a flow condition.

Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of an environment, including the steps of providing a thermostat and receiving a signal from an occupancy sensor indicating whether an area has been occupied for each discrete time period of a 24 hour time period, assigning a first point value to each discrete time period where occupancy has been sensed, and repeating the steps for the next two 24 hour periods, and averaging the point values for each discrete time period in the first, second, and third 24 hour periods, to obtain an average point value, and sending a first signal to a heating device adapted for heating a second area to provide a temperature-related setting for a given discrete time period when the average point value for that discrete time period is above a threshold point value.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a seat heater for a seat is provided. The method includes determining a timer value by a heated seat control module. The timer value is based on at least a current heater setting of the seat heater. The method includes sending the timer value to a timer. The timer counts down from the timer value and sends a timer expired signal to the heated seat control module if the amount of time indicated by the timer value has expired. The method includes determining a modified heater setting if the heated seat control module receives the time expired signal. The modified heater setting indicates a reduced level of heat provided to the seat heater. The method includes sending a notification signal to a signal generation module. The notification signal includes the modified heater setting.

Abstract: An electric soldering iron comprises a power unit connecting the electric soldering iron to an external power source, an electric soldering iron body comprising an iron head and a motion sensor for detecting motion of the electric soldering iron body, and a control system connected to the power unit and the electric soldering iron body, which comprises a switch, a control unit and a timer. The control unit directs the switch to maintain or terminate connection between the power unit and the iron head based on motion detected by the motion sensor and duration measured by the timer. When the duration exceeds a predetermined value, the control system enables the switch to terminate connection of the iron head and the power unit to achieve automatic cutoff of power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displaying the curve when a desired climate has been reached in a cooking compartment of a cooking appliance by taking into account at least one actual value of the first variable that changes over time and is characteristic of the climate in the cooking compartment. Said method is characterized in that the actual value of the first variable is detected at least once during an interval t0 to t1 and is compared with a desired value of the first variable, said desired value characterizing the desired climate, a point in time t2 when a second interval is to begin and/or the point in time t3 when the desired climate has been reached is/are estimated in accordance with said comparison, and the course of the first variable over time is taken into account at least once when estimating the point in time t3 during a second interval t2 to t3, wherein t2?t1. The invention also relates to a cooking appliance for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a heating element in a motor vehicle by pulse width modulation, wherein fluctuations in the supply voltage are compensated for by adapting the duty cycle so as to achieve a desired heating output. According to the invention, during a voltage pulse the voltage that is present at the heating element and/or the current flowing through the heating element are measured at specified intervals, and the measured values or values determined therefrom are added to calculate a sum value, which rises with the energy that is fed into the heating element by the voltage pulse, and the voltage pulse is ended at the latest when the sum value has reached a target value. The invention furthermore relates to a glow plug controller for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A PWM driver for driving an electric device by a PWM signal includes an ECU that provides a command signal, first circuit that provides a carrier signal of a triangular shape having a preset frequency, a second circuit that forms a PWM signal having a duty ratio formed based on the carrier signal and the command signal and an output circuit that drives an output device. The second circuit includes a duty ratio limiting circuit that limits the duty ratio of the PWM signal to a range between a first duty ratio and a second duty ratio to prevent the wave shape of the PWM signal from becoming a shape of an impulse.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing a misalignment condition during operation of a continuous oven, which includes a conveyor system conveying and positioning trays carrying panned baked goods within an oven bake chamber defined at least in part by two side panels extending parallel to one another. The system includes an optical sensor arrangement having a transmitter and a receiver disposed along a line of sight, the line of sight extending across a location of the oven bake chamber such that a misaligned tray or mis-positioned utensil moving on the conveyor system disposed within the oven cavity interrupts the line of sight, which in accordance with the method causes the optical sensor system to provide a signal indicative of the misalignment condition.

Abstract: A water heating system, comprise a tank, a heating element, and a controller that is coupled to the heating element. The controller comprises a base, a housing, a relay, logic and, a temperature sensor. The base is composed of thermally conductive material, and the housing is composed of electrically insulating material. The housing is coupled to the base, and the logic is configured to control the a state of the relay. Further, the temperature sensor contacts the base and is coupled to the logic.

Abstract: A water heater power control device is provided, wherein the control device includes a device outlet adapted to receive an electric plug of a water heater and a timer in communication with the device outlet. The control device may further comprise an electric plug adapted to plug into a wall outlet and provide power to the device outlet and the timer. In particular aspects of the present invention, the device outlet is changeable between an on state and an off state in response to commands from the timer.

Abstract: A quasi-resonant inverter control system includes a mains zero-crossing detection circuit and a controller. The mains zero-crossing detection circuit is operable to detect a plurality of zero-crossing points of an input alternating-current voltage and output a zero-crossing detection signal based on the zero-crossing points. The controller is operable to control a plurality of burst mode period and receives the zero-crossing detection signal. Each of the burst mode periods includes a working duration and a non-working duration. Each of the working durations includes a start point and an end point. The controller is operable to determine the start points and the end points of the working durations based on the zero-crossing detection signal and outputs a control signal based on the start points and the end points of the working durations. An electric heating device and a method for controlling the quasi-resonant inverter are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A towel dryer includes an aluminum body having an outer surface that supports a towel to be dried. The surface has a degree of reflectance of not less than 80% for more efficient transfer of heat from the body to the towel. The outer body surface is an oxidized surface to resist corrosion, and a clear coating may be provided over the surface.

Abstract: A cooking appliance control system for use during the Jewish Holidays or Sabbath. A timer is in communication with the oven heater element programmed to provide for scheduled activations and deactivations of the element during the Holidays. Prior to the Holiday the timer is programmed, the oven is activated to the predetermined temperature, and the timer program is then activated to provide for activation of the heater element to the predetermined temperature and deactivation in accordance with the schedule during the Holiday. Additionally, a switch selectively activates and deactivates the ignition circuits of the burners. This permits, one of the gas burner heater elements to be lighted by the appliance before the Holiday when the ignition circuits are activated to provide a flame to light the other burners when the ignition circuits are deactivated during the Holiday.

Abstract: According to the invention, an improved analysis method for temperature monitoring of a hotplate (11) as a cooker with a temperature sensor (S) may be achieved by means of differentiating once over time and inverting the electronically interrogated temperature signal (T). The result of the inversion is raised to the power of ? to give an output value (A). This output value is used in further processing wherein, in the second processing, the output value is compared with stored values for an output value for defined events. The recording of the output value (A) occurs for a maximum time of up to 300 seconds after starting a cooking process, advantageously 60 to 120 seconds, and then said recording and analysis is terminated.

Abstract: A system for shifting energy demand from on-peak time windows to off-peak time windows by using hot water heater load shifting, while providing the end user with the level of service (i.e., availability of hot water) according to the user's customary use described by service quality criteria. The shift is accomplished by a controller located at the end user establishment and in communication with a central control server. The controller monitors local water heater upper and/or lower temperature and controls upper and/or lower water heater heating elements in accordance with a demand shift process commanded by the central control server. The controller may determine usage and remaining capacity for reporting back to the central control server. A volumetric capacity and usage determination is disclosed. The control server may select water heaters according to use patterns and/or measured capacity.

Abstract: In a method of controlling a heating cooking apparatus, when a generated steam volume at a forced finish time Tn?1 determined based on a minimum volume-minimum steam curve does not reach a minimum steam volume B1 determined based on a slowly rising maximum volume-maximum steam curve, the generated steam volume is smaller than in the case of a food having a maximum weight. Therefore, it can be judged that heating is performed in a no-load condition with an exceedingly small generated steam volume, and the operation of the heating cooking apparatus is forcedly stopped. When a generated steam volume at a maximum detection time Tm+1 does not reach a standard steam volume A determined based on the maximum volume-maximum steam curve, it is judged that a large amount of food exceeding a maximum amount is being heated and the operation of the heating cooking apparatus is forcedly stopped.

Abstract: Flash lamps connected to short-pulse circuits and flash lamps connected to long-pulse circuits are alternately arranged in a line. The duration of light emission from the flash lamps connected to the long-pulse circuits is longer than the duration of light emission from the flash lamps connected to the short-pulse circuits. A superimposing of a flash of light with a high peak intensity from the flash lamps that emit light for a short time and a flash of light with a gentle peak from the flash lamps that emit light for a long time can increase the temperature of even a deep portion of a substrate to an activation temperature or more without heating a shallow portion near the substrate surface more than necessary. This achieves the activation of deep junctions without causing substrate warpage or cracking.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a heating apparatus that includes a default deactivated motion detector for determining whether a person is proximate the heating apparatus. The device includes a default deactivated heat sensor for determining whether the heating apparatus has a temperature that is above a threshold. The device includes an internal timer for cyclically repeating a first countdown. The heat sensor is temporarily activated once during each of the repeated first countdowns. The internal timer performs a second countdown when the activated heat sensor determines that the heating apparatus has the temperature that is above the threshold. The second countdown is reset each time the motion detector determines that a person is proximate the heating apparatus. The device includes an alarm configured to notify a user when the internal timer reaches the end of the second countdown.

Abstract: A modular container set is provided. The modular container set includes a first container, a second container, and a temperature unit. The first container includes a lid. The lid is configured with a drinking unit. An upper portion of the second container is adapted for being assembled to a bottom portion of the first container. The temperature unit is adapted for assembled to a bottom portion of the second container, and is adapted for heating or cooling the second container, or maintaining the second container warm or cool.

Abstract: A hot water heater and method for controlling same. The hot water heater can be programmed to only heat water when the consumer anticipates that they will need it. The consumer can control the temperature of the water, the time at which the hot water will be needed, and can specify the speed vs. efficiency tradeoff regarding how the water is heated by selecting an operating mode, for example, thereby resulting in a more energy efficient and cost effective hot water heater.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that is designed to be connected to an electrical power supply. The system comprises a plurality of electric load component comprising stages for cooperatively producing an output (Tout), each stage in a first subset of the stages comprising at least one electrical load component having a first load and each stage in a second subset of the stages comprising at least one electrical load component having a second load, the first load being larger than the second load. The system has a controller for controlling the electrical load components. The controller is designed to estimate voltage variations on the electrical power supply from the switching frequencies of the respective electrical load components during a predefined time frame.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes, but is not limited to estimating the temperature (TGP,est) of the glow-plug (GP) in accordance with a first model of the glow-plug (GP) as a function of the detected values of the glow-plug voltage and current (VGP, IGP) and the sensed values of some input variables, such as the engine speed (?E) and the engine temperature (TE), determining, in accordance with a second predetermined model of the glow-plug (GP), a desired value of the voltage (VGP,des) or power (PGP,des) to be supplied to the glow-plug (GP), as a function of a desired value of the glow-plug temperature (TGP,des), the estimated glow-plug temperature (TGP,est), and the sensed values of the input variables, and varying the duty-cycle of a pulse-width-modulated voltage (VPWM) applied to the glow-plug (GP), as a function of the calculated value of said desired voltage (VGP,des) or power (PGP,des).

Abstract: A system manages the temperature of thermoplastic material by initiating a default heating cycle in response to a sensor failure. The system may thus continue to heat the thermoplastic material according to the default heating cycle until the sensor can be repaired or replaced. A system controller implements the default heating cycle using a stored profile. That is, the controller causes a heating element to generate heat according to a default heating profile retrieved from a memory. The profile may be determined using historical heating data, user input and/or a factory setting.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an oven provided with bake, broil and multiple convection heating elements, as well as plural, multi-speed fans, for cooking a wide range of food. The appliance can perform multiple, distinct cooking operations, preferably including a bake mode, a no preheat convection bake mode, a rapid preheat convection bake mode, a standard preheat convection bake mode and a convection roast mode, depending upon available user selections. Based on the selected cooking mode, each of the heating elements and fans is operated in a predetermined fashion to provide for efficient heating of the oven and effective cooking of the food.