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: An electronic controller that is adapted to cooperate with a decorative wall plate is provided. In one illustrative embodiment, the electronic controller may be adapted to be mounted in a junction box, with a user interface having a shape and size to fit within one or more apertures in a wall plate. The wall plate may be secured relative to the electronic controller and/or junction box such that the user interface extends at least partially through the one or more aperture in the wall plate.

Abstract: A controller for a food holding oven determines one or more time periods during each of which heat is directed at a pre-cooked food item. By controlling the heat intensity and the time over which different amounts of heat are provided to different types of pre-cooked food items, the time during which a particular type of pre-cooked food item can be kept palatable is maximized.

Abstract: A cooking facilitator which is preferably portable and well suited for use as both a timer and cooking process facilitator having particular usefulness with cooking objects which have a characteristic associated with establishing a cooking time such as the weight of a turkey in the case of deep frying a turkey or the thickness of a steak in deep frying the same. A gas flow timer for shutting off an overheated or unattended cooking system is also featured.

Abstract: A remote control device for a water heater includes a processing unit, a relay switch, a voltage measuring module, a current measuring module and a network connecting module. The relay switch is connected to the processing unit and configured to make the water heater connect or disconnect to an external power supply under the controlling of the processing unit. The voltage measuring module is connected to the processing unit and configured to measure a voltage value applied to the water heater, and transmit the voltage value to the processing unit. The current measuring module is connected to the processing unit and configured to measure a current value flowing through the water heater, and transmit the current value to the processing unit. The network connecting module is connected to the processing unit and configured to connect the processing unit to a remote computer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for processing a hypodermic needle (2), comprising: means for softening the needle; and means (120) for providing a compressive force to the needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid cleaning device that is intended for purifying liquid from pollutants, which liquid cleaning device includes a vessel, having a lower chamber and an upper chamber, which lower chamber is connected to a heating member arranged to heat the liquid in said lower chamber, as well as further including a riser and liquid-distributor member, which riser is arranged to transport heated liquid from said lower chamber up to the upper part of said upper chamber, where the liquid-distributor member is arranged to impart the heated liquid an increased area of exposure to surrounding air, the liquid then, by means of the gravity, running back downward outside the riser and being collected in the lower part of the upper chamber of the vessel, said upper chamber and lower chamber being in at least conditioned communication with each other in order to allow transfer of the liquid from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.

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: A load control system and method of time multiplexing power to a plurality of holding shelves in a food holding cabinet to allow total cabinet power to be limited to electrical distribution capabilities. This method allows for individual shelf heaters to be utilized normally to maintain food temperatures during normal use and modulates power when multiple shelves demand heating that would normally exceed branch circuit capabilities thus tripping the breaker. The system monitors temperature of each shelf and based upon demand executes a logical demand schedule for each shelf heater output (time multiplexing or modulating AC power to each) such that total system demand does not exceed available power to the system.

Abstract: A method for heating a fluid line system with at least two electric heating elements (R1, R2, R3), which are operated electrically in parallel and each heating element (R1/R2/R3) is separately supplied with a controlled operating current (I1/I2/I3) for adjusting its heating power. Furthermore, the invention relates to a heating system for such a fluid line system (1), in particular for the application of the method according to the present invention. The heating system has heating elements (R1-R3) which are electrically connected in parallel and are each connected to a separate control element (T1, T2, T3). Each heating element (R1/R2/R3) can be controlled via its associated control element (T1, T2, T3) for the individual adjustment of its heating power.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrical heating device for motor vehicles, in particular with electrical propulsion. The heating device uses a PWM based control concept which can be used for heating elements with any non-linear characteristics. In this respect, activation times in a cycle frame are assigned to power stages to be controlled and are stored in a table in a non-volatile memory.

Abstract: The de-fogging device and has an elongated heating element mounted within a housing. There is an elongated opening in the housing beneath the heating element for admission of air below the device and a second elongated opening in the housing above the heating element through which air heated by the heating element flows by convection. The device is mounted to a mirror or window and is positioned such that the heated air flows upwardly across the mirror or window. There is means for regulating the temperature of the heating element such that the heated air prevents any moisture in the air surrounding the mirror or window from condensing on it.

Abstract: A water heater is provided with monitor/diagnostic display apparatus that selectively provides a user with visual or other type of indicia of the overall efficiency of the water heater. The apparatus includes a monitoring unit that may be mounted on the water heater, and a display unit that may be mounted either on the water heater or remotely therefrom.

Abstract: A transportable chocolate crafting system a casing box in which is arranged a plurality of heating compartments, wherein each of the heating compartments are configured to receive one of a plurality of containers that hold a quantity of chocolate. The containers are separately heated by a plurality of electrically-powered heating units, to melt the quantity of chocolate and to maintain the melted chocolate in a molten, flow able state. A control system or master controller detects a presence of a container in a heating compartment, detects a quantity of chocolate in the container, monitors a temperature of the chocolate in the container and controls an application of heat to the heating unit in the heating compartment in which the detected container is present, based on a calculated desired chocolate state and a calculated temperature gradient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit layout for controlling at least one heating element, in particular a heating element for an electric cooking and/or baking device, with at least one electric temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating element and/or a surface heated by said heating element and with safety electronics for automatic shut-off of the heating element when the temperature measured by the at least one sensor reaches and/or exceeds a temperature threshold value (TS).

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for reducing peak power consumption in an electromechanically controlled cooking appliance is provided. The system comprises a surface heating unit comprising at least one duty cycle controlled surface heating element, a temperature controlled oven heating element, a controller configured to receive and process utility state signals indicative of the operating state of an associated utility, and a switch responsive to the controller, switchable between a first state and a second state for selectively coupling the oven heating element to a first relatively high voltage power supply and a second relatively low voltage power supply respectively. The controller is configured to switch the switch to the first and second states as a function of the utility state signal.

Abstract: A method for controlling a cooking process in a cooking appliance includes determining, from a gas concentration detected during the cooking process, a set of function values corresponding to a shape of a function that depends on the gas concentration from a starting time t0 to a current time tn during a cooking process. Respective sets of comparison values for a comparison at the time tn are determined from the sets of reference values. A plurality of the sets of comparison values coming closest to the set of function values is automatically selected, and a set of parameters including at least an ending time of the cooking process is generated. The selected set of parameters is used for an electrical controller of the cooking appliance until a next comparison is made at a time tn+1. The method is automatically stopped as soon as the ending time of the cooking process has been reached.

Abstract: A heating vessel comprises a bottom portion made of conductive material and perimeter wall extending upward from the bottom portion to form a perimeter and covers the vessel such as to form a cavity. The perimeter wall comprises an outer wall and an inner wall, and at least an adiabatic portion defined between the outer wall and the inner wall, which is as an adiabatic layer. The dimension of the inner wall is less than the outer wall. The inner wall is connected to the bottom.

Abstract: A method for multi-step temperature control of a substrate includes selecting a first set-point temperature and a second set-point temperature for the substrate, and selecting a first PID parameter set including a first proportional constant KP1, a first integral constant KI1 and a first derivative constant KD1, and selecting a second PID parameter set including a second proportional constant KP2, a second integral constant KI2 and a second derivative constant KD2. The substrate is placed on a substrate holder, the temperature of the substrate is adjusted to the first set-point temperature and the substrate is processed for a first period of time at the first set-point temperature.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes a first fluid heater, a second fluid heater, and a logic implementer configured to synchronize the duty cycles of the first and second heaters so that (i) power is not supplied to the first heater when power is supplied to the second heater and (ii) power is not supplied to the second heater when power is supplied to the first heater.

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: An operator control unit for operator control of a cooktop comprising at least two cooking zones, with at least one of the cooking zones having two heating rings that can be separately activated. The operator control unit comprises at least one selection element to select a cooking zone, at least one adjusting element, it being possible to adjust a heating power of a selected cooking zone by operating said adjusting element, and a control unit coupled to the at least one selection element and the at least one adjusting element, and which detects operation of the at least one selection element and the at least one adjusting element. The control unit can control at least one of the at least two heating rings of the selected cooking zone in the event of an operating duration in a second time period which differs from the first time period range.

Abstract: A food baking machine includes a heating device. The heating device includes a lower hot plate on a lower side of the heating device, a rotatable and vertically slidable upper hot plate on an upper side of the heating device, a rotatable connecting member for connecting the lower hot plate and the upper hot plate and a sliding member. The upper hot plate is slidably connected to the connecting member and fixes its position thereunto by the sliding member. The upper hot plate is rotatable connected with the sliding member. The upper hot plate and the lower hot plate are connected to power supply separately. The connecting member includes a first connecting segment, a second connecting segment and an axle. The second connecting segment is rotatable connected to the first connecting segment by the axle.

Abstract: A cooker and a controlling method for the same are provided. A carbon heater has a wavelength bandwidth of 1.5˜2.5 ?m where a radiant energy is maximum, and the carbon heater provides the radiant energy into a cavity in order to heat food disposed therein.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus and method of assembling the same includes an outer shell including a base, a heating element positioned inside the outer shell, and a thermally conducting liner removably located inside the outer shell over the heating element. The liner includes an annular flange, and a first integral handle including a first latch. The apparatus and method further includes a lid configured to be placed over the liner, the lid including a sealing ring at an outer edge of the lid, and a top surface, wherein the first latch is configured to contact the top surface of the lid to secure the lid to the annular flange of the liner.

Abstract: Methods and systems of using nanotube elements as joule heating elements for memories and other applications. Under one aspect, a method includes providing an electrical stimulus, regulated by a drive circuit, through a nanotube element in order to heat an adjacent article. Further, a detection circuit electrically gauges the state of the article. The article heated by the nanotube element is, in preferred embodiments, a phase changing material, hi memory applications, the invention may be used as a small-scale CRAM capable of employing small amounts of current to induce rapid, large temperature changes in a chalcogenide material. Under various embodiments of the disclosed invention, the nanotube element is composed of a non-woven nanotube fabric which is either suspended from supports and positioned adjacent to the phase change material or is disposed on a substrate and in direct contact with the phase change material.

Abstract: A fault detection system for protecting a mass spectrometer from the effects of temperature extremes. The system comprises an ion block, a thermal source for providing thermal energy to the ion source block, a temperature sensor providing a reading for the temperature of the ion source block, a temperature regulation means for controlling the thermal source in dependence of the reading and a control system for monitoring the temperature change produced by the energy source. The control system is adapte4d to monitor the rate of change of the reading provided by the temperature sensor relative to the thermal energy provided to the ion block.

Abstract: In order to provide an electric heat system that is quieter than those of the prior art, a switching circuit is incorporated into the controls for the heating system which provides for the heating elements of the electric heater to be kept at a more constant temperature than those of the prior art. The switching circuit regulates the output power to the degree desired while not inducing sharp changes in temperature of the coils of the electric heater and thus reduces the degree of rapid expansion and contraction of the coils and the enclosure for the heater. This in turn reduces the amount of mechanical noise produced by the electric heater while also reducing wear and tear on the heating element, the heater enclosure and objects near to the heater.

Abstract: A vehicle heating apparatus which directly detects an anomaly in temperature sensors for a heated portion of a vehicle or other device, including first and second front thermistors and first and second rear thermistors in front and rear seats, respectively, and a heater controller which stops a front heater group when a difference between temperatures detected respectively by the first and second front thermistors reaches a predetermined threshold value and which stops a rear heater group when a difference between temperatures detected respectively by the first and second rear thermistors reaches a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A fluid warmer is disclosed. The fluid warmer includes a support surface, a heating element configured to selectively heat the support surface, and a switch assembly extending through the support surface. The switch assembly includes a switch, a movable switch plate, and a thermocouple. The switch has at least two states, one of which indicates the presence of an item on the support surface. The movable switch plate operably links to the switch to move the switch between the states and further includes a contact surface that contacts an item placed on the support surface. One or more thermocouples are embedded in the movable switch plate below the contact surface. The movable switch plate comprises a material having a thermal conductivity that permits the thermocouple(s) embedded in the switch plate to measure a temperature of an item placed on the support surface within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A refrigerated oven having a cooking chamber in which is provided a heating elements and a refrigeration unit chamber in which is provided a refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit is fluidly connected to the cooking chamber. Both the heating element and the refrigeration unit are selectively operable to either cool or heat the cooking chamber to thereby cool or heat a food item located therein. The refrigeration unit as preferably modular refrigeration unit that the slid into and out of the refrigeration unit chamber. Preferably, the refrigeration unit includes an evaporator that is thermally isolate is from a condenser. The condenser as preferably conductively coupled to a base supporting the elements of the modular refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A cooking appliance for cooking a foodstuff over a period of time including a shell having a heating cavity and a heating element to heat the heating cavity. A container is removably positionable within the heating cavity and includes a food cavity for receiving the foodstuff. A temperature probe is removably insertable into the foodstuff and a controller is mounted to the shell. The controller controls operation of the cooking appliance in a probe mode wherein the temperature probe is inserted into the foodstuff and transmits foodstuff temperatures to the controller for controlling the heating of the foodstuff, a program mode wherein the controller actuates the heating element to heat the container at a temperature for a selected amount of time and subsequently at a lower temperature and a manual mode wherein the controller actuates the heating element to heat the container at a selected temperature.

Abstract: A water heater is provided with monitor/diagnostic display apparatus that selectively provides a user with visual or other type of indicia of the remaining hot water availability of, the recovery time for, and the overall efficiency of the water heater. The apparatus includes a monitoring unit that may be mounted on the water heater, and a display unit that may be mounted either on the water heater or remotely therefrom.

Abstract: A control method for an oven comprises the steps of determination of the food product, reading out of a corresponding vector from a memory, whereby the vector is at least two-dimensional and previously empirically determined, with a time value and a scalar value, recording the concentration of a gas characteristic of the cooking product by means of a gas sensor, recording a first point, at which the time curve for the gas concentration has the absolute greatest gradient, storage of the same and the corresponding time, recording a second point, at which the time curve of the gas concentration has a zero gradient and storing the corresponding time, determination of the gradient of the straight line through the first and second points, calculation of the cooking duration by multiplication of the straight line gradient by the scalar value and addition of the time value of the vector.

Abstract: An exhaust gas sensor for detecting oxygen concentration in exhaust gas is disposed in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine. The sensor including a heater is controlled by a system that includes an electronic control unit. Water vapor contained in the exhaust gas is condensed on the sensor when the exhaust gas temperature is low. If the water condensation occurs while the sensor is heated by the heater, a sensor element may be cracked due to local cooling by the condensed water. To avoid the water condensation, the exhaust gas temperature is raised by retarding ignition timing of the engine for a certain period after the engine is started. After the exhaust gas is heated to a certain level, the sensor is heated. Alternatively, heating of the sensor is prohibited until the exhaust gas temperature becomes to a level at which no water condensation occurs. Thus, the cracking of the sensor element is avoided while making a delay of sensor activation minimal.

Abstract: A water temperature calibration method for an electric kettle includes the steps of providing a temperature sensor, a microprocessor, and a control circuit; detecting an interior temperature from one of the temperatures of the water, a heating point contacting with the water, and an interior wall of the electric kettle; determining a temperature rate change by the microprocessor and comparing a current cycle of the temperature rate change with a previous cycle thereof; and sending out a control signal to the control circuit when the current cycle of the temperature rate change is close to the previous cycle thereof that a difference between the current cycle of the temperature rate change and the previous cycle thereof is minimized. Therefore, the process is adapted to accurately determine the water temperature and to cut off the heating power when the water is boiled.

Abstract: When a timer period reaches an increase-stopping-time during the long-push state of a timer key, increase of the timer period is stopped once. Accordingly, even though a long-push state is continued due to a fault of the timer key, the indication of the timer period is not repeated.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for boiling a liquid such as water. The liquid is heated at full power when the measured temperature of the liquid is below a first predetermined threshold. When the temperature is above the first predetermined threshold and below a second predetermined threshold, partial power, which may be based on the duty cycle, is applied to the heater. When the measured temperature of the liquid reaches the second predetermined threshold, power is removed from the heater after a predetermined time. When the increase of the measured temperature is less than a predetermined temperature change during a predetermined time duration, it is determined that the liquid is boiling and power is removed to the heater. If the level is too high or too low, an alarm may be activated and/or power removed from the heater.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a window of a vehicle, including a vessel, having an inlet through which a washing fluid is received from a reservoir and an outlet through which the fluid is discharged for cleaning the window. There is a heating element for heating the fluid in the vessel, which element preheats the vessel before the washing fluid is received therein, whereby at least an initial quantity of the fluid is rapidly heated and discharged from the vessel.

Abstract: An oven for heating a product is provided. The oven includes a partially enclosed housing with an inlet opening and an outlet opening and a conveyor to move a product through the housing. The oven additionally includes a steam system for boiling liquid with an associated steam pipe and a heating element provided within the housing.

Abstract: A heating system for a cooking appliance includes at least one heating element positioned within a cooking cavity defined by a cabinet of the cooking appliance. The cooking cavity is configured to support a food item therein during a cooking process. A controller is in operational control communication with the at least one heating element. The controller is configured to energize the at least one heating element to operate a slow cook mode for cooking the food item.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a booster water heater for fluids, e.g., water, that has a reservoir for the fluids, at least one electrical heating element extending into the reservoir and a control system for applying an overload voltage to the heating element. In a more preferred embodiment, the booster water heater is used to preheat water in commercial dishwashing applications.

Abstract: An electrically heated water kettle comprises a vessel for holding a liquid for extraction of tea, coffee or other food material. The vessel includes a partially open immersible container sized to allow the passage of water between the walls of the vessel. The container is capable of holding the material while an opening in the container allows the entrance of water into the container upon immersion of the container in the water. The heated kettle incorporates structure to hold the container out of the water until the water reaches an appropriate extraction temperature and to immerse or withdraw the container into or from the water as is necessary to accomplish the extraction.

Abstract: A baker's oven 10 and a method of operating the baking oven 10. The baking oven 10 including heating means 50 arranged to underlie baking trays 31 to provide a substantial proportion of the heat to the baking trays 31 than to other portions of the oven, a temperature sensor 62 for providing a signal indicative of oven temperature. An interface 60 is adapted to receive information from a baker indicative of a bake program and information corresponding to products being loaded into the oven. The control means 61 is operatively connected to the heating means 50, the temperature sensor 62 and the interface 60 to receive signals corresponding to oven variables comprising the oven temperature and a fixed baking time indicative of the product.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for a stove or oven and a method of operation thereof. The safety apparatus facilitates the method of turning on a burner of the stove or oven and automatically counting over a time interval in response to turning on the burner. The method further includes automatically stopping a flow of electrical current or combustible gas to the burner in response to the counting reaching an end of the time interval.

Abstract: A multistage control system of a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater for a vehicle is disclosed with a PTC heater that contains heating elements relevant to a first, second, and third stages. An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) outputs a control signal to a first relay, which switches the first stage into an ON and OFF state, for controlling the operation of the first stage of the PTC heater. A heater controller outputs control signals to a second relay and third relay, respectively, for controlling the operation of the second and third stages of the PTC heater, only if the first stage of the PTC heater is in activation via the ECU, wherein the second relay and the third relay each switch the second and third stages into an ON and OFF state.

Abstract: The thermostat includes a housing having at least a portion thereof illuminated by a light that changes color via a manual input. The light illuminates the display for easy readability while the variable color of the light allows a user to match the appearance of the thermostat to best complement the surrounding décor. User input elements provide for the manual adjustment of one or more characteristics of the light, such as visible color of the light. The light source comprises at least one LED for displaying a plurality of colors. In this case, to change the color of the light illuminating the translucent portion of the housing or backlighting the display, electronics within the thermostat control the drive signals to the LED in order to operate the LED to provide the desired color. The invention also contemplates filtering the light and manually adjusting the filtering to provide the desired aesthetics.

Abstract: A method is for controlling the operation of an exhaust-gas sensor disposed in an exhaust duct of a motor vehicle and equipped with an internal or external sensor heating device, the motor vehicle including a combustion engine and an automatic switchoff, which causes an automatic switching off of the combustion engine when at least one stop condition is present.

Abstract: A flow-through heating system (1) is described, comprising: a flow tube (11); a plurality of at least two heating elements (12A, 12B, 12C), each heating element being connected in series with a corresponding controllable switch (23 A, 23B, 23C); a control unit (30) having control outputs (33A, 33B, 33C) coupled to said controllable switches; the control unit (30) being designed to generate control signals (Sa, Sb, Sc) for opening and closing the controllable switches such that said heating system is operated at a required power (Pr) less than the power capacity (Ptot) of said heating system by operating precisely one of said heating elements at reduced power while the remaining heating elements are either operated at full power or at zero power.

Abstract: A removable cover is provided that includes a flexible elastic material forming a cover front portion and a plurality of edge portions. The plurality of edge portions are configured to be stretched over at least a portion of two or more sides of a thermostat, such that the cover may be secured onto a thermostat via the tension of the edge portions stretched over the thermostat. The cover is adapted to be placed onto the thermostat to provide protection for at least the front surface of a thermostat.