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: The present invention provides a cooking heater which continues cooking without apparently stopping the operation of the cooking heater when a door switch is momentarily turned OFF due to a shock during operation of the cooking heater though the door is not actually opened as far as continuation of the OFF-state is within a predetermined range. Upon receiving a door opening signal, a timer of control means starts counting and when a first period lapse judgment section judges that the count time exceeds a first period T1, a central control section instructs a heating means control section to stop the operation of heating means. Then, before the count time is judged to exceed a second period T2, when a second period lapse judgment section receives a door closing signal, the central control section restarts the operation of the heating means and continues the operation of the cooking heater.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus and method thereof capable of performing a cooking process based upon a cooking condition corresponding to the amount of food introduced into a cooking chamber when the cooking process is performed using a bar code printed on a food package to be cooked.

Abstract: A spa system comprises an electrically powered heater. The electrically powered heater comprises a heating element capable of drawing a rated current when switched on to an AC line voltage. An electronic control system is programmed to control the heating element to draw less than the rated current.

Abstract: A method for heating a glow plug for a diesel engine to its desired temperature by supplying power to the glow plug in a controlled fashion. During a certain time interval after termination of a previous glow process, a mathematical model is used to determine the values for the supply of power to the glow plug, which includes the values of the actual thermal state of the glow plug, the time elapsed since the end of the previous glow process and the parameters of the diesel engine relevant for a glow process.

Abstract: An oven for transferring heat to food in trays and a method for using the oven. The oven includes a cabinet with partitions dividing the interior into a plurality of separate, thermally isolated holding compartments each adapted for removably receiving a tray of food. Heat sources above the tray emit radiant heat to warm the food in the trays. A control mechanism controls the duration of the total hold time for the food having a duration of heated holding time during which a respective heat source is activated. The oven also includes a forced air mechanism under the control of the control mechanism for delivering forced air into the compartments. The heat sources are activated and deactivated during successive duty cycles to thereby to maintain the food in a respective compartment at a selected holding temperature for a duration of heated holding time.

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: With respect to a substrate on which a resist solution is applied, the inplane uniformity of the quality of a resist film is improved in a heating processing carried out before exposure, and the yields of products are improved. A substrate on which a resist solution is applied is mounted on a heating plate in a processing vessel. Then, a purge gas is supplied into the processing vessel, and heating is started. Above the mounting position of the substrate, a thickness detecting sensor for monitoring the thickness of the resist film formed on the surface of the substrate is provided. When the thickness becomes a predetermined value or less, a control part cause a lift pin to upwardly move so as to increase the distance between the substrate and the heating plate. Thus, the heating value applied to the substrate decreases, and thereafter, only the solvent is volatilized without having a bad influence on a polymer in the resist film.

Abstract: A car defogging system reduces energy required to defog a windshield glass of the car. A temperature sensor mounted at the windshield glass detects the glass surface temperature, Ts. A humidity sensor spaced from the windshield glass by a predetermined distance detects the humidity, H, around the windshield glass. A temperature sensor mounted inside the windshield glass detects peripheral temperature Te around the glass. A system controller determines if fog is or is not present by comparing the dew point temperature Td with the surface temperature Ts. Dew point temperature Td is derived by the combining values of H and a temperature Tc based on a combination of Ts and Te.

Abstract: A method of cooking food with steam in an automatic household oven comprises receiving a user inputted cooking temperature, receiving a user inputted steam level, and implementing a preprogrammed steam cooking cycle based on the user inputted cooking temperature and the user inputted steam level.

Abstract: Electric heating device comprising an electric radiator (10) for heating the air passing through it, said radiator comprising a casing (12), at least one resistive element mounted in the casing and constituted by at least one zigzag metal strip (22) which is disposed so as to be directly exposed to the air passing through the casing, and a circuit (30) for controlling the electrical supply of the resistive element or elements connected to a power supply. The electric radiator (10) comprises a set of individual heating modules (20) disposed parallel to one another in the casing (12) and so as to be directly exposed to the air passing through the casing, each heating module (20) comprising a pleated or corrugated metal strip (22) and an electronic switch controlled by the control circuit (30) intended to selectively inhibit the electrical supply of the metal strip (22).

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat fusing apparatus for thermally fusing toner that has been transferred to a printing medium from a toner image formed on an image bearing member using an electrophotographic process. Temperature is detected at the surface of a heating element or in the vicinity thereof. If control is performed so as to interrupt supply of power to the heating element based upon result of comparing the detected temperature and a reference value, the amount of current that flows into the heating element is detected and the reference value is changed over in accordance with the result of detection. Further, a pressure roller, which is a rotation member placed opposite the heating element, presses the printing medium against the heating element and transports the printing medium. The state of rotation of the roller is detected and the reference value is changed over in accordance with the result of detection.

Abstract: An electric adapter for providing output power to an accessory includes an adapter housing having a projection configured for insertion into a DC power accessory port, the projection carrying an electrical input conductor, a power outlet cord extending from the housing, a manually operable power switch mounted on the housing, the switch operable to electrically connect the electrical input conductor to the power outlet cord, and a timer circuit contained within the housing and configured to electrically disconnect the input conductor from the power outlet cord after a predetermined cycle time period, without removing the projection from the DC power accessory port.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an appliance at a predetermined temperature. The control system comprises a sensor capable of providing a temperature signal representative of a temperature in the appliance and a controller capable of receiving the temperature signal and determining an amount of time to apply power based on the temperature signal. The amount of time to apply power is a percentage of time to apply power of a predetermined time period.

Abstract: An improved control device and method is usable with flexible heating wire having a conductive core with a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) layer and a helically wound heater conductor within an insulative outer sheath. The conductive core is coupled to a control circuit, a phase shift relative to the AC power supply being indicative of the temperature of the wire. The nonlinear nature of the NTC layer enhances the detection of local hot spots anywhere along the length of the wire. Precise temperature measurement is achieved by measuring the time differences between two zero crossings and the power to the heater compensates for abnormal use such as bunching of the heater wire. The control of the heater wire is particularly suitable for use with appliances such as heating pads and electric blankets.

Abstract: A hair cutting apparatus comprising a structure (126), a portion (1216) of which being adapted for placement against a skin surface where hair is to be cut, a heat generator comprising one or more heat elements (1214) positioned to touch said hair and heated to a temperature sufficient to cut hair, at least one of said heat elements being juxtaposed with said portion and a controller that controls the power source to provide pulsed heating of said one or more heat elements.

Abstract: An electrical domestic appliance containing a main switch for turning the current power supply to the electrical domestic appliance on and off. The main switch having a predetermined turn-on time period during which the main switch must be actuated in order to move from the off-position to the on-position. The main switch predetermined turn-on period can be selected and adjusted by the customer through predetermined time limits.

Abstract: A system for heating a vehicle battery and a method for using the same. The system and method enable energy flow from the battery to a heater to heat the battery after determining a shut-down condition.

Abstract: The present invention is a an effective thermal barrier between the thermistor and higher temperature solids or electrical components in a thermostat or its equivalent device. The invention thermal barrier substantially reduces or essentially eliminates undesired conductive heating of the thermistor from support means or other electrical components.

Abstract: An appliance for a hotplate has two heating devices installed parallel to one another. With an energy control device and as a function of an angular position, either a first heating device is operated in controlled manner or a second heating device is connected thereto in fixed form. The power of the second heating device is defined so low that no temperature limiter for protecting a glass ceramic plate has to be provided in the control path of the second heating device. On connecting in the second heating device, the controlled power of the first heating device is lowered to an initial value by roughly the amount of the power of the second heating device. The total power results from the summated power of the two heating devices.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a heating pad controller incorporating a discrete ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) is provided which varies the duty cycle characteristics of a periodic signal during which power is applied to a heating pad heating element during a portion of the signal (“on” time). An oscillator circuit is used to produce a controlled duty cycle control signal for controlling the power applied to the heating pad by varying the on-time of the duty cycle. User control of the length of the on-time of the duty cycle is provided by way of a user controlled switch, thereby providing for a plurality of controller operating modes (e.g., WARM, LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH, etc.). To configure the duty cycle for each heat setting the heating pad controller utilizes switchable electrical components of varying impedance connected to the ASIC.

Abstract: A resistance heating system is provided which includes a resistance heater, a source of alternating current electricity connected by conductors to the resistance heater, and a controller comprising a timer arranged to connect the source of alternating current electricity to the resistance heater for a selected time period and to disconnect the source from the resistance following the selected time period. In an embodiment, the resistance heating system is provided with a controller configured to be connected to a source of alternating current electricity and having a plurality of cable plug receptacles arranged to receive electricity. An electricity conducting cable having a cable plug at one end is configured to be received in the receptacles and has a resistance heater provided at an opposite end. A master timer may be connected with a communication arrangement to the controller. The master timer is arranged to control an electric output of a plurality of the receptacles.

Abstract: A heating structure and its temperature control method having therein a heat generating line and a controller. The heat generating line includes a PTC element and a short circuit line serially connected having an insulating fusible layer separating them. When a user sets a heating temperature, electric current is conducted to heat the PTC element, alternative string wave signals input into an AC phase shaping circuit and an AC phase delay shaping circuit are converted into square wave signals; and by measuring with a microprocessor at a given time the phase shift between the two phase shaping circuits to control the switch of a trigger circuit, the PTC element can keep on heating or reduce its temperature to therefore keep the heat generating line at a predetermined working temperature. The structure is applicable to heat generating devices such as electric ovens and heating blankets etc.

Abstract: A control system for a cooking appliance enables a consumer to selectively program a cooking appliance through a control panel in a conventional mode based on established cooking times and temperatures, as well as in a simplified mode incorporating a minimal number of programming steps. In the simplified mode, the consumer selects a first, non-temperature related special features button and inputs a cook time. Immediately following input of the cook time, the control system starts a cooking operation. If the selected time is greater than a predetermined value, the control system automatically operates the cooking appliance in a cold start mode. An override is provided to disable the cold start mode if so desired. In addition, the control system allows a consumer to input both minimum and maximum cook times for the cooking operation.

Abstract: A water heating system has a tank, a first heating element, a first temperature sensor, and a controller. The first heating element is mounted on the tank, and the controller is electrically coupled to the first temperature sensor. The controller is configured to detect a stacking condition based on the first temperature sensor and to disable the first heating element in response to detection of the stacking condition.

Abstract: In one aspect, a food thawing cabinet includes at least one thawing chamber and one or more wall blowers and a heater for producing a controlled high volume of air flow over food product, with the heater controlled in a cyclic manner. In another aspect, various advanced control techniques for controlling heat input are provided in an effort to lower the time required to thaw frozen food products in a safe manner.

Abstract: Electric blankets and methods and systems for making electric blankets are provided. Certain electric blanket embodiments include a laminated scrim blanket with a heating element embedded therein. Other embodiments provide an electric blanket formed from conductive fibers. Another embodiment includes a central circuit that controls the position of electricity to an electric blanket responsively to temperature rate of change. A further embodiment includes a machine for inserting a heating element within passageways of a blanket shell.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for controlling an electric oven, capable of operating heaters in an optimized state by changing a heater-on time of the heater in an operation interval of the heater which is periodically turned on/off.

Abstract: A fusing system for use in an image forming apparatus has a fusing temperature control unit having a controller which controls the surface temperature ‘T’ of the fusing roller by detecting the surface temperature ‘T’ in accordance with a predetermined temperature control period ‘t0’; comparing the surface temperature ‘T’ with a preset target temperature ‘Tt’; turning on and off the heater in accordance with a maximum power supply time ‘Max ON-time’ and a minimum power cutoff time ‘Min OFF-time’ when the surface temperature ‘T’ is lower than the target temperature ‘Tt’; and turning on and off the heater in accordance with a preset minimum power supply time ‘Min ON-time’ when the surface temperature ‘T’ is higher than the target temperature ‘Tt’.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a heating system which is preferably capable of combining radiant, convection, microwave and conduction heating techniques to perform a cooking operation. The cooking appliance includes a convection fan and at least one heating element. A controller is provided to regulate a triac to maintain a desired heater intensity through phase angle firing. Essentially, an AC waveform provided to the heater resistor travels through the triac which is turned on by the controller at predetermined points in the AC waveform, with the delay from a zero point waveform crossing functioning to regulate the amount of power sent to the heater resistor. When the signal from the controller is removed, the triac advantageously turns off at the next zero crossing of the AC waveform such that an operationally and economically effective control system is provided.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier, a cooking apparatus, or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, and optionally time-automated switching of modes of operation. The circuit includes a single control switch to switch between operational modes and to select a level of operation. The circuit preferably includes an application-specific integrated circuit, to provide circuit logic. The single control switch, preferably a push-button switch, selects a mode of operation for a household appliance controlling a local environment, e.g., a humidifier or a heater, and the level of operation. The unit operates in the selected operational mode at the selected level, as indicated by either an energized light-emitting diode or a digital display. Operational modes may include a timed mode, a manual mode, and/or automatic mode for regulation of the environmental condition with a sensor included in the circuit.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and systems for predicting the cooking time of an item food includes predicting the cooking time based on the rate of change of the internal temperature of the food item. The apparatus includes a processor that implements the calculations and the system may include the apparatus along with a temperature sensor.

Abstract: In an in-store oven system audible customer messages are automatically generated based upon a food product cooked in an oven within the store.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a gas sensor, wherein a microcomputer 44, which is connected to an oxygen sensor 30 including a detection element 12 and a heater 14, detects the cooling water temperature Tw of the engine. The control apparatus determines that condensation water within the exhaust pipe is being generated when the cooling water temperature Tw is equal to or lower than 0° C. When equal to or lower than 0° C., the microcomputer 44 supplies to the heater 14 electrical power for maintaining the temperature of the detection element 12 within the range of 100° C. to a splash-water-cracking generation temperature (e.g., about 300° C.) at or above which cracking can occur in a laminated-type oxygen sensor element 10 due to splash of condensation water. Electrical power is supplied to the heater 14 such that a pulse signal Sh is output from the microcomputer 44, and the heater 14 is pulse-driven by use of a heater electrification control circuit 34.

Abstract: A heating element protection apparatus for a mass-flow sensor may include a heating element disposed in a gas, a gas temperature sensor disposed in the gas to sense a temperature of the gas, a slope detector to measure a slope of the temperature as power is supplied to the heating element, and a heating element controller to supply power to the heating element to replace heat dissipated by the gas. The heating element controller may detect a temperature of the heating element and may supply power to the heating element based on the heating element temperature and the gas temperature, and the power may be switched off for a predetermined period of time if a magnitude of the slope is greater than a reference magnitude.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an oven cavity, an electric heating element and a rapid cook heating system both of which being operable on either one of first and second supply voltages, and a controller including a memory module having stored therein first and second control algorithms. The controller will operate the cooking appliance based on one of the first or second control algorithm depending upon whether the cooking appliance is connected to the first or second supply voltages respectively. Preferably, the appliance includes a sensor for signaling the controller as to the presence of either the first or second supply voltage. In the alternative, the appliance can be manually set for use with a particular voltage supply.

Abstract: A method for controlling a cooking process in a cooking appliance having a sensor for measuring a gas concentration in the cooking chamber and an electric or electronic control system in communication with the sensor and including an evaluation circuit and a memory, includes ascertaining, as a function of a food to be cooked, a cooking end value stored in the memory. An output signal of the sensor is processed using the evaluation circuit so as to generate a cooking quotient. The cooking quotient at a point in time corresponds to a ratio of the first derivative of the output signal with respect to time to a first extreme value of the first derivative of the output signal with respect to time. A value of the cooking quotient is compared to the cooking end value using the evaluation circuit, and an appliance function is triggered.

Abstract: An electric load control device of a heating unit of a heating blanket comprises an actuating unit; a power supply for supplying power to the device; a microprocessor as a control center of the device for generating at least one pulse signal; the microprocessor being actuated by the actuating unit; and a driving unit; the driving unit receiving the at least one pulse signal from the microprocessor for actuating the heating unit to generate heat to heat the heating blanket; the driving unit serving to actuate the heating unit. An actuation time period of the heating unit is controlled by the pulses from the driving unit. In the driving unit, the negative parts of the pulses from the microprocessor are converted into positive pulses so that all the pulses become positive pulses; after the pulses pass through the driving unit, only selective positive pulses are passed.

Abstract: A thermal processor including a heated drum assembly for thermally developing an image in an imaging media. Thermal processor includes an enclosure spaced from and forming an oven around heated drum assembly, enclosure having a media entrance, a media exit, and a vent. Thermal processor further includes a condensation trap and a duct positioned external to enclosure and coupled between vent and condensation trap, duct configured to communicate air from oven to condensation trap.

Abstract: An analytical device includes a heat output portion for heating an interior of a housing with which an analyzing portion is surrounded; a first temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the analyzing portion; a second temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of an interior of the housing; and a control portion. The control portion determines a setting value of the temperature in the housing according to a transfer function of a PID control based on a difference between a preset temperature of the analyzing portion and the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor. Further, the control portion determines an output value of the heat output portion according to a transfer function of PID control based on a difference between the setting value of the temperature in the housing and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus having heaters and a cooking chamber defined in the cooking apparatus, the heaters are provided in the cooking chamber, and two or more buttons are provided representing different cooking temperatures. A temperature of the cooking chamber is set by pushing one of the two or more buttons. One of a plurality of cooking modes is selected depending on a kind of food, and each of the cooking temperatures is represented by one of the two or more buttons corresponds to each of the cooking modes. Therefore, setting various cooking temperatures depending on the kind of food is possible.

Abstract: An electric cooking apparatus and method of controlling heaters thereof, in which the heaters operate according to power-ON periods and power-OFF periods set in view of a temperature of the heaters, consumption of unnecessary power is reduced, and variations of heat supplied to a cooking cavity are decreased, thus improving quality of cooking and shortening overall cooking periods. The method includes detecting a temperature of a cooking cavity, and operating the heater according to preset power-ON and power-OFF periods allowing the heaters to maintain a temperature within a range around a certain temperature when the temperature of the cooking cavity reaches a set temperature.

Abstract: A programmable control system for a cooking apparatus having a housing defining a cooking chamber with one or more food transport conveyors traveling there-through between opposing cooking elements. A food probe is provided for insertion into cooked food items to ascertain the internal cooked temperature and a control program to automatically call for the probing of temperature readings of food items on a predefined schedule, and to record the temperature readings. The control program also compensates for temperature degradation when the apparatus is under significant cooking loads. The control program also compensates for the malfunction in the cooking elements, wherein if one cooking element on one side of the conveyor path malfunctions, a corresponding heating element on the opposite side of the conveyor is deactivated and simultaneously the conveyor speed is slowed to compensate for the reduction in heating to maintain balanced cooking of the food.

Abstract: A method modifies friction between an object and ice or snow. The method utilizes a heating element to apply a pulse of thermal energy to an interface between the object and the ice or snow; the first pulse is sufficient to melt an interfacial layer of ice at the interface. Water forming the interfacial layer refreezes to form a bond between the object and the ice or snow. The steps of the method may be repeated to form a second bond between the object and the ice or snow.

Abstract: A multiple-zone power control system for controlling electric heating elements, including a power control unit having multiple control zones, a touch-sensitive function key, and a touch-sensitive on/off key for activating and deactivating one of the control zones. When all of the control zones are deactivated, the touch-sensitive key must be touched for at least a cold start duration in order to activate the designated control zone. Alternatively, the designated control zone is prevented from being activated if the touch-sensitive function key is touched while the touch-sensitive on/off key is being touched. The control system also includes two power controllers connected by a communication bus. When one of the power controllers initiates a lockout condition, the other power controller initiates a corresponding lockout condition. Multiple heating elements can be controlled together using a single set of control keys. A element size key toggles between different combinations of heating elements to control.

Abstract: A water heater control system is disclosed that can be programmed by a user to go on and off at predetermined times and maintain temperatures below normal usage temperatures. The water heater control system may also program itself based on usage of the hot water by users. The control system may also be remotely controlled, using a computer, wireless communication, or other communication device. The water heater control system may be included with a new water heater or used to replace existing control systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling the driving of a heat source using an AC voltage. If the temperature of the heat source is lower than a reference temperature and the level of the AC voltage is greater than a reference level, the level of a sensing signal is changed. Then, it is determined whether a predetermined period of time has lapsed from the moment when the level of the sensing signal has been changed. Thereafter, if it is determined that the predetermined period of time has lapsed from the moment when the level of the sensing signal has been changed, the heat source is driven when the level of the AC voltage is a zero level.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a controller for establishing a plurality of operating modes for heating an oven cavity. Specifically, the controller establishes one of a pre-heat mode, a ready mode, a first low power mode and a second low power mode for controlling a temperature of the oven cavity. Upon selecting a temperature for the oven cavity, the controller operates a radiant heating device, a convection fan and a convection heating device at full power to establish the selected temperature. After the selected temperature is achieved, the controller switches to a ready mode and reduces heat output of both the radiant heating device and the convection heating device, while also reducing fan speed. After respective periods of time in which a door of the appliance is not opened, the controller switches to first and second low power modes to conserve energy.

Abstract: A system for controlling temperature control elements used to alter temperatures of a liquid comprises a temperature sensor, a first temperature control element, a second temperature control element, and logic. The temperature sensor is configured to sense temperatures of the liquid, and the first and second temperature control elements are each configured to alter a temperature of the liquid. The logic is configured to selectively control, based on the sensed temperatures, activation states of the first and second temperature control elements such that a total activation time associated with the first temperature control element is substantially equal to a total activation time associated with the second temperature control element.

Abstract: A heating system including a power supply and a heating element for conducting a current from the power supply. A temperature sensing device is adopted to detect a temperature of the heating element, and a switch is connected in a circuit containing the power supply and the heating element to switch the current on or off. Further, a microprocessor produces a pulse-width-modulated signal as a function of the detected temperature, where the pulse-width-modulated signal drives the switch.