Abstract: A heating device is disclosed. The heating device has a heating line and at least one thermo-responsive means received in a bag, wherein the heating line and the thermo-responsive means are respectively connected to a controller. The thermo-responsive means comprises an housing with an integrated positioning hole, wherein one end of a first light cable and a second cable respectively passes through the two ends of the positioning hole so as to transmit light signals emitted/received by an optical signal transmitter/receiver module, and wherein an optical interrupter member is positioned between the first light cable and the second cable and one end of the optical interrupter member is movable if heated, such that the end of the optical interrupter member can interrupt or permit the transmission of light signals when the heating line generates heat and the interior temperature of the bag reaches a set point temperature to keep the heating temperature within a temperature range.

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: A method of controlling a cooking apparatus which includes a main body having at least one heating unit, a control panel installed on the main body, and a temperature display unit that is provided on the control panel, displaying a temperature of the heating unit through change in color, and having a plurality of light emitting elements, includes determining whether or not the heating unit is in operation; detecting a current temperature of the heating unit when the heating unit is in operation; and displaying a temperature section, to which the detected current temperature of the heating unit belongs, among a plurality of preset temperature sections through the change in the color of the temperature display unit.

Abstract: A mix-in-the-cup automated beverage dispensing machine includes a powder dispensing system with a rotary support structure bringing each powder container to a common dispensing location in turn. The machine also provides a water heater with a thermal conduction block and a method for heating water based on pre-calculation of the required heating profile. Also provided is a fresh milk dispensing system which maintains a fully cooled flow path from the container to the cup while ensuring that all components contacting the milk are disposable single-use components. Additional features discussed relate to a mixer unit cleaned by spinning within the cup, a structurally simple cup conveyance arrangement, and an cup elevator with geometrical locking.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, and apparatuses related to maintaining a temperature of a target element. Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus comprising a heating element configured to heat a target element, a temperature sensing device configured to provide an output proportional to a temperature of the heating element or the target element, and a controller configured to modulate an amplitude, duration and frequency of individual current pulses of a series of current pulses applied to the heating element, based at least in part on the output of the temperature sensing device. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A water heater which includes a tank (60) with a water inlet (64) and outlet (26). At least one divider (18) for dividing the tank into a plurality of chambers (12), (14) with adjacent chambers being arterial (28). A first chamber (14) is connected to the outlet and another one of the chambers (12) is connected to the inlet. Heating means (20) may be located in some or all of the chambers. The dividers may be oriented vertically or horizontally (18). They may be movable and of specific construction including apertures (28) therein for arterial connection to adjacent chambers which apertures may contain flow control thermostats. They may be insulated to reduce heat transfer between compartments. Where displacement is via density/temperature changes in a compartment, stops may be provided to limit the travel of the dividers/partitions. Sacrificial protection (74) may be provided for the tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for intelligently heating a component of a printed circuit board (PCB) to bring it within a specified operating temperature range quickly. A temperature sensor positioned in proximity to the component and is coupled with a logic circuit that receives a reading from the temperature sensor and compares it to a threshold temperature value. A heating element positioned in proximity to the component is coupled with a power source and a switch. The switch is triggered by the logic circuit to activate the heating element when the temperature sensor reading is cooler than the threshold temperature value thereby causing the component to warm up. The switch is triggered again by the logic circuit to de-activate the heating element when the temperature sensor reaches the threshold temperature value or a predetermined timeout period expires.

Abstract: An integrated in-line heater for a liquid food or beverage preparation machine, in which liquid is circulated through the heater and then guided into a brewing chamber for brewing a food or beverage ingredient, for instance within a pod or capsule, supplied into the brewing chamber. An upstream part of the brewing chamber may be formed by the heater. One or more electric components may be incorporated into the heater and rigidly connected to a printed circuit board. The heater may have a tubular inner core that is eccentric with respect to a tubular or prismatic outer member which form together a helicoidal heating chamber of variable cross-section.

Abstract: A carbon fiber heating source includes a bundle of carbon fibers combined with glass fibers. The bundle is surrounded with a silicone coating layer and has high tensile strength responsive to bending and tension while emitting heat at high temperature. The carbon fiber heat emitting source includes heat emitting fibers formed by combining carbon fibers with glass fibers. Connection terminals are formed at both ends of the heat emitting fibers so that electricity can be applied thereto. A coating member coats the surfaces of the heat emitting fibers and the connection terminals. The coating member may be a silicone coating layer formed on the heat emitting fibers and the connection terminals. The coating member may be a quartz pipe that is filled with LPG and hydrogen and receives and seals the heat emitting fibers such that only a portion of the connection terminals is exposed from the both ends.

Abstract: An electric blanket has a woven web of warp and weft fibers. At least a portion of the warp fibers are electrically conductive. At least a portion of the weft fibers are electrically conductive and interweave with the electrically conductive warp fibers at a first area of the web. A power source in electrical communication with the web applies a voltage to the web that produces a wide area electrical distribution at the first area.

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: An electronic temperature-sensing probe comprises a shell, a control base plate, a probe and a key group, wherein the control base plate is placed inside the shell; the probe with one end extending outside of the shell and the other end connected to the control base plate electrically is mounted in the shell; the key group with their inner ends connected to control contacts of the control base plate are depressibly mounted on the surface of the shell; the key group comprises a power switch key, temperature-adjusting keys and a high temperature switch key; the control base plate controls the power on/off of the heating element based on the temperature control signals provided by the temperature-adjusting keys and the high temperature switch key and the temperature signal provided by the probe and the switch control signal provided by the power switch key.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit comprising at least one heating device for the avoidance of condensate formation, characterized in that the heating device is a heating device which is not foamed in and which is arranged on or in the region of at least one outer side of the unit.

Abstract: An array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) located in or on an article for attracting attention are energized over respective time increments of a predetermined duty cycle with peak power pulses having an amplitude substantially equal to their rated forward voltage VF and a current no larger than their rated maximum current IMAX.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a gas sensor with a built-in heater is provided which can prevent damage to, deterioration of, and reduction in accuracy of detection of, a gas sensor. When an ignition switch is turned ON, supply of electricity to a heater 27 starts, and when the temperature in the vicinity of a gas sensor 15 (gas temperature of gas detection chamber 24) Ts becomes greater than a predetermined temperature #Ti at start, or when a predetermined electricity supply time after start of supply of electricity to the heater 27 has elapsed, the gas sensor 15 is started. The flow of off-gas is started simultaneously with starting of the gas sensor 15, or after starting. When the ignition switch is turned OFF, the flow of off gas is stopped, and the supply of electric power to the gas sensor 15 is stopped.

Abstract: A water heater including a vessel, a heating fixture (e.g., an electric-resistance heating element, a gas burner) having a rated maximum heating output, and a controller. The controller includes an interface and a temperature sensor. The controller can control the heating output of the heating element based on a sensed temperature of the temperature sensors. The heating output is a defined maximum heating output for the heating fixture. Also disclosed are methods of defining the capabilities of a water hater heater and methods of operating a water heater.

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: The present invention provides a system for enabling control of the temperature of a receptacle in a satellite for containing a brewed fluid, so as to enable control of the temperature of the brewed fluid in the receptacle upon transfer of the brewed fluid from a brewing machine into the receptacle. The control of the temperature of the receptacle is responsive to contactless and wireless transfer of power and communication between the brewing machine and the satellite, and to generating, communicating, and processing fluid temperature measurement-enabling data between the brewing machine and the satellite, so as to enable control of the temperature of the brewed fluid.

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: Disclosed is a contact lens warming apparatus (100) adapted to warm a contact lens (109) stored in a removably inserted lens container (102), the apparatus comprising a controller (106), a heatable cavity (103) shaped to be conformal to a corresponding contact surface (108) of the inserted lens container (102), said conformal contact surface facilitating the rapid repeatable warming of the contact lens (109), and a heating element (107), wherein the controller (106) is adapted to direct the heating element (107) to warm the inserted lens container (102) thereby warming the contact lens (109) in the lens container (102) in order to reduce discomfort otherwise felt by a wearer of the contact lens (109) when inserting the unwarmed contact lens (109) into their eye.

Abstract: A sensor for a sensor device on a cooking hob is provided with contacts on a support, an electronic circuit for signal processing and a resistance track for temperature measurement. The sensor is arranged in a tubular metallic housing above a radiant heater of the cooking hob. The metallic housing is operated as an electromagnetic pan recognition sensor. The functions of temperature measurement and pan recognition can be combined in one sensor device as a module. A good transmission of sensor signals can be achieved as a result of the physical proximity of the sensor signal processor to the sensor by placing them on the same support.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a pipe, having at least one heating unit, at least one temperature sensor and a controller, wherein the controller is arranged to control the at least one heating unit in dependence on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

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 method and apparatus for determining a health status of a water heating device is disclosed. The water heating device may have a controller that incorporates logic to regulate the heater responsive to water temperatures detected at different areas within the water heating device by first and second sensors. Unfortunately, the first and second sensors may fail. To detect fault conditions or otherwise determine the heath status of the water heating device, a logic unit in the controller may perform a test on the first and/or second sensors so as to provide a test output. The logic unit may also determine whether the test output satisfies one or more predetermined thresholds. These predetermined thresholds may be indicative of a properly-functioning sensor. When the test output does not satisfy the at least one predetermined threshold, the logic unit may then set a fault condition indicative of improperly functioning sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a surface having a metal structure made of a material with high thermal conductivity, and designed to provide efficient cooling of the surface while minimizing mechanical stress between the metal structure and the surface.

Abstract: In order that an object can be warmed through the use of thermoacoustic effect, the acoustic heating apparatus includes a first stack 3a sandwiched between a high-temperature-side heat exchanger 4 and a low-temperature input-side heat exchanger 5 in a first tube portion 2a and a second stack 3b sandwiched between a low-temperature-side heat exchanger 6 and a high-temperature output-side heat exchanger 7 in a second tube portion 2b. A standing wave and a traveling wave are generated through self excitation in the first tube portion 2a by cooling the low-temperature input-side heat exchanger 5 to minus 20° C. to 60° C. A temperature gradient is generated in the second stack 3b by propagating the resulting standing wave and the traveling wave to the second tube portion 2b, and high-temperature heat is output due to this temperature gradient from the high-temperature output-side heat exchanger 7 disposed on the second stack 3b side.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus includes a temperature sensor which detects a temperature of a heating element, a controller for controlling heat generation of the heating element in accordance with a detected temperature by the temperature sensor, and a monitoring circuit which monitors the detected temperature, and stops operation of the controller in a predetermined stop period defined on the basis of the detected temperature when a predetermined operation mode of plural operation modes is set.

Abstract: A heater that may be applied to a substrate. The heater may include a graduating material deposited on at least a portion of a substrate, a resistive material and a thermal barrier dielectric coating. The resistive material may include at least two resistive compositions, wherein the resistivity of the material may be altered by varying the composition in given areas.

Abstract: A heating body is provided. The heating body includes a plurality of heating members having different thermal expansion coefficients and a tube in which the heating members are disposed. At least one of the plurality of heating members supports other heating member.

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: A fluid heating system configured to regulate a temperature of a fluid within a fluid receptacle having a fluid reservoir includes a processing unit, at least one fluid temperature sensor in electrical communication with the processing unit, and a heating element in electrical communication with the processing unit. The at least one fluid temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of one or both of the fluid receptacle and/or fluid retained within the fluid receptacle. The processing unit selectively activates and deactivates the heating element to regulate the temperature of the fluid within the fluid receptacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing drinks by supplying hot water for a hot drinks dispenser by means of a liquid transport circuit (2) comprising a heating element (8) provided with a heating resistance, and a pump (14). According to the invention, once a control means (7) has been actuated by a user, a liquid is heated by feeding the heating resistance at a pre-defined average electrical power, the heating of the liquid is maintained, and as soon as the measured temperature is higher than a first pre-determined temperature threshold, the liquid is circulated in the heating element (8), at a constant nominal rate of between 0.5 and 1.5 cl/second, and the average electrical power of the heating resistance (12) is such that the ratio of said power expressed in Watts divided by the nominal rate in centilitres per second is higher than 2000.

Abstract: A heated mouse includes a shell having a heat-conductive part, a heating device installed in the shell, and an insulating layer. The heating device comprises a heat source. The insulating layer forms a closed space together with the heat-conductive part for accommodating the heat source therein. The heat-conductive part absorbs heat from the heat source. The heat-preserving mouse can not only heat the mouse, but also avoid reducing the lifespan of the mouse caused by overheat.

Abstract: A current-limiting device is provided with pressure relief facilities that are responsive to relieve internal pressures during operation of the current limiter. In a specific arrangement, the pressure relief arrangement includes a passage that is opened upon operation of the current limiter to communicate between the interior and the exterior of the current limiter. The passage includes a fusible material therein that is melted by the heating within current limiter under predetermined high-current fault conditions. In a specific arrangement, the passage is formed through a contact terminal of the current limiter. In one arrangement, the current-limiting device includes an adjoining exhaust section and the contact terminal extends into the adjoining exhaust section.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electric kettle for “dry” burn prevention during heating process, including the steps of: providing a temperature sensor, a microprocessor, and a control circuit; detecting the water temperature; determining the temperature rate change and comparing the temperature rate change with the rate change threshold; and when the temperature rate change is larger than the preset rate change threshold, sending a control signal to the control circuit. The microprocessor determines the temperature rate change and the acceleration rate change that when the temperature rate change and acceleration rate change are larger than the corresponding thresholds respectively, the microprocessor sends the control signal to the control circuit to stop the heating process. Therefore, the present invention accurately determines the increasing temperature of the water and simultaneously cuts off the heating power to prevent the electric kettle from being burnt.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pitting and stuffing food items include a processing tool that may pit any type of fruit of vegetable product. The same processing tool then stuffs the fruit or vegetable with another food item. The processing tool may include two sets of opposed knife assemblies that work in combination to remove a core of the first food item by cutting into the food item from one side to push the core toward the other knife. The second knife assembly defines and cuts the interior space of the first food item. The core may be retracted by the second knife assembly or completely pushed out by the first knife assembly. The second food item is loaded into the second knife assembly and then pushed into the space created in the first food item by a piston within the second knife assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a heat pump water heater (HPWH) are disclosed. The systems include an interface for accepting a user input and configured to indicate a mode of operation, and indicate at least one error condition when an error condition exists. The systems are operative to diagnose various failure conditions and as advise a user that maintenance may be needed and to adjust operation for varying environmental or other external conditions.

Abstract: A system for keeping a hose ice free has a flexible housing for holding a garden hose. The housing has an interior space that holds a heater. A thermostat controls the heater. The heater may be a foil heater. An insulating layer is placed between heater and the housing. The system may have two thermostats that control the heater. One thermostat measures an exterior temperature and when the temperature is just above the freezing point of water the thermostat turns off the power to the heater. A second thermostat is in series with the first thermostat. The second thermostat measures a temperature of the interior space. The second thermostat is set to turn off the power to the heater when the interior temperature reaches around room temperature, approximately eighty degrees Fahrenheit. The housing may have a drawstring or zipper to allow access to the interior space.

Abstract: A temperature control device is disclosed that includes a heating wire being connected to an alternating current power source though a SCR, a sensing wire being disposed parallel to the heating wire, a thermo-sensitive resin insulating the heating wire and the sensing wire from each other and changing its impedance according to a change in temperature, and a temperature sensing unit outputting a temperature control signal to turn the SCR on or off according to a change in electric current flowing through the thermo-sensitive resin, in which the SCR is turned on or off by a sensing unit diode. The heating wire is heated by a heating current that flows in a heating cycle only, in which a forward voltage is formed in the SCR, and the sensing wire conducts a sensing current that flows in a sensing cycle only, in which a reverse voltage is formed in the SCR.

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: An evaporator cell (100), which is adapted for evaporating, in particular, a high-melting evaporant, includes a crucible (10) for receiving the evaporant, said crucible including a crucible bottom (11), a side wall (12) which extends in an axial direction of the crucible (10), and a crucible opening (13), and a heating device (20) with a heating resistor (21), which has a plurality of heating zones (21.1, 21.2), which are arranged on an outside surface of the crucible (10) and extend axially along the crucible (10), wherein the heating zones (21.1, 21.2) are equipped for multilateral resistance heating and/or electron beam heating of the crucible (10), and wherein the heating zones (21.1, 21.2) are constructed in such a manner that a heating current through the heating resistor (21), which is formed for example by a resistance sleeve, flows in parallel and in the same sense through all heating zones (21.1, 21.2). A method of operating the evaporator cell is also described.

Abstract: A method of managing excess electrical power generation can be provided by remotely controlling operation of one of at least two heating elements included in a single water heater, where the heating elements are controlled separately from one another, at a customer location in response to availability of generated electricity to the customer location.

Abstract: Steam iron comprising a scale indicator (10) and comprising a heating body (3) including a steam chamber (30) for producing steam, characterized in that it comprises means for calculating the electrical energy used by the iron and means which activate said scale indicator (10) when the calculated energy exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A temperature control method for a heat process on a resist film on a substrate includes first and second steps. The first step includes measuring a stepped response waveform of measured temperatures of a substrate at measurement points while changing stepwise each target temperature, then using this result to compose a pulsed response waveform with respect to a change of a pulsed target temperature, then using this result to compose a triangular response waveform with respect to a change of a triangular target temperature, and then using this result to acquire a matrix as relation information showing a relation between the target temperatures and temperatures of the substrate at measurement points.

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: A heating unit heated upon receiving power supplied from an AC power supply, a temperature detecting unit detecting the temperature of the heating unit, a memory storing power energization pattern in which power energization and non-power energization are performed for each percentage of AC power, and a power control unit that determines the percentage of AC power applied to the heating unit based on the temperature and that determines the power energization pattern by referring to the memory are provided. When the power energization percentage is changed, the power control unit changes the power energization pattern after the power energization percentage is changed in accordance with the changed power energization percentage based on the power energization pattern before the power energization percentage is changed and the power energization pattern after the power energization percentage is changed.

Abstract: Method for cooking food, to be performed in an oven with a cooking cavity, a core-temperature proble capable of being introduced in a food item placed in the cooking cavity and provided with a temperature sensor for the food temperature and a sensor for detecting the temperature within the oven cavity, wherein these sensors are adapted to generate and output respective signals, control means being provided, which are adapted to receive and process such signals issued by said temperature sensors and to supply corresponding operating commands to heating means associated to the oven; there are provided setting means adapted to define a selectively modifiable value of a final reference temperature.

Abstract: The number of wirings and the number of switching elements are decreased in a heater, a sensor, and the like. First to ninth heaters that heat a hot plate are connected into a matrix form between first power lines in a row direction and second power lines in a column direction. The first power lines are connected to one end of a power supply through three switching elements, respectively. The second power lines are connected to the other end of the power supply through three switching elements, respectively. On-off control is performed to the switching elements to select the heater to be driven. Therefore, the number of power lines and the number of switching elements are decreased compared with a conventional technique in which the heaters are separately wired.

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.