Abstract: To improve environmental protection from hydrocarbon emissions particularly from vehicles a heater for fluids comprising heating elements of an electrically conductive monolith, wherein the heater comprises a passageway for the fluid to be heated with a defined flow direction of the fluid during heating operation, the heater comprising at least two heating elements arranged side by side inside the passageway, so that they are arranged in parallel with respect to the fluid flow, is proposed improved in that one of the at least two heating elements is a controlled heating element, which has a slightly larger heating power, and a temperature sensor is provided at or close to the downstream end of the controlled heating element, and wherein the temperature sensor is connected to a control means for temperature control during heating operation of the heater; and a method of operating such

Abstract: A system and method directed to a dehydrating device, which may include a dehydrating enclosure and an adapter. The adapter may be operable to couple the dehydrating enclosure to a power unit, which may include a power source disposed inside the power unit, and a control source operable to control the power source. The power unit may be detachably couplable to at least one of the dehydrating enclosure or a cooking enclosure. The power unit and the cooking enclosure may collectively combine into a multi-stage counter-top electric oven. The power unit and the dehydrating enclosure may also collectively combine into a dehydrator. The dehydrating enclosure may include a plurality of stackable dehydrating trays through which dehydrating air is circulated from the power unit.

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.

Abstract: A heater is operable with a main power supply unit and a chargeable auxiliary power supplying unit. The heater includes a heater part having one or a plurality of heater elements to receive power from the main and auxiliary power supplying units, a detecting part to detect information related to the heater part, and a controller to vary an amount of power supplied from the auxiliary power supply unit to the heater part per unit time based on the information detected by the detecting part.

Abstract: The invention is directed generally to a method and system for controlling the temperature of a fluid, i.e., warming or cooling a fluid, and more particularly, to a method and system for warming a fluid to be delivered to the body of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, a method and system for warming a fluid to be delivered into the body of a patient is provided and may include a controller and a fluid delivery-line.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method comprising a plurality of activities comprising, for a shaft of an electric motor, the shaft comprising a runout sensing area: determining an electrical runout value for the runout sensing area; rotating the shaft; and/or heating the runout sensing area of the shaft sufficient to reduce the electrical runout value.

Abstract: A food timing system is disclosed that includes a number of timer modules associated with food holding devices in a restaurant. The timer modules are connected in a network for communicating information about the food being held in food holding compartments of the food holding devices. Each timer module includes a plurality of timers, with each timer being associated with a food holding compartment of a food holding device. The timers measure the holding time of food in each food holding compartment and are capable of transferring the holding time to another timer when the food is transferred to a holding compartment associated with the other timer.

Abstract: A method for controlling a coefficient of friction between an object and ice includes steps of (1) pulsing power to an interface between the object and the ice to melt an interfacial layer of ice at the interface and decrease the coefficient of friction, (2) facilitating refreezing of the interfacial ice at the interface to increase the coefficient of friction; and (3) repeating steps (1) and (2) to control an average coefficient of friction between the object and the ice. A slider having a surface intended to interface with ice or snow includes a power supply for generating power. The slider also has a heating element that converts power to heat at the surface, the heat being sufficient to melt interfacial ice at the interface, and a controller for controlling delivery of power to the heating element to control friction between the slider and the ice or snow.

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

Abstract: A heating body is provided. The heating body includes a tube, a heating member disposed in the tube, and a supporting unit disposed along a length of the tube to maintain a predetermined space between the tube and the heating member.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a system for heating a liquid, such as, for example, water, comprising a plurality of liquid heaters, the inlets and outlets of which are respectively connected in a parallel flow relationship by respective manifolds, and configured to provide liquid having a temperature of greater than about 90 degrees Fahrenheit at a flow rate of greater than about 10 gallons per minute. In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electric tankless liquid heater system capable of delivering hot liquids, and in particular water, at even higher flow rates and or temperatures, including, but not limited to, flow rates greater than about: (1) 12 gpm; (2) 18 gpm; (3) 20 gpm; and (5) 20 gpm; and/or temperatures of greater than about: (1) 100° F.; (2) 120° F.; (3) 140° F.; and (4) 180° F.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating or cooling a fluid. An inlet conduit coupled to a plurality of distribution nozzles in fluid communication with a channel at the periphery of the apparatus. An insert and a sleeve cooperatively define a thin gap, in fluid communication with the channel, through which the fluid flows. Thermal inserts near the thin gap generate heat flux into or out of the fluid, which exits through an outlet conduit.

Abstract: An infrared, room heater system for installation in a wall or on a floor An electric fan assembly draws room air into a housing, through three parallel, air transit channels where the air is heated by infrared radiation within and about a heat exchanger assembly, and thence back out into the room One or more ceramic heating elements attached to a copper plate incorporate a resistive conductor that causes the elements to emit infrared radiation when electrically energized The first copper plate lies adjacent to, but spaced away from, a first heat insulated housing sidewall, thereby defining a first air transit channel The second air transit channel is defined by the space between the second copper plate and the second housing sidewall, and the third air transit channel is defined by the space between the two copper plates.

Abstract: A remote controllable automatic apparatus for preparing fried potato product from dehydrated potato, frying the potato product prepared with addition of at least water in subsequent operational cycles. The apparatus comprising a frying unit with a frying oil container and electric means for heating the frying oil; and also including electronic sensors (2) for measuring and storage devices for registering selected parameters of the frying process. Further comprises a status register (3) for storing status data and frying parameters relating to actual and former operational cycles, and also enabling data; and an interface (4) connected to a telecommunication network (7) for on-line transmitting and for on-line modifying the status register (3) content.

Abstract: A method and system for generating control settings for a multi-parameter control system. The interdependencies of processing tools and the related effect on semiconductor wafers within a processing tool is factored into a mathematical model that considers desired and measured wafer quality parameters in the derivation of specific solutions of sets of possible quality parameter adjustments. A selection process determines a set of adjustments such as one that results in minimal changes to the process.

Abstract: A control system suitable for use with a bathing unit system having a water receptacle is provided. The control system comprises a heating module, a power source and a controller in communication with the heating module and the power source. The power source includes an energy storage member for storing energy collected from a solar panel, and is operative for supplying power generated from solar energy to the heating module. The controller is operative for causing the power source to supply power to the heating module at least in part based on first information derived from a temperature of the water within the water receptacle and second information derived from a condition associated with the power source. The controller is further operative for selecting between a first power source and a second power source for supplying power to the heating module.

Abstract: An electric power supply is controlled below a maximum suppliable current value by detecting the applied current of a heater. The image forming apparatus includes a heater which includes heating elements that generate heat when electric power is supplied, a current detector for detecting a current value supplied to the heater, a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the fixing device, and an electric power controller for supplying electric power to the heater with a current application duty based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector within a range below a maximum current application duty. The maximum current application duty can be reset based on a current application duty to the heater and based on a current value detected by the current detector.

Abstract: A container is provided for heating or otherwise processing the contents of the container. For example, the container may be a kettle or kettle for heating fluids therein. The container may receive a command, desired characteristic or desired range for processing the contents of the container. The container may further include at least one sensor such as a temperature sensor or pressure sensor for determining a corresponding characteristic of the contents of the container. Based on at least one determined characteristic and/or the input command, the container may heat or otherwise process the contents therein. The results and/or current status of the contents may further be provided through a display. Also, based on the current status of the contents, the container may further process/heat the contents or discontinue processing/heating of the contents.

Abstract: An electrical water heater includes a housing, a filling opening delimited by a rim, heating elements, a pouring member, a lid, a tongue mobile between an extended position wherein it seals the pouring member and a pouring position wherein it is retracted, and a pouring control connected to the tongue through an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a first mechanism arranged in the housing and having one end connected to the pouring control and one end mobile through a window of the rim, and a second mechanism arranged in the lid and having one end mobile through a window of the lid and one end connected to the tongue, the windows of the rim and of the lid being urged into mutual correspondence when the lid seals the opening, and the corresponding ends of the mechanisms being adapted to co-operate.

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 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 hot melt adhesive hose assembly has a redundant control circuit fixedly mounted thereon which comprises a pair of heater circuits for heating a hot melt adhesive hose assembly to a predetermined temperature level, and a pair of temperature sensors which are used to sense the temperature of the hot melt adhesive hose assembly wherein the sensed temperature level will be used to control energization of the heater circuits in order to maintain the desired temperature level. A first one of the heater circuits is initially electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry, and in a similar manner, a first one of the temperature sensors is likewise electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry.

Abstract: An exhaust sensor control system for an exhaust sensor is mounted in an exhaust path of an internal combustion engine, wherein the exhaust sensor includes a sensor element for generating an output in accordance with the status of an exhaust gas and a heater for heating the sensor element. The exhaust sensor control system includes a cumulative lean time counting means for counting, after internal combustion engine startup, the cumulative length of time during which the air-fuel ratio is lean; and a heater control means for controlling the heater with a recovery target temperature, which is higher than a normal target temperature, set as a target temperature for the sensor element until the cumulative length of time reaches a recovery determination value.

Abstract: An exhaust sensor control system for an exhaust sensor is mounted in an exhaust path of an internal combustion engine, wherein the exhaust sensor includes a sensor element for generating an output in accordance with the status of an exhaust gas and a heater for heating the sensor element. The exhaust sensor control system includes a recovery value counting means, a heater control means, a cumulative lean time counting means, and a determination value correction means.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a matrix of thermoelectric devices for applying thermal gradients across an electronic component mounted in a PCB substrate within an enclosed housing. A matrix of thermosensitive devices are placed around the perimeter of the electronic component to measure thermal gradients associated with the component. A controller controls the matrix of thermoelectric devices based on the thermal gradients measured by the matrix of thermosensitive devices with a matrix of thermocouple coefficients.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body defining a storage space therein and a door for opening and closing the storage space. The refrigerator comprises a water conduit for directing water supplied from an external water source to the main body of the refrigerator. An inlet valve distributes the water supplied from the water conduit into a hot water conduit and a separate cold water conduit. A cold water tank is mounted to one of the main body and the door for cooling the water supplied through the cold water conduit and then storing the cooled water therein. A hot water tube is mounted to one of the main body and the door for receiving the water supplied through the hot water conduit. The hot water tube includes a heater operably installed within the hot water tube and in direct contact with the water therein. The heater generates heat through the application of electric power thereto to heat the water within the hot water tube to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A steam convection oven (10) has a cooking chamber (14) that has an exterior side (15) and an opening for the introduction of steam into the cooking chamber (14). The steam convection oven (10) also has a water reservoir (30) and a steam generator (60) fluidly connected to the water reservoir (30). The steam generator (60) has a steam outlet and converts water from the water reservoir (30) to steam. A steam distribution network is connected to the steam outlet and the opening in the cooking chamber (14) so as to introduce steam into the cooking chamber (14). The steam distribution network has at least one steam inlet device that is connected to the exterior side (15) of the cooking chamber (14) and which is in communication with the opening in the cooking chamber (14). Electronic control circuitry (82) configures the steam convection oven (10) in one of a plurality of cooking modes and provides electrical power to components of the steam convection oven (10).

Abstract: A fixing device fixes a toner image on a recording medium. The fixing device includes a heat source that converts electric power into heat and a fixing member that gives the heat generated by the heat source to the recording medium on which the toner image is formed. The fixing device includes a safety circuit that forcibly interrupts voltage supplied from a power supply to the heat source if the temperature in the device detected by a temperature detection sensor exceeds reference temperature. The fixing device has a malfunction preventing circuit that stops the operation of the safety circuit in order to prevent the voltage supplied to the heat source from being forcibly interrupted when the voltage of the power supply supplied to the heat source is unstable.

Abstract: A cooker and a method for controlling the cooker are provided. The cooker may include a heating source configured to generate heat, a detection sensor configured to detect a temperature of the heating source, and a controller configured to compare a current temperature of the heating source detected by the detection sensor with at least one control reference temperature so as to control an on/off operation of the heating source. Until the current temperature of the heating source reaches the control reference temperature, the controller controls the heating source to be kept in an on-state, and when the current temperature of the heating source exceeds the control reference temperature, the controller controls the heating source to be repeatedly turned on and off for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A furnace for the thermal treatment of at least one dental firing object, comprising a housing, a firing chamber, a firing chamber base, a heating device, and at least one optical temperature detection element which can be used to detect a temperature in the firing chamber and is intended to enable a contactless temperature measurement of a dental firing object in a simple manner. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the firing object is mounted on and/or in and/or below and/or alongside a firing aid situated in the firing chamber, and the optical temperature detection element detects the temperature of the firing aid.

Abstract: The performance of a thermal insulation for a building surface 6, subject to a thermal gradient emitting from the building interior, is enhanced by a neutral thermal gradient. For this purpose an electrical heating element 1 is adapted to release very low Wattages of thermal energy and is contained within an inner layer 4 and an outer layer 5 of thermal insulation. Adjusting the thermal efficiency of the insulation layers controls the magnitude of the thermal energy required to maintain the temperature of the element 1 at the equivalent temperature level to the building interior. The element 1 may be provided with a moisture controller and discharge sizeable quantities of thermal energy to dry moisture from the thermal insulation materials of the assembly.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the voltage or current applied to sensitive components on a circuit board by an assembly tool protects the sensitive components from damage caused by the voltage or current applied to the circuit board.

Abstract: A temperature regulating method in a thermal processing system includes controlling a heating means by performing integral operation, differential operation and proportional operation by means of a heating control section in a manner a detection temperature by a temperature detecting means becomes a predetermined target temperature, determining a first output control pattern by patterning a first operation amount for the heating control section to control the heating means depending upon a detection temperature detected by a first temperature detecting means, in controlling the heating means controlling the heating means by means of the heating control section depending upon the first output control pattern determined, and determining a second output control pattern by patterning at least a part of a second operation amount for the heating control section to control the heating means depending upon a detection temperature detected by a second temperature detecting means, in controlling the heating means.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods relating to the reconstruction of semiconductor wafers for wafer-level processing are disclosed. Selected semiconductor dice having alignment cavities formed in a surface thereof are placed in contact with liquid, gel or other flowable alignment droplets in a similar pattern protruding from a substrate to position the dice through surface tension interaction. The alignment droplets are then solidified to maintain the positioning and an underfill is disposed between the dice and the fixture to strengthen and maintain the reconstructed wafer. A fixture plate may be used in combination with the underfill to add additional strength and simplify handling. The reconstructed wafer may be subjected to wafer-level processing, wafer-level testing and burn-in being particularly facilitated using the reconstructed wafer.

Abstract: A device for keeping battery pack of portable computer at operable temperature includes a battery pack for supplying power to the portable computer; a thermal sensor installed in the battery pack for sensing a battery temperature; a heating film installed tightly close to the battery pack; and a microprocessor connected to the thermal sensor for receiving the battery temperature sensed by the thermal sensor. When detecting the battery temperature is lower than a first predetermined temperature, the microprocessor enables the battery pack to connect to and supply power to the heating film for heating the battery pack. When detecting the battery temperature is higher than a second predetermined temperature, the microprocessor enables the battery pack to disconnect from the heating film. The first predetermined temperature is lower than a minimum operable temperature and the second predetermined temperature is higher than the first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An electric liquid-heating appliance includes a housing, an upper fill hole which is defined by a rim (9), heating elements, a spout and a lid. The lid includes: a lock which can engage with a retaining element; a locking control element which is connected to the lock and which can move between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a tongue which can move between a retracted position, in which the tongue is housed in the lid, and a deployed position, in which the tongue seals the spout. The tongue is connected to the locking control element by an actuating mechanism which is designed to position the tongue either in the deployed position when the locking control element is in the locked position or in the retracted position when the locking control element is in the unlocked position, the unlocked position being stable.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor is mounted in an exhaust path of an internal combustion engine. The status of an exhaust gas is detected in accordance with the output of the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor incorporates a heater for heating an element of the sensor. In a region in which the temperature of the sensor element is below 300° C., an adsorbable species becomes adsorbed. In a region in which the exhaust pipe temperature is above 80° C., the adsorbable species becomes adsorbed remarkably. Power supply control is continuously exercised over the heater so as to maintain the sensor element at a temperature of 300° C. or higher until the exhaust pipe temperature drops below 80° C. after an internal combustion engine stop. The power supply to the heater is shut off after the exhaust pipe temperature drops below 80° C.

Abstract: An oven includes a housing including a heating chamber. A door has an open position for allowing operator access to the heating chamber and a closed position for preventing user access to the heating chamber. A heating system heats a food product located within the heating chamber. A wireless temperature sensor is configured to be inserted into the food product by an operator for measuring food product temperature and to provide a wireless signal indicative of food product temperature. An oven control system includes a sensor communicator for receiving the temperature indicative signal from the wireless temperature sensor. The oven control system operates in response to the wireless signal.

Abstract: An electric auxiliary heating unit reliably avoids temperature overshoots of the heated air. To this end, the temperature of the air flowing into the heating is determined and converted into a heating power for controlling the heating elements. This is preferably done via a stored characteristic field via which a plurality of vehicle parameters, such as the vehicle speed, the opening condition of the convertible top, etc., can be taken into account. Also the temperature of the incoming air can be derived from temperature values which are already available in the vehicle. A user-friendly electric heating can be realized very easily in this way. Temperature fluctuations in the heated air can be avoided reliably and easily even in the case of dynamically varying operating conditions of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A catalytic combustion type gas sensor includes a gas sensing unit 10, in which a sensing element having a heater coil embedded in a thermal conduction layer provided with an oxidation catalyst for causing a gas to be sensed to combust by contact, a compensation element having an equivalent heater coil embedded in a thermal conduction layer having no oxidation catalyst, and two resistor elements constitute a Wheatstone bridge circuit, outputs a voltage between the connection point of the sensing element and the compensation element and the connection point of the two resistor elements, as a detection signal, wherein a self-diagnosis unit is provided which diagnoses a sensor abnormality by comparing the slope of changes in voltage of the detection signal relative to changes in the voltage value of the direct-current voltage to be applied across the Wheatstone bridge circuit in an initial state and the slope of changes in voltage of the measurement value of the detection signal relative to changes in the voltag

Abstract: In an overheat protection circuit for power supply devices in the present invention, overheat protection is provided by using a Schottky barrier diode (SBD) in place of a dedicated thermosensor. The overheat protection circuit is designed to flow reverse leakage current Ir resulting from temperatures of the SBD thermally coupled with a rectifier diode to a photocoupler inside an output-voltage detecting circuit in a direct-current power supply device. Thereby, where the reverse leakage current of the SBD is increased (where temperatures of the rectifier diode are elevated due to overload), a feedback signal of the output-voltage detecting circuit is increased to decrease the output voltage, thereby the direct-current power supply device is protected from overheat.

Abstract: The disclosure depicts a spot-warming device, and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A kind of temperature controlling device of heating element and method thereof detect the actual temperature of heating body of the heating element, and calculate the descending gradient and frequency of temperature based on the detected actual temperature. The norm signal is formed based on the actual temperature, descending gradient and frequency of the temperature to control the switch power as to achieve the split second control for the electric power of the heating element.

Abstract: A method of thermal treatment of components. The optimum thermal amplitude of the components at which the phase transformation kinetics of the components is maximum is determined by subjecting samples of the components to cyclic thermal processing at various thermal amplitudes by maintaining the upper temperature constant and varying the lower temperature. A thermal amplitude which is higher than the optimum thermal amplitude is selected. The components are subjected to cyclic thermal processing at the thermal amplitude selected above to achieve near uniform phase transformation kinetics of the components across their crosssection. The components are cooled down to room temperature to obtain components with near uniform microstructure and properties.

Abstract: Electro-thermal trimming of thermally-trimmable resistors is used to trim one or more of the plurality of resistors in or associated with an analog electric circuit. The TCR of each of a subset of a plurality of electro-thermally-trimmable resistors can be trimmed independently from the resistance in order to adjust the output parameter of an analog electric circuit without changing other parameters that would be affected by a change in resistance.

Abstract: A heating characteristic value at any measuring point of an object at any measuring location of a heating furnace is determined as a single invariable by using temperature (Tint and Ts) measured at the measuring point of the object and heating temperature (Ta) and heating time (t) at the measuring location of the heating furnace. The heating characteristic value (m-value) may be calculated without using physical characteristics of the object. By using the m-value, a temperature profile of the object heated under a modified heating condition may be simulated in a short period of time without actually heating and measuring the temperature of the object at a high accuracy level. By using such a simulation, an appropriate heating condition for heating an object in accordance with a desired heating condition may easily be determined.

Abstract: A portable device is provided that is used to warm a mammography machine and which comprises a warmer and a holder for the warmer, the holder having a charging mechanism for charging the warmer. The warmer includes an enclosed heating element and power source. The heating element is precisely regulated to ensure that the sensitive imaging elements are not damaged by an over-temperature condition, while at the same time permitting a rapid heating of the warmer for high cycle use. The warmer warms surfaces of the mammography machine that contacts human skin.

Abstract: A heating module for an oxygen sensor comprises an estimated mass module, a cumulative mass module, and a temperature control module. The estimated mass module determines an estimated mass of intake air to remove condensation from an exhaust system after startup of an engine. The cumulative mass module determines a cumulative mass of intake air after the engine startup. The temperature control module adjusts a temperature of an oxygen sensor measuring oxygen in the exhaust system to a first predetermined temperature after the engine startup and adjusts the temperature to a second predetermined temperature when the cumulative air mass is greater than the estimated air mass, wherein the second predetermined temperature is greater than the first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A curd preparation vat provided with a sealing construction for a shaft passing through a wall of the vat, which sealing construction has at least one receiving space and a sealing ring included therein in operation, surrounding the shaft, wherein the sealing ring has an annular body which is provided with a sealing lip which cooperates with a radially extending surface of the sealing construction, and wherein the annular body furthermore has an axially inner surface abutting against first positioning means of the sealing construction, wherein the sealing lip of the at least one sealing ring extends both radially and axially obliquely outwards from a both radially and axially outer edge area of the annular body, and wherein between the sealing lip and the inner surface of the annular body that abuts against the shaft, an axially outer surface of the annular body is situated, which cooperates directly with second positioning means, which leave the lip clear, for fixing the at least one sealing ring between the

Abstract: Fuser heater element damage due to excessive heating power is prevented by estimating available power supply heating power for proper power control. The estimate is performed by applying a predefined portion of the heating power available from the power supply to the heater element. The predefined portion is determined so that the heater element will not be damaged even if the power supply is at the maximum voltage level of any power supply that may be encountered. The temperature of the heater element is measured, and, if below a predefined temperature, a heating power estimate is made. If not, the heater element is heated by applying power in accordance with a stored heating power estimate from the last heating power estimate. A heating power estimate is made each time the heating element is heated from a temperature below the predefined temperature.