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

Abstract: A Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) assembly, in which protrusions are formed on opposite longitudinal edges of an electrode terminal, PTC elements are held between the protrusions and are in contact with the electrode terminal, an insulating member is attached to an outer surface of the electrode terminal, and a rod cover houses therein the electrode terminal, the PTC elements and the insulating member. A simple structure is realized, fabrication costs are reduced, and a hollow space inside the rod cover is minimized, leading to improved heat transfer efficiency from the PTC elements to the rod cover, reduced noise and a slim structure.

Abstract: A portable wire feeder for providing welding wire and welding current to a welding operation includes an input electrically connected to a power source. An output is selectively electrically connected to the input to receive welding current delivered to the input from the power source and to provide the welding current and welding wire to the welding operation through a guide hose. A contactor includes a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal and a conductive bridge member for selectively electrically connecting the input to the output. The first electrical terminal is electrically connected to the input. The second electrical terminal is electrically connected to the output.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for producing combined presentation of light and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect. The includes a fragrance dispenser (31), a light source (42), an audio system (52), and a microprocessor (99). The fragrance dispenser (31) is refillable and controllable, so as to adjust the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses a fragrance. The light source (42) comprises a plurality of LEDs (40a-40c) of at least two different colors and is controllable so as to adjust the operation of the plurality of LEDs (40a-40c). The audio system (52) controls sounds to be emitted from the apparatus. The microprocessor (99) controls the rate at which the fragrance dispenser (31) dispenses fragrance and the operation of the light source (42) and audio system (52).

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

Abstract: Devices and methods for the control of heating cables are described. A first heating cable assembly includes a heating cable, a heater regulator for connection electrically in series between the heating cable and a voltage source. The heater regulator comprises a material having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance such that in use the voltage across the heating cable is dependent upon the temperature of the heater regulator. A second heating cable assembly includes a heating cable having a resistive heating element, a material having a positive temperature coefficient resistance for controlling the heat output from the heating cable, and a cold start limiter element comprising a material having a negative temperature coefficient of resistance for connection electrically in series with the heating element and a voltage source.

Abstract: A heating device and its temperature control method, wherein an NTC element envelops a core member, a sensing wire is wound around an outside periphery of the NTC element for making parallel connection of the core member with the sensing wire; further, a capacitor, the sensing wire and an electric resistor are connected in series to form an RC circuit, the RC circuit is connected with a microprocessor and a switch.

Abstract: For avoiding the selection and storage of PTC heating elements with different departures from rated heating power, additional tolerance PTC heating elements are held ready which uniformly have a lower rated heating power, preferably one half or third of the rated heating power, compared to the standard or primary PTC heating element. By the use of a second standardized heating element, i. e. the tolerance PTC heating element, the storage of a high number of PTC heating elements with different departures can be dispensed with and a cheaper manufacture can be permitted.

Abstract: An auxiliary heater for motor vehicles includes an open housing accommodating a layered structure which includes at least one radiator element and at least one heat-emitting element having at least one PTC heating element, and further accommodating at least one spring element pretensioning the layered structure, a plurality of contacts being held in said housing in an insulating manner and electrically connected to the at least one PTC heating element. The layered structure is pretensioned by a displacer which is inserted into a lower housing component when the elements of the layered structure have been inserted in the lower housing component in a tension-free manner. The displacer is inserted into the lower housing component in a direction approximately perpendicular to the plane of the layered structure and, in the mounted position, it is secured in position relative to said lower housing component.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electrical heating of an element to maintain a constant electrical resistance, by adjusting electrical power supplied to such element according to an adaptive feedback control algorithm, in which all the parameters are (1) arbitrarily selected; (2) pre-determined by the physical properties of the controlled element; or (3) measured in real time. Unlike the conventional proportion-integral-derivative (PID) control mechanism, the system and method of the present invention do not require re-tuning of proportionality constants when used in connection with a different controlled element or under different operating conditions, and are therefore adaptive to changes in the controlled element and the operating conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes electrical contacts coupled to a LED. The apparatus further includes a positive temperature coefficient resistor in operative thermal communication and electrically in series with the LED. A resistance of the PTC resistor varies as a function of a temperature of the LED.

Abstract: A method of improving conductive paste connections in a circuitized substrate in which at least one and preferably a series of high voltage pulses are applied across the paste and at least one and preferably a series of high current pulses are applied, both series of pulses applied separately. The result is an increase in the number of conductive paths through the paste connections from those present prior to the pulse applications and a corresponding resistance reduction in said connections.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a controllable electrothermal element of a PTC thick film circuit which comprises a substrate and a serial electronic paste, the serial electronic paste is prepared on the substrate, the said serial electronic paste comprises a medium paste and an electrode paste, the serial electronic paste is consists of three parts that are functional phase, inorganic adhesive phase and organic carrier. The said serial electronic paste further comprises PTC paste, the said substrate is 1Cr18Ni9 series stainless steel substrate, the serial electronic paste in the form of thick film is prepared on the substrate, the present invention also discloses the composition of the said medium paste, the PTC paste and the electrode paste.

Abstract: A fusing apparatus in an image forming apparatus that heats a fusing unit by applying an induced current is provided. The flicker characteristics of the fusing apparatus are improved by gradually increasing the amount of induced current applied to the fusing unit for a predetermined amount of time so that the amount of induced current applied to the fusing unit is prevented from severely varying. The fusing apparatus comprises a fusing unit which is resistance-heated or induction-heated by applying an induced current and fuses toner onto paper using the heat. The fusing apparatus further comprises a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generation unit which generates a PWM signal in response to the ON signal so that the amount of induced current input to the fusing unit gradually increases to a reference current.

Abstract: A method for providing thermostatic temperature control in an integrated circuit is provided that includes internally heating the integrated circuit until the integrated circuit reaches an elevated temperature and holding the integrated circuit at the elevated temperature. For a particular embodiment, a temperature-dependent parameter of a temperature-sensitive block is tested while the integrated circuit is held at the elevated temperature.

Abstract: A heating element with a ceramic body that has PTC properties is specified. The heating element has electrodes that are arranged on ceramic body. Both the ceramic body and the electrodes are lead-free.

Abstract: A method, computer program, and cooking device for detecting boiling of liquids. The invention is implemented with a computer program executed by a processor or other computing device of a cooking unit such as an induction range. The computer program comprises a code segment for receiving an indication of successive temperatures of the vessel and for calculating a slope of a curve representing the successive temperatures versus time; a code segment for detecting boiling of the liquid based on the slope of the curve; and a code segment for providing an output which may be used to indicate the boiling. The computer program may also include a code segment for receiving variables relating to parameters and/or characteristics of the cooking vessel to refine the boiling detection.

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: Method for controlling the temperature of an oven, in particular a kitchen oven, so as to reach a preset temperature through a heating process during a predetermined heating period based on a control program, said control program consisting of a general basic control program predefined for a given type of oven and computationally adjusted by a static correction value that reflects the individual oven parameters, and/or a dynamic correction variable that takes into account variable operating parameters of the oven.

Abstract: A PTC polymer composition contains: (a) a non-elastomeric polymer mixture in an amount from 20 wt % to 80 wt % based on the weight of the polymer composition; (b) a conductive particulate material in an amount from 20 wt % to 60 wt % based on the weight of the polymer composition; (c) a voltage resistance-enhancing agent that contains particulate metal oxide material in an amount from 1 wt % to 30 wt % based on the weight of the polymer composition; and (d) a polymer stabilizer that contains a thermoplastic elastomer in an amount from 1 wt % to 30 wt % based on the weight of the polymer composition.

Abstract: An objective is to provide a pressure-contact type rectifier in which solder that increases the environmental load is not used, and neither burning nor breakage of a rectifying device occurs, even if temperature of the rectifying device increases due to current flowing or force towards outside the rectifying device is applied to a lead end, etc. By providing an electrically conductive friction reducer on at least one electrode face of the rectifying device, the temperature increase can be prevented, and the friction at the contact face can be reduced. Moreover, by providing a flexible portion on the lead end outside a cap, and fixing the flexible portion to the cap, the contact area between the lead and the rectifying device can be kept constant. As a result, a pressure-contact type rectifier in which neither burning nor breakage of the rectifying device occurs can be obtained.

Abstract: A computer system and its method of cooling are provided. A vapor chamber serves as a heat spreader for heat from the microelectronic die. A thermoelectric module serves to cool the vapor chamber and maintain proper functioning of the vapor chamber, thus keeping the microelectronic die cooled. A controller receives input from five temperature sensors, and utilizes the input to control current to the thermoelectric module and voltage/current to a motor that drives a fan and provides additional cooling. A current sensor allows the controller to monitor and limit power provided to the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A controlled start up technique may eliminate the excessive peak junction temperature by controlling the speed of the electric device. Lower speed may result in reduced power to the load. Reduced power may result in reduced losses to maintain reliable operating junction temperatures. Once the junction reaches the predetermined temperature limit, speed may be controlled to hold the junction temperature constant. As time elapses, the coolant temperature may reduce, thereby allowing a higher power level without an increase in IGBT temperature. Unlike conventional methods which may allow for full power continuously upon start up, thereby either potentially causing a high temperature shut-down condition or requiring additional thermal inertia to handle a high heat load due to a continuous full-power start up, the controlled start up eliminates the design penalties for extensive thermal enhancements to accommodate the occasional extreme hot start up.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for a fail-safe sensor for an HVAC system. The sensor comprises a temperature detector operable to measure a temperature of a component or a medium present at the sensor, a PTC heater operable to heat the sensor to a self-regulating temperature, the heater comprising a resistive element having an electrical impedance which increases with increasing temperature in accordance with a positive temperature coefficient characteristic, and a sensor housing comprising the PTC heater and the temperature detector provided within a single housing. An algorithm is provided for HVAC systems, wherein the sensor is heated to the self-regulating temperature by the PTC heater and is then measured by the temperature detector to confirm that the temperature detector is operating properly. Further, the sensor may be allowed to cool to a temperature of the surrounding medium or the component for sensing the temperature thereof.

Abstract: The adaptive temperature controller includes an ambient temperature sensor, a device for measuring resistance, an electrically-conductive material, a power supply, and a device for controlling power. In operation, the controller determines the resistance of material at or near ambient temperature. Based on such determination so long as voltage and power are known, the resistance of the material, and therefore its instant temperature is known. Additionally, the adaptive temperature controller determines the responsiveness of the electrically-conductive material to determine the predicted increase in temperature and rate of increase in temperature relative to increases in voltage, current or power. As a result the voltage or power may be instantly varied to produce near infinite control over material temperature.

Abstract: A self-regulating heater including a semiconductor for converting electrical energy to heat. A temperature sensitive element is used to bias the semiconductor as a function of temperature. The heating element has an advantage that its maximum temperature is limited by the biasing network, yet full power is available just below the limit.

Abstract: A method of thermally coupling a flow tube or like component to a thermal sensor comprises bonding the component to the thermal sensor such that thermally conductive portions formed on the component are thermally coupled to corresponding sensing/heating elements disposed on the thermal sensor. The method can be employed to form a capillary mass flow sensor system. Thermally conductive portions, such as metal bands, can be formed on the outer surface of a capillary tube for bonding with corresponding resistive heat sensing and heating elements disposed on the substrate of a micro mass flow sensor. Bonding metal pads can be formed on the sensor surface preparatory to solder bonding the tube metal bands to the resistive sensing and heating elements.

Abstract: The resistance of an oxygen sensor heating element is estimated by modeling the effects of physical and electrical heating on the resistance of the heating element lead-in conductors, and subtracting the lead-in conductor resistance from a measure of the heating circuit resistance. The lead-in conductor resistance model is based on the temperature of the oxygen sensor boss and the current carried by the lead-in conductors. The heating element temperature is calculated from the determined heating element resistance and initial (cold-start) parameters of the heating circuit.

Abstract: Oven control system, including a display screen, a data input means and a calculation unit able to send instructions to the display screen and to receive instructions from the data input means, the said calculation unit including a means for grading cooking programs at least as a function of a first criterion of family of products to be cooked, of product to be cooked within a family, or of recipe or of method of cooking, and a means for adjusting the cooking program according to at least one second internal final criterion and one third external final criterion, the display screen being able to simultaneously display the selected values of the said criteria or the values of the said criteria currently being selected by a user, with a zone for displaying the values of the second and third criteria and which is designed to also display unselected values of the said criteria in such a way that the selected values can be read graphically, the said display zone being able to display a window adapted to each type

Abstract: A washing water inlet for receiving washing water is provided on an upper surface at one end of a case main body in a fluid heating device, and a washing water outlet for feeding heated washing water to a pump is provided on an upper surface at the other end of the case main body. A linear sheathed heater is arranged so as to penetrate the case main body. A spring is spirally wound around an outer peripheral surface of the sheathed heater. An outer peripheral surface of the sheathed heater, the spring, and an inner peripheral surface of the case main body form a flow path. The flow path is formed in a spiral shape with the length of the case main body used as its axis.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an electrical heating device, especially for motor vehicles, including a closed frame (2) which include rails (3, 4) and cross rails (5, 6), heating elements (7) which include elements made of electrically conductive plastic layers (18) having PCT effect, which are arranged between contact plates (15, 16), heat-conducting secondary surface elements (8) that can be overflown by air and at least one electrically conductive spring element (9), wherein the heating elements (7) and the secondary surface elements (8) are alternatingly arranged next to one another and are braced against each other by the rails (3, 4) and a spring element (9) placed centrally which replaces the secondary surface element (8).

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 process for manufacturing a composite polymeric circuit protection device in which a polymeric assembly is provided and is then subdivided into individual devices. The assembly is made by providing first and second laminates, each of which includes a laminar polymer element having at least one conductive surface, providing a pattern on at least one of the conductive surfaces on one laminate, securing the laminates in a stack in a desired configuration, at least one conductive surface of at least one of the laminates forming an external conductive surface of the stack, and making a plurality of electrical connections between a conductive surface of the first laminate and a conductive surface of the second laminate. The laminar polymer elements may be PTC conductive polymer compositions, so that the individual devices made by the process exhibit PTC behavior.

Abstract: A ceramic heating element arrangement in which a ceramic heating element made of SiC having electrical NTC (negative temperature coefficient) properties is provided for a circuit. At least one segment is provided in the circuit, whose resistance saturates at least quasi-asymptotically at the current flow required for a desired heat development.

Abstract: An organic positive temperature coefficient thermistor 10 having at least a pair of electrodes 2 and 3 positioned facing each other and a thermistor element 1 having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance which is positioned between the pair of electrodes 2 and 3, wherein the thermistor element 1 is a molded element consisting of a mixture which contains a polymer matrix and conductive particles having electronic conductivity, and wherein the thermistor element 1 has an amount of oxygen calculated by subtracting the amount of oxygen originally present in the various components of the mixture from the amount of oxygen contained in the thermistor element, which is 1.55 weight percent or less of the mass of the thermistor element.

Abstract: An electric PCB heating component for a heating electric component is coupleable to an electronic circuit board. The PCB heating component includes a fastening element, a heating element for generating thermal energy, and a heating body. The heating body emits thermal energy via a heat radiating surface. For a low cost PCB heating component, the heating element is a PTC heating element. A plurality of heating projections of the heating element cooperate to form a relatively large heat radiating surface such that thermal energy can be emitted in a substantially directional mode. The heating projections can be convection or radiation elements.

Abstract: A self-hold motor protector (10) has an open metallic housing (12) in which a thermostatic disc (14) carrying a movable electrical contact (18) is cantilever mounted. A heater seat plate (20) is mounted in the housing in electrical and thermal relationship therewith. The heater seat plate has a seating recess (20a) in which a positive temperature coefficient resistor heating element (22) is received with one contact surface in electrical and thermal engagement with the heater seat plate. A terminal plate (26) mounts a stationary electrical contact (28) and is received over the opening of the housing but electrically isolated therefrom by a gasket (24). An electrically conductive spring (30) extends between the terminal plate and a second contact surface of the heating element.

Abstract: A heating system includes a plurality of radiant heaters, a power source supplying electricity to the radiant heaters, and a transformer provided between the radiant heaters and the power source, wherein each of the radiant heaters includes a support plate substantially having a rectangular shape, a pair of connection terminals substantially perpendicularly extending, while having a space therebetween, from one surface of the support plate, and a strip-shaped heater element arranged between the pair of connection terminals and covering the one surface of the support plate, wherein voltage E between the pair of connection terminals is adjusted by the transformer so as to satisfy an inequality of 25 V?E?35 V, wherein a width W of the strip-shaped heater element is set so as to satisfy an inequality of 8.5 mm?W?11.7 mm, and a thickness t thereof is set so as to satisfy an inequality of 0.05 mm?t?0.

Abstract: A system for adjusting parameters of a temperature sensor for settling time reduction is disclosed. The system includes an input for receiving a signal for triggering an adjustment of one or more parameters associated with one or more portions of the temperature sensor. And, an adjuster that includes a current sourcing/sinking adjuster, a feedback loop current adjuster and a feedback loop resistance adjuster coupled to the input. The adjuster adjusts one or more voltages associated with one or more portions of the temperature sensor in response to a receipt of the signal for triggering an adjustment to achieve the settling time reduction.

Abstract: A control circuit includes a drive circuit which applies a drive voltage to a semiconductor device having an overheating protection function according to an externally supplied signal; and a current detecting circuit which outputs a detection signal when a drive current flowing through the semiconductor device exceeds a predetermined threshold current. The semiconductor device incorporates a semiconductor element, a temperature detecting circuit for detecting temperature increase of a chip, and an interrupting circuit for interrupting an input to the semiconductor element according to a detection output of the temperature detecting circuit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel active insulation device and method for thermally shielding an external body from temperature fluctuations of a contained body. The method comprising providing an active thermal insulation envelope between the contained body and the external body; regulating the heat transfer from the active thermal insulation envelope to the external body; and regulating the heat transfer from the contained body to the active thermal insulation envelope, thus maintaining the temperature of the external body at a constant temperature or within a narrow temperature range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pre-heater for vehicles comprising: A PTC element module including a positive terminal composed of two sheets, an upper sheet of which has a fastening hole and upward bended ribs formed at opposite edges of the fastening hole; a ring-shaped insert insulator inserted between the ribs; a PTC element inserted into an inside of the insert insulator, a bottom surface of which is in contact with a lower sheet of the positive terminal; one heat fin assembly closely fastened to one surface of the PTC element; another heat fin assembly fastened to the other surface of the PTC element through the medium of a positive terminal and an entire surface insulator; and a fastening insulator for binding together the two heat fin assemblies, the PTC element, the positive terminal and the entire surface insulator, and a heat fin assembly disposed parallel to the PTC element module; a negative terminal disposed parallel to the heat fin assembly; frames and respectively fastened to both ends of a combined body inclu

Abstract: A controller for an electric article includes a voltage-stabilizing circuit for supplying voltage stable DC power, a microprocessor, a temperature-detecting circuit, a protecting circuit, a control circuit, and a switch circuit. The temperature-detecting circuit includes several comparators commonly connected to a temperature range switch. The protecting circuit includes a comparator that detects a pre-set highest heating temperature and that is connected to the voltage stable DC power and a voltage-detecting circuit of the voltage stable DC power. The comparator of the protecting circuit is further connected to a voltage-dividing end of a thermistor connected to a temperature-detecting wire. The control circuit is connected to the microprocessor and an output of the comparator of the protecting circuit. The switch circuit is connected to an output of the voltage stable DC power and the control circuit, thereby controlling conduction or cutting off DC power supply to the electric article.

Abstract: PTC electrical heating devices are disclosed which are suitable to vaporize air treatment chemicals from an impregnated slab, such as insect repellents. In one form an electrical contact to a PTC heater element is provided with a bowl-shaped contact head to reduce the risk of edges of the contact cracking the heater element. In other forms peg and recess structures interact with apertures on a heat transfer plate to facilitate assembly of the parts of the structure.

Abstract: An electric heating module includes an electric heater (10), a heat pipe (20) having an evaporating section (22) thermally attached to the electric heater and a condensing section (24), and at least one heat radiator (30, 40) thermally attached to the condensing section. The electric heater includes a pair of electrode plates (12, 14) and a heating element (16) sandwiched between and electrically connecting the electrode plates. An insulation frame (19) encloses the electrode plates therein for electrically insulating the electric heater from the heat radiator. For the non-linear PTC heating element, the electric heater can rapidly heat up to and stay at a desired stable temperature. The heat pipe can transfer heat from the electric heater to the heat radiator rapidly and timely by phase change.

Abstract: An improved PTC device and method of manufacturing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device and method incorporates an improved metal-ceramic composite PTC material manufactured by: (a) heating a ceramic material to a sufficiently high temperature to induce the ceramic material's PTC properties; (b) grinding the ceramic PTC material into a powder; (c) mixing the ceramic PTC material powder with a metal material powder so as to produce a metal-ceramic composite material powder; and (d) sintering the composite material powder at a temperature between 600° and 950° C. In alternative embodiments, an improved multi-layer structure and method of manufacturing such a structure is disclosed. In various embodiments, a PTC device made in accordance with the improved multi-layer structure and method of manufacture may or may not incorporate the improved metal-ceramic composite PTC material disclosed herein, but may use conventional ceramic-based PTC materials.

Abstract: A control circuit includes a drive circuit which applies a drive voltage to a semiconductor device having an overheating protection function according to an externally supplied signal; and a current detecting circuit which outputs a detection signal when a drive current flowing through the semiconductor device exceeds a predetermined threshold current. The semiconductor device incorporates a semiconductor element, a temperature detecting circuit for detecting temperature increase of a chip, and an interrupting circuit for interrupting an input to the semiconductor element according to a detection output of the temperature detecting circuit.

Abstract: A controller adapted to control the temperature of a heating elements with a wide range of positive temperature coefficient of resistance, including very low values, using a sensor in line with the heating element. The controller is able to take account of non-constant mains power supplies and variation in the element resistance over time.

Abstract: A portable personal heating device including a heater and an optional heat suit is disclosed. The heater is adapted to be used with a removable heat source including a base to receive the heat source and a heat stack attached to the base. The heat suit is preferably a camouflaged poncho, which encompasses a user's body and the heater to keep warm and enhances the blending and camouflaging of the user relative to an environment. The personal heating device is simple, portable, lightweight and effective for outdoor recreations in winter.

Abstract: The invention provides polymeric PTC compositions and electrical PTC devices with a high voltage capability and improved electrical stability. The polymeric PTC compositions are readily blended and generally do not require cross-linking, particularly radiation induced cross-linking in order to manufacture useful products.