Abstract: A portable hair dryer (12) comprising a tubular housing (14) having an air inlet end (16) and an air outlet nozzle end (18). A foldable hollow pistol-type handle (20) is pivotally connected at pivot pin (22) to the tubular housing (14) adjacent the air inlet end (16). The handle (20) can pivot from an inoperative position parallel to the tubular housing (14) to an operative position perpendicular to the tubular housing (14). An electrically actuated air pump assembly (24) is in the tubular housing (14) to draw air in through the air inlet end (16) and out through the air outlet nozzle end (18). An electrical resistance heating element (26) is disposed within the tubular housing (14) between the air pump assembly (24) and the air outlet nozzle end (18), to heat the air passing through the tubular housing (14). A circuit (28) electrically connects the air pump assembly (24) and the heating element (26) with a source of electrical power through the handle (20).

Abstract: A steam sterilization apparatus (10) includes an electronic control system having a main control circuit (C) including a central processing unit (68), an input device (36), and output devices (24,28) provided on a single circuit board (22) which is attached to a front bezel (16) of the sterilizer (10). The sterilizer (10) includes a flash steam generator (56). The main control circuit (C) implements an over-temperature feedback circuit (160) that disconnects the heating elements (162) in the steam generator (56) from electrical power when an over-temperature condition is detected. Isolated feedback is provided to the central processing unit (68) confirming the heating element disconnection operation. The control system includes error switches (82, 86, 88) that detect various error conditions. Upon an error condition being detected, the steam supply to the steam sterilization chamber (12) and/or to the pressurized steam seal (42) of the apparatus (10) is halted.

Abstract: An oven with high power radiant cooking elements which are capable of operating at different intensities is disclosed for cooking food quickly with infrared radiation. The conduction of this infrared radiant energy varies substantially from food to food. Accordingly, the user of the oven must develop a unique data base or recipe for each food. A recipe consists of a number of stages each of which defines the output intensity of each cooking element for a period of time. A method is disclosed for the real time development of a recipe by varying the intensity of the cooking elements during the cooking cycle, optimizing the developed recipe to reduce the number of stages, storing the optimized recipe in memory and retrieving the optimized stored recipe for future use.

Abstract: Apparatus for control of cooking foods temperature by sensing their temperature with thermistors, which form part of a first electrical circuit that induces a magnetic flux in an electromagnet, a second electrical circuit that induces, in the electromagnet, a flux of opposite direction to the former, the resultant flux (larger flux minus smaller flux) generating a magnetic pull on the electromagnet's armature.The armature is linked to an on/off switch that forms part of a third electrical circuit that contains an alarm.Spring actuated forces on the armature oppose the magnetic pull. Increase in food temperature brings an increase of current intensity in the first circuit, which causes the magnetic pull to decrease.At the pre-selected controlled temperature of the food, the magnetic pull is slightly smaller than the opposed springs forces. At this point the armature separates from the core, putting the third circuit's switch on and activating the alarm.

Abstract: A cooktop service diagnostics method which is effected by a programmable controller system, wherein the programmable controller system: a) executes a routine upon receipt of a first specified pattern of input signals to the programmable controller: b) issues an activation audible signal to indicate receipt of the specified pattern of input signals; c) issues an activation visual signal to indicate receipt of the specified pattern of input signals; d) tests cooktop heating element drivers for malfunction conditions; e) tests cooktop controller input drivers for malfunction conditions; f) issues a malfunction visual signal to indicate the existence and type of any malfunction condition; g) terminates the routine upon the receipt of a second specified pattern of input signals to the programmable controller; h) issues a deactivation visual signal to indicate termination of the routine; and i) issues a deactivation audible signal to indicate termination of the routine.

Abstract: An appliance safety alarm including a first sensing circuit for detecting operation of the appliance, a second sensing circuit for detecting when an access cover, such as a dryer door or washer lid, is in the open condition, and a control circuit having first and second inputs in connection with the first and second sensing circuits and having an output controlling an audible alerting device. The control circuit is constructed in a manner to provide an activation signal to the audible alerting device when the access cover is opened while the appliance is in operation and when the access cover remains open for more than a predetermined period when the appliance is not in operation.

Abstract: A heating apparatus such as a microwave oven includes a magnetron and a heating chamber for accommodating food to be heated by microwaves generated by the magnetron. The heating chamber has a front opening opened and closed by a door. An operation panel is mounted to be adjacent to the door. The operation panel includes a panel section and an operation section mounted on the panel section and has a function of displaying a plurality of pieces of cooking information. The operation section includes a liquid crystal element subsection including a nematic curvilinear aligned phase (NCAP) liquid crystal permitting light to pass through it when voltage is applied to it, an indicia subsection laid on the liquid crystal element subsection and having a plurality of indicias corresponding to the pieces of cooking information, respectively, and a switch subsection including a plurality of switches corresponding to the indicias of the indicia subsection, respectively.

Abstract: A temperature control heater with sink type glass tube liquid crystal (LCD) display, especially relates to a temperature control heater having a structure for display the temperature precisely, the mainly structure thereof is comprised of a single opening tube, and a liquid crystal (LCD) display temperature control circuit board and a heating coil set is arranged with said tube, finally a plug and a cover are used to tightly seal the tube.

Abstract: An improved self-regulating pipe heating cable assembly that includes a self-regulating cable having a temperature-sensitive conducting layer between a pair of busses and a plug coupled to a first end of the self-regulating cable for supplying electricity thereto. The improved self-regulating pipe heating cable assembly includes an indicator coupled to the self-regulating cable at a location other than where the plug is connected. The indicator is responsive to the supply of electricity to the self-regulating cable so that proper operation of the self-regulating heating cable assembly can be determined.

Abstract: An arrangement displays information and operating states on an apparatus such as a cooking apparatus having a plate made of glass and/or glass ceramic and defining a lower surface and a transparent upper surface area where the information is viewed by an operator. The arrangement includes an attachment member; an adhesive for fixedly mounting the attachment member to the lower surface; a display device for generating a light display of the information and operating states below the plate to permit an operator to view the information and operating states through the plate by looking at the upper surface thereof; and, a connecting device for connecting the display device to the attachment member.

Abstract: An appliance capable of being operated in compliance with the Orthodox Jew requirement that no work shall be done on the Sabbath. The applicance has a control system that monitors and controls all of the components of the applicance. The control system can be activated so that it prevents all visual displays and audible alarms from being actuated by the user during the Sabbath. The control system also prevents any actions of the user from causing the machine to do work.

Abstract: An improved toaster includes a user control panel for receiving and displaying user selections corresponding to a desired toast darkness setting. A toaster shade display displays a user selected toast darkness setting and includes a linear array of LEDs (LED bar), horizontally arranged on an exterior portion of the toaster body. The LEDs are sequentially turned on and off to indicate the user selected toast darkness setting, lighter or darker toast. The user control panel also contains preprogrammed custom settings for one-slice, two-slice, bagel, defrost and reheat mode of operation. A user can select a custom setting or any combination of custom settings thereof.

Abstract: A heater, especially a portable electric space heater, that includes safety features selected from at least one of the following, which may turn off the heater or trigger an alarm or both: motion sensors for determining whether an object is within an unsafe distance of the heater; temperature sensors for determining whether the internal temperature of the heater is rising too fast, or is too much above ambient temperature so that it represents an unsafe condition, or is above a preset safe level.

Abstract: An optimum fuzzy method applies a genetic algorithm to a fuzzy function which determines on the amount of rice and resolves switching patterns of a heater in a cooking cycle. The optimum fuzzy method controls a rice cooker by controlling the on/off times of its heater by the use of a fuzzy function in a cooking operation.

Abstract: An electric kettle has a body (10) a flat heating element (16), a thermal sensor (32) located with its bimetallic part 34 located in a steam chamber (20) and its electrical parts (36, 38) located in a dry chamber sealed from the steam chamber by a canopy (30), and first and second chimneys (40, 42) below the steam chamber (20) and the dry chamber respectively and having their lower ends connected to a base enclosure (44) below the heating element, the enclosure (44) having apertures (48) on the opposite side of the kettle to the chimneys.

Abstract: An appliance control circuit comprising dual processor control for enhanced control operation and agency safety redundancy. A first processor is disposed in operative communication with operator control switches for primarily controlling the supply of power for principal appliance functions. A second processor is in operative communication with the first processor and disposed for primarily monitoring appliance safety detection circuits and for controlling agency circuitry redundancy through a second switch in series with the first switch. The first and second switches comprise agency circuitry for enabling said supply of power when said first switch is directly enabled by the first processor and the second switch is directly enabled by the second processor for safety redundancy of said power supply.

Abstract: A nondestructive product level calibration method which is based on reflectance of intensity of UV and visible light that is measured from the top surface of a semiconductor wafer in a RTP closed loop process control environment in which the temperature of the wafer is regulated as a function of reflectivity of radiation at a preselected wavelength from the top surface of the wafer. In the method, sheet resistance of the wafer is measured as a function of the intensity of the UV and IR light directed at the wafer over a predetermined temperature and time range. Then, the reflectance intensity off wafer is measured to develop a model of the top surface. The reflectance model will indicate a wavelength where the reflectance is the greatest. Next, the wafer is subjected to UV radiation at the most sensitive wavelength and the reflectance is plotted against intensity of heat treatment.

Abstract: A method for displaying preheat or oven thermal conditioning times in a countdown timer for both thermal and thermal convection ovens is provided. The method has the steps of providing an oven having an oven cavity, a heating element, a control panel for inputting cooking parameters, and controls connected to the heating element for operating the oven; selecting a preheat temperature using the input control panel, providing a preheat time by using the control system; determining if the oven cavity is pre-conditioned; executing a preheat cycle when the oven is not pre-conditioned; displaying the preheat time in a decrementing manner using the display; and ending the preheat cycle when the decrementing preheat time equals zero. An oven having an improved preheat system is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ice and snow melting system including at least one sensor for sensing a temperature or moisture associated with an ambient environment, and a heater for melting the ice and snow. An automatic controller is connected to each of the heater and the sensor. The controller selectively controls operation of the heater, and includes a remote control interface which is either integral or connected therewith. A remote control is connected to the remote control interface of the controller via two conductors. The remote control is configured to receive a signal from and transmit a signal to the controller. The received signal is indicative of a status indicator associated with the heater and/or controller, and the transmitted signal is used by the controller for the controlled operation of the heater.

Abstract: A method for converting standard conventional oven cook times and temperatures to convection oven cook times and temperatures to operate a thermal convection oven is provided. The method has the steps of providing a thermal convection oven having an oven cavity, a heating element, a control panel for inputting cooking parameters, a converter for converting a standard conventional oven cook time and temperature to a convection oven cook time and temperature, the converter being connected to the input control panel, and having controls connected to the converter and also connected to the heating element for operating the thermal convection oven.

Abstract: A device for heating the water in an aquarium comprises a casing, and housed in the casing, at least one heater element, a thermostat, an electrical circuit by way of which the heater element and thermostat are wired in series to an external power supply, and a control facility for regulating the heater element, which is connected to the thermostat and can be activated from externally of the device; the operation of the heater element is indicated by a lamp. The casing affords at least one internal cavity consisting in a tubular glass wall around which the heater element is wrapped, and having open ends so that the water can pass through.

Abstract: A safety device for irons used for models includes a control electrical circuit board accommodated within an iron and mounted with a temperature setting knob controllable by a variable resistor, a central processing unit, an output control device, a heater, a sensor, and an indicator having three light emitting diodes of three different colors. When power is on, the central processing unit will examine the control circuit to ensure that the iron is in a normal state before causing the iron to be heated to a set temperature. The central processing unit will keep on checking the control circuit and, once the temperature of the iron is sensed to be unstable or abnormal, the light emitting diodes will indicate trouble and power will be cut off to protect the control circuit board.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a microwave oven chamber in which food is cooked, an input unit for selecting modes of operation and other options, a control unit for driving the microwave oven by a driving signal input from the input unit, an oscillator for generating microwave in the chamber according to the driving signal from the control unit, a sensor unit for detecting a level of vapor generated from the food being cooked and outputting a detection voltage signal corresponding to the detection, and an indicator unit for continuously indicating the cooking state of the food according to the detection voltage signal as the cooking state progresses.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a control panel having switches enabling a user to input cooking functions, and a display for displaying data representative of input functions. A transparent display protector overlies the display and is displaceable inwardly toward the display to actuate some of the switches, including an on-off switch. Sections of the protector are movable inwardly relative to one another to actuate respective switches. Springs yieldably bias the protector away from the display.

Abstract: A method and an electronic control unit for determining and optionally displaying the remaining time in a treatment program in a household appliance include superposing an initializing test program segment on the treatment programs in order to determine an "installed heating capacity" parameter that determines a gradient. To that end, a defined quantity of the medium is heated with an electrical heater for a predetermined period of time. The "installed heating capacity" parameter and/or a comparison value corresponding to its magnitude is calculated from the attained temperature increase, the defined quantity of the medium and the known period of time and is stored as an operand in a nonvolatile memory for later remaining-time determinations.

Abstract: A multiprobe diagnostic system for a cooking appliance using one or more heating elements, one or more error-detecting temperature sensors located near the heating element(s), one or more control temperature sensors spaced away from the error-detecting temperature sensors, and a microcomputer program for identifying and setting error conditions in the appliance based on comparisons in temperature and temperature differentials in the appliance with minimum and maximum predetermined or learned values. Other devices, such as current sensors, are used in conjunction with temperature sensors to augment the diagnostic information obtained from the temperature sensors.

Abstract: An output power regulating device for a radiant heating arrangement (2) having a temperature sensor (3) for detecting the temperature of the cooking surface (1), and a preselector (4), is to be so designed that it only supplies the required amount of energy to the radiant heating arrangement (2) in dependence on the thermal loading. For that purpose a microcontroller (10) cyclically detects the variation in respect of time of the actual temperature and the deviation thereof from the reference value. A memory (12) contains a value matrix for the possible pairs in respect of the variation and the deviation in the actual temperature. The microcontroller (10) takes the appropriate regulating value from the value matrix and with that value controls the radiant heating arrangement (2).

Abstract: The control arrangement for cooking devices with an embedded control for regulating cooking process whose various parameters can be set by actuating elements at the cooking device is characterized by an external programming unit comprising a hand programming device for setting and storing, independently from the embedded control of the respective cooking devices, different cooking programs, diagnostic programs and user functions which can be called, checked and changed optionally and for transmitting such programs to every embedded control of every optional cooking device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ice and snow melting system. At least one sensor is provided, with each sensor being configured for sensing a temperature or moisture associated with an ambient environment and providing a signal indicative thereof. A heater for melting the ice and snow includes at least two electrical conductors associated therewith. An automatic controller is connected to the at least one sensor, and includes a ground fault circuit interrupter in communication with at least two of the electrical conductors associated with the heater. The ground fault circuit interrupter detects a ground fault condition associated with the heater and provides a signal indicative thereof. The controller selectively controls operation of the heater dependent upon the sensor signal and/or the ground fault circuit interrupter signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to an encoder key input device in which the number of ports of microcomputer for encoder circuit having key matrix input and encoder key input in common includes a microcomputer for generating first and second scanning signal, a key matrix circuit for outputting the key signal scanned by the first scanning signal generated from the microcomputer to the microcomputer, and an encoder circuit for outputting the encoder signal scanned by the second scanning signal to the microcomputer via key matrix circuit.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a vending machine has one or more programmable cook cycles for use with one or more heat sources in cooking a food package to be dispensed to the customer. In one embodiment of this invention, each cook cycle includes a start time and a duration. Each cook cycle is associated with a heat source and a product code indicating the type of food to be cooked. Initially, cook cycles are copied into a random access memory from default cook cycles hard coded in the software program code and stored in electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) of the vending machine controller. The cook cycles in RAM can be over written by an operator for the various type of foods to be cooked. The cook cycles in RAM are used by the vending machine to automatically cook a food product selected by a customer, without any further inputs.

Abstract: A heater controlling unit used in a heat fusing device of an image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine, comprises a temperature detecting unit for outputting a detected temperature, a temperature change rate computing unit for computing the surface temperature of a heat fusing roller using the output of the temperature detecting unit, and an on-time computing and controlling unit for computing a heater on-time within a predetermined period by means of a fuzzy neural network using the above temperature and a temperature change rate found by the temperature-change rate computing unit, a heater controlling circuit for controlling the on/off action of the heater, a predictive computing unit for predicting the surface temperature, and a comparing and adjusting unit for comparing the actual temperature with the predicted temperature, and, when the difference is greater than a predetermined value (e.g., .+-.5.degree. C.), for adjusting the weights of the links within the network.

Abstract: An alternator power-supply type electric heating control apparatus, comprising (1) a switch for switching an output of an alternator including a field coil, a stator coil, and a rectifier to a first state where the output is connected to a battery and vehicle-mounted electrical load side or a second state where the output is connected to an object to be heated which is heated by current conduction; (2) a controller which performs an output control of the alternator by a duty control of a field current that is supplied to the field coil, performs the switching of the switch, detects a failed state, and causes a display unit to display the failed state to warn a driver; and (3) an object to be heated voltage control unit for controlling the duty control of the field current by a rectification wave of one phase of an output voltage of the alternator, rectified by the rectifier, so that a voltage of the object to be heated does not exceed a predetermined value.

Abstract: A temperature controlling device for controlling the temperature of a heating member of a fixing unit of an image forming apparatus, the heating member being heated by a heater to perform a fixing operation at a predetermined fixing temperature, the temperature controlling device is provided with a controller which is operable to control the heater to selectively keep the temperature of the heating member at a first energy saving temperature smaller than the fixing temperature and a second energy saving temperature smaller than the first energy saving temperature when the fixing operation is suspended.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for shutting off a unit having a manually operated power interruption switch or fuel supply valve upon detecting a predetermined condition where the condition is detected remotely from the location of the switch or valve. The sensor for detecting the predetermined condition communicates with a receiver that contacts an actuator for opening the interrupt switch or closing the fuel supply valve without an interconnecting electrical wire.

Abstract: An automatic burner assembly is disclosed, which assembly is adapted to be automatically and selectively actuatable upon the placement of a given vessel thereon or in close proximity thereto, this assembly comprising a heating element operably coupled to a sensor assembly, where this assembly is capable of detecting the presence of a given vessel on or proximate to the heating element.

Abstract: In an engine exhaust system including a DC power source, an apparatus and method for electrically heating a catalyst, the apparatus comprising a multi-phase AC alternator in electrically operable relation to the DC power source, the AC alternator rectifying the AC to DC by a diode rectifier bridge. A device for switching power supplied from the multi-phase AC alternator to the battery to the electrically heated catalyst, the relay device in electrically operable relation with the multi-phase AC alternator. An electrically heated catalyst in electrically operable relation with the switching device is also provided, the catalytic converter including a catalyst for purifying exhaust gases of the engine and a heating element for bringing the catalytic converter expediently within peak operating temperature. The invention further includes a device for energizing and de-energizing the switching device, the energizing and de-energizing device in electrically operable relation with the switching device.

Abstract: A snow and ice melt control system is provided to melt snow and ice from a slab, a temperature sensor means are provided at the input and output from the slab, and a differential temperature is generated reflecting the condition of the slab in respect to the ambient temperature. A controller is provided to adjust the amount of heat and heated fluid flowing to the slab to actively respond to environmental conditions to more efficiently melt snow and ice on the slab.

Abstract: A device for induction heating of meal trays includes an arrangement for supporting a series of trays one above the other. The foods to be heated are placed on a part of the tray that may include a layer of material that can be heated by magnetic induction and under an insulative dish-cover covered on the inside with a layer of material that can be heated by magnetic induction. Induction shelves are inserted between the trays and comprise groups of induction coils. The groups of induction coils are energized separately with high-frequency electrical energy by a multiplexed electrical generator. A detector detects the presence or the absence of the dish-covers. A control unit disables the energization of groups of induction coils near an area in which there is no dish-cover. The device adapts automatically to the presence or the absence of trays and/or dish-covers, optimizing efficiency and minimizing the generation of electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method of butt-welding two plastic parts each equipped with an identifying code, using an automatically controlled electro-welding machine. A device for performing a welding program is associated with said machine, said program being implemented as a function of the data contained within the identification codes. The data are defined on the basis of a welding law or standard to be applied as a function of various values for parameters relating at least to the thickness and diameter (or cross section) of the part considered at its abutment end, to the temperatures, lengths of time and welding pressure to be employed, the type of material constituting the part and the index or range of indices of fluidity of said material therefore defining the dynamic viscosity so that it would be possible to butt-weld tube parts if the codes of the parts are recognized as being compatible per se.

Abstract: A nondestructive product level calibration method which is based on reflectance of intensity of UV and visible light that is measured from the top surface of a semiconductor wafer in a RTP closed loop process control environment in which the temperature of the wafer is regulated as a function of reflectivity of radiation at a preselected wavelength from the top surface of the wafer. In the method, sheet resistance of the wafer is measured as a function of the intensity of the UV and IR light directed at the wafer over a predetermined temperature and time range. Then, the reflectance intensity off wafer is measured to develop a model of the top surface. The reflectance model will indicate a wavelength where the reflectance is the greatest. Next, the wafer is subjected to UV radiation at the most sensitive wavelength and the reflectance is plotted against intensity of heat treatment.

Abstract: A control system for a microwave oven having a magnetron unit and method of making the same are provided, the system being adapted to interconnect a power source to the magnetron unit to operate the same, the system comprising a display control module, a power module, and an electrical circuit interconnecting the modules together, each module comprising a microprocessor.

Abstract: An automatic rice cooking apparatus including a rice washing section supplied with a predetermined amount of rice from a rice box via a measuring cup and adapted to wash the rice by a water supplied at a uniform water pressure and a rice cooker adapted to receive the washed rice and a water for boiling the rice controlled in quantity by a water supply time and achieve a cooking operation and a warmth-keeping operation. The apparatus includes a control circuit capable of automatically achieving all rice cooking procedures of measuring the amount of rice to be cooked, washing the rice, adjusting the quantity of water for boiling the rice, cooking the rice and keeping the cooked rice warm in accordance with a selected specification of a user. The control circuit also informs various operation states of the apparatus so that the user uses the apparatus conveniently and simply.

Abstract: An injection molding heater system for heating molding resins or plastics includes a plurality of heaters for heating resin wherein each of the heaters is positioned adjacent a nozzle or manifold. The system also includes an electrical circuit which is connected with the heaters and carries electricity from a power source to each of the heaters in order to energize the heaters. A plurality of circuit breaking devices are incorporated in the circuit for discontinuing the flow of electricity through each of the electrical circuits for preventing circuit damage in case of overcurrent, surges or the like. At least one circuit breaker is positioned in each of the electrical circuits between the power source and each of the heaters.

Abstract: A multipurpose electronic cooker control circuit including a rectifier filter circuit, an electronic switch for the ON/OFF control of an electric heater, a comparator circuit for temperature control, a single chip main control unit, a time and temperature display unit, a keyboard control circuit, and a buzzer, wherein the output terminal of the rectifier filter circuit is respectively connected to the input terminals of the electronic switch, the comparator circuit, the single chip main control unit, the time and temperature display unit, the keyboard control circuit and the buzzer; the output terminal of the single chip main control unit is respectively connected to the input terminals of the electronic switch, the comparator circuit, the time and temperature display unit and the buzzer; the output terminal of the comparator circuit is connected to the input terminal of the single chip main control unit; the output terminal of the keyboard control circuit is connected to the input terminal of the single chip

Abstract: A de-labeler made with easily available structural elements which cooperate to remove a normally non-removable label from a labeled surface of a casing for magnetic media, film, and the like, without using a solvent of any kind. The labeled surface is heated just enough to cause desired viscous deformation of a thin layer of adhesive, or a sufficient decrease of viscosity to loosen the label and enable it to be manually removed, preferably by adhesive failure of the thin adhesive layer. A typical pressure sensitive adhesive ("PSA") is heated to a temperature in the range from 32.degree. C.-65.degree. C., for an interval of time in the range from 5 to 30 seconds, in inverse relationship to the temperature at which the labeled surface is heated. The label is manually peeled away from the surface with a force in the range from 0.5 lb-force to about 10 lb-force, without distorting or otherwise damaging either the casing or the magnetic recording medium encased therein.

Abstract: A spa control circuit is provided for regulating a water circulation and heating system in a spa or hot tub or the like. The control circuit comprises a thermostat circuit and a high temperature limit circuit, both of which receive a temperature signal from a common temperature sensor. A safety circuit responds to sensor failure to prevent operation of the circulation/heating system. A latching relay ensures system reset in the same operational state following a power outage. An arc suppression circuit substantially prevents arc damage to relay contacts subjected to frequent opening and closing in response to on-off cycling of the thermostat circuit. In a preferred form, the control circuit components are mounted within a compact housing having a heat transfer member in heat exchange relation with circulating spa water, whereby the spa water is used to prevent overheating of the control circuit components.

Abstract: A deep fat fryer includes a controller operatively connected to a heating element for controlling the operation thereof to apply heat to a cooking chamber. A temperature sensor is disposed in the cooking chamber for measuring the temperature in the cooking chamber and communicating the same to the controller. The controller selectively operates the heating means to apply heat to the cooking chamber. Utilizing the output of the temperature sensor, the controller automatically determines whether the medium contained in the cooking chamber is water, liquid shortening or solid shortening or whether the cooking chamber is empty.

Abstract: Cooking device which requires a lesser amount of data for preparation of a menu necessary to be pre-memorized and which can use a memory having a small capacity. The cooking device (breadmaking device) is provided with a transformation means which transforms a menu number set by a menu set means to the binary digit data having a fixed bit length, and a control data preparation means in which a cord which is able to show the transformed binary digit data by a fixed bit number when the above binary digit data is divided to each fixed bit number, is allowed to correspond to a parameter level of a step control variable, and the above data is read out from the data table which memorizes the data of each step corresponding to the above parameter level based upon the above code and transforms the above read-out data to the control data.

Abstract: A control unit for controlling the temperature of a domestic water supply, comprising a temperature sensor for inserting into a water tank so as to produce a sensor signal representative of actual water temperature in a region of the temperature sensor and an electrical immersion heater for inserting into the water tank and energized by a source of electrical power. A setting device is adjusted by a user for setting a desired water temperature and producing a corresponding set signal, and a controllable switch is connected between the source of electrical power and the electrical immersion heater, and is responsive to the sensor signal and to the set signal for closing if the actual water temperature is lower than the desired water temperature and for opening if the actual water temperature is greater than the desired water temperature.