Abstract: A thermal testing control system for notebook computers, remotely controlled by a control means, is described. An enclosure can test notebook computers in its inner space under a predetermined temperature. A temperature sensor, mounted in the testing room is electrically connected to the control means. A blower is mounted in one opening, and electrically connected to the control means. If the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is higher than the predetermined temperature, the blower begins to operate.

Abstract: A fault sensing electrical wire (411) utilized one or more sensor strips (407) which provide an impedance change when the wire is subject to an overtemperature condition or mechanical damage of the wire. A control unit (402) measures the impedance of the sensor strips of the fault sensing wire and provides a control signal (405) to initiate an alarm or protective action based on the severity of the condition. The control unit (402) may monitor a number of fault sensing sires simultaneously or in sequence. The apparatus may be used to sense an electrical arc occurring in the insulation of the wire.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting the temperature of a burner for a cooking appliance without the use of a temperature sensor. The method includes the step of sensing the conduction state of a thermal switch and feeding back the sensed signal to control the duty-cycle (and thus “on” time) of bang-bang thermal limiting control. The power to the burner is reduced until the sensed duty-cycle (near 100%) cycling is reduced (lower frequency and amplitude) resulting in smoother power and temperature control. Preferably, the control system and method is implemented for controlling power applied to a burner for a glass-ceramic cooktop.

Abstract: An over-temperature safety device is provided. A slug of material fusible at a selected critical temperature is positioned on a heat conductive surface. A bolt is positioned through a hole in the slug. The bolt has a head which is smaller than the bolt hole. A plate overlays the heat conductive surface with the slug therebetween. The plate has a hole through which the bolt head may pass. The plate hole, bolt and slug hole are coaxial. A compression spring urges the plate and the conductive surface together with less pressure than required to cause the slug to flow at temperatures below the critical temperature. The bolt is connected to a switch by an extension spring urging the bolt to pass through the holes in the plate and slug. When the slug melts, the bolt passes through the holes in the plate and the slug and opens the switch.

Abstract: A fault sensing electrical wire (411) utilizes one or more sensor strips (407) which provide an impedance change when the wire is subject to an overtemperature condition or mechanical damage of the wire. A control unit (402) measures the impedance of the sensor strips of the fault sensing wire and provides a control signal (405) to initiate an alarm or protective action based on the severity of the condition. The control unit (402) may monitor a number of fault sensing wires simultaneously or in sequence. The apparatus may be used to sense an electrical arc occurring in the insulation of the wire.

Abstract: This invention is a method of determining set temperature trajectories for a heat treatment system that conducts a first heat treatment process and a second heat treatment process to an object to be processed. The method comprises the steps of: conducting the first heat treatment process to a first test object to be processed, by using a temporary first set temperature trajectory; measuring a result of the first heat treatment process produced on the first test object to be processed; and determining a first set temperature trajectory for the first heat treatment process by correcting the temporary first set temperature trajectory on the basis of the measured result of the first heat treatment process.

Abstract: A thermal assembly comprising at once a reading-writing-erasing capability. The present invention, accordingly, can realize important advantages of providing dual yet independent capabilities or functionalities for manifesting reading-writing-erasing on the nanometer scale. An illustrative such thermal assembly includes a thermal heater for writing on a media; a temperature sensor capable of monitoring thermal coupling between the sensor and the media; and, a heater element for heating the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A heater protective device of a cooling system includes a couple of thermostats and one thermal fuse. The thermostats are secured to opposing sides of one metal plate. When a temperature of each thermostat rises due to the heat conducted through the metal plate and substantially reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher, an internal connection of the thermostat is turned off, i.e., is opened. When the temperature of the thermostat decreases substantially below 40 degrees Celsius, the internal contact of the thermostat is turned on, i.e., is closed. The metal plate is secured to a heat receiving bracket that is secured to a heater cover and that is heated upon receiving radiated heat from the electric heater. A thermal fuse extends through the metal plate in a thickness direction of the metal plate and is secured thereto.

Abstract: In a fluid swivel with at least an outer housing and an inner housing, the temperature of both inner and outer housings are measured. When the temperature of the inner housing is greater than the temperature of the outer housing, a heating element elevates the temperature of the outer housing.

Abstract: An improved system and method for controlling the temperature of a resistance heater in a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (“HVAC”) system is disclosed. The control circuit and method includes three separate thermostats per heater leg and are designed to trip at three, sequential pre-selected temperatures to address certain issues associated with prior art designs for thermal overload protection. One of the thermostats is of an automatically resettable type wherein the remaining two are of a “one-shot” design and will remain open until there is human intervention.

Abstract: A heater protective device of a cooling system includes a couple of thermostats and one thermal fuse. The thermostats are secured to opposing sides of one metal plate. When a temperature of each thermostat rises due to the heat conducted through the metal plate and substantially reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher, an internal connection of the thermostat is turned off, i.e., is opened. When the temperature of the thermostat decreases substantially below 40 degrees Celsius, the internal contact of the thermostat is turned on, i.e., is closed. The metal plate is secured to a heat receiving bracket that is secured to a heater cover and that is heated upon receiving radiated heat from the electric heater. A thermal fuse extends through the metal plate in a thickness direction of the metal plate and is secured thereto.

Abstract: The temperature of a cooktop is controlled such that a maximum temperature of a cooktop reaches about a predetermined maximum temperature. The temperature is controlled by controlling power supplied to a radiant heating element positioned below the cooktop. The radiant heating element heats the cooktop. A user power input device allows a user to select a user power level corresponding to a desired temperature range for heating the cooktop. A temperature sensor is supplied that senses the temperature of the cooktop. A thermal limiter controller is connected to the radiant heating element, the user power input device and the temperature sensor. The thermal limiter controller determines a thermal limiting power level. The thermal limiter controller applies the smaller of the user power level and the thermal limiter power level to the radiant heating element.

Abstract: A heating treatment apparatus comprises a hot plate on which a substrate to be processed is to be mounted, a heater for heating the hot plate, a plurality of first sensors for detecting temperatures of a plurality of portions of the hot plate, respectively, a second sensor for detecting temperature of a representative portion of the hot plate, and a controller for controlling a heat generating operation of the heater on the basis of a plurality of first detection temperatures detected by the first sensors respectively and a second detection temperature detected by the second sensor, thereby controlling temperature of the hot plate.

Abstract: An electric heating grid extends from the middle of one side of the windshield, down that side to the bottom of the windshield, and from there across the bottom to the opposite side. The grid is operated by a control circuit having an on-off switch that is accessible to the vehicle operator. The control circuit includes a switch for sensing ambient outdoor temperature so as to allow the grid to be operated only when the outdoor temperature is below a threshold that distinguishes wintertime from non-wintertime conditions.

Abstract: A safety protection structure for aquarium heater, including an anti-corrosion tube body in which an insulative receptacle, an electric heater, a thermal control switch, an anti-oxidation heat conductive layer, a grounding mechanism and multiple water-sealing members are disposed. The safety protection structure serves to protect the heater from leakage of electricity, blowing up due to abruptly increasing temperature after separated from the water and burning of environmental articles by over-heated surface of the heater after separated from the water.

Abstract: A heater assembly for use with spas, hot tubs and the like, includes a control circuit which controls the application of electrical power to the heater. A control circuit controls application of power to the heater in response to a thermostat setting, the flow of water in the spa system and in response to a high limit temperature. When the high limit temperature is exceeded, electrical power to the heater is removed. Electrical power to the heater cannot be restored until power to the entire system is turned off and then back on. The control circuit is mounted on the heater and includes spring-loaded standoffs which maintain the temperature sensors in good thermal contact with the body of the heater.

Abstract: A switch which controls a heating element in terms of limiting its overheating and indicating both that the heating element is on and that it has a hot surface associated therewith is disclosed, particularly for use with range top cooking elements.

Abstract: A simple, low-cost, reliable thermoactuator device is described, being capable of taking a plurality of stable working position besides its rest position. One and the same body is associated with at least two thermoactuators whose arrangement is such as to make a movable actuation element capable of taking at least three stable working positions, which are obtained as a function of an electric signal to the supply terminals of either one or the other or both of the thermoactuators.

Abstract: A temperature regulating method of a humidifier regulates a temperature of water vapor ejected therefrom according to a surrounding temperature. A cool humidification mode is added to a humidification mode of the humidifier, and a temperature of a humidifying tub is detected upon being shifted into the cool humidification mode by a user. Thus, the detected temperature is compared with a temperature preset for performing the cool humidification mode to turn off the heater when the temperature of the humidifying tub is higher than the preset temperature and, turn on the heater otherwise, thereby regulating the temperature of the water vapor ejected from an ejecting slit of the humidifier according to the surrounding temperature thereof.

Abstract: A safety device associated with a heating element of a glass ceramic cooking hob and arranged to prevent overheating of the cooking hob, the element comprising an insulating body defining a seat containing at least one heat generator, the device comprising a measuring member arranged to measure the temperature of the heating element and to deactivate the operation of the heat generator whenever this temperature exceeds a predetermined value, the measuring member being associated externally with a side wall of the insulating body and having a measuring part connected to a body passing through said wall and projecting to a limited extent above the heat generator.

Abstract: A sauna heater control having a plurality of electrical heater elements for heating a sauna chamber, an alternating current heater power circuit, a half-wave rectifier for selective inclusion in the alternating current heater power circuit, a plurality of circuits for connecting the electrical heater elements and the half-wave rectifier in various conductive pathways in the alternating current heater power circuit, and a switch for switching the electrical heater elements and the half-wave rectifier between the various conductive pathways.

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: Apparatus for automatic cooking of a cooking object in a cooking apparatus, such as a microwave oven, in which a surface temperature of the cooking object is accurately detected for automatic cooking of the cooking object, is disclosed, including infrared radiation extracting part having an angle of view of a predetermined form toward one side of the turntable for extracting an infrared radiation radiated from a surface of a cooking object; and temperature detecting part having a window with an elliptical angle of view for reception of the infrared radiation for detection of a temperature of the surface of the cooking object.

Abstract: During a preheating period of a light beam heating apparatus for heating a material locally with a light beam, fans for cooling a lamp for generating a light beam are not operated. A power source supplies current to a lamp. A current detector detects the current supplied to the lamp from the power source. A delay circuit delays a current detection value from the current detector for a predetermined time period and then sends the value to a controller. Then, the controller starts to activate fans for cooling the lamp. Alternately, a temperature detector is provided to detect the temperature of the lamp. When the temperature reaches a prescribed temperature, the controller starts to activate fans for cooling the lamp. Thus, the internal temperature of the lamp reaches the thermal saturation temperature in a shorter period of time, and the optical energy for heating can be stabilized after preheating.

Abstract: In an automatic cooking controlling apparatus and method for a cooker, the apparatus includes a turntable installed within a chamber of the cooker for placing a to-be-cooked object thereon, an infrared filter for filtering only the infrared wavelength bands reflected from the to-be-cooked object, an infrared adjusting lens means for adjusting the wavelength filtered by the infrared filter, a magnetron for heating the to-be-cooked object, a driving motor for rotating the turntable, a thermopile sensor for detecting an infrared signal generated from the to-be-cooked object, a signal processor for processing the signal detected from the infrared sensor, and a controller for controlling the oscillation mode of the magnetron.

Abstract: A electrical heater device for heating the interior of an automobile including a housing that is mounted to an automobile heater core. The housing has a top plate with an interior surface, a bottom plate and a pair of side plates. The housing has a first electrical wire that is positioned on the interior surface and is capable of extending along one of the side plates. The housing has a second electrical wire that is in series within the housing and coupled with the first wire at a housing wire end. Included is a plurality of heating coils that are positioned along the second electrical wire. Also, included is a switch mechanism that has a knob and a contact casing with a contact wire end of the first wire therein. The casing has a third electrical wire with a switching end and is coupled to a battery of the automobile. The knob allows an electrical bridge to form for transmission of an electric current to pass into the wire for charging of the plurality of heating coils.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control circuit for an electric cooker. In the control circuit of the electric cooker, a voltage selection supply rectifies a selected voltage, and applies it to a voltage sensor. The voltage sensor compares the voltage from a power supply controller with a reference voltage from a time proportion temperature controller, and applies the result to a temperature controller. The temperature controller has a time controlling resistor. The time proportion temperature controller generates a time proportion control signal having a constant period, and applies the time proportion control signal to the power supply controller. Simultaneously, a switching mode temperature controller having a thermal sensor generates a heater control signal according to a heater temperature sensed by the thermal sensor, and the heater control signal to the power supply controller.

Abstract: A parallel, zone-type heating cable wherein thermally-controlled ferrite reed switches in each zone regulate current flow to heating elements aligned in parallel with each other. Two parallel conductors deliver current to the switches and the heating elements. A dielectric insulation material separates the conductors from each other and the heating elements. The heating cable may further include a component having a particular temperature coefficient of resistance aligned in parallel with the switch to further regulate current flow to a positive but lesser level when the switch is open.

Abstract: An external circuit that works in conjunction with the existing tank thermostatic controls to control both a water heating heat pump and the existing resistance elements in a water heater. The existing resistance elements are disabled to allow the heat pump to heat the water unless a large volume of hot water is quickly withdrawn whereupon the upper resistance element is re-enabled to heat the water for a faster recovery rate.

Abstract: A thermal protector (70, 70') is shown particularly suitable as a safety back-up mechanism for appliances having electrically energizable resistance heaters. The thermal protector has first (72, 72') and second (74, 74') electrically conductive housing members joined together through an electrically insulating gasket (76). A thermostatic snap acting disc (86) is cantilever mounted on one of the housing members and adapted to move between positions in and out of electrical engagement with the other housing member in dependence upon temperature. The snap acting disc (86) has an actuation temperature selected from approximately 70.degree. C. to 175.degree. C. and, for non-resettable applications, a reset temperature of -35.degree. C.

Abstract: A moisture sensor with two heatable concentric moisture electrodes and a temperature sensor detecting the electrode temperature is set into the roadway surface to be monitored. The moisture electrodes are heated by a heating current circuit. The heating current circuit is connected to a computer which has a store for storing device-specific parameters, desired values and a processing program. During each measuring cycle the computer processes the temperatures of the moisture electrodes measured by the temperature sensor and a signal which is representative of the surface moisture. A control signal is produced therefrom which heats the moisture electrodes. An alarm or switching signal is produced when the moisture electrodes have reached a temperature characteristic of the formation of ice and a conductivity indicative of moisture is present between the moisture electrodes.

Abstract: A heating unit (1) for a cooking point has an outer heater (3) and an inner heater (4) located concentrically for separately heating an associated surface area (13, 14) of the overall heating surface (2). The two heaters (3, 4) can be differently regulated such that supplied power is periodically switched over and distributed in very short, but variable time intervals in a continuously alternating manner to the two heaters (3, 4). Switching over takes place in the passage of the alternating current characteristic through the zero line. Thus, without influencing a clicking rate, there can be a random power distribution on at least two surface areas (13, 14) of the same heating surface (2) and a high efficiency with a relatively simple control (10).

Abstract: An air conditioner having a partition for partitioning the inside thereof into indoor and outdoor sections with an intake port. A damper is provided at the intake port so that an outdoor air introduction path of the outdoor section and an outdoor air discharge path are cut off when introducing outdoor air by opening the damper. Air the outdoor air introduction path is guided into the indoor section.

Abstract: A toast shade selector includes a rotatable shaft interposed between aligned openings in upstanding plates of a mounting bracket. A cam on the shaft is rotated in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction to regulate the toasting time intervals. A spring carried by the shaft biases the cam against an adjusting nut and also biases a portion of the shaft into one of the openings. Both the shaft and the cam are made from sheet metal.

Abstract: An external circuit that works in conjunction with the existing tank thermostatic controls to control both a water heating heat pump and the existing resistance elements in a water heater. The existing resistance elements are disabled to allow the heat pump to heat the water unless a large volume of hot water is quickly withdrawn whereupon the resistance elements are re-enabled to heat the water for a faster recovery rate.

Abstract: A blower motor speed control resistor array in which the resistor elements contain an electrically conductive plastic material which melts to limit the blower motor current in the event of an extreme temperature condition. The conductive plastic is insert molded on a terminal array to form a self-supporting structure adapted to be disposed in an air duct. Each resistor of the array is defined by a number of legs of electrically conductive plastic extending between a pair of parallel headers, in the manner of a picket fence.

Abstract: A control system for regulating electrical power input to the resistive heating elements of an electric heating apparatus, including domestic cooking appliances, is provided which employs at least one piezoceramic relay device. The electrical power is applied with the piezoceramic relay device responsive to control signals and with the control circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the power source. In one embodiment, the control system employs individual piezoceramic relay devices for power regulation to the individual heating elements while in different embodiments a single piezoceramic relay device regulates power input to a pair of the heating elements. A method of operating the controlled apparatus in such manner and an apparatus having such control system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A warming bowl for electrically heating lavage and irrigation liquid for use during medical-surgical procedures includes an electric heating device and an automatic thermostatic control to heat and maintain the liquid at a substantially constant temperature. The warming bowl is disposable after use and has an inner and an outer bowl sealed to one another so as to provide an internal sealed region therebetween for holding a battery to power the electric heating device. The inner bowl serves to hold irrigation liquid and supports therein a housing made of low-thermal-conductivity material that houses the electric heating device and the thermostatic control in spaced, substantially thermally isolated relation from one another. A metallic thermal shunt conductor is disposed along and in contact with a portion of the external periphery of the housing and extends over and across the space between the heating device and the thermostatic control.

Abstract: Circuit protection devices which comprise a PTC conductive polymer element and a second electrical component which is thermally coupled to the PTC element and which, when a fault causes the current in the circuit to become excessive, generates heat which is transferred to the PTC element, thus reducing the time taken to "trip" PTC element. The second component is for example a voltage-dependent resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element under the fault conditions and is thus protected from damage. Alternatively, the second component is a thick film resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element.

Abstract: Circuit protection devices which comprise a PTC conductive polymer element and a second electrical component which is thermally coupled to the PTC element and which, when a fault causes the current in the circuit to become excessive, generates heat which is transferred to the PTC element, thus reducing the time taken to "trip" the PTC element. The second component is for example a voltate-dependent resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element under the fault conditions and is thus protected from damage. Alternatively, the second component is a thick film resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electric sauna heater comprising one or more heating resistors (1, 2) and means (3, 4) such as a time switch (3) for controlling the supply of electric power to the heating resistors, the time switch (3) comprising at least three inputs (A, B, C) the first (A) of which is connected to a first time switch contact 3A), the second (B) to a second time switch contact (3B) and the third (C) to a first terminal in a driving motor (M) for the time switch while a second terminal is connected to a counter contact (b) in the second contact (3B). In the invention, in order that the time switch could therefore be connected to two different operating voltages, a resistor (R) is connected between the third input (C) of the time switch (3) and a counter contact (a) in the first contact (3A).

Abstract: For the purpose of effecting the thermal control of a heating apparatus the temperature is allowed to rise to a value lower than a predetermined maximum temperature (TM), whereupon, after stopping the heating, the temperature is allowed to rise through thermal inertia until the aforesaid maximum temperature (TM) is substantially reached, the difference (E) between said maximum temperature and the temperature (TC) at which heating is stopped being determined in dependence on the profile of the temperature rise curve during the heating period.Utilization in particular in cooking utensils.

Abstract: An apparatus for fusing toner images to suitable substrates or copy sheets of paper includes a self-learning heater that substantially prevents "droop" or drops from a desired setpoint in the fusing temperature of the apparatus. The heater itself has a variable temperature control setpoint, and is connected to means for monitoring temperature variations due to heat lost by the apparatus to the substrates or copy sheets, as well as, to means for varying the temperature control setpoint of the heater in direct response to such monitored temperature variations. The heater as such, is capable of substantially preventing significant variations in the fusing temperature of the apparatus by effectively replacing such heat loss by the fusing apparatus.

Abstract: A heating apparatus including a heating member for heating a subject, a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the subject an energizing control element that is electrically connected to the temperature detector so that current conduction to the heating member at a the time when the temperature detector is actuated to operate after the subject to be heated and a switch element for disconnecting the temperature detector to the energizing control element in response to the actuation of the energizing control element. The heating apparatus is appropriate for use in a vacuum coffee maker.

Abstract: In a circuit for detecting the heating chamber temperature in a microwave oven, a switching transistor is connected in series or parallel with a heating chamber temperature detecting thermistor. If and when the heating chamber temperature need not be detected, the switching transistor is turned on when the switching transistor and thermistor are connected in parallel and off when the switching transistor and thermistor are connected in series to consequently prevent corrosion of the terminals of such thermistor.

Abstract: A floating electric water heater for heating livestock watering tanks which maintains the watering tank substantially ice free during low temperatures, thereby providing access to water by a plurality of animals. More particularly, the heater includes a housing supporting an electric heating element for immersion in water to be heated and to a device in the housing for monitoring and regulating operation of the heating element. The device in the housing comprises a temperature responsive switch, which is located in the housing out of contact with the water, and a thermal conductor having both a first end affixed in a thermally conductive manner to a portion of the heating element immersible in the water and a second end affixed in a thermally conductive manner to the temperature responsive switch.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for minimizing delay in the operation of a safety device in a device for thermally fixing an image to a paper medium. A safety device, such as a thermostat, is set to deactivate a heater unit if the temperature of the heater unit exceeds a first temperature value. If the temperature of the thermal unit exceeds a second temperature value lower than the first temperature value, a heat exhausting device, such as a fan, is turned off. Shutting off the heat exhausting device stops cooling of the heater, thus decreasing the time elapsed before the safety device can detect the first temperature value.

Abstract: A power control switching arrangement for controlling energization of a load in response to an external controller, in which a first semiconductor switch is connected in parallel with the series combination of a first normally open thermally actuated switch and a second normally closed thermally actuated switch, to couple the power signal to the load. A first heater for the first thermal switch is connected in parallel with the load. A second heater for the second thermal switch is connected in series with a second semiconductor switch, across the power supply. The second semiconductor switch, when switched into conduction by the controller, enables energization of the second heater. To energize the load, the controller switches the first semiconductor switch into conduction enabling energization of the load and the first heater. Energization of the first heater closes the first thermally actuated switch, thereby shunting the first semiconductor switch.

Abstract: A two wire line voltage thermostat has first and second terminals for receiving line voltage power and for connection to a load, a transformer having a current primary winding, a voltage primary winding and a secondary winding, a primary controller connecting the current and voltage primary windings to the terminals, the controller having at least first and second states, the controller in the first state energizing both the current and voltage primary windings and in the second state energizing only the current primary winding, and a temperature responsive circuit connected to the secondary winding for controlling the controller between the first and second states in accordance with sensed temperature such that the load can be energized when the controller is in one of the states and can be deenergized when the controller is in the other of the states.

Abstract: An output controlling device for an electric cooker which fully utilizes the capacities of electric cooker parts when the electric cooker is used at an ordinary temperature and which improves the convenience of the electric cooker in use. The output controlling device controls the input power to the electric cooker to temporarily increase the input power and then return it to its normal value before the temperature of a part of the cooker reaches a maximum allowable temperature.