Abstract: A domestic range of the electric type includes a cooking platform providing a plurality of "burner" locations constituted by pancake-shaped surface heating elements formed of spirally wound resistance wire. An elongated boxlike control unit extends upwardly from and across the back edge of the cooking platform. An oven chamber of the pyrolytic self-cleaning type is located below the range platform and includes radiant-type heating elements also formed of resistance wire. A heat-sink-mounted electronic module located within the control unit is protected from damaging high temperatures caused by improper operation of the range by a pair of normally closed temperature-sensitive bimetal actuated switches mounted to the module heat sink, the switches being connected in electrical series relationship between the heating elements and their electrical power source.

Abstract: A glass ceramic hob electric cooker is provided on each of the radiant heaters thereof with a temperature responsive element such as a bi-metallic switch or a thermistor, which element is arranged adjacent to or within an opening which communicates with an enclosed chamber formed between the heater and the underside of the glass ceramic cooking surface. When the heating element of the heater is energized, hot air issues from the opening and impinges on the temperature responsive element thus heating said element. A warning lamp is connected with the temperature responsive element to indicate when said element and thus the glass ceramic cooking surface is at or above a safe touching temperature of 50.degree. to 60.degree. C.

Abstract: An electric hot plate has an overheating safety switch having a steatite housing which is inserted into the lower sheet cover plate of the hot plate and is supported with two feet on the lower side of the heating elements of the hot plate. A bimetallic member is positioned parallel between these feet which acts on a snap switch positioned in the steatite housing via a transmission rod. The transmission rod is continuously pressed against the snap switch by a plate spring and a guide on the snap switch. As a result of this, it is fixed precisely in its position. The overheating safety switch simultaneously forms the lead-through passages for the electric hot plate connections.

Abstract: A heater unit is provided for activating a heat sensitive adhesive binder system. The unit has simplified control and indicator means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the heating of toast in a toaster oven broiler. The adjustment shaft for the thermostat which controls the baking and broiling modes receives a circular dial having toast color indications thereon corresponding to light, medium and dark toast colors. The dial is rotatable on the thermostat shaft under the control of a bimetal strip which responds to temperature changes in the oven cavity. As the oven temperature increases during each successive toasting cycle, the dial rotates and at the end of the cycle indicates the thermostat setting that will achieve the desired toast color for the next toasting cycle.

Abstract: A temperature control arrangement for an electrical appliance comprises means for the attachment of the arrangement to the appliance and for the connection of the arrangement to an electricity supply whereby the appliance is supplied with electricity via the arrangement. A thermostat arrangement is provided in the arrangement and comprises a switch operable by a heat sensitive actuator. Heat transfer means are also provided whereby when the arrangement is connected to said appliance transfer of heat can take place from the appliance to the actuator so that, in use, on attainment of a predetermined temperature the actuator acts to operate the switch and affect the supply of electricity received by the appliance.

Abstract: An immersible heater for an aquarium includes a waterproof, heat-resisting, flat plastic case which is tripartitioned in its interior, one chamber holding a flat coil carrier bonded or welded to the case; an upper chamber contains a leaf spring actuated by a bimetallic element; these chambers are separated by a thermally isolating chamber. The bias of the bimetallic actuator is adjusted by a sealed feedthrough screw. Current flow through the heating coil is indicated by a lamp covered with a thinner wall portion of the case. The front of the case carries heat-dissipating and -stiffening ribs; the rear of the case carries suction cups.

Abstract: The temperature of an electrically heated element is controlled by applying a current until the element reaches a threshold temperature, preferably determined by the expanded length of the elements, and then applying a predetermined voltage-current condition for a selected period of time. This is followed by repeated applications of such voltage-current conditions in response to the cooling of the heating element back to the threshold temperature.

Abstract: An electric kettle having a metal sheathed element 20 permanently mounted on a metal head 22 so as to produce a hot spot 29 and the switching means comprising a dry overload responsive actuating mechanism 14 responsive to overheating of the hot spot to open switch contacts 71, 72 mounted on an electrical insulating mounting 61, which supports a movable thrust member 74 which extends from the contacts through a way within the mounting to a steam responsive actuating mechanism 18 for actuation by the latter, and the mechanisms 14 and 18 are preferably assembled on the mounting 61 to form a pretestable assembly in which the contacts are disposed in a chamber 75 within the assembly.

Abstract: A thermally-responsive electrical control for an electric heater of a water boiling container includes a switch-on-dry protector switch unit electrically connected with the cold leads of the heater and having a thermally sensitive switch means effective, in use, to interrupt the electrical supply to the heater should the element overheat through being switched-on when the container is dry. A removable steam-sensitive unit is mounted on the protector switch unit and includes an overcenter spring mechanism and a thermally-responsive actuator for the mechanism. The actuator of the said steam sensitive unit is arranged to impinged by vapor or steam issuing from the outlet of a passage leading to the interior of the container, and the electrical parts of the control are shielded from such vapor or steam.

Abstract: A cartridge-type electric immersion heating element having an integrally contained, self-limiting thermostatic control included in its electrical circuit includes an electric resistance heating element embedded in compacted powdered insulating material partially filling a tubular metallic sheath open at one end. A preset thermostat is located within a thermostat sleeve positioned in close proximity with the sheath wall and has an end embedded in the insulating material. The thermostat is connected in series circuit with the heating element and the ends of power supply leads enter the sheath through the open end thereof. A body of potting compound, such as epoxy resin, completely fills the remainder of the sheath, seals the open end thereof and encapsulates the other end of the sleeve and the power supply lead ends whereby the sleeve and thermostat are securely held in position in the sheath.

Abstract: An electrically heated container for boiling liquids is provided with a thermally sensitive electrical control including a switch-on-dry protector switch unit directly connected with the cold leads of an electric heating element located externally of the container and in contact with the bottom wall thereof. The protector switch unit includes a thermally sensitive switch means enclosed in a protective housing having projecting terminal pins engageable by a female socket connector. The protector switch unit is mounted on a thermally conductive mounting plate located externally of the container and in contact with the heating element. The plate is enclosed by a detachable base member on the container. A steam-sensitive switch unit is mounted on the protector switch unit and includes a thermally sensitive element arranged to be impinged by steam produced by liquid boiling in the container and mechanically coupled to the switch means of the protector switch unit for deenergizing the heating element.

Abstract: The invention relates to electric heater units for "smooth top" cookers which employ two or more heater elements in the same unit. It is directed particularly at the problem of monitoring the temperature of the unit and/or the "smooth top" thereover to protect against overheating. It is known to use a thermal cut-out device extending over the heater unit where a single element is used, but design problems develop when two or more elements are employed in the same unit, of which at least one element is independently energizable. According to the invention an elongate thermal cut-out device (10) extends across said one element (10) but is thermally isolated from the other element or elements. Thus, the device operates only in response to the one element.

Abstract: A glass ceramic cooking appliance having at least two separately switchable or combined switchable heating elements has a thermal cutout preventing overheating of the glass ceramic surface. A single temperature sensor acts on the thermal cutout and the sensor is subject to the influence of all the heating means elements. To ensure that the operating temperature of the glass ceramic hotplate is as close as possible to the permitted permanent operating temperature, the cutout operating temperature is detuned as a function of the nature and number of heating elements switched on in order to compensate for different thermal influences.The temperature sensor can be an expansion sensor acting on a plurality of switches with different operating temperatures. Upon operating the heating elements a different switch is connected in series in each case to the individual heating elements.

Abstract: A thermal device for controlling the temperature of glow plugs in a diesel engine in which current is applied to the glow plugs from the battery through a relay, the relay in turn being actuated by a thermally controlled switch controlled by a heater. The heater applies heat to the thermal-sensitive switch. The relay also controls current through the heater so that the heater cycles in unison with the glow plugs. The thermally-operated switch includes a bimetallic element which is heated by the heater. The bimetallic element is mounted in the engine block so as to be subject to the same ambient temperature conditions as the glow plugs. A thermal timer responsive to the same ambient temperature conditions includes a resistance heater element energized from the alternator. The thermal timer switch de-energizes the relay when heated to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A thermostatic control for electric cables used on overhanging eaves of pitched roofs in northern climates, and in rain gutters and downspouts, comprises a high temperature-limit switch and a low temperature-limit switch connected in series circuit for controlling energization to a narrow temperature range extending from the freezing temperature of water to several degrees colder. Above-freezing temperatures will melt ice and snow without supplemental heating, and sufficiently colder temperatures will not be raised sufficiently by heat loss through a building roof to thaw ice and snow accumulation on the roof and provide run-off water to the unheated eave, rain gutter and downspout where freezing can occur and result in the formation of an ice dam which will block drainage of further run-off water and which may grow in size to cause water to back-up and seep under roofing shingles to leak through the roof.

Abstract: An electric heating system employs a control unit including means to connect a resistance heater to a three pole power source and a switch to switch the connections between full voltage and low voltage as temperature is more than or less than several degrees colder than the set temperature. More uniform heating, greater comfort and significant energy savings results.

Abstract: An aquarium heater includes a tubular glass housing provided with a temperature control circuit in the upper part thereof for switching on and off a heating element disposed in the lower part of the housing and comprising an elongated non-metallic support tube on which a helical resistance heating wire is wound. A temperature responsive bimetallic breaker switch enclosed in a metallic housing is coupled within a feed line to the heating wire and is located in the interior of the support tube slightly below the upper end thereof and extends within a number of turns of the heating wire, with length of the breaker switch representing a small fraction of the length of the support tube.

Abstract: A temperature responsive switching device is provided in which a pair of spaced bimetallic electrical switching arms each are anchored to opposite sides of a mounting block for attachment to the respective power leads of an electrical supply circuit. The free end of the spaced bimetallic arms each contain an electrical contact. A central arm is disposed between the contacts and has a neutral contact mounted thereon such that each of the contacts on the bimetallic arm is biased at room temperature into contact with the central electrical contact. Upon one of the bimetallic arms experiencing a predetermined temperature the circuit is broken by deflection of the bimetallic arm. Upon the switch experiencing a second predetermined but higher temperature, the second bimetallic arm is deflected to open the circuit.

Abstract: An aquarium heater including a housing and a tube depending therefrom. An electric heating element is disposed in the bottom portion of the tube and a thermostatic control chassis is disposed in the upper portion of the tube. The control chassis includes two opposing housing sections matingly engaged in a nesting relationship to form a cylindrical housing unit which snugly fits into the tube and supports a bimetallic thermostatic switch together with associated circuitry and lead wires such that the thermostatic circuit elements are maintained securely positioned within the tube. The housing includes a gasket situated between a lip of the tube and the bottom wall of the housing, and a locking ring which clamps the rim of the tube in place. The tube is thereby held securely to the housing independently of the control chassis.

Abstract: An overtemperature protector for an appliance having an electrical heating element, the overtemperature protector being formed basically of just a spring blade positionable to bring a contact on the surface of the blade into circuit-energizing engagement with a fixed contact, and an insulator-capped fusible pin retaining the blade in that position. Excessive heat in the appliance softens the pin, allowing the spring blade force on the insulator cap to shear the pin and interrupt the circuit. The overtemperature protector is preferably incorporated in a thermostatic control, the fixed contact being supported on a lateral extension projecting from one circuit element of the thermostat assembly and the spring blade being supported within the assembly with an insulating spacer separating it from the thermostat element having the lateral extension. The spring blade is preferably sickle-shaped for compactness despite having a long length for low force to minimize effects of creep of the fusible pin.

Abstract: An electric heating appliance such as a coffeemaker, has a metallic base with an upper exposed surface and an electric heater on its lower side for heating the surface by conduction. A thermostat comprising a plastic-walled packaged unit with an opening through which an internal bimetal sensor is exposed is provided for controlling the heater and is mounted in a depressed niche formed in the surface of the heater. A detachable U-shaped metallic cover covers the opening and includes a heat-conducting projection extending through the opening very closely adjacent the sensor. The thermostat is positioned so that the cover faces and abuts the surface of the niche and a flexible clamp secures the thermostat in the niche and biases the projection and sensor closely together for fast thermostat response. The base may be an aluminum casting with the heater comprising a cast-in circular sheathed electric heating element.

Abstract: A thermostat is disclosed which includes a bimetal element in the form of an elongated strip and a trip mechanism formed by an elongated metal strip and a member having a U-shaped portion operative as a spring and an arm portion projecting from one leg of the U-shaped portion to form a reset lever. The trip mechanism operates electrical contacts on metal strips and has an over-center operation to provide a snap action. The thermostat is connectable in series with a cooking temperature control thermostat of a popcorn cooking machine to protect against dangerously high operating temperatures.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for controlling the temperature of a thermoplastic bonding or cutting blade in which changes in the length of the blade caused by temperature variations are monitored and a signal is developed and fed back for controlling the amount of current flowing through the blade to thereby maintain its temperature at a desired preset level.

Abstract: An aquarium heater including a housing and a tube depending therefrom. An electric heating element is disposed in the bottom portion of the tube and a thermostatic control chassis is disposed in the upper portion of the tube. The control chassis includes two opposing housing sections matingly engaged in a nesting relationship to form a cylindrical housing unit which snugly fits into the tube and supports a bimetallic thermostatic switch together with associated circuitry and lead wires such that the thermostatic circuit elements are maintained securely positioned within the tube. The housing includes a gasket situated between a lip of the tube and the bottom wall of the housing, and a locking ring which clamps the rim of the tube in place. The tube is thereby held securely to the housing independently of the control chassis.

Abstract: The shaver warmer of this invention includes a heat transfer portion which almost closely fits the shaver head of the electric shaver to be warmed. A heat supply portion is directly connected to the heat transfer portion and a temperature control portion controls the heating temperature by detecting the temperature of the heat transfer portion. The shaving head of the electric shaver can thereby be heated to a predetermined temperature in a relatively short time so that advantage may be taken of the relatively large thermal capacity of the shaving head of an electric shaver.

Abstract: The bimetallic clamping member of a cigar lighter socket is expanded and lengthened to completely disengage the burner cup when the cigar lighter is pressed fully into its socket. An insulating coating on a stop member ensures that no electrical circuit is established through the burner while the cigar lighter remains pressed.

Abstract: An electric cigar lighter for automobiles and the like, comprising a holder device presenting an outwardly facing socket, and an ignitor plug receivable in the socket. The plug comprises a manually operable part, and carries a heating element which is electrically connected in circuit with a normally-closed heat-responsive switch that is disposed in the holder device. The socket, in addition to its grounding circuit, has a "hot" contact which is engageable with a cooperable contact on the plug to effect the circuit through the heating element when the manually operable part is depressed. The holder device also carries a bimetallic member which is engageable with one of the parts of the switch. The member normally occupies a closed-circuit position wherein it is separated from the one switch part.

Abstract: A bi-metallic indicator with a scale disc or plate, on which a pointer is rotatably mounted, as well as with a bi-metallic element which is arranged spaced apart from the side of the scale disc facing away from the pointer, the bi-metallic element being articulated on one end of the pointer. A section of the bi-metallic element is secured to the scale disc, without a base plate.

Abstract: An automatic control for egg cookers, baby bottle warmer, etc. is designed around a conventional slide switch of the type normally biased to the open position. Manually actuated means are provided to move the slide switch to its ON position, whereupon a mechanical latch automatically latches onto the knob of the slide switch to hold it in its ON position. When the cooking has been completed, a bi-metal releases the latch and permits the biasing means to open the switch and terminate the heating.

Abstract: A bimetal device with an electrical heating element which serves for temperature-dependent control is provided. The bimetal device has a thin insulating layer, on which is arranged at least one electrical resistance layer which serves as a heating element. The resistance layer can be placed on the base of the bimetal device by means of vapor depositing or by thick film technology. In this manner a plurality of resistance layers can be provided that are insulated from each other and of which one serves for continual heating. It can also be useful to provide only one resistance layer which is connected in series with a PTC resistor and holds the bimetal device at a certain temperature. The embodiment of the electrical heating element as a resistance layer makes possible a very rapid heating of the bimetal.

Abstract: A device for heating an article up to a selected controlled temperature by irradiation of infrared rays upon the article of both longer and shorter wave lengths simultaneously as well as by conventional hot air. The infrared radiation evolves from an electrical generator behind a foraminious or perforate sheet forming a second radiation source of infrared rays of longer wave length than that of the generator through its absorption of the shorter rays from the generator while its perforations allow direct rays from the generator to pass through. The second radiator or perforate sheet is also used to control electrical current to the generator by its expansion and contraction to limit the generator's highest temperature while motivated air flows through the generator and the openings in the perforate sheet and being heated thereby flows on, aiding the radiation to heat the article.

Abstract: An electric hot plate assembly including an electrically heated hot plate having at least one electrical conductor disposed therewithin for heating an annular zone of the plate when energized, cover means defining an enclosed space located immediately beneath said hot plate and secured thereto, and a device for limiting the operating temperature of the hot plate, the temperature limiting device comprising a housing, a bimetallic element projecting from said housing into said enclosed space at a location beneath said annular zone, the housing having a base portion disposed externally of said enclosed space, connecting terminals located in the base portion of the housing for connecting said at least one hot plate conductor to an electrical supply, and switch means located in said base portion of the housing and adapted to be actuated by the bimetallic element by a pressure rod means, said bimetallic element being curved, the first end of said bimetallic element being in pressure engagement with said pressure ro

Abstract: An electric resistance heater engageable with work to be heated including a work-engaging heater structure of minor thermal mass per unit area and including an elongate primary heating element arranged to establish high watt density throughout said heater structure, a power supply, a temperature control means between and connected with the primary heating element and the power supply; said temperature control means including a work engaging body of greater thermal mass per unit area than the heater structure and carried by said heater structure in spaced relationship with the primary heating element, a normally closed thermal responsive switching device within the body and operable to open when the temperature of the body is heated by heat conducted from the work to a predetermined operating temperature, an elongate secondary heating element arranged in the body to delivery sufficient heat into the body to normally maintain the temperature thereof at a temperature slightly below said operating temperature whe

Abstract: A temperature limiter used as part of, or otherwise in combination with, an electric cooking plate. An improved switching hysteresis is enabled by a unique construction in which a laterally open recess is formed in a one-piece housing to receive a snap switch, the counter-contact of which is fixidly secured in slot structure adjacent said recess. A transmission rod is arranged within an expansion sleeve and is positioned to be spring biased through engagement with the spring of a snap switch.

Abstract: An electric hot plate assembly including an electrically heated hot plate having one or more electrical conductors disposed therewithin for heating an annular zone of the plate when energized and a device for limiting the operating temperature of the hot plate. A bimetallic element is disposed in a first portion of a housing of the temperature limiting device which projects into an enclosed space located immediately beneath the annular zone of the hot plate. The enclosed space is closed by a cover. A switch, which is adapted to be actuated by the bimetallic element, is located on a base portion of the housing disposed externally of the enclosed space, the first portion and base portion of the housing being thermally insulated from each other. The base portion of the housing carries connecting terminals for connecting the hot plate conductor or conductors to an electrical supply.

Abstract: An electrical heater assembly comprising a heat generating element and a temperature regulating device supported by a heat conducting core of electrically insulating material is constructed to provide a thermal path for conducting heat from the heat generating means to the temperature regulating device with minimum thermal resistance, whereby temperature fluctuation is minimized. The temperature regulating device is substantially encircled by terminal means electrically coupling the temperature regulating device in circuit with the heat generating element. The temperature regulating means is disposed substantially entirely within a cavity in the core so that substantially all of the outer peripheral surface of the terminal means is in friction contact with the surface of the cavity.

Abstract: A differential expansion rod and tube thermostat wherein the material of the inner rod has a much lower coefficient of thermal expansion than does the material of the outer tube. The thermostat is adapted to be mounted through an opening in the wall of an oven cooking cavity. A certain amount of the tube remains outside the oven cooking cavity. The inner rod is adapted to lie within the oven cooking cavity. Joined to the inner rod is an extension strap of a material having a high linear coefficient of thermal expansion substantially the same as that of the outer tube. The longitudinal motion created by the difference in the rates of expansion between the outer tube and the combined inner rod and extension strap is transferred by a hinged amplifier lever to a switch mechanism which is calibrated to operate at a predetermined oven temperature.

Abstract: A thermal fixing device for a xerographic reproducing apparatus includes a thin planar resistance heating element having a low thermal mass and a high coefficient of thermal expansion. The heating element is supported in such manner that one end thereof is free to move linearly under thermal expansion to activate a heater displacement detector comprising a pivotally mounted lever arm having a right angle configuration. One end of the lever arm is received in an opening in the heating element and the other end form a contact of a normally open switch which is adapted to be closed by pivoting of the arm due to expansion of the heating element. Closure of the switch activates a power controller to interrupt the power supply to the heating element.