Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus and a method of operating a microwave heating apparatus are provided. The microwave heating apparatus comprises a load receiving cavity, at least one microwave source, a plurality of feeding ports connected to the microwave source and the cavity for feeding microwaves to the cavity, a measuring unit and a control unit. The measuring unit measures, for at least one frequency or within a frequency range, the power of microwaves reflected back to the microwave source for at least part of the plurality of feeding ports. The control unit selects at least one of the feeding ports based on the measured powers of the reflected microwaves in order to feed microwaves to the cavity via the at least one selected feeding port during operation of the microwave heating apparatus at the at least one frequency or within the frequency range.

Abstract: An oven appliance and method of operation are provided herein. The oven appliance may include a cabinet defining an oven cavity, a heat source disposed within the oven cavity, an acoustic wave reader, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) temperature sensor receivable within the oven cavity, and a controller in operable communication with the acoustic wave reader. The controller may be configured to initiate a sensor protection sequence. The sensor protection sequence may include initiating a preset oven cycle of the heat source, and monitoring the oven cavity for a condition signal in response to the initiated oven cycle. The sensor protection sequence may further include determining a state of the SAW temperature sensor based on the monitoring, and halting the preset oven cycle based on a determined cavity-enclosed state of the SAW temperature sensor within the oven cavity.

Abstract: A method for measuring an internal temperature of a freezing target object includes: a placing step of placing the freezing target object in a microwave resonating magnetic field generated by a microwave resonator; a state detection step of detecting a resonant state of the freezing target object in a frozen state by using the microwave resonator and detecting an internal temperature of the freezing target object by using a temperature meter; a calibration curve calculation step of calculating a calibration curve by performing a regression analysis by using the resonant state as an explanatory variable and by using the internal temperature of the freezing target object as a response variable; and a temperature calculation step of calculating the internal temperature of the freezing target object in the frozen state by applying the resonant state detected in the detection step to the calibration curve calculated in the calibration curve calculation step.

Abstract: A waterproof food temperature probe includes a penetrating portion for inserting into food during cooking; a cable for coupling the penetrating portion to a display unit separated from the penetrating portion; and, a high temperature resistant seal portion permanently covering at least part of the penetrating portion and at least part of the cable. The seal portion prevents moisture from entering the penetrating portion thereby preventing the temperature probe from malfunctioning.

Abstract: A food-cooking device including at least one heating member arranged to heat food placed inside a cooking utensil. At least one sensor arrangement is arranged to sense the temperature of the cooking utensil. The food-cooking device is adapted to control the heating member based on the temperature sensed by the sensor arrangement. A cooking utensil is adapted to facilitate the heating of food with a food-cooking device. The cooking utensil includes a body designed with a hollow adapted to contain the food.

Abstract: A cooking device comprises a base and a heating element supported by the base. A cooking plate is heated by the heating element and includes at least a first cavity for receiving an item being cooked. At least a first temperature probe is disposed in the first cavity for piercing the item being cooked.

Abstract: A household appliance has a housing and a door that define an interior, and an electric controller. A measuring device is disposed in the interior for measuring a physical parameter and includes a measuring probe and a probe antenna. A lighting device for illuminating the interior of the household appliance includes a cover and a transmit or receive antenna. The transmit or receive antenna is disposed on the housing and sealed from the interior in a substantially airtight manner using the cover. The transmit or receive antenna is in signal communication with the electric controller allowing wireless signal transmission between the measuring probe and the electric controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a household appliance with an electric control system (20), which is connected to an accessory part (12) for the household appliance in a signal-transmitting fashion, wherein the accessory part (12) can be moved back and forth between an active position and a resting position on the household appliance and, in the switched-on state of the household appliance, exchanges signals for controlling the household appliance with the electric control system (20), at least in the active position.

Abstract: A probe for detecting at least one parameter during thermal treatment of a food product comprises a sensor arrangement suitable for detecting a value of said at least one parameter, at least one antenna for communicating said value to a control device for controlling said thermal treatment in the absence of connection cables, and a supply arrangement of a different type from the electrochemical type.

Abstract: A channeled under floor heating element incorporating channeled areas for accepting heat and sensor wires. The inventive channeled under floor heating element includes an arrangement of seam structures defining channels housing substantially discrete elongate heating and sensing elements arranged in a substantially similar pattern.

Abstract: A warming mattress and mattress pad incorporating channeled areas for accepting heat and sensor wires. The inventive mattress and mattress pad includes an arrangement of seam structures defining channels housing substantially discrete elongate heating and sensing elements arranged in a substantially similar pattern within the mattress or mattress pad interior.

Abstract: A warming blanket incorporating channeled areas for accepting heat and sensor wires. The inventive blanket includes an arrangement of seam structures defining channels housing substantially discrete elongate heating and sensing elements arranged in a substantially similar pattern within the blanket interior.

Abstract: Featured is a device particularly suitable for heating water in a container, such as a pail or bird bath, so as to maintain a source of drinking water for domesticated animals, wild animals and livestock. A water heating device according to the present invention includes a housing, a heat generating mechanism that is disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to a portable power supply and a mechanism that thermally couples the heat generating mechanism and the housing so that at least some of the generated heat energy is coupled to the housing. The housing is configured and arranged so as to be immersible in water and so that at least a portion of the heat energy being thermally coupled to the housing is dispersed or transmitted to the water. Also, the heat generating mechanism is configured and arranged so the heat energy being dispersed or transmitted to the fluid is sufficient to maintain a liquid supply of a least a portion of the water within the container for a predetermined time.

Abstract: An automatic flame control at a gas cooktop that is designed to save gas and to minimize pollution while cooking with a flame of variable intensity depending on the temperature of the cooking utensil. It consists of a temperature-sensing device, attached to the cooktop rack, which measures the utensil's temperature. This sensing device sends an electrical signal to a control panel that consists of a thermostat to be controlled by the user. This control panel controls a gas flow restrictor valve that can alter the gas flow to the cooktop burner. The cooktop burner could be removable for service or cleaning, and a display to show the user at what temperature the food is being cooked could be installed. In addition, a controller can be adapted to this device to control the intensity of the low flame when the burner is on its low cycle.

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: A heater control system that utilizes electronic temperature control at each of a number of interconnected heaters is provided for monitoring and operating heaters within a narrow temperature range. In one embodiment, a heater control system is provided that is adapted for controlling a number of heaters positioned on pipe and components of a piping system from a remote location. The heater control system includes satellite controllers mounted on each heater connected daisy chain fashion and includes a monitoring station with a user interface for allowing a user to monitor and to remotely control the operating status or temperature of each heater in the heater control system. To satisfy the user's space requirements, the size of each controller is maintained at a small form factor and a single cord is used to provide power and communications lines to and between the controllers.

Abstract: Described is a godet (2) for guiding and advancing endless filament yarns, which comprises one or several heating zones along its casing (3), the heat that is applied by the heating elements (7-10) to the godet casing (3) being scanned by a multiple temperature sensor (12), so as to control the temperature of godet casing (3) in zones. In accordance with the invention, the temperature sensor (12) consists of a flat circuit arrangement of resistors and conduction bands, which are enclosed by a coating resistant to even high temperatures. The exposed tapping contacts (18) lead to the outside of godet (2) and are connected, via measuring lines, with an evaluation unit, whereas the temperature sensor (12) itself is attached to the inside surface of the rotatably driven godet casing (3).

Abstract: A temperature controller to accurately control the temperature of a device under test (DUT) a heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with the DUT. A temperature sensor is received within the heat exchange device and thermally isolated therefrom. This temperature sensor measures the temperature of the DUT. A second temperature sensor is received within the heat exchange device and measures the temperature of the heat exchange device. The temperature of the DUT is based on temperature readings from both the sensors.

Abstract: An electric soldering iron has a barrel connected to a handle a one end and provided with an electric heating element for heating a tip at its other end. A detachable temperature sensor unit is located within the barrel and includes a tubular housing having a temperature sensor projecting from one end and positioned within a hollow bore in the tip to monitor the temperature thereof and electrical contacts on its other end readily detachably connected to electrical contacts of a heating control unit located within the handle. Either the temperature sensor or the housing is spring biased to urge the temperature sensor into close proximity with the tip.

Abstract: An infant warming blanket is servo controlled by a skin contact temperature sensor being taped to the abdominal skin of the infant. Through use of the blanket it is possible to maintain a constant body temperature. Access to localized areas of the body is possible by removal of blanket strips to expose the area requiring attention. The blanket has a first solid section to which a second section of individual strips having varying widths are integrally attached. In a first embodiment, heat is provided by electrical heating elements which run through both sections. Heat is supplied by heated fluid in a second embodiment eliminating the risk of electrical shock.

Abstract: An arrangement provides for the electrical grounding of a temperature probe and allows its use in conjunction with a cooking appliance control circuit having a floating signal ground. An isolation transformer connects the temperature probe to the control circuit. A temperature sensing circuit includes two parallel voltage-dividing legs. One of the legs includes a primary winding of the isolation transformer, whereas the other of the legs includes a variable resistor allowing a consumer to set the predetermined temperature at which the control circuit will stop heating. Preferably the control circuit is used to control a full wave full bridge inverter connected to an AC input line by way of a bridge rectifier. The inverter is connected to a magnetron by way of a power transformer. The voltage-dividing legs are connected to receive gate pulses from the control circuit, which gate pulses also are used for controlling switches within the inverter.

Abstract: An infant warming blanket is servo controlled by a temperature probe being taped to the abdominal skin of the infant. Through use of the blanket it is possible to maintain a constant body temperature. Access to localized areas of the body is possible by removal of blanket strips to expose the area requiring attention. The blanket has a first solid section to which a second section of individual strips having varying widths are integrally attached. The electrical heating elements run through both sections.

Abstract: A temperature sensor assembly for an automatic solid disk surface unit includes a temperature sensor enclosed in a metallic hermetically sealed generally cylindrical housing. Upper and lower centrally apertured annular disks formed of a porcelain ceramic material thermally isolate the sensor housing from the surrounding surface unit. A protective metallic skirt conforming to the outer contour of the insulating disks holds the assembly together. A layer of glaze material covers the exposed upper surface of the upper disk in the gap between the skirt and the housing to prevent the absorption of food soils.

Abstract: The temperature of a wafer in a vacuum chamber is measured by way of a tube, containing a thermocouple, extending through a wall of the chamber. The tube is sealed at one end to an aperture in the wall of the system and sealed at the other end with removable sealant.

Abstract: A device to compensate for the thermic effects of an external source on a sensitive element in a system for automatically controlling the temperature reached by foods in heated vessels. The device includes a conventional range and a potentiometer for controlling a gas or electric heating element. Two heat sensitive elements are employed, one sensing pan temperature, and the other sensing ambient temperature. Electric circuitry automatically adjusts the heating element to reduce the heat output as the ambient temperature rises, so that a more constant vessel temperature is achieved.

Abstract: A heat sensor adapted to be brought into contact at a forward end with a product heated in a microwave oven whose temperature is to be measured comprises an elongate tubular body consisting a protective armor. This body is open at the forward end. A thermally conductive pad is disposed in the body at its open forward end and projects from the body. A heat-sensitive electrical component is incorporated in the pad. A cable extending along the inside of the body connects this component to a temperature measurement electrical circuit. The open forward end of the body and the pad contact the product conjointly.

Abstract: An elongated temperature-sensing probe is positioned in a deep fat cooking vessel and is positioned so that a portion of the probe extends adjacent the electric heater submerged in the deep fat adjacent the bottom of the vessel, and a portion extends upward in the fat into the cooking zone in the vessel. The temperature-sensing probe is connected to control the power to the heater. The heater is thermally connected to the probe so that the probe receives direct conduction heat from the heater as well as senses the heat adjacent the heater and in the cooking zone.

Abstract: An oven for cooking and/or defrosting food by recirculating heated air is provided with a temperature control means for measuring the actual internal temperature of the food and switching the oven off when the desired temperature is reached. The control includes a temperature sensing device which is insertable into the food for monitoring the actual internal food temperature and a circuit for monitoring the malfunctioning of the sensing device. The monitoring circuit is incorporated into the temperature control and is capable of switching the oven off when a malfunction is detected. The control circuit is also provided with a bypass circuit to allow the oven to be operated without the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An electric resistance heating device including a body having a metal mass and a sheathed electric heating element for heating the mass is provided with a temperature sensing thermistor designed for electronic temperature regulation. The thermistor together with the leads thereof is housed in a shrunk thermoplastic, e.g., PTFE, sheath and is inserted into a cavity within the mass closely approaching the heating element sheath through an orifice closed by a metal sealing plug having substantially the same composition and thermal characteristics as the mass. The cavity and the face of the plug are shaped to closely correspond to the sheath containing the thermistor and leads and any air spaces existing between the sheath, the mass and plug are filled with a silicone putty, such as silastene. The sealing plug is force fit within the orifice or inset therein by plastic deformation of the metallic mass.

Abstract: A sensing element is adapted to monitor a temperature of a foodstuff placed within an oven cavity of a cooking utensil such as a microwave oven. The sensing element comprises a thermally-responsive element, an antenna, a double choke, and a trimmer condenser. The double choke is bent so as to provide a double compartment for causing choke operations. The double compartment contains a material the dielectric constant of which is higher than the air. A capacity of the trimmer condenser is adjustable. A resonance circuit or an oscillation circuit may be formed with the thermally-responsive element and the trimmer condenser. A metallic member is disposed adjacent to the antenna. The length of the antenna is selected as an integral multiple of about .lambda./2 (.lambda. is the wavelength of the microwaves).

Abstract: A temperature sensing probe device having an elongated tubular handle or arm at the end of which a probe head member is mounted in a socket to provide limited universal movement and including a small flat ring-like surface to be positioned on and assuring excellent contact with the surface at which the temperature is to be determined, the head member being constructed of relatively thin material arranged as a composite assembly to reduce the mass thereof and assembled with thermal cementitious material.

Abstract: A wireless temperature-sensing assembly adapted for a cooking apparatus such as a microwave oven, comprises a wireless communication element and a sensing probe. The wireless communication element provides electromagnetic waves over an oven cavity of the cooking apparatus. The sensing probe selects a particular frequency of the electromagnetic waves. The sensing probe contains an oscillator element resonance frequencies of which vary depending on the surrounding temperature. The wireless communication element further receives and detects the particular frequency of the electromagnetic waves defined by the selecting means. In a specific form, the wireless communication element provides the electromagnetic waves the frequencies of which vary from time slot to time slot. The oscillator element may be composed of crystal, ceramic, or the like. The resonance frequencies of the oscillator element change due to variation in its number of proper vibrations dependent on the surrounding temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for pre-heating resin tablets comprising a resin tablet heater, a switch for setting a reference softening degree and a softening degree detector for the resin tablet. The detector includes a pressure source and a pressure transmitting member coupled to the pressure source and adapted for contact with the resin tablet. The pressure transmitting member is movable a distance representative of the softening degree of the resin tablet being heated due to deformation of the resin tablet.

Abstract: A hair waving appliance includes a head receiving and confining assembly provided with a plurality of independently controllable electric heaters for heating different hairline areas of the head received therein. A plurality of temperature sensing probes, each associated with a respective one of the independently controllable heaters, are connected to a temperature control means for controlling the heating of the respective heaters. Each probe includes a temperature sensitive element enclosed in a spherical shell carried at the end of an elongated spring-biased cord or flexible pipe. The probes extend into the interior of the head receiving and confining assembly and are arranged to adaptably contact the hair on the respective portions of the head. The spherical members have a size at least equal to the size of the curler rods used to curl the hair. The appliance includes means for generating moisture-laden air at room temperature to impart moisture to the hair being treated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microwave oven which may operate in a temperature control mode, wherein the temperature of a food to be cooked is maintained between two selectable values. The food temperature is sensed by a probe adapted for insertion into food being cooked in the microwave oven. The probe is electrically communicated to a microwave generation control circuit through a plug which is removably engaged in a socket secured by a microwave oven wall. When the plug is engaged by the socket, the microwave oven is automatically placed in the temperature control mode.

Abstract: A thermostatically controlled pre-weld heater is described in which a temperature sensor is mounted, intermediate the legs of a pre-weld heater, in a position to sense accurately, and then thereby to control, the temperature of the workpiece so as to accurately control the temperature of the area to be welded by opening and closing the circuit to the electrical current supplied to the heater coil in the legs of the pre-weld heater.

Abstract: The power supplied to the cooking cavity of a microwave oven is controlled in response to a preselected temperature of food placed therein. A temperature responsive probe is embedded in the food to be cooked, the probe including means for changing its state with variations in temperature.