Abstract: A cladding protection device for placement around a column. The cladding protection device including a first guard and a second guard, wherein the first guard and the second guard are couplable to one another to bound a central area dimensioned to receive the column. The first guard including a slot and the second guard including a projection, wherein the projection is configured to engage the slot to thereby couple the first guard to the second guard, and the projection is skewed inwardly toward a center of the central area to enable the projection to engage the slot.

Abstract: A thermal cycler system comprises a sample block configured to receive a sample holder configured to receive a plurality of samples; an adaptor configured to surround a periphery of the sample block; and a drip pan configured to surround a periphery of the adaptor. The drip pan comprises one or more ejector mechanisms and one or more openings, the one or more ejector mechanisms configured to respectively extend through the one or more openings into contact with the sample holder in a state of the sample holder received by the sample block and the adaptor surrounding the periphery of the sample block.

Abstract: A mixing bowl tilting assembly includes a support frame that can be positioned on a support surface. A pair of uprights is each pivotally coupled to the support frame. Each of the uprights is positionable in a deployed position having each of the uprights being vertically oriented on the support frame. A pair of ratchets is each of the ratchets is integrated into a respective one of the uprights. A mixing bowl is provided and the mixing bowl can pour contents of the mixing bowl when the mixing bowl is tipped. A pair of arms is each pivotally coupled to the bowl and each of the arms engages a respective one of the ratchets. Each of the ratchets rotates when the mixing bowl is tipped to pour the ingredients without requiring a user to support the mixing bowl.

Abstract: Heating Mechanism For Tools is an ingenious and practical invention of a heated tool rack which includes: a first steel plate; a second steel plate, wherein each steel plate includes a cooperating receiving rack for wrenches; a power source attached to each plate; a first charge on the first plate; and a second charge on the second plate. The cooperating racks include a first receiving rack and a second receiving rack, wherein a lineal graduating resistive divider of a cleaving type and a planer type lies between the first steel plate on a first side and the second steel plate on a second side. A resistive heat therein is proportional to the graduation. A hole is provided in each plate for mounting purposes. The tool rack also includes a USB connector, where the USB connector supplies power for application of an electrical charge to each side of the resistive divider.

Abstract: A toaster with a steam system comprises a casing and a chassis. A slot for a bread slice is defined by the chassis. A pop-up mechanism is within the casing and supported by the chassis, the pop-up mechanism configured for supporting a bread slice received via the at least one slot, and for raising the bread slice to project partially out of the slot at an end of a toasting/steaming process. Heating element(s) in the casing are for generating toasting heat. A steam system within the casing is configured for producing steam and feeding the steam to a steam vessel in the chassis during the toasting/steaming process. A closing system has flap(s) to close the at least one slot during the toasting/steaming process, and to open the at least one slot at completion of the toasting/steaming process.

Abstract: Techniques for converting plastic bags to a recyclable form are described. In some implementations, a device includes an outer container having an outer lid, an inner container situated within the outer container having an opening, and one or more heating elements. The inner container has an inner lid configured to cover the inner container's opening, and the outer lid of the outer container is configured to close over the inner lid. In response to a user input to the device, a conversion cycle is initiated in which electric power is supplied to one or more heating elements so that the one or more heating elements raise the inner container's internal temperature to a target temperature and maintain the inner container's internal temperature at a minimum of the target temperature for a predetermined conversion time sufficient to convert one or more plastic bags within the inner container to a recyclable plastic block.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electric pot having an improved relay installation position. The electric pot includes a pot main body that is provided with a magnetic field generator generating a magnetic field at a lower portion of the pot main body, and a supporter that includes a magnetism detection sensor detecting magnitude of a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator and, based on the detected magnitude of a magnetic field, generating a voltage and that includes a comparator comparing the voltage generated by the magnetism detection sensor with a predetermined reference voltage and, based on the comparison, controlling a switchover operation of a relay part, thereby controlling the relay part through a simple circuit configuration and through magnetic field generation and detection means without an additional communication means.

Abstract: A heating device for a prismatic battery cell of a high-voltage battery of a motor vehicle includes two sheet-shaped heating elements to be arranged on two opposite lateral outer sides of a cell housing of the battery cell, and two connecting elements to be arranged on a housing cover of the cell housing. The connecting elements are electrically connected to terminals of the two heating elements. The connecting elements are flexibly formed, at least in certain regions, and as a result the heating elements are connected in a hinge-like manner. The heating device can be arranged by arranging the first heating element on the first lateral outer side of the cell housing, swinging the second heating element over the housing cover, and arranging the second heating element on the second lateral outer side on the cell housing.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus of hygiene products including dispensing of feminine pads and tampons activated by non-contact sensor. The dispensing apparatus including a back portion, a side portion coupled to the back portion, and a housing door movably coupled to the side portion. A module is rotatably coupled to the housing and includes a tray and at least one tray door assembly operatively coupled to the tray. The tray door assembly defines an interior space with the tray, wherein the interior space stores the hygiene products to be dispensed.

Abstract: A foothold including a thermoelectric module includes a module housing in which a dissipation fan and a thermoelectric element are provided, and a blowing portion disposed at a first side of the module housing and having a blowing fan. Further, the thermoelectric module further includes a dissipation heat sink installed over the dissipation fan, and a cover provided at the upper portion of the module housing and having a top surface on which the user's feet may be placed.

Abstract: A deflecting device includes a base member, an axle member, a probe mounting seat, a swing arm assembly, and an actuating assembly. The axle member is disposed in the base member, and has a front end that extends out of the base member and that is mounted with the probe mounting seat. The swing arm assembly includes a swing arm disposed in the base member, and having an upper end that is formed with a guide slot, and a lower end that is connected to the axle member. The actuating assembly includes a screw member that is mounted to the base member, and a slider member that has an engaging portion slidably engaging the base member and formed with a threaded driven hole that screws with the screw member, and a tubular portion engaging the guide slot.

Abstract: The present invention is a bed warming device that safely and effectively warms the interior space between the fitted sheet and the top sheet of a bed. The bed warming device includes a heating element similar to those used in hair dryers. The device includes a suction member that suctions ambient air to be heated and delivers it through a narrowing portion that increases the pressure of the heated air. The pressurized, heated air is then expelled to preselected locations of the bed using a plurality of openings located throughout the perimeter of the device's T-shaped hot air delivery assembly. The hot air delivery assembly can include raised portions configured to create a space between the openings and the top bed sheet, thereby maintaining efficient air flow.

Abstract: A support for a hair care appliance, the support including a stand portion that includes an aperture that extends through the stand portion and a collar that extends around the aperture, wherein the collar is adapted to retain an appliance with respect to the aperture so that fluid exiting the appliance is in fluid communication with the aperture of stand portion. The stand portion may include a first side and a second side wherein the first side is adapted to receive and retain the appliance. The collar may at least partially define an inner periphery of the aperture. The collar may include a first ring which at least partially defines the inner periphery of the aperture. The collar may include a second ring disposed radially inwards of the first ring.

Abstract: A device for providing thermal treatment to a patient's hand is provided. The device includes a therapy component for applying thermal therapy, compression therapy, or both; a sleeve for receiving the therapy device and sized and shaped to cover the patient's hand; and a hand support for supporting the patient's hand in a relaxed state.

Abstract: A doe urine heater device provided to increase the attraction of deer to a hunting area by including a box having hingedly connected top and bottom portions, an upper central compartment in the top portion and a portion of the bottom portion directly adjacent thereto. A heating bulb, for heating doe urine contained in a urine cup centrally disposed in the box directly above the heating bulb, is disposed within a lower central compartment in the bottom portion directly adjacent to the upper central compartment and adjacent a bottom side of the box. A battery-operated variable temperature control switch, disposed proximal a top side of the box within an upper compartment disposed within the top portion between the upper central compartment and each of a right side and a left side of the box, is in operational communication with the heating bulb to selectively heat the doe urine.

Abstract: A drinking consumption inspection apparatus, including: a plurality of compartments; a plurality of cups, each being associated to a different and only to one person, and to a different and only one of the compartments, for inserting the cup thereinto; a weight for each of the compartments, for weighing the cup thereof, upon the insertion; and a controller, for accumulating decrease of sequential weights provided by said weights, for each cup separately, over time, thereby the drinking consumption inspection apparatus records drinking quantity of each of the cups, for inspecting that each person drinks sufficiently.

Abstract: A hygienic razor blade dryer is provided that comprises a housing having an interior, a razor blade holder disposed within the interior that is adapted to receive a razor blade, a dryer for drying a razor blade received in the razor blade holder, and a vacuum for evacuating the air within the interior to prevent moisture buildup in the air and on the razor blade and to inhibit oxidation on the blade surfaces. A sanitizer may also be provided to sanitize the razor blade before, during or after the dryer operation.

Abstract: A heated fuel injector for supplying fuel to a fuel consuming device includes a fuel inlet for receiving fuel, a fuel outlet for dispensing fuel from the fuel injector, and a fuel injector body extending along an axis and fluidly connecting the fuel inlet to the fuel outlet such that fuel flows within the injector body. A cylindrical heating element radially surrounds the fuel injector body and operates to heat fuel flowing through the fuel injector body. An annular space is defined between the heating element and the fuel injector body sufficiently large to accommodate thermally caused radial differential expansion between the fuel injector body and the heating element. A conductive material fills the annular space and has a melting point sufficiently low to be a liquid as the heating element operates to thereby substantially prevent transfer of mechanical stress to the heating element due to the radial differential expansion.

Abstract: The Hot or Cold Cup Holder for Vehicles is a beverage holder that is capable of warming or cooling a beverage to a temperature suitable for consumption. It provides a space to store the beverage, an apparatus capable of heating or cooling the stored beverage, switching capable of changing the cup holder mode from heating to cooling and vice versa, and the power system necessary to support these functions.

Abstract: A towel warmer is provided that has a frame assembly and one or more heating fabric sleeves affixed to the frame assembly. The heating fabric sleeves have electric heating wires that when connected to an electrical power supply to produce a more uniform heat transfer to a contacting article such as a towel than a conventional towel warmer. A thermostat is optionally provided to moderate sleeve temperature. Additionally, a controller is optionally provided to adjust operating parameters of the thermostat. A kit is also provided that includes the towel warmer partially disassembled and instructions for assembly of the frame assembly and attaching the one or more heating fabric sleeves to the frame assembly.

Abstract: Disposable covers for articles including stethoscopes are configured in such a way as to reduce the likelihood of the transmission of microbes among the patient; the stethoscope, medical device or other article; and the user/care-provider.

Abstract: An exemplary power adapter includes a plug member and a housing. The plug member includes a base and a pair of conductive pins located on the base. A number of protrusions protrude from a side of the base. The housing includes a receiving space for receiving the conductive pins. A receiving slot is located on the sidewall of the receiving space. A number of guiding cutouts extends from a top surface of the housing. The guiding cutouts are in communication with the receiving slot and the receiving space.

Abstract: A heating system is described for generating heat and bringing heat to a semiconductor device under test. The heating system comprises a conduction heating unit comprising a heating resistor, a thermal contact area for thermally contacting the semiconductor device under test, and a thermally conductive and electrically insulating connection between the heating resistor and the thermal contact area. The heating resistor is operable to generate a user-defined amount of heat and arranged to provide a part of the heat generated by the heating resistor to the thermal contact area via the thermally conductive and electrically insulating connection. It is also described that the heating system may further comprise a convection heating chamber operable to provide a user-defined heat-controlled convection to the semiconductor device under test. A method of testing a semiconductor device using a heating system is also described.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a warming drawer housing having an interior chamber, and a warming drawer module being movable between a first position in which the warming drawer module is in the interior chamber of the warming drawer housing and a second position in which a part of the warming drawer module is outside the warming drawer housing. The warming drawer module includes a heating element forming a floor surface of the warming drawer module and a support plate that supports the heating element in the warming drawer module. The support plate includes a plurality of supports supporting an underside of the heating element.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a warming drawer housing having an interior chamber, and a warming drawer module in the interior chamber. The module includes a support plate, a glass heating element forming a floor surface of the module for receiving items to be warmed, a gasket strip covering an upper perimeter surface of the glass heating element, a frame disposed over the gasket strip and the upper perimeter surface, and a first electrical connection disposed adjacent to an edge of the frame. The frame includes a drip guard projecting outward from the edge of the frame and overhanging the first electrical connection to guide a liquid from a surface of the frame or the glass heating element away from the first electrical connection such that the liquid does not come into contact with the first electrical connection.

Abstract: A heat pad assembly for installation and/or removal of a bracket from a structure comprises a heating element. The heat pad assembly may have at least one and, more preferably, a plurality of perforations formed therein. The heating element may be configured to generate heat upon the application of electrical current passing therethrough. The heat pad assembly may be used for temporary installation of a bracket to a mounting surface through the use of an adhesive which is installable between the bracket and the structure.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided, for shrinking a protective element (101) shrinkable by means of the supply of heat onto an optical waveguide (100). The method involves generating thermal radiation, reflecting it and focusing it onto a focus zone in which the protective element (101) is held. The device contains a heating element (10), which generates thermal radiation, a reflector (30), which focuses the thermal radiation emitted by the heating element onto the focus zone, and a mount (20), by means of which the protective element (101) can be held in the focus zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid thermal cycling including a thermal diffusivity plate. The thermal diffusivity plate can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly during thermal cycling by a thermoelectric module. An edge heater can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly during thermal cycling.

Abstract: A bowling ball maintenance device performs a de-oiling process on bowling balls having porous surfaces. The maintenance device may comprise a container sized to store at least one bowling ball within the container and structured to receive the bowling ball. A heating element is structured to warm an internal environment of the container at least to a level at which oil that may have accumulated in the pores of the ball begins to flow out of the pores. Embodiments also include a ball support cup within the container that is structured to contain the oil that has flowed out of the pores of the ball. Depending on the embodiment, the ball support cup may include three or more ball support extensions structured to support the ball in a stationary position over a height of the walls or edges of the ball support cup during operation of the maintenance device.

Abstract: A food heating and serving appliance is provided including generally circular upper and base portions with the upper portion being rotatably mounted to the base portion. The upper portion has a plurality of independently controlled heated food containers mounted in cavities on the upper portion. The upper portion is freely rotatable relative to the base portion for rotating a preferred heated container to the front of the appliance for serving convenience. Each of the food containers may include a lid with a handle for covering the heated containers. A pivoting cover attached to the base portion may be folded to engage a pocket on a sidewall of the housing when in alignment for preventing relative rotation between the upper and base portions. The pocket may also serve to store the cord plug when the power cord is retracted into the base portion and the cover is folded into the pocket.

Abstract: A spill-resistant appliance may be constructed to prevent spilled liquids from entering a control housing and contacting electronics with the use of a first sealant preferably formed out of santoprene and a second sealant preferably formed out of a very high bond, double-sided foam tape. The first sealant and the second sealant may be used in various areas of the control housing that contains electronics for operating the appliance. The first and second sealants may also be used to help attach the control housing to other components of the appliance.

Abstract: A disclosed substrate processing apparatus comprises a heat exchange plate configured to heat and/or cool the substrate; plural protrusions provided on the heat exchange plate so as to allow the substrate to be placed on the plural protrusions, leaving a gap between the substrate and the heat exchange plate; a suction portion configured to attract the substrate onto the plural protrusion by suction through plural holes formed in the heat exchange plate; and a partition member that is provided on the heat exchange plate and lower than the plural protrusions, wherein the partition member is configured to divide the gap into two or more regions including at least one of the holes so that at least one of the two or more regions is two-dimensionally closed by the partition member.

Abstract: A heated counter for service of hot food has one or more hotplates, a light source illuminating each hotplate and a number of light sensors below each hotplate. When a sensor is obscured by a dish of food, power is supplied to that hotplate, and when no sensor is obscured, that hotplate is kept in stand-by mode.

Abstract: According to embodiments of present invention, a baseplate supporting pin is provided, which comprises: a pin body; a heating device embedded into the pin body; and a first control unit electrically connected to the heating device for controlling the heating device. Furthermore, according to embodiments of present invention, a baseplate supporting device is provided, which comprises: a baseplate support member; and a baseplate supporting pin, provided to ascend or descend through an opening formed in the baseplate supporting plate so as to support the baseplate thereon or place the baseplate on the baseplate support member, wherein the baseplate supporting pin comprises: a pin body; a heating device built in the pin body; and a first control unit electrically connected to the heating device for controlling the heating device. The baseplate supporting pin and the baseplate supporting device facilitate eliminating adverse effect caused by uneven heating of the baseplate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary surgical system employing a temperature controlled docking station. The surgical system may include an articulating arm that is selectively moveable within a range of positions. A tray for receiving items used in performing a procedure may be attached to the articulating arm. The docking station may be attached to the tray. The docking station may include a heating element for selectively heating the docking station, a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the docking station, and a reader configured for collecting information associated with an article placed in the docking station. The surgical system may also include a controller operably connected to the heating element, the temperature sensor, and the reader. The controller may be configured to adjust a heat output of the heating element in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor and/or the reader.

Abstract: A toaster with an housing containing at least one toasting chamber accessible from the top, the housing having a side wall that includes a door mounted to pivot about a horizontal axis relative to the rest of the housing, the axis being in a lower part of the housing, the toaster further including at least one bread carriage spaced from the axis so that in the open position of the door, a portion of bread on the carriage projects out of the housing.

Abstract: A steaming oven having a collector plate disposed in an oven chamber. A collector plate is disposed above a boiling water reservoir in the oven chamber. The collector plate has a drain tube inserted into an overfill tube. Waste material from the steam and food droppings is conveyed from the oven chamber via the drain tube and the overfill tube. A barrier shields one or more water level probes or sensors from water turbulence, thereby providing reliable water level sensing by the water level probes or sensors.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating electronic components on a printed circuit board in low temperature environment includes a printed circuit board, a heating unit, a switch unit, a temperature-sensing unit, an electric power unit, and a control unit. The heating unit, the switch unit, the temperature-sensing unit, and the control unit are fixed connected to the printed circuit board and are electrically connected with the metal lines on the printed circuit board. The heat source is sent to the heat-conducting layer on the printed circuit board through the heat-conducting terminal after the switch unit is conducted by the control unit and the power is sent from the electric power unit to the heating unit. Then, the electronic components are heated with the heat source through the heat-conducting layer, so that the electronic components are in the working temperatures for starting up.

Abstract: A battery pack assembly for providing electric power to a load includes a battery pack, preferably made up of a plurality of lithium ion cells. A heating device formed of a flexible material flexes and covers at least part of the battery pack. The heating device includes a meandering heating strip. A thermal sensor is surrounded by the heating strip to sense the temperature of the battery pack. Electric current is applied to the heating strip to heat the battery pack when its temperature falls too low, thus improving performance of the battery pack. The heating device also includes a plurality of tabs extending beyond the peripheral sides of the heating device for direct connection to the cells. Thus, electric current for the heating strip is provided directly from the cells of the battery pack.

Abstract: A heating device 10 includes a ceramic base 20, a resistance heating element 22, and a hollow shaft 40. The ceramic base 20 includes a central portion 20a and a peripheral portion 20b. The resistance heating element 22 is designed in such a manner that the density of heating in the central portion 20a is 1.4 to 2.0 times that in the peripheral portion 20b. The hollow shaft 40 includes a first section 41 and a second section 42. The thickness tb1 of the first section 41 is 6 to 10 mm. The thickness tb2 of the second section 42 is 0.3 to 0.5 times the thickness tb1 of the first section 41. The length of the first section 41 is 0.4 to 0/8 times the overall length of the hollow shaft 40.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure body is comprised of a honeycomb body, a pair of electrodes, a pair of electrode terminals and one or more slit sections. The honeycomb body is comprised of a cell formation section and an outer skin section. The outer skin section has a cylindrical shape and covers the cell formation section. The electrodes are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the outer skin section so that the electrodes face with to each other in a radial direction of the honeycomb structure body. Each electrode terminal is formed in an electrode terminal formation section on the corresponding electrode. One or more the slit sections are formed in at least one of an electrode terminal formation section and a circumferential outside section of the electrode terminal formation section.

Abstract: A portable warming device for dry heating a towel. The portable warming device includes a heating arrangement that heats one or more surface of the portable warming device so as to heat a towel that is in contact with the one or more heated surfaces. The heating arrangement includes a controller to at least partially control the heating of the towel.

Abstract: A device for heating a cylindrical component of given diameter is disclosed. The device includes at least two heaters each delivering a stream of hot gas and emerging in an annular chamber. The inside diameter of the annular chamber is slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical component. The device may be used for heating a metal journal in which a bearing ring for an inter-shaft bearing in a double-body turbomachine is mounted.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing coating material includes a crucible having a receptacle for receiving coating material, a drive member having a drive shaft, a cover coupled to the drive shaft, and a flame nozzle opposing the receptacle. The cover includes an inner chamber, a first through hole and a number of second through holes. The first through hole and the second through holes communicate with the inner chamber. The cover has a flat surface with the second through holes exposed at the flat surface. The drive shaft drives the cover to rotate between a closed position where the cover covers the receptacle and the flat surface presses against the coating material to flatten the coating material, and an open position where the cover is moved away from the receptacle. The flame nozzle sprays flame from the second through holes through the first through hole to heat the coating material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an evaporator device for volatile substances, preferably usable in vehicles, which is activated by the movement of the device, whereby the device will begin to evaporate a volatile substance when the user is in the vehicle. The device comprises a casing, a diffuser, and at least one movement sensor, the diffuser being operable by the sensor.

Abstract: A heat pad assembly for installation and/or removal of a bracket from a structure comprises a heating element. The heat pad assembly may have at least one and, more preferably, a plurality of perforations formed therein. The heating element may be configured to generate heat upon the application of electrical current passing therethrough. The heat pad assembly may be used for temporary installation of a bracket to a mounting surface through the use of an adhesive which is installable between the bracket and the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus including a body; a plurality of heating tubes adjacent an interior surface of the body; a plurality of heating elements disposed in a portion of respective ones of the plurality of heating tubes; and a thermally conductive material disposed in the plurality of heating tubes. A method including contacting a substrate with a dryer, the dryer including a cylindrical body; a plurality of heating tubes disposed around the cylindrical body; a plurality of heating elements disposed in the plurality of heating tubes; a thermal conducting material disposed in the plurality of heating tubes; and removing moisture from the substrate. A method including contacting a substrate with a body heated by a plurality of heating tubes including a heating element and a thermally conductive material. An apparatus including a body, a heat element and a thermally conductive material disposed in a volume of the body.

Abstract: A heater with temperature detecting device, arranged to accurately detect the temperature of a laminated sheet heater over long periods, and a battery structure including the same. A first embodiment includes a laminated sheet heater and a temperature sensor having a temperature measuring portion. The laminated sheet heater includes first and second insulating resin films, a heater element, a first metal sheet, and a second metal sheet and includes a heater metallic section in which, any one of only the first metal sheet and only a combination of the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet is arranged in a lamination layering direction of the laminated sheet heater. The temperature sensor is fastened to the heater metallic section with a flat rivet and fixed to an outer surface of the first metal sheet with the temperature measuring portion in contact with the first metal sheet.

Abstract: A dual-sided cooking device is provided that determines whether the upper and lower cooking platens are substantially parallel to each other when in a cooking position. In addition, the method and device in accordance with the invention are capable of identifying a type of food item placed on a lower cooking platen of a two-sided cooking grill.

Abstract: A food heating and serving appliance is provided including generally circular upper and base portions with the upper portion being rotatably mounted to the base portion. The upper portion has a plurality of independently controlled heated food containers mounted in cavities on the upper portion. The upper portion is freely rotatable relative to the base portion for rotating a preferred heated container to the front of the appliance for serving convenience. Each of the food containers may include a lid with a handle for covering the heated containers. A pivoting cover attached to the base portion may be folded to engage a pocket on a sidewall of the housing when in alignment for preventing relative rotation between the upper and base portions. The pocket may also serve to store the cord plug when the power cord is retracted into the base portion and the cover is folded into the pocket.