Abstract: An apparatus for warming medical instruments, such as a stethoscope, includes a wall mountable, multi-walled, vented housing having a front access opening closed by a hinged translucent panel and an open bottom. A reflective, flexible metal liner having a lower portion overlying the open housing bottom reflects radiant heat from an electric lamp heat source in the housing toward an instrument to be heated vertically positioned in a support formed in the lower portion of the liner and aligned with a slot in the lower portion leading to the access opening. The heat source is thermostatically controlled.

Abstract: This invention is a device that warms a horse bit while holding the bit assembly. The bit is placed on top of a cylindrical, or other shaped housing that captures the heat from an internal heat source. The housing is attached to a heat element base. The heating element that attaches to the base creates the internal heat source for the housing. The housing and base combined are secured to a vertical member or wall. All of the included parts are non-combustible under the standard of the art regulations.

Abstract: A plug-in type contact lens disinfecting apparatus includes a housing having formed therein a pair of receptacles, each having an open top portion for receiving a contact lens therewithin to be sterilized. A removable and releasable cap is provided for closing and sealing the open top portion of each of the receptacles and an electrically-energizable heater heats the receptacles to a preselected temperature for sterilizing contact lenses. An adaptor is provided for engagement with an electrical power source for delivering electrical power therefrom to the heater, and a cap guard is provided for operatively engaging the caps and the adaptor for preventing removal of the caps from the receptacles when the adaptor is engaged with said source of AC power.

Abstract: A toaster having double-wall construction controls the flow of air within its interior so that its exterior is kept cool. Air intake occurs near the edge of the top toaster slot where bread or the like is inserted for toasting. Intake air then travels down the immediate interior of the toaster and is introduced to the toasting chamber and an associated warm air flow channel near the bottom of the toaster. Air warmed by the toasting chamber and associated channel rises and pulls cooler air from below. The warm exhaust air is channelled away from the cool intake air by means of a top cover.

Abstract: A compact heat disinfection unit for contact lenses including a waterproof unit having a chamber receiving therein a closed lens case. A heater is disposed in the unit for heating the case. The unit has a retractable blade assembly which folds back into the unit and is electrically coupled to the heater for actuating the same. A push button, accessible from the exterior of the unit, is provided for actuating the heater. The covers of the lens case cannot be removed while heating the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing, refrigerating and heating food items in serving containers including a rethermalization cart including a plurality of shelves. Each of the shelves support one of a plurality of food trays thereon. Each tray has a plurality of food compartments and openings for supporting one of the serving containers. Each serving container containing food to be heated includes a cover. Each shelf of the cart has at least three heating pads conforming to the openings of the tray when the tray is inserted in the shelf. The cart also includes a plurality of individual switches each controlling all of the heater pads of each tray shelf as a set. Each switch is provided within a channel recessed from the exterior surface of the cart.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for curing epoxy in a fiber optic connector. An oven has a receptacle for receiving the connector with an exposed length of an optical fiber projecting therefrom. A heat conductive sheath is positionable on the connector about the optical fiber for distributing heat from the oven and for protecting the fiber when the connector is inserted into the receptacle. Sensing elements are located in the path of insertion movement of the fiber optic connector and conductive sheath to be actuated thereby in response to the connector being inserted into the receptacle. A micro-controller is coupled between the sensing elements and audible/visual signals. The micro-controller includes a timer to actuate the audible/visual signals after a predetermined period of time within which the heater is energized.

Abstract: A carrier for a partially baked dough product having a bottom crust and a moist topping including a vented container for the partially baked dough product and a heater being adapted to initially heat the bottom of the partially baked dough product to a temperature greater than 250.degree. F. to finish baking the crust of the dough product, and to maintain the temperature of the crust greater than the temparature of the moist topping. The vented container is formed to exhaust moist air from the interior of the container while maintaining the temperature of air adjacent the moist topping on the dough product above the dewpoint of air in the container to prevent condensation of moisture and to draw air from outside the container to expel moisture from adjacent the bottom crust.

Abstract: A multi-use type heating apparatus is disclosed having a heat-generating body as a heat source, receptacle-type heating chambers provided integrally therewith for internally accommodating objects to be heated, the heating chambers being arranged around the heat-generating body at a predetermined distance remote from the heat-generating body, a heat transmission medium to be filled in the heating chambers, together with any objects to be heated, and a working mechanism for setting the heat-radiating temperature of the heat-generating body.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for removing a coating from a fiber optic cable. The apparatus includes a support member. A heating coil, having first and second ends, is mounted to the stand, with the first end of the coil adapted to receive the fiber optic cable within the interior thereof. A container is mounted within the coil, the container having first and second closed off ends in proximity to the first and second ends of the coil, respectively, the first end of the container having an aperture for receiving the fiber optic cable. A power controller is electrically coupled to the heating coil for controlling the temperature thereof. A vacuum system is inlcuded for removing fumes from within the container produced when a coating is pyrolized.

Abstract: A golf bag is provided to include a helically wound resistance heating element directed through the interior of the golf bag mounted within a liner to position the coil, with a rechargeable battery pack mounted within a bottom compartment of the golf bag. Heated pouches are provided exteriorly of the golf bag for heating of various golfing equipment utilized, as well as a plurality of hand compartments positioned for receiving a golfer's hands during transport of the golf bag. A modified golf bag includes a container of gel to contain and disperse heat utilized in conjunction with the organization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a golf ball heating device of an elongated housing having a lower portion, an upper portion and a central opening therein for receiving a plurality of golf balls therein, the housing holding and retaining the balls in a generally central axial position and facilitating flow of heated air around the balls, the housing further including at least one aperture located in the upper portion for insertion or removal of the balls into or out of the central opening; a heating device located in the lower portion of the housing, the housing further comprising a support for the air heating device; a spacer for retaining the air heating device at a predetermined distance below the balls, the spacer allowing heated air to flow toward the balls; and a lid member operatively associated with the housing aperture and movable between a first position, where the lid member closes the housing aperture, and a second position where access to the central opening through the aperture is provided to allow inse

Abstract: A device for warming bottles of solution includes a rectangular plastic housing with holes in an upper wall to receive large bottles and a front door which can be opened to receive small bottles. The bottles are heated by a bulb which is supported by a lower wall of the housing.

Abstract: A heater unit for heating a supply of moist tissues within a container includes a housing having a top wall for receiving the moist-tissue container, and a bottom wall for stably supporting the housing and the moist-tissue container when received thereon on an flat horizontal surface; and an electrical heater element at the upper end of the housing to heat the moist-tissue container when supported on the housing top wall.

Abstract: A heating device primarily for shrinking heat recoverable sleeves for covering cable joints includes a cylindrical enclosure of two half-cylinder shells. Embedded electrical heating elements are energized under control of, e.g., a microprocessor, to control the temperature profile within the enclosure so that air entrapment within a sleeve during the shrinking process is avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating thermoplastic sheet material which includes a knockdown frame which slideably supports a plurality of heating rods thereon. The heating rods have a configuration adapted to localize heat on the thermoplastic sheet material and is provided with a support surface for the thermoplastic sheet material which precludes marring of the thermoplastic material. The apparatus further includes a control box for regulating the amount of heat transmitted to the sheet material and a fence structure configured as a substantially inverted T. Indicia is supported on the frame in order to facilitate using the apparatus.

Abstract: A plastic conduit heater for use in the field bending of plastic conduit charaterized by a heat sink pipe segment open at both ends with a resistance heating element wrapped around the exterior of the pipe segment and in intimate contact with the exterior of the pipe segment. The element may be prefabricated and is wrapped in spiral turns which may be more closely spaced toward the ends of the pipe so that the pipe segment is heated uniformly throughout its length. The heating element is encased in insulation which is in turn enclosed in a tubular housing. The housing includes a centrally located handle and an adjustable thermostat for varying the temperature depending on field conditions. One or more plastic conduits or pipes may be positioned in the heater for heating to bending temperature and may be left in the heater until required. The heaters may be arranged in tandem to form heaters of different length.

Abstract: An electric toaster includes a pair of electrically heatable plates (16) which have toasting surfaces (18) that can be brought into contact with opposed surfaces of a slice of bread (14) or other item to be toasted. The temperatures of the toasting surfaces (18) can be adjusted, for example over a range substantially equal to 230.degree. C. to 300.degree. C., to enable the degree of browning of the bread to be controlled.

Abstract: A heating chamber having a compartment which provides for heat sensitive packages of paper or cloth moistened cleaning wipes to be held for warming. The invention incorporates a heat deflector to assure that the heat is not directed against the bottom of the chamber. Heat conducting spaces insulated by outerwalls assure the container is evenly heated. There is easy access to and replacement of the package held. In the preferred embodiment, the container is held above the chamber floor and heat deflector so as to prevent direct heat from damaging the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A food service system for serving meals that include hot foods. The system comprises at least one generally circular dish having a top surface for holding the foods that are to be served warm, and a bottom surface, an electrical heating element in the dish for heating the foods on the top surface of the dish, and first and second electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the dish for supplying electrical energy to the heating element. The system further comprises at least one tray, having at least one generally circular well therein for receiving one of the generally circular dishes, and at least one aperture in the well for exposing the first and second electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the dish when the dish is seated in the well. The dish includes at least one foot and the well in the tray includes at least one stop for orienting the dish in the tray to orient the first and second contacts with respect to the aperture.

Abstract: A device which supports a user's leg during treatment of the user's foot or leg includes a base and a pedestal assembly which support a channel-like element. The pedestal assembly and the channel-like element are adjustable for height and for angular orientation so the elements of the device are oriented and positioned to be most comfortable for each patient. Two liquid-accommodating containers are mounted in the top surface of the base, with one container on either side of the pedestal.

Abstract: A portable warming container having an electric heating element, a temperature sensor, a battery, a wire loop, and a control circuit. The wire loop is arranged to charge the battery through the control circuit, and the temperature sensor ultimately controls the current delivered to the heating element from the control circuit and battery.

Abstract: A disinfector unit for contact lenses making use of a commercial power source, which can be used corresponding to commercial power source outlets of standards varying with countries and districts, i.e., various types of outlets operable at varying voltages, includes a heater element for receiving a power of varying voltages to heat a contact lens held in a lens case placed in a lens case holder to a predetermined temperature, an electrical controller therefor and a plurality of plugs, each including a case body provided in its one side with a cavity and an electric conductor from which varying types of inserts extend. The plug having the inserts coinciding with an outlet of commercial power used is selected and fitted in the cavity in the case body, and the extending inserts are plugged into the outlet to supply current for predetermined disinfection.

Abstract: Apparatus for warming a sterile liquid includes a basin with a heater assembly, a base surrounding the basin, and an electronic temperature controller. The shape of the basin bottom includes an plateau-like elevated central region and a depressed surrounding rim. The heater assembly is of a thin-film type, and provides relatively greater heating in the central region than in the outer region. Both the heater geometry and the shape of the basin bottom promote a natural and uniform convective flow of the liquid to promote mixing of the warmer and cooler portions of the liquid. The temperature controller allows the user to select the temperature that the liquid is to be warmed to, and provides visual and aural indications of liquid or basin temperatures which exceed reasonable pre-set limits. The controller also halts the flow of electrical current to the heater assembly when an overtemperature problem in the liquid or the basin is detected. A disposable cable connects the temperature controller to the basin.

Abstract: A golf ball heating device includes an elongated housing having a lower portion, an upper portion and a central opening therein for receiving a plurality of golf balls therein. The housing holds and retains the balls in a generally central axial position and facilitates flow of heated air around the balls.

Abstract: An incandescent heating unit uses a low wattage incandescent light bulb to warm the occupant of a metal chair. The light bulb generates heat which is absorbed by the metal and radiated to the occupant. A dispersion disk spaced between the bulb and the chair prevents the formation of a hot spot in the portion of the chair nearest the bulb.

Abstract: A towel heating and moistening apparatus sets forth a cabinet structure including an upper and lower reciprocatably mounted drawer. The upper drawer includes an enclosed support tray provided with a matrix of apertures therethrough for support of towels thereon. The lower drawer includes a lined reservoir heated by use of a heating loop provided with a thermostat, wherein the thermostat prevents overheating of the element upon dissipation of the fluid contained within the reservoir. A pump is provided and mounted to an exterior face of the cabinet to pump water from the reservoir through a flexible hose to a spray manifold to direct heated spray upon the towels positioned upon the support tray.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring temperature dependent changes has a heating arrangement, which includes two pieces of heat insulation material defining a cavity containing a heat sink member and an electrical heater for the heat sink member. The block is perforated to allow entry of a smaple tube and to provide a viewing passage. The arrangement is detachably mounted on a neck portion upstanding from a base.

Abstract: A device for warming pre-moistened wipes, such as for use in cleansing an infant and/or body wipes. A container for storing a plurality of wipes is placed onto a warmer and left there. An integral thermostat maintains the temperature at a constant 100.degree. F. The warmer is water and fire resistant. The surface of one side is designed for small containers while the other side is for larger containers.

Abstract: A linoleum roll heater assembly for heating a roll of linoleum while in storage or at a job site located at a cold weather environment. The heater assembly includes a heater tube to be received through the roll of linoleum to be heated. The heater tube is supported for rotation between a pair of side support blocks to facilitate unrolling and dispensing the heated linoleum. An insulating and heating cover or blanket is removably wrapped around the linoleum roll to prevent the escape of heat. The linoleum roll is uniformly heated by respective heating elements of the heater tube and the heating blanket, whereby linoleum may be continuously disposed from its roll with the expenditure of a minimal pulling force.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate heater process and apparatus are disclosed for uniformly heating semiconductor substrates. A device for supporting the back side of an IC wafer in a reaction chamber and for conduction heating therein and auxiliary heat directed to the front side of the substrate by reflection from the inside surface of the reaction chamber and/or by an auxiliary heating source within the reaction chamber are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical heater, to be powered from an automotive-type cigarette lighter socket, includes a heating element, a plug configures to be inserted into the cigarette lighter socket, and a pair of conductors permanently connecting the heating element to the plug. The plug has a flat substrate and a pair of conductors mounted on the substrate. An electrical plug, for a lighter socket of the kind having an inner wall of a predetermined diameter and a pair of electrical contacts, includes a flat assembly having a flat dielectric base having a width corresponding to the predetermined diameter, and a pair of flat conductors attached to the base for touching the pair of electrical contacts in the socket.

Abstract: For commercial and residential use, a wall-mounted enclosed towel warmer has a bottom-hinged tilt-out front cover which includes an integral top panel. In the tilted-out cover position an internal towel holder also tilts outward to provide convenient top access for loading or removal of a towel. When the cover is pushed closed, a latch retains it in the closed position where the exterior presents a smooth flat profile having only a shallow protrusion of a few inches from an unaltered wall surface, providing a high degree of user safety, especially regarding children. In this closed position, the towel becomes intimately sandwiched between several thin profile electric heating elements located on both sides of the towel holder and on inner surfaces of the enclosure, arranged to warm the towel uniformly to avoid hot and cold regions which tend to occur with conventional open type towel-warming devices. A front control panel provides touch pads and illuminated message displays.

Abstract: A combination for heating and dispensing hot melt materials in which the hot melt material is contained in a tube having a cylindrical outer surface portion over a majority of its length, and the hot melt material in the tube is heated by a heater assembly through a heat transfer member having a cylindrical inner surface adapted to closely receive the cylindrical outer surface portion of the tube.

Abstract: An ohmically or electrothermally controlled valve gate for injection molding apparatus comprises three concentrically located tubes in intimate contact with each other. The innermost tube is an electrode and also serves as the passage for flowing molding material. The outermost of the three tubes is also an electrode. The intermediate tube is a resistive heating element comprising a mixture of at least two highly compacted powders. One powder is an electrical conductor, while the other powder, which serves as a binder for the first powder, is an electrical insulator but a good thermal conductor. Current flow between the electrodes occurs at points of contact between adjacent particles of the conductive powder. Thus, the electrical resistance and therefore the generation of heat is controlled by the composition and quantity of binder in the heating element. The generated heat is conducted through the inner electrode tube to the flowing plastic to melt the plastic and "open" the gate.

Abstract: A portable heating device includes a cabinet, a source of heat, support for a towel so as to exposed the towel to the heat, and an opening at the top to the heat. The towel heating device of the invention may be used to warm or dry towels or other like cloth materials.

Abstract: The invention is directred to an electric heating in a bread toaster, comprising an insulating body (11) and heat conductor portions (14, 14') which may be arranged on both the front part and the back of the insulating body (11) and are pressed thereagainst by mounting strips (21). To compensate for uneven browning of the article to be toasted--which is caused by the bread toaster being cooled by an air current entering at its bottom and subsequently flowing mainly in the area of the center axis (X) of the insulating body (11)--, it is suggested to provide the mounting strips (21) on the insulating body (11) spaced from one center aixs (X) and thus substantially outside the range of action of the air current.

Abstract: A pliable and flexible oven that has a pair of flexible walls and a heating element disposed between the flexible walls such that when food is placed between and against one of the flexible walls, it is heated. A method for heating food and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and heating medical or dental examination instruments includes a treatment cabinet having a number of drawers including an instrument drawer located immediately beneath a ledge mounted in the interior of the treatment cabinet. The ledge is formed with a recess within which a heat conductive plate is mounted having heating elements affixed thereto. The heating elements are effective to heat the heat conductive plate, which, in turn, elevates the temperature of the interior of the instrument drawer in excess of the body temperature of a patient. Examination instruments stored within the instrument drawer are heated to the same, elevated temperature in preparation for use in examining a patient.

Abstract: A resistor for the treatment of materials, such as for the production of monocrystals by the planar resistor method includes an electrically conductive thin plate having a zone with a plurality of holes. With respect to an electric current flowing in the plate substantially parallel to its faces, the plate has lower electrical resistance in a peripheral area of said zone than in the central portion thereof.

Abstract: A portable cooling and heating device for cooling and heating foods placed therein is provided including a housing having a bottom wall, a top, a front wall, a rear wall, and side walls. A heating element for heating the foods and a removable cooling element for cooling the foods are positioned in a support which is insertable into and removable from the housing for positioning both the heating element and the cooling element adjacent the food. The heating element being mounted in the support and the cooling element being supported by the support for maintaining an interior of the housing cool prior to heating of the food.

Abstract: A toaster for heating both a frankfurter and a frankfurter bun is disclosed. The toaster has a frankfurter heating chamber having associated first heating elements for heating at least two opposed surfaces of a frankfurter placed in said frankfurter heating chamber and at least one bun heating chamber having an associated second heating element for heating at least one surface of a bun placed in said bun heating chamber. The toaster includes an elevator having a first portion for supporting the frankfurter in the frankfurter heating chamber and a second portion for supporting the bun in the bun heating chamber. A connecting means connects the first portion to said second portion and permits a limited amount of play between said first and second portion. In one embodiment the connecting means includes a generally upside down U-shaped link bar.

Abstract: A base (or similar article) composed of a flexible material having a high melting point, which base is mounted on the lower surface of a plastic coffee pot (or other container) to appropriately regulate the increase in the temperature of the coffee pot in an ideal manner when the pot is placed on a standard heating plate.

Abstract: A heater which has a heating chamber of vessel shape of liquidtight structure for containing an article to be heated and a heater provided at the center of the heating chamber for heating the article to be heated directly or indirectly through a solid heat medium or a heating liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining thermal control of the temperature of a microscope stage is provided. A thin copper plate is arranged with a non-inductive serpentine heating element pattern controlled by a proportional power controller. A thermistor temperature sensing device is arranged to sense the temperature near the specimen container and to provide the sensed data to the controller. Proportional power control is accomplished by varying the ratio of "ON" and "OFF" power cycles as the desired temperature is approached.

Abstract: An appliance for electrically heated disinfection of contact lenses or similar ojects is provided with a molded plastic housing having a recessed cavity for insertion of a conventional side-by-side horizontal lens storage case containing the lenses immersed in disinfecting liquid, typically saline solution. The cavity has horizontally aligned opposite end openings through the sides of the housing and the openings are located and dimensioned to allow unobstructed sliding passage of the lens case from the cavity so that the lens case will fall by gravitation from the cavity through one of the openings when the housing is rotated 90.degree. to vertically align the openings. The cavity openings thus ensure that the lens case cannot be heated in the appliance in a vertical orientation which could damage the lenses by heated exposure above the level of the disinfecting liquid.

Abstract: A housing for warming or heating a towelette containing a compartment, a heating element associated with the compartment, a plate for directing heat uniformly from the heating element to a towelette, insulative support for said towelette above the heat element and the plate, and a circuit for supplying power to the heating element. Power is provided by AC, with a switch for energizing the device and a thermostat for controlling the temperature. Towelettes warmed by the device are useful for refreshingly cleaning the hands, face or other parts of the body.

Abstract: A towel warming cabinet having a large central chamber in communication with the exterior when the door is opened, the marginal portion of the cabinet being closed off from the exterior when the cabinet is mounted to provide stowage space for components, a plurality of spaced towel racks extending into the central chamber from the rear wall thereof, heating elements disposed on either side of the central chamber within the stowage space, a perforated screen shielding the central chamber from the heating elements, circuitry disposed in the stowage space for electrically connecting the components to a power source.

Abstract: A food serving device for holding and serving a warm food product such as bread or rolls includes a flexible wrapper within a receptacle for holding the food product. A battery powered heater applies heat to the receptacle and wrapper and is located in a housing below the receptacle. The housing has a cover with heat transmitting openings.

Abstract: A self-regulating warmer device which is especially suited for the food service industry. Such devices are suitable, for example, for keeping wrapped or unwrapped food products at a desired holding temperature between the time the food is prepared and the time it is delivered to the customer. The warmer device includes a plate on which the food is held and a self-regulating warmer element beneath the plate to keep the plate at a uniform temperature. The plate is preferably used with spaced apart infra-red convection heaters such as those commonly used in fast food restaurants, and provides even food heating regardless of the changes in ambient conditions, the number of food products located between the infrared heater and the plate and provides dramatic reductions in power usage. Moreover, heat losses which occur at the edges of the plates now used for these applications are reduced and localized hot or cold spots are eliminated.