Abstract: An electric heating apparatus for softening and molding fillet wax strips used in foundry molds and castings includes a housing supporting a plurality of electric radiant heaters, such as lamps, above a platform for holding strips of fillet wax during preheating. An electronic control circuit is provided in the housing for varying the heat output of the radiant heaters and includes a thermostat located between the heater and the platform for limiting the temperature to prevent melting of the wax strips. Electrically heat fillet-forming tools, supported in holder on the housing during non-use periods, are provided for forming the preheated wax strips after application thereof to a mold. The tools are provided with ball-shaped tips and the housing is provided with a separate adjustable electronic control circuits for each tool so that the heat output of each tool can be adjusted to a temperature appropriate to the particular wax being worked and the size of the ball-shaped tip.

Abstract: Deflector at top of toasting chamber enhances flow of cooling air in a space between the outer cover of a toaster and the inner wall of a "double wall" structure by projection inward relative to the top opening in the toaster cover.

Abstract: An arrangement for allowing comestible products to be conveniently heated in a disposable pouch. A kitchen utensil is constructed with a top rim shaped to support the disposable pouch containing a packaged comestible. The disposable pouch has an outer periphery at least as large as that defined by the top rim of the utensil such that the pouch is supported by the top rim of the utensil while it is being heated therein. In a first embodiment, an electrical heating element is provided as an integral part of the base of the utensil, while in a second embodiment a cover for the utensil also has an electrical heating element constructed as an integral part thereof. In several embodiments, the pouch has one or more electrical contacts to complete circuits to the heating elements such that the latter cannot be activated until a pouch is properly placed on the utensil.

Abstract: Modular lens disinfecting device comprises a plastic housing with a heater and a heat sink lining a portion of the cavity and pressing against opposed caps on a lens case within the housing, thereby transmitting heat to opposed lens cavities within the lens case. A radial flange on the lens case body projects laterally from the housing when the lens case is inserted into the housing, thereby to facilitate manipulation of the lens case upon insertion into or removal from the housing. In making the lens case, the parting plane for the mold that forms the lens case body is positioned so that flash at said plane is precluded from projecting into either of the lens chambers.

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

Abstract: An incubating device particularly adapted for aligning an array of microscope slides bearing a tissue section, sample or specimen, and incubating the same with a series of test or reagent solutions at a higher-than-ambient temperature, is disclosed. The incubating device has a main body including a recess which substantially forms a tray in the main body. A plurality of substantially regularly spaced metal blocks are disposed in the recess, and a substantially flat upper surface of each metal block is adapted to receive and be in contact with a respective microscope slide.A heater is mounted underneath the main body to heat the main body, and to affect by direct conductance of heat, the heating of the metal blocks. A thermostat is mounted to the main body to monitor the temperature of the main body and to regulate the output of the heater in response thereto whereby the temperature of the metal blocks is maintained in a desired predetermined range.

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 contact lens disinfector utilizes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element as its heating source. The PTC heater element is held in intimate contact with a heat sink by a spring biasing member which accurately positions and tensions the PTC heater element thereby insuring that sufficient heat is delivered to the carrying case so that proper disinfecting of the contact lenses takes place.

Abstract: A contact lens bathing case, in which a pair of contact lenses is sealed with a cleaning and disinfectant solution, and a heating unit, for receiving and heating the filled case therein, cooperate to eliminate leakage problems, i.e. loss of solution, associated with improperly closed contact lens cases. The heating case includes a heating element and a movable lens case holder which is movable from an open position remote from the heating element to a closed position adjacent to the heating element whereat the solution and lenses may be heated. Closure prevention means prevent the holder which has received an improperly closed case from being moved to the closed position.

Abstract: In a method for the production of toaster heating elements firstly connecting strips made of electrically conductive material are arranged in the region of edge recesses at opposite edges at the rear side of a support plate, opposite to the heating side. Then a plurality of heating conductor wires are provided substantially parallel to one another and in such a way that they cross the connecting strips in the region of the edge recesses at the heating side and thereby are electrically connected to said strips. Furtheron the wires are cut off. In an apparatus for performing the method there is provided a processing station comprising a supporting surface for the support plate of the heating elements. The processing station further comprises housing grooves one for each connecting strips. Said grooves are situated at opposite side edge regions of the supporting surface. Further a delivery station associated with the processing station is provided.

Abstract: Novel assembly for reheating snails. The assembly comprises at least one snail tray having a plurality of depressions. The depressions are adapted to receive a single snail. The assembly further comprises a heating apparatus comprising a series of depressions corresponding to those of the snail tray on the top surface of the heating apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting contact lenses by heating, comprising a reservoir designed for holding a liquid and having a tight lid together with a heating device for heating of liquid therein, wherein the reservoir comprises a raised middle part or bridge for dividing said reservoir into two separate chambers or wells, and having a built-in heating device for direct heating of the liquid in said chambers.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying molten plastic material in heated condition to an injection mold has a plurality of heating passage forming elements which are formed as separate units capable of being mechanically assembled with one another, and each provided with a housing having at least one inlet and one outlet opening, and with an electrical heating member which is electrically controlled independently of the heating members of other heating passage forming elements.

Abstract: There is disclosed a disinfecting unit specifically designed for false or artificial dentures. The unit includes a base providing a cavity, having a support wall partially defined by a heater block. A receptacle for the dentures is provided, which is of sufficient size to accommodate dentures and a quantity of disinfecting solution. The support wall is spaced from the bottom wall of the base to accommodate the circuit and operating components, which include a re-set thermostat and a rockably mounted lever for operation of said re-set thermostat.

Abstract: Food is prepared by placing selected food items in pre-determined locations on food trays, placing the trays on shelves of a rack in a food and beverage cabinet with the food and beverage cabinet being inserted in a first environmental control unit which circulates chilled air over the trays and then removing the food and beverage cabinet and placing it at a second environmental control unit which additionally heats selected food items.

Abstract: A Peltier effect thermal control sample containment means for an automatic sample holding apparatus used in conjunction with a liquid chromatograph analysis. The apparatus provides for the cooling or heating of a plurality of liquid chromatography samples and the maintenance of said samples at specific temperatures for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A reservoir for an electric kettle is defined by a dome shaped shell and a planar inner bottom, which are fastened together mechanically having a room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber filler located therebetween to act as a seal. The shell is skirted by an inwardly projecting annular lip and has an inwardly projecting annular shoulder parallel with and spaced from the lip. The inner bottom is bounded by a downwardly extending annular flange, the top edge of which abuts the bead and the bottom edge of which engages the lip. The form of the kettle components permits the interior of the shell to be coated between the lip and shoulder with an annular coating of the silicone rubber whereat the inner bottom is readily snapped into position in the shell during assembly of the kettle.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquefying meltable material comprises a container adapted to be filled with the material to be liquefied. The container has a heavy bottom wall formed with closely adjacent perforations which taper in downward direction. The sum of the open cross-section of the perforations at the upper face of the bottom wall is only slightly smaller than the total area of the latter, whereas the sum of the smallest cross-sections of the perforations is only a small fraction of the total area of the bottom face of the bottom wall. The bottom wall is heated by electrical heating elements located in ribs separating the perforations from each other to a temperature to liquefy the material passing from the container into the perforations and the liquefied material flows in a collecting trough arranged below the container and separated by a heat insulating layer therefrom.

Abstract: A sterilizer for use in sterilizing articles removably received therein, includes first thermal insulating means with a receiving cavity formed therein; cover means including a second thermal insulating means, the cover means being movable with respect to the first means for selectively covering said cavity; heating means received within the cavity and defining recess means for removably receiving therein an article to be sterilized, the heating means having a preselected volume for relatively slowly dissipating heat; and power control means for selectively applying electrical power to the heating means for heating the heating means, and for automatically cutting off the power to the heating means in response to a first predetermined temperature being reached by the heating means, the combination of the heating means and the first and second insulation means resulting in a relatively slow rate of heat loss from the heating means for enabling the temperature of the heating means not to fall below a second pred

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal disinfecting unit for the disinfecting of a pair of contact lenses disposed within a lens case along with a quantity of disinfecting solution, wherein disinfecting is achieved upon the heating of the solution to a prescribed temperature. The unit as disclosed includes an outer casing made up of upper and lower assembled sections, with an internal heating arrangement disposed therein including a substantially planar lens case support surface. Aperture means are provided in the upper casing section and disposed in relation to the support surface to define a heater well for reception of the lens case. In one embodiment, the aperture means is defined by inwardly extending flange, with a gasket carried thereon, such that as the respective casing sections are drawn together, the gasket will firmly engage the planar support surface to seal the heater well from the interior of the unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a contact lens disinfector unit for sterilizing contact lenses contained within a lens case. The disinfector unit includes a housing, a heating block within the housing for heating the lens case and the contact lenses therein to a sterilizing temperature, and a tray pivotally mounted to the housing. The tray includes a lens case receiving opening adapted to receive and support the lens case. The tray is arranged to pivot or swing between an open position disposing the opening outside of the housing to permit a lens case to be placed therein, and a closed position disposing the opening above and adjacent to the heating block within the housing to bring the lens case into heat transfer contact with the heating block. The disclosed embodiment also includes a latch for releasably locking the tray in the closed position, which latch will co-act with the tray to urge the tray towards the open position after disengagement of said latch.

Abstract: A contact lens disinfector has a molded plastic casing with wells at opposite ends for receiving the respective lenses and the disinfecting solution. Caps are removably threaded onto the casing over the wells. A thermistor heater is embedded in the casing between the wells to provide a low temperature (60.degree. C. -80.degree. C.) heater for the solution for an extended heating cycle, thereby to inhibit deterioration of the lenses due to loss of transparency.

Abstract: A cavity, such as an oven cavity, is heated by at least one monolithic integrated heat source, each fabricated by depositing a layer of resistive material on a substrate of non-conducting, or insulating, material. A pair of spaced-apart conductive elements contact opposite ends of the resistance sheet to enable a flow of current through the sheet thereby producing substantially uniform heating over the entire area covered by the resistive sheet.

Abstract: There is provided a compact apparatus for heating and setting hair, including a housing, a central wall in the housing defined by two spaced-apart panels, a plurality of elongated members passing through the central wall perpendicularly and extending to both sides thereof within the housing, and a flexible rope-like heating element between the two spaced-apart panels and wound around each of the elongated members, in order to provide heat thereto. The apparatus includes a number of hair-curling cylinders of conventional construction adapted to fit over the ends of the elongated members. By providing this construction, a single elongated member serves as two heating posts for two of the hair-curling cylinders, and the overall construction is relatively compact compared to prior devices. A reservoir for water is situated in the central wall, and heat from the heating element vaporizes the water to provide steam within the housing around the curling cylinders on the elongated members.

Abstract: An apparatus and uniformly heating a plurality of hair curlers by passing a current of hot air longitudinally through the hair curler body includes a hollow case having an upper wall forming a support surface in which is formed a central air inlet opening into which the hot air discharge nozzle of a portable electric air heating device is inserted. A plurality of hot air discharge ports are radially centered around the inlet opening and each port is provided with a holding member for supporting a hair curler in the path of hot air discharged from the port. The curler body is provided with an inner element able to accumulate and conserve heat. When the curlers are mounted at the ports on the holding members, hot air blown into the case will pass into the curlers and heat them. Each curler may include a cover for receiving hot air from within the curler and deflecting the hot air to flow in the reverse direction along the outer wall of the curler.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for externally and conductively heating at least a portion of the sole of a ski boot and for convectively heating substantially the entire inner surface of the ski boot while the ski boot is firmly, but removably, clamped against a flat surface with the flat sole of the ski boot in extensive surface-to-surface contact therewith so as to permit drying of wet boots, warming of cold boots, and/or softening of the molded foam interiors of the boots, to render such boots more comfortable while maintaining the flat sole of the ski boot rigidly clamped in a flat planar condition to prevent warpage thereof. In a preferred form of the invention, methods are disclosed for externally and conductively heating at least a portion of the sole of each of a pair of ski boots removably carried by, and clamped to, a boot and shoe tree and for simultaneously convectively heating the inner surfaces of both ski boots.

Abstract: A materials heating device includes rod-shaped electrical heating element which serves both to heat a thermoconductive receptacle containing the material to be heated as well as tools and instruments for working with the material. The heating element is mounted in spaced relationship to the receptacle by a thermoconductive bracket through which heat is conducted to the receptacle to heat the contents thereof. The end of the heating element protrudes from the bracket, whereby tools and instruments to be heated can be held in direct contact with the exposed end portion of the heating element until sufficient heat is transferred thereto. An adjustable heat dissipator can be provided on the receptacle to regulate the temperature of the receptacle.

Abstract: A food service device including a food-carrying cart which can be stored inside a refrigerator is provided with elements for heating the food before meals are served. The electrical system is comprised of switching devices which actuate the heating elements depending upon the presence and orientation of food trays on the shelf of the cart; a self-aligning coupling which can supply electrical power to the cart's heaters when the cart is placed in the refrigerator; and a timer which controls the duration of time the electrical heaters are energized to warm the food prior to service, and provide a keep-warm timing sequence for holding the heated food within a refrigerated environment.

Abstract: A dental mirror warmer to prevent fogging when the mirror is placed in a patient's mouth includes a housing with a cover having an opening. Below the opening is a heating well to receive the reflective end of the mirror. The well has a stainless steel wall connected to a transformer which supplies high current at low voltage to heat the wall. The supply to the transformer is controlled by a photoresponsive device responsive to insertion of the mirror and a timing circuit which permits current supply for a short heating interval. A temperature sensor shortens the interval when heating cycles are initiated frequently. The photoresponsive device is mounted in the housing in juxtaposition with a light transmissive opening in a wall of the heating well. The photoresponsive device includes a source of light arranged to direct light into the heating well through the opening and a photoresponsive element arranged to receive light reflected from the reflective surface of a mirror inserted into the heating well.

Abstract: A power interlock switch for an appliance having a removable panel, the power interlock switch comprising a base mounted to the housing, first and second switch terminals mounted to the base, a leaf spring conductor mounted to the first switch terminal and deflectable into contact with the second switch terminal, and a pivotally mounted lever which is engaged by the removable panel and rotates to deflect the leaf spring conductor into bridging contact across the two switch terminals. One conductor of the appliance line cord is connected to one of the switch terminals via a clip and tab structure, and the other switch terminal is connected to electrical components of the appliance. A third terminal mounted to the base has tabs for connecting the other conductor of the line cord and an additional conductor completing the circuit. A cover is provided and clamps the line cord to the base for strain relief purposes.

Abstract: An electric heating apparatus for preventing recrystallization or to dissolve existing crystals of pharmaceutical compositions, such as mannitol, which tend to recrystallize during storage. Single dose sealed vials of the pharmaceutical are received in a receptacle having an open top, closed bottom and reflective inner surfaces. A light bulb is supported in the receptacle above the vials and the radiant energy therefrom reflected from the inner surfaces of the receptacle heats the vials.The light bulb and support therefor are of such dimension that visual observation of the vials through the open top is not obstructed. The support for the light bulb includes a swivel joint permitting horizontal movement of the light bulb to provide access to the interior of the receptacle for removal of the vials. The temperature within the receptacle is controlled by a control means, such as a thermostat, in circuit with the light bulb.

Abstract: An indicator is provided for a heating unit, which heating unit may be used as a soft contact lens disinfecting means, and which includes wax as a heat transfer medium, as a temperature stabilization means, and as a heat storage medium. In accordance with the present invention, an indicator assembly for such a heating unit is provided, and which indicates to the user when the unit is energized, when the unit has reached its proper operating temperature, and when the unit has completed a heating, disinfecting cycle. The indicator assembly of the invention is in the form of a hollow plug which extends into the interior of the heating unit, and which itself is filled with wax. The plug has an indicator disc, which may be of a bright color such as red, attached to its bottom to be visible through the wax in the plug and through the transparent cover of the plug only when the wax within the plug is in a transparent molten state.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for externally and conductively heating at least a portion of the sole of a ski boot and for convectively heating substantially the entire inner surface of the ski boot while the ski boot is firmly, but removably, clamped against a flat surface with the flat sole of the ski boot in extensive surface-to-surface contact therewith so as to permit drying of wet boots, warming of cold boots, and/or softening of the molded foam interiors of the boots, to render such boots more comfortable while maintaining the flat sole of the ski boot rigidly clamped in a flat planar condition to prevent warpage thereof. In a preferred form of the invention, methods and apparatus are disclosed for externally and radiantly heating at least a portion of the sole of each of a pair of ski boots removably carried by, and clamped to, a boot and shoe tree and for simultaneously convectively heating the inner surfaces of both ski boots.

Abstract: A hair roller holder comprises an elongated hollow handle defining a chamber for successively accommodating a plurality of hair rollers. Associated with the chamber is an arrangement for electrically heating the rollers therein. The chamber has an inlet opening at one end for insertion of the rollers in unheated condition and an outlet opening at the other end for discharge of the rollers in heated condition. Adjacent such outlet opening and externally of the chamber is a support for receiving a heated roller in a manner so that hair can be wrapped onto the roller and the roller can be manipulated by the handle. Provision is made in the chamber for guiding movement of the successive rollers therethrough onto the support. The movement guiding means may comprise guide pins in the chamber upon which the rollers are slidable and which are provided with electric heating elements for heating the rollers.

Abstract: An anabolic recovery unit for small animals having a rectangular frame with side walls, end walls and a top surface, the bottom edges of the walls being in a common plane forming a base on which the frame rests, a rectangular shelf supported within the frame below the top and having means of varying the spacing between the shelf and the lower surface of the frame top, and a electric heating element supported on the frame whereby the top of the frame is maintained at a selectable temperature beneficial to small animals lying on the frame top.

Abstract: There is disclosed a contact lens disinfector unit for disinfecting contact lenses contained within a lens case. The disinfector unit includes a housing having a forward end wall and a rear end wall and a heating block within the housing. A resistive type heater is engaged with the block and is coupled to an electronic circuit and connector to adapt the unit for connection to a voltage source for causing the heating of a contact lens case in engagement with said block, and the contact lenses contained therein to a sterilizing temperature. The housing forward wall includes an aperture which slidingly receives a drawer having a pair of upstanding spaced apart panels and a contact lens case receiving aperture therebetween.

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: A device for heating tables containing an evaporable substance such as scents, deodorizers or insecticides includes an elongated heating support of insulating material having a planar surface and a longitudinal opening therethrough. The heating support is preferably T-shaped, the planar surface being the top of the T. The planar surface is coated with an enamel coating so that residue from the evaporable substances is easily removed. A cylindrical resistance heating element is inserted into the cylindrical opening, the cylindrical element being of a lesser length than the length of the heating support. The arm portions of the T-shaped support may be each provided with a longitudinally extending hole for limiting lateral transfer of heat through the support. Conductors for supplying electricity to the heating element enter the cylindrical opening at a point displaced from the outward edges thereof so that the outward edges of the heating support member is completely insulated.

Abstract: A contact lens disinfector unit (10) includes a housing, heating means (20) within the housing and arranged to heat the contact lens case (21) and the contact lenses therein to a disinfecting temperature and for terminating the application of heat thereafter to allow the contact lenses to cool, and temperature indicating means (30) that includes a partially opaque viewing window (17) formed in the housing, a movable member (36) having a substantially planar surface (37) which includes temperature indicia corresponding to a "HOT" condition of the lens case, and a bi-metallic member (32) responsive to the temperature of the heating means (20) for moving the movable member planar surface toward and away from window (17) to indicate the "HOT" condition or a condition where the lens case is cool enough for handling.

Abstract: A flask heater assembly for spherical bodied, boiling flasks in which a block is hollowed to receive the flask body and a ribbon of electrical resistance heated, flexible metal is folded into an elongated band and bent and fitted into the hollow to conform with the shape of the flask. A reduced voltage current is supplied to the ends of the ribbon to produce a temperature on the order of 400.degree. C., i.e., well below the glow temperature of the metal.

Abstract: A Joule effect electric furnace for goldsmith, dental and the like melting processes comprises a graphite crucible which constitutes by itself an electric resistance element suitable for the Joule effect heating and is connected to an electric power supply.

Abstract: A contact lens disinfector unit (10) includes a housing having a top wall (15), a heating block (27) within the housing for heating the contact lens case (25) and the lenses therein, and a lens case receiving compartment (26) between the heating block and the top wall (15) having an opening in a side wall (18) of the housing for slidingly receiving the contact lens case. A lens case ejector (28) is slidingly mounted on the housing top wall (15) and includes an elongate member (57) extending into the lens case receiving compartment to provide a key for positioning the lens case base against the heating block. The ejector also forms a pusher (56) to engage the lens case. A barrier wall (27a) isolates the lens case compartment from a cavity (48a) in the housing that contains electrical circuitry. Springs (50) press the lens case against the heating block.

Abstract: An electrical heater device for heating a clinical mirror. The device comprises a housing having a top, bottom and side walls to define a hollow enclosure. Two spiral coiled electric heating elements are secured in the housing with their heat radiating surface spaced apart and facing each other in juxtaposition to provide concentrated heat in a mirror locating space therebetween. An opening is provided in the top wall in alignment with the mirror locating space through which the mirror can be inserted into the mirror locating space. A switch is positioned in alignment with the mirror locating space below the heating elements. The switch has an activating contact on an upper face thereof located in alignment with the opening in the top wall and the mirror locating space for activation by a clinical mirrow when the mirror element of such is inserted into the mirror locating space.

Abstract: A heater module adapted to be used in an apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material, with other like modules for forming a pre-melt and/or a melting stage for heating the thermoplastic material. Each module is of uniform construction and includes an elongated core having a plurality of longitudinally spaced first fins projecting from one side of the core and second fins projecting from the other side of the core, but longitudinally and uniformly staggered from the first fins, so that a plurality of parallel modules adjacent to each other will have the recesses between adjacent fins closed by the opposite fins to form longitudinally staggered vertical holes for the fluid passage of the melted thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A toy molding apparatus having a housing or container with a heat source therein surrounded by a heat directing baffle member, at least a portion of the baffle member being configured for receiving a plastic squeeze bottle containing a gelatinous substance therein, the substance being generally solid at room temperature and approaching a liquid state at approximately 105.degree. Fahrenheit. The bottle is positioned within the receptacle for heating by the heat source and upon reaching a fluid state it is poured into a separate mold member to set upon cooling.

Abstract: A toaster chassis assembly for supporting heating element cards in an upstanding position in parallel relation, to define a bread-receiving slot therebetween, includes a horizontal base and end walls extending vertically upwardly from opposite ends of the base. The base defines a plurality of spaced slots for receiving tabs formed along the lower edges of the heating element cards for mounting the cards between the end walls and a plurality of tabular hooks extending from the base. Wire bread guards each comprising a plurality of vertical elements and an upper and lower horizontal element to form a grid, are mounted adjacent to the heating element cards to prevent engagement of bread slices being toasted with the heating element cards. The lower horizontal elements of the wire bread guards are received in the tabular hooks and the upper horizontal elements are received in slots formed along the upper edges of the end walls for supporting the bread guards.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a thermally volatilizable substance in which a housing is formed with a linear open-ended, open top guide channel extending across the upper portion thereof. A window is formed in the floor of the channel and a heater is disposed below the window, providing a support for a member impregnated with the volatilizable substance. A grid spans the open top of the guide channel above the window in juxtaposition therewith to permit release of the substance, e.g. an insecticide, while a skid or runner-shaped element carried by said grid presses the member against the heater.The impregnated member is slidably introduced into the channel through end open end thereof and when the volatilizable substance is exhausted, the member is ejected from the channel by the insertion of a new member into the channel.

Abstract: A system for automatically purging heating mantles and other apparatus including an enclosed volume capable of low level pressurization. The system comprises a pressure sensor for sensing the fluid pressure within the enclosure, which may be the space between a heating mantle poncho and the enclosed flask, and a fluidic logic circuit which is responsive to a low pressure condition within the enclosure to deactivate the heating element in the mantle. At the same time, the logic circuit causes a predetermined volume of purging gas to flow through the enclosure and, after this has been accomplished, reactivates the heating element and reestablishes the minimum pressure conditions by flowing a small volume of purging gas into the enclosure. The system is particularly intended for use in hazardous locations where explosion-proof electrical equipment enclosures are normally mandatory.

Abstract: A food serving tray and heater shelf arrangement includes a rack having sets of cantilevered supports with a heater element mounted to each pair of supports and with a food serving tray on each heater element straddling its supports.

Abstract: A fuel oil supply system for providing fuel oil to a heater in a building includes a storage tank, a gravity feed supply line running from the fuel oil tank to the building, a fuel oil heater in the building receiving the fuel oil from the supply line, and a canister filter connected in the supply line. A means for heating the canister filter includes a heater enclosure defining a filter cavity which is sized to receive the canister filter. The heater enclosure includes a substantial cylindrical lower portion and a substantial cylindrical cap portion which interfit to enclose the filter. The cap portion defines openings for passage of the supply line therethrough and the lower portion and the cap portion are joined by set screws. An electrical heater in the filter cavity comprising a light bulb positioned below the bottom of the filter provides a source of heat to the canister filter. Power is supplied to the light bulb by a power cord including a thermostat.