Including Or Comprising Holding Or Support Means For Material To Be Heated Patents (Class 219/521)
  • Publication number: 20090194522
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cordless warmer apparatus including an interchangeable upper bowl, a base-stand, a heating element, and a power source to allow a person to keep food warm over a long period of time. The upper bowl and lower stand are releasably attached. A user can fill the upper bowl with food or liquid and attach the upper bowl to the base-stand. The power source provides electrical power to the heating element that is housed within the base-stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin P. Connolly
  • Patent number: 7553672
    Abstract: An automated slide stainer with slides mounted in a horizontal position on a rotary carousel. Reagents and rinse liquids are automatically dispensed onto tissue sections or cells mounted on slides for the purpose of performing chemical or immunohistochemical stains. The rinse liquids are removed by an aspiration head connected to a source of vacuum. Individual slides or groups of slides are supported on flat heating stations for heating to individual temperatures. Temperature control electronics on the carousel are controlled by a user interface off of the carousel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Dako Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Steven A. Bogen, Herbert H. Loeffler, John A. Purbrick
  • Publication number: 20090095733
    Abstract: Provided is a mounting table structure having a replaceable heating plate by removably arranging the heating plate in a heating plate accommodating chamber. A mounting table structure is provided with a mounting table, which is arranged inside a processing chamber and mounts thereon a target object, for performing specified heat treatment to the target object, and a hollow supporting column which supports the mounting table by making the mounting table stand on a bottom portion of the processing chamber. The mounting table is provided with a heating plate having a heater composed of an electric heat source embedded in a heat-resistant material, and a heating plate accommodating chamber composed of a heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant material for removably receiving the heating plate. The heating plate accommodating container includes a container body having an opening, and a cover portion attached to the container body. Thus, the heating plate is permitted to be replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Tomohito KOMATSU
  • Patent number: 7514650
    Abstract: A furnace of controlled heating and treatment of material using infrared radiation. The furnace is capable of continuous infrared treating of material with consistent radiation being applied to the material, ease of access to the furnace for maintenance cleaning and repair, excellent control of radiant cooling of the material to be treated, and ease of maintenance of a volatile component condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Despatch Industries Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Hans L. Melgaard, Matt Weierke
  • Publication number: 20090050620
    Abstract: A heating arrangement for heating one or more liquid-containing microcavities (102) that are present on a microdevice (101) in which there is a contact surface (Sdev) (108). The arrangement comprises a heating support (104,204) that has: a) a support contact surface (Ssup) (110) which is apposed to Sdev (108), when the microdevice (101) is placed on the heating support (104,204), and b) one or more heating elements (120,220) each of which are in thermal contact with Ssup (110), and also with at least one of said microcavities (102), when the microdevice (101) is placed according to (a) with said microcavities (102) matched to said heating elements (120,220), The characteristic feature of the arrangement is that it comprises a sub pressure system (113-119) that is capable of creating sub pressure between said support (104,204) and said microdevice (101) via the support when the microdevice (101) is placed on the support (104,204).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: GYROS AB
    Inventors: Per Andersson, Gunnar Kylberg
  • Patent number: 7488918
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a printed light guide plate includes a working platform (23), and a heater (24) coupled to the working platform. A transparent slab (21) is disposed on the working platform. The purpose of coupling the heater to the working platform is to maintain the transparent slab a constant temperature in the range from about 40° C. to about 45° C., such that as few water molecules as possible are absorbed into the transparent slab. The quality of the manufactured printed light guide plate is thus improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Chih Sung
  • Patent number: 7481153
    Abstract: A toaster for heating a food stuff to a selected shade, includes a housing having at least one wall, at least one heating chamber within the housing for receiving the food stuff to be heated and at least one heating element for heating the food stuff in the heating chamber. A window is provided in the wall and a control knob is provided for controlling the time period that the food stuff is heated. The control knob is rotatable between a first end position at which the food stuff is heated for a short time period to provide a light food stuff shade, a second end position at which the food stuff is heated for a long time period to provide a dark food stuff shade and a plurality of intermediary positions between the first and second end positions it which the food stuff is heated for a selected time period between the short and long time periods to provide a food stuff shade between light and dark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Barnes, Martin Patrick Brady
  • Patent number: 7467583
    Abstract: A compact combined toaster and cooker includes in a single housing a toaster and a cooker that has first and second food-heating locations. The toaster is in most ways conventional, having at least one slot and at least one electrical heating element. The cooker has a separate electrical heating element. The first food-heating location of the cooker is recessed within the housing above the cooker's heating element. This first food-heating location opens upwardly from the housing to receive a cooking pan. The first food-heating location also opens through an opening in a face of the housing. The cooking pan has a handle that projects through this opening. The second food-heating location is within the housing and below the heating element. The second food-heating location receives a warming receptacle through a slot in the wall of the housing. The cooking pan handle is pivotally attached to the pan and locks in either an outwardly extended position or in a downwardly pivoted, contracted storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: South Asia International
    Inventor: Raymond Hoi-Tak Lam
  • Publication number: 20080223847
    Abstract: An electric grill includes at least one grill pan having a first heating member, a second heating member, and a temperature sensing member for measuring the temperature of the grill pan; and the first heating member, the second heating member and the temperature sensing member connect with a control circuit. The temperature sensing member provides a temperature signal for the control circuit, and the control circuit controls the power on/off of the first heating member and the second heating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Po-Chun Kuo
  • Publication number: 20080173636
    Abstract: An apparatus, arrangement and method for supporting a helical wire coil heating element is provided. The apparatus includes a generally circular support frame having an open center portion and a plurality of supporting arms extending radially inward into the open center portion. Insulating standoffs are supported on the supporting arms such that the standoffs extend into the open center portion of the frame. A helical wire coil heating element is attached to each end of the standoff. An arrangement for supporting a helical wire coil heating element includes a substantially closed elongated tubular wrapper having an open interior. One or more generally circular support frames are arranged in the open interior of the wrapper and support insulating standoffs. A method for assembling an arrangement for a supporting a helical wire coil heating element is further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Edward A. Kutz
  • Patent number: 7388176
    Abstract: A heating device includes a case having a plurality of openings and a plurality of slits are defined in bars of the case so that a plurality of heating boards are engaged with the slits of the case at an equal distance. A power control device is connected to the case and includes a power line having a plurality of male connectors. Each heating board includes a heating layer sandwiched between two isolation plates. Two wires are connected to the heating layer and each wire has female connectors, which are connected with the male connectors of the power line. The heating layers of the heating boards dispense heat evenly from the openings of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Ching-Song Chen
  • Publication number: 20080116196
    Abstract: In a heat treatment apparatus, a reflector is provided to cover a plurality of flash lamps arranged in an array for emitting a flash of light, and a cooling box is provided over the reflector. The cooling box has a buffer space incorporated therein, and a plurality of jet openings in communication with the buffer space are formed through a bottom surface of the cooling box and the reflector. The plurality of jet openings are positioned just over gaps between the plurality of flash lamps in the lamp array. Nitrogen gas ejected from the plurality of jet openings passes through the gaps between adjacent ones of the flash lamps in the lamp array, and is then blown against a lamp light radiation window. The flash lamps are effectively cooled down by the direct cooling using the nitrogen gas and the decrease in temperature of the lamp light radiation window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Toshihiro NAKAJIMA, Jun WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20080087659
    Abstract: A heating device for individually and automatically warming and vibrating one or more containers to thaw, warm, and mix a liquid within the containers, the liquid being cold or frozen. The device heats the contents of each container to a selected temperature by heat exchange between a heated fluid and the contents of the container. A bag or liner holds the fluid to be heated and the container thereby allowing the bag or liner to be placed into a device well or reservoir for heating while vibrating or shaking elements connected to the well or reservoir assist in mixing and uniformly heating the fluid and the container contents. The container typically is a baby bottle, syringe, test tube, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Scott A. Norman, Mark A. Petheram, Drake L. Koch, Janice M. Shields, Paul W. Shields
  • Patent number: 7355147
    Abstract: A floating ice removal device with a disk shaped upper cover, a disk shaped lower cover and a heat emitting cup. An electric circuit board is mounted on an inner bottom of the lower cover, and a helical heat emitting wire is mounted on the inner top surface of the upper cover in a contact mode, and the cup having a heat emitting source is mounted on the outer bottom surface of the lower cover. An electric power line is extended in from the bottom of the heat emitting cup to connect the circuit board to supply electric power, so that the helical heat emitting wire keeps the surface temperature of the upper cover above 5 degrees Celsius, so that the surface of the entire ice removal will not be covered by snow or ice, while the heat emitting cup can emit heat under the water for removing ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Eiko Electric Products Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 7351939
    Abstract: A toaster is provided having a base which may be interchangeable or integral with the toaster unit. The toaster also contains an angled heating chamber having manually moveable heating element assemblies, a centering carriage, and a toast lift that optimize the distance between the heating elements and the bread product. Furthermore, an angled top for viewing the bread product within the heating chamber, and including a user control interface for controlling the actions of the toaster, located on the top surface thereof are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Boyle, Doug Drenten, Robert Brueckner, Gary Petersen, Kristi Lafrenz, Gary Schmitz, Keith Gausmann, Jeffrey DeBord, Michael Kopczewski, Robert Hayes, Sally Stark, Paul Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080052901
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes increasing adherence between a susceptor as a heating element, and a semiconductor substrate disposed on the susceptor, by using an adherence increasing mechanism, or increasing heat transmitted to a semiconductor substrate, which is disposed on a susceptor as a heating element, by using a transmitted-heat increasing mechanism; and heating the semiconductor substrate to have a predetermined temperature by heating the susceptor. The adherence increasing mechanism may include the susceptor and one of a heavy-weight stone disposed on the semiconductor substrate, a cap disposed on the semiconductor substrate and engaged with the susceptor, and an adhesive layer provided between the susceptor and the semiconductor substrate. The transmitted-heat increasing mechanism may include the susceptor and small pieces which are disposed on the semiconductor substrate and have radiated-light absorption ability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Koichi Nishikawa, Masaaki Shimizu, Kenichi Nonaka, Seiichi Yokoyama, Hideki Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20080053983
    Abstract: A cook and hold system having an oven, a food warmer and a metallic food tray. The metallic food tray is used in the oven to hold the food products during cooking and then is rapidly transferred to the food warmer for holding. The food warmer has doors that cover the food warmer inlets so as to retain moisture and heat so that the food products are moist and warm when removed from the food warmer. The food tray has a bottom with parallel ribs that provide grill markings on the food products and a trapping of cook byproducts, such as moisture, grease and particles in the bottom spaces along side the ribs. These byproducts help to preserve heat and moisture when the food tray is transferred from the quick cook oven to the food warmer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Keith A. Stanger
  • Patent number: 7339142
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device (1) comprising a metallic substrate (2) whose at least one part is coated with a self-cleaning coating. The inventive coating consists of an external layer (4) contacting ambient air and comprising at least one type of oxidation catalyst selected from platinoid oxides, at least one internal layer (3) which is arranged between the metallic substrate and the external layer and comprises at least one type of oxidation catalyst selected from transition elements oxides of 1b group. The inventive heating device can be embodied, for instance in the form of an iron soleplate consisting of a heating base (6) provided with heating elements (7) or a cooking appliance. Said metallic substrate can be covered with an intermediary enamel layer (5). A method for coating the metallic substrate of a heating device with said coating is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Stéphanie Pessayre, Henry Boulud
  • Patent number: 7327559
    Abstract: A computer keyboard has a chassis, internal components and keys, at least one heating element positioned in an opening into the chassis, and at least one fan positioned to urge air over the heating element and into the chassis. Air entering the chassis over the heating element is urged upward through the chassis and around the keys into a region above the keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Sound Starts, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Fox
  • Patent number: 7290482
    Abstract: A toaster system having selectively removable imaging plates is provided. The system includes a toaster having at least one toast receiving compartment with heating elements disposed along both sides thereof for facing the food item to be toasted. The system also includes a plurality of metal imaging plates, each individually and selectively receivable in and removable from the toast receiving compartment at a location between one of the heating elements and the inserted food item that is to be toasted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: LC Premiums, Ltd.
    Inventors: Huan Dong Pan, Linda Carlish Kaplan
  • Patent number: 7287980
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for delivering gas in a liquefied state at a controlled rate. The liquefied gas may be transported in ton cylinders by placing the ton cylinder on a transportation pallet. The transportation pallet containing the ton cylinder may be placed on a heating saddle so that a surface of the cylinder is in contact with a surface of the heating saddle. Heating fluid may flow through the heating saddle, thereby heating the liquid in the cylinder through the cylinder walls. Furthermore, the vapor pressure of the gas in the cylinder may be monitored and maintained at a desired level by regulating the flow of heating fluid through the saddle. Therefore, embodiments of the invention allow the maintenance of gas flow rates in a cylinder without removing the cylinder from its transportation pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP
    Inventor: Douglas B. Nurmi
  • Patent number: 7279659
    Abstract: A non-food warmer apparatus includes an enclosure having sides, a top, and a bottom defining a chamber. A drawer structure has a support member to support objects. The drawer structure is coupled to the enclosure for movement between a retracted position to warm the objects within the chamber and an extended position external to the chamber to permit access to the objects by a user. A heating system heats the chamber and a ventilation system moves air through the chamber. A user interface includes inputs to control a temperature and a humidity within the chamber. A detection system includes sensors to detect a condition within the chamber and provide a signal. An electronic control system is coupled to the enclosure and interfaces with the heating system, the ventilation system, the user interface, and the detection system so the objects in the chamber can be maintained at a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Gagas, Daniel E. Stair, II, David J. Zeier
  • Patent number: 7276676
    Abstract: A food and food-plate warming device includes a base plate that has a planar top surface and has an outwardly beveled edge provided with laterally stepped ridges concentrically spaced from the top surface center. A cover plate is positioned on the base plate and has an outer lip that is nested on one of the stepped ridges. Handles are conjoined to the outer lip for receiving at least four contiguous metacarpals therethrough. A mechanism is included for heating the base plate top surface such that the food and food-plate interfitted between the base plate and the cover plate can be heated. The heating mechanism includes a heating element intercalated between the top and bottom surfaces of the first base plate. An automatic shut off switch is coupled to the heating element for interrupting power to the heating element when an interior temperature of the device reaches a maximum threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Jennifer J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7264961
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for carrying out a thermal cycling reaction, wherein a succession of samples is conveyed through a series of sequentially arranged temperature control sites, each of the sites comprising means for supplying an electric current to, or inducing an electric current in, sample-containing vessels passing through it so as to induce temperature changes in the samples. Also provided is a sample support and its production, the support comprising a succession of sample vessels arranged sequentially one behind the next, preferably in the form of a linked chain, the support comprising an electrically conducting, preferably plastics, material which beats when an electric current passes through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventors: David James Squirrell, Martin Alan Lee
  • Patent number: 7244913
    Abstract: A temperature regulator regulates a temperature of a microchemical chip that has chemical reaction sections. The temperature regulator includes a temperature measuring unit and a thermoelectric element corresponding to each chemical reaction section. The temperature regulator further includes a heat conductor, a heat exchanging unit, and a temperature controlling unit that controls electric current to be applied to the thermoelectric element based on a temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Murakami, Shigeru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7230212
    Abstract: A golf ball heating appliance for heating 4 or more golf balls to an average temperature of between 40° C. and 55° C. during an active heating period of 30 minutes or less has a lower thermally conductive and an upper non-thermally conductive receptacle for receiving a plurality of golf balls and includes an electrical heating element capable of delivering at least 4 watts of power per ball during the active heating period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventors: Paul Sarkisian, Uwe Rockenfeller
  • Patent number: 7227100
    Abstract: A warmer includes: a main casing adapted for storing a wiper box therein; a drawer casing slidably engaged in the main casing and operatively withdrawn outwardly for storing a fluid container including nursing bottle or beverage cup in the drawer casing; and a heating device provided in the casing for warming a wet tissue or wiper in the wiper box stored in the main casing and for warming the fluid container in the drawer casing; whereby when the warming of the fluid container is unnecessary, the drawer casing may be pushed inwardly into the main casing just for warming the wiper box only and also for saving the volume of the complete warmer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Tsang-Hung Hsu
  • Patent number: 7223947
    Abstract: An electric heating structure of a domestic appliance includes at least one first electric heating track (23) having a positive temperature coefficient and at least one additional electric heating track (27, 28). A control structure (22, 25, 29) is provided for controlling electric power supply to said first and additional heating tracks (23, 27, 28) and is sensitive to the heating of said at least one first heating track (23) for switching on said at least one additional electric heating track (27, 28) in parallel and in addition to said at least one first heating track (23) when said at least one first heating track (23) has been heated to at least a predetermined extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Mohankumar Valiyambath Krishnan, Kai Heng Kwok, Gerard Cnossen
  • Patent number: 7218847
    Abstract: A heating unit heats a work piece 6 by heat conduction from a heat conducting plate 4 on which light from a light source 1 is irradiated, wherein the heat conducting plate 4 comprises a holding member 2 having optical transparency, and a heat conducting layer 3 which is provided on a surface of the holding member 2, and absorbs light emitted from a light source 1 and is transmitted through the holding member 2, so as to generate heat. The heating unit has the heat conducting plate 4 in which deformation does not occur, and temperature thereof changes rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kasiha
    Inventors: Yoichi Mizukawa, Koji Miyauchi
  • Patent number: 7217392
    Abstract: An automated slide stainer with slides mounted in a horizontal position on a rotary carousel. Reagents and rinse liquids are automatically dispensed onto tissue sections or cells mounted on slides for the purpose of performing chemical or immunohistochemical stains. The rinse liquids are removed by an aspiration head connected to a source of vacuum. Individual slides or groups of slides are supported on flat heating stations for heating to individual temperatures. Temperature control electronics on the carousel are controlled by a user interface off of the carousel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: CytoLogix Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Bogen, Herbert H. Loeffler, John A. Purbrick
  • Patent number: 7205509
    Abstract: An apparatus for both heating and serving food has both an interchangeable heat conducting food serving assembly and a heat exchange assembly coupled to at least a portion of the interchangeable heat conducting food serving assembly. A head portion of the interchangeable heat conducting food serving assembly is at least one of a scoop, a fork, a ladle and a knife. The interchangeable heat conducting food serving assembly serving assembly is heated by the heat exchange assembly, facilitating serving the food in contact with the interchangeable heat conducting food serving assembly. A head portion of the interchangeable heat conducting food serving assembly is at least one of a scoop, a fork, a ladle and a knife. A stand holds the apparatus and disperses heat to mitigate excess temperature build-up while the apparatus is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: N. Kay Goulet
  • Patent number: 7193190
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plate warming apparatus for use in keeping food warm in a restaurant. The invention has four primary components: a serving plate; a heater assembly; a plate adapter for coupling the plate and heater assembly; and a base fixture that enables the adapter to be selectively coupled to the heater assembly. These elements allow the heater assembly to heat the underside of a serving plate and, thereby, keep food warm as it is delivered to and consumed at a user's table. The invention allows the heater assembly to be uncoupled from the underside of the plate and recharged as necessary for reuse on other serving plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Waldemar F. Kissel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7186958
    Abstract: There is an apparatus having a housing, a heating element, a heating element switch, a heating chamber, a heating chamber cover, and a controller. The housing is handheld. The heating element is disposed within the housing. The heating element switch may be electrically coupled with the heating element. The heating chamber is disposed within the housing. The heating chamber cover may be adapted to at least partially eject the heating chamber from the housing when the heating chamber cover is displaced relative to the housing. The controller is electrically coupled with the heating element switch. The controller is adapted to control a transfer of energy to the heating element. The controller may be adapted to prevent the transfer of energy to the heating element if the heating chamber cover is not in a closed position relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Zhao Wei, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7183523
    Abstract: A wrist rest equipped with a heating device has a base, a heating device and a cushion. The base has a recess and a chamber. The heating device is mounted in and on the base and has a controller, a heating element, a switch and a power source. The controller is mounted in the chamber and controls operation of the heating device. The heating element is mounted in the recess and connected electrically to the controller. The switch is connected electrically to the controller to turn the heating element on and off. The power source is connected electrically to the controller to supply electricity to the heating device. The cushion is mounted in the recess above the heating element and is heated by heat from the heating element to improve the blood circulation in the mouse user's wrist area while a user operates the computer mouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Chiang-Tsun Lu
  • Patent number: 7176419
    Abstract: A heating pad system useable in one embodiment for warming a person on a support structure. In this embodiment, the heating pad system comprises an upper foam pad, a lower foam pad, and a thermal-electric heating element sandwiched between the upper and lower foam pads. A form-fitting waterproof cover encloses at least a portion of the upper and lower foam pads and the thermal-electric heating element. In one aspect of this embodiment, the heating pad system includes a power unit for providing electrical power to the thermal-electric heating element, the power unit including a control panel having at least one temperature selector, the temperature selector for selecting at least one heating pad temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: American Healthcare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Douglas Ellis, Charles C. Wyatt
  • Patent number: 7171761
    Abstract: An increased air pressure forced hot air towel warmer comprising a substantially airtight enclosure configured to be more desirable and user friendly when placed in close proximity to a tub or shower whether mounted within cabinetry, on the wall or when permanently installed between existing standard 16 inch on center wall support studs while protruding as little as possible into the room. Intended for use with large area plush towels and bath sheets for which insertion in a limited width wall enclosure or shallow depth cabinetry leads to greater vertical depth of towel material to be penetrated and substantially increases the resistance to air flow, therefore back pressure, thereby necessitating increased supply pressure to maintain adequate hot air flow through the towel. Increased supply pressure is created without objectionable noise by use of low noise rotary blowers and associated pressure accumulator cavities arranged in tandem such that their respective pressure gradients are additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Barney Dean Hunts
  • Patent number: 7166822
    Abstract: A device for heating and warming food featuring a base with a central member axially projecting it surface which provides heat from its exterior surface. The base is cooperatively engageable with one or a plurality of cooking containers having central cavities adapted to frictionally engage the central member thereby heating food in the containers from a central axis. Secondary cooking containers are engageable to axial projections in the primary cooking contains to allow two foods to be heated at the same time from a central area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Chung-Yuan Chang, Steven Chang
  • Patent number: 7158717
    Abstract: An apparatus for altering a temperature state of a liquid within a container and method of use are disclosed. In one form, an apparatus includes an oval housing having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a middle portion having a front side and a rear side. The said top portion has a width and a depth. A plurality of cavities is positioned along the width and has substantially cylindrical openings. The cavities are sized to receive a portion of a liquid container. Heat generating electronics are housed within the housing. The heat generating electronics include a heat transfer element integrated as part of each cavity. The heat transfer element is operable to alter a temperature state of a cavity. A heat generator is mounted within the housing and is thermally coupled to the heat transfer element to collectively alter a temperature state of each of the cavities. A thermostat is operably coupled to the heat generator to alter the temperature state of each of the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: Frank Young, Stacey Young
  • Patent number: 7145112
    Abstract: A radiant heating and cooling system clip for positioning a tube and construction support wire with one hand comprising an interior having a main channel for positioning a tube with a narrowing second channel within said main channel for positioning a wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: Timothy Douglas Daughtry, Sr., Donald L. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7138613
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball heater comprising a rectangular container, the interior of which is outfitted with at least one heating element and rails for holding golf balls. One end of the container includes a sliding door for retrieving a heated golf ball. On one side of the container, a control box is outfitted with circuitry to cooperatively work with sensors in the container for purposes of selectively activating the heating element(s) according to whether or not the sliding door is open or shut and whether or not the temperature inside the container is within the optimal temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventors: Scott Michael Walsh, George Matthew White, James Joshua Nichols
  • Patent number: 7104706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating device having at least a first heating element 102 for heating at least one protective sleeve 105, 602 arranged around at least a first uncoated optical fiber section 501, 603. Said sleeve 105, 602 being arranged to shrink when exposed to heat to form a protecting member tightly enclosing said uncoated optical fiber section 501, 603. The at least first heating element is flexible, and arranged to take at least a first open state and a second substantially closed state. Said first open state is suitable for inserting and removing said protecting sleeve and fiber into and out off said heating device. Said heating element, in said second state, substantially surrounds said sleeve to form an enclosure around said sleeve, so that said heating element radiates heat around substantially the complete circumference of said sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Dag Bergstrsöm, Hans Johansson, Moshen Janbakhsh, Torsten Lund
  • Patent number: 7078654
    Abstract: A heater device for hair curlers has an upper hood and a lower casing forming a disposing space for hair curlers. A disposing seat is installed inside the disposing space and multiple heater supports having the same number as the hair curlers are installed on the disposing seat. A heater part is installed on the heater supports. The heater part has a heater element coupled to an external power source and generating heat, and multiple heat-conducting elements overlaying the heater element to receive the heat from the heater element and to increase heat-conducting area. The hair curlers hood the heat-conducting elements in order to achieve a rapid and uniform heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Samson Tsen
  • Patent number: 7021308
    Abstract: A device and method for the storage and retrieval of a variety of cooking utensils is disclosed. The invention may include a sleeve, can or tracking system that is capable of receiving and storing and dispensing a stand alone appliance, or a kitchen utensil that is to be used on another kitchen appliance such as a stovetop/hob. The device may also include a latching system for securing the appliance/appliance carrier or utensil in its stored position. The device may be used with existing appliances and utensils as an appliance/utensil carrier or incorporate its own proprietary appliance(s) or utensil(s). This new and novel product or system for the storage and retrieval of food preparation appliances, allows the workplace to remain uncluttered, and at the same time allows the user ready access to the appliances, devices or utensils when desired. Additionally, the appliances are stored in a more efficient manner than is currently available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Steven Jerome Caruso
  • Patent number: 7019267
    Abstract: A heater module is described that includes a heat distribution plate including a bottom portion having first and second sides and a plurality of projections extending away from one of the sides. A heat source is provided for heating the heat distribution plate, and, optionally, a heating tray can be used to receive the heat source and heat distribution plate. The heater module is adapted to engage a sample purification tray having a plurality of purification and/or discharge columns which can extend through openings in the heater module and direct a sample into a sample receiving tray. Methods of heating samples using the heater module are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Weinfield, Gary Lim, Donald R. Sandell, Kevin S. Bodner, Mark Borodkin, Mark Oldham, Jon Hoshizaki
  • Patent number: 7015425
    Abstract: A gas cylinder includes a cylindrically-shaped main wall having a liner, a facing and insulation located between the liner and the facing. First and second electric, self-regulating heating elements are positioned between the liner and the insulation. The liner is provided with first and second pockets and the first and second heating elements are located within the pockets. The first heating element has a higher wattage density than the second heating element and the first heating element is located below the second heating element. A sealed conduit enclosure contains a terminal block connecting a power input cable to the first and second heating elements. A planar top wall is located at the top of the main wall and has an opening for passage of a regulator of the gas cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: B H Thermal Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Neal, Doug Dietz, Daniel R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7009154
    Abstract: The microreactor is completely integrated and is formed by a semiconductor body having a surface and housing at least one buried channel accessible from the surface of the semiconductor body through two trenches. A heating element extends above the surface over the channel and a resist region extends above the heating element and defines an inlet reservoir and an outlet reservoir. The reservoirs are connected to the trenches and have, in cross-section, a larger area than the trenches. The outlet reservoir has a larger area than the inlet reservoir. A sensing electrode extends above the surface and inside the outlet reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Flavio Villa, Ubaldo Mastromatteo, Gabriele Barlocchi, Mauro Cattaneo
  • Patent number: 7005617
    Abstract: An apparatus for thermally cycling samples of a biological material including a thermal block assembly including a plurality of sample holders for receiving samples of biological material; a heat sink thermally coupled to the thermal block assembly, the heat sink transferring heat away from the thermal block assembly to ambient air in contact with the heat sink; a first heat source thermally coupled to the thermal block assembly to provide heat to the thermal block assembly; and a second heat source thermally coupled to the first heat source and configured to provide heat to a portion of the first heat source. The arrangement of the heat sink, first heat source and second heat source can provide substantial temperature uniformity among the plurality of sample holders. The invention also includes a method for thermally cycling samples of biological material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Stratagene California
    Inventor: Larry Richard Brown
  • Patent number: 6992271
    Abstract: A heating element composed of at least one mica sheet and a heating ribbon, or strip, mounted on the sheet, a support device holding the mica sheet and constituting a first reflector, and a plate secured to the support device and constituting a second reflector. An electric toaster composed of a base, a case having an upper end, a toasting chamber disposed in the case and having an opening in the form of a slot at the upper end for the introduction and removal of bread, a movable bread support rack in the chamber, and at least one substantially vertical heating element as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Lionel Reyes, Michel Klinger, Jean-Marie Balandier, Guy Mauffrey
  • Patent number: 6963050
    Abstract: A paver having a paving screed and at least one working component which is heated by at least one electric heating element and a smoothing plate, with the heating element being secured in heat tampering condition at a heating area of the working component. The heating element is a planar heating element with at least one heating coil being a heating conductor which is wound in a spiral around a planar carrier, and the peripheral form of the carrier material and/or the winding density or the winding course of the heating conductor is adapted to produce a predetermined heating picture in the heating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Joseph Voegle AG
    Inventor: Michael Heindtel
  • Patent number: 6949718
    Abstract: A device used to thaw a volume of frozen ground where there is a need to dig a posthole, concrete footing, grave, or other cavity, essentially comprises an inverted housing having a closed top and open bottom and one or more light bulbs for providing heat, which are attached through holes in the top surface. The housing further comprises an outer wall with insulation attached to the inside surfaces. The open end of the device has a flange for securing the device to the ground and sealing in most of the produced heat. Light bulb sockets are mounted through rubber grommets, which provide water proofing, within holes in the top surface with 110-volt light bulbs being screwed in from the inside of the device. The device can be formed in many shapes, including rectangular, circular, 90-degree corner, 45-degree corner, and curved corner. Also, multiple devices can be fastened together for use over large area plots of ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventors: Richard H. Hockenberry, Lisa Hockenberry