Including Or Comprising Holding Or Support Means For Material To Be Heated Patents (Class 219/521)
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Patent number: 6946624Abstract: A tray for holding a razor has a cradle formed and configured for nested engagement with the handle of the razor and the blade face of the cartridge carried on the razor head. Electric heating elements in the cradle warm the blades of the razor when the razor rests in the cradle. The cradle of the tray may further be provided with heating elements in the handle engaging portion for warming the razor handle as well as a shave product carried in the handle of a razor that has an integrated shave product dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Inventor: Louis D. Tomassetti
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Patent number: 6936791Abstract: The carrying case for storing and transporting heated articles includes a thermal storage assembly having a heat retention member for absorbing and retaining sensible heat and for releasing the sensible heat of a extended period time. The thermal storage assembly includes a heating coil assembly secured to a surface of the heat retention member. The heating coil assembly includes a resistive heating coil disposed adjacent to the heat retention member. The heating coil has a power cord connected to the coil with the coil being retained within a sealed thermally conductive pouch.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Vesture Acquisition CorporationInventors: Wayne D. Baldwin, Fujio Abe
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Patent number: 6935279Abstract: A heated towel holder comprises an elongate tube formed into the general shape of a conical helix, supported by a mounting arrangement such that the smaller end of the conical helix shape is lowermost and the axis of that shape extends upwardly at a shallow angle to the vertical. The mounting arrangement feeds heated fluid into one end of the formed tube and allows cooled fluid to drain from the other end of the formed tube. At least the greater part of a towel may simply be dropped into the conical volume bound by the helix so as to remain therein and be heated by fluid flowing through the formed tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Heating World Group LimitedInventor: Jeremy Damien Bosworth
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Patent number: 6924467Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: American HealthCare Products, Inc.Inventors: Kent Douglas Ellis, Charles C. Wyatt
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Patent number: 6909073Abstract: An integrated device based upon semiconductor technology, in particular a chemical microreactor, including a semiconductor body having a high-temperature operating portion and a low temperature operating portion. The semiconductor body is provided with a thermal-insulation device including a dissipator element arranged between the high-temperature operating portion and the low-temperature operating portion. The dissipator includes a membrane connecting the high-temperature operating portion and the low-temperature operating portion, and a plurality of diaphragms that extend substantially orthogonal to the membrane and are parallel to one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Flavio Villa, Gabriele Barlocchi, Manlio Gennaro Torchia, Ubaldo Mastromatteo
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Patent number: 6906292Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Applera CorporationInventors: Todd A. Weinfield, Gary Lim, Donald R. Sandell, Kevin S. Bodner, Mark Borodkin, Mark Oldham, Jon Hoshizaki
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Patent number: 6881296Abstract: A method and system of manufacturing an air bag cover assembly utilizing infrared radiation is disclosed. The assembly includes a front panel, a back plate, a switch and infrared-absorbing material. Initially, the front panel and the back plate are positioned so that inner surfaces of the front panel and the back plate define a switch pocket therebetween. Then the switch is positioned in the switch pocket. Thereafter, infrared radiation is directed at the infrared-absorbing material for a time sufficient to heat the infrared-absorbing material to a desired temperature. The amount of heat applied to the infrared-absorbing material by the infrared radiation is controlled by a controller. Finally, the heated material cools to fixedly secures the back plate to the front panel. The heated material may be forced to flow prior to cooling.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Patent Holding CompanyInventors: Jason T. Murar, John F. Murphy
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Patent number: 6878905Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Stratagene CaliforniaInventors: Larry R. Brown, William D. Brumley, Kenneth J. Zajac
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Patent number: 6877540Abstract: An apparatus and device for fusing two or more foam components together by thermal welding, has an interface blade adapted for placement at an interface of foam components to be fused together, and a nozzle proximate to the interface blade for distributing a heated gas at the interface of the foam components. The nozzle may be located in a shroud proximate to the interface blade. An automated foam welding apparatus has a platform for supporting foam components or other components, a clamp for applying pressure to one or more of the foam components, and one or more welding heads mounted upon a track for translation proximate to the foam components to be welded together, the welding heads having an interface blade and a heated gas distribution nozzle, and optionally a trimmer for trimming excess material from one or more of the foam components. A hand-held foam welding device is also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Sealy Technology LLCInventors: Bruce G. Barman, Larry DeMoss
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Patent number: 6864470Abstract: A microwave oven incorporating toaster includes a tray provided on a tray support. The tray support moves forward and backward in inside the toaster. The tray support includes a bushing for moving within moving slots provided at both sidewalls of a toaster case. A connecting lever connects the bushing to a toaster door and translates a motion generated by operation of the toaster door when it opens and closes into a moving motion exhibited by the tray. A food item (e.g., a slice of bread, bagel, etc.) arranged on the tray may be inserted into, or removed from, the inside of the toaster by operating the toaster door.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Yoon Gun Back
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Patent number: 6861624Abstract: The invention relates to a device for defrosting and/or heating up medical products (1), especially deep-frozen blood products or injection or infusion solutions for later transfusion, retransfusion or injection. The inventive device comprises a heating module (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) on which a container containing the deep-frozen product (1) can be placed. A pre-heated adaptive pad (3) is placed on the container (1) and emits the heat contained therein during the heating process. The desired final temperature of the product (1) to be heated is controlled by way of a temperature sensor (4, 5) and a control unit and is displayed once it is reached.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Transmed Medizintechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Michael Pelster
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Patent number: 6847020Abstract: A microwave oven incorporating a toaster includes a toaster door provided on a toaster panel for opening and closing at least one toaster entrance and a tray assembly. The tray assembly includes a tray support inside the toaster and at least one tray which is fastened to a top of the tray support for holding a food item. The tray includes at least one elevating bracket for maintaining a predetermined distance between the tray and the tray support. In addition, the tray assembly further includes a support wall provided at a front end of the tray for supporting a front lower portion of the food item so as to stably position the food item at an optimal location for toasting. In the microwave oven incorporating a toaster, each food item is positioned against a heater included therein so as to maximize the toasting performance of the toaster. Also the tray support can be easily disassembled and assembled for the purpose of cleaning and replacing with a new tray.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Ho Gab Yang, Gyu Sik Cho
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Publication number: 20040245243Abstract: An apparatus for warming a medical instrument, preferably a speculum, generally includes a sleeve insert for securing the medical instrument therein, a heating element operatively arranged to heat the sleeve insert and a thermostat operatively arranged to control the temperature of the heating element at or near approximate human body temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Lino A. Ossanna
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Patent number: 6820537Abstract: A cooking appliance comprising a shell (4) and a control knob (7) mobile relative to the shell (4) which comprises a heating element and bears a removable hot plate fixed on the heating element by at least one locking member (1) and releasable by moving the member (1). The appliance comprises a lever (8) forming a crank-shaft assembly pivoting about a pin (12) whereby it is fixed to the shell (4); one part of the lever (20) co-operates with the knob (7) and another part (19), drives the locking member (1) when the knob is stressed and acts on the lever (8).Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: SEB SAInventor: Yves Patenotre
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Patent number: 6818863Abstract: The present invention provides an electric heat sealing apparatus which comprises an upper support board, a lower support board and a lateral board which define a moving space therebetween. A sealing plate is placed in the moving space and can be driven by a set of drivers to move vertically in the space. A sealing portion and a cutting portion extent downwardly from a rim of the sealing plate and a narrow groove is formed therebetween. On the course of packing, plastic films can be sealed and cut simultaneously owing to a vertical movement of the cutting and the sealing portions. Further, a neat and airtight sealing effect can be achieved due to the design of the narrow groove.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ai-Ming Tang, Ming Huang
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Publication number: 20040222205Abstract: A hair curling roller system having a plurality of post members having the same outer diameter for heating the rollers and a plurality of rollers having inner cavities for mounting the rollers on the posts with such inner cavities have substantially the same inner diameters. There is only one group of rollers, with all having the same outer diameter, being approximately ¾″. Each of the curling rollers include an interior core member having an opening in one lateral end of the core member and longitudinally extending within the core member; this core member is formed of a material highly conductive of heat. An elongated metal sleeve is positioned within the opening of the core member of each roller and is attached to the inside of such core member. In each roller the interior core has a central hub and a plurality of heat radiating spokes extending out from the hub for facilitating the transfer of heat to the outer surface of the roller.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventor: Rita Jean Carpenter
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Publication number: 20040222215Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: SEB S.AInventors: Lionel Reyes, Michel Klinger, Jean-Marie Balandier, Guy Mauffrey
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Publication number: 20040211766Abstract: A thermos container with inner sealing cap and outer cap used to contain solid or liquid foods. Integral heating coils contained within the innermost compartment of the receptacle receives energy from the main power cord connected to the On/Off sliding switch power conductor. When the sliding switch is moved to the On position it activates the battery power to heat the integral coils to a certain temperature to warm the contents of the thermos container. With such applications the invention is a battery operated self heating thermos thus allowing for storage and heat to foods contained within the inner receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventor: Claudine Iannucci
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Patent number: 6809302Abstract: A bottle warming device for allowing a user to warm multiple bottles concurrently. The bottle warming device includes a housing assembly including a housing having top, bottom, front, and side walls, and also having bottle-receiving openings being disposed through the top wall; and also includes an assembly of heating bottles being removably disposed in the bottle-receiving openings.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Inventors: Demarch R. Jones, Patrick T. Jones, Sr.
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Publication number: 20040206749Abstract: An integrated device based upon semiconductor technology, in particular a chemical microreactor, including a semiconductor body having a high-temperature operating portion and a low temperature operating portion. The semiconductor body is provided with a thermal-insulation device including a dissipator element arranged between the high-temperature operating portion and the low-temperature operating portion. The dissipator includes a membrane connecting the high-temperature operating portion and the low-temperature operating portion, and a plurality of diaphragms that extend substantially orthogonal to the membrane and are parallel to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Flavio Villa, Gabriele Barlocchi, Manlio Gennaro Torchia, Ubaldo Mastromatteo
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Publication number: 20040188411Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: StratageneInventors: Larry R. Brown, William D. Brumley, Kenneth J. Zajac
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Patent number: 6797925Abstract: An electric surface heating element is installed by direct application to the periphery of a cylindrical material pipe (13) of a hot runner nozzle (12). Said surface heating element consists of a ceramic dielectric layer (20) which is directly applied to the metal pipe (13) or to the wall (16) thereof, at least one layer (22) consisting of heating conductor strips (23) and an electrically insulating ceramic covering layer (24) which is applied on top of the latter. Film, or thick-coat screen printing technology are suitable as coating processes. However, thick-coat technology using round printing is preferably used for the layer construction as a whole. Alternatively, the ceramic dielectric layer (20) can be fixed to the periphery of the hot runner pipe (13) in the form of a prefabricated green film and subsequently baked.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Gunther Heisskanaltechnik GmbHInventors: Herbert Günther, Christel Kretschmab, Peter Otschik
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Publication number: 20040178186Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable warming cloth for containers using office equipment such as USB or IEEE1394 (Fire Wire) plugs as heating source. The present invention mainly comprises a USB plug or IEEE1394 plug, power source wire, electric heating plates and a cloth. The USB or IEEE1394 plug can be plugged to USB or IEEE1394 receptacle or other transition plug at any time. The power source wire is pliable and designed with a connecting point at the rear part for connection of heating plates, a LED indicating power button in the middle and a USB and IEEE1394 plug at the front part. The heating plates use direct current and are secured inside the cloth. A concealed connecting stand is found at the lower part of the electric heating plates for connecting of power source wire. The cloth is made of soft material with adhesive tapes on both sides and apart from the electric heating plates found inside, it is also designed in advance with a side opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventor: William Lu
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Publication number: 20040164068Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Flavio Villa, Ubaldo Mastromatteo, Gabriele Barlocchi, Mauro Cattaneo
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Publication number: 20040159646Abstract: A banquet cart includes a heater received in an opening in the bottom panel of the banquet cart. Plates of food are loaded into the interior compartment of the banquet cart in the kitchen. The heater includes a central heater unit and two heat retention material heating panels. The central heater unit heats the interior compartment of the banquet cart for twenty minutes. The central heater unit is turned off, and smaller heaters are turned on to heat the heat retention material heating panels for forty minutes. The smaller heaters are turned off and the banquet cart is rolled from the kitchen to a hallway proximate to the dining area for serving the plates of food to guests. The heated heat retention material heating panels can maintain the temperature of the air in the interior compartment of the banquet cart warm for approximately two hours and forty minutes, keeping the food in the banquet cart warm.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventor: Robert C. Fortmann
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Publication number: 20040140304Abstract: A device for chilling and warming a baby bottle in a single chamber is described including a method of operating the device. The device typically utilizes a thermoelectric module to chill the chamber. The thermoelectric module can also be used to warm the chamber or a separate resistive heater may be provided. A clock circuit is utilized in certain embodiments that can be set to an activation or target time to automatically cause the device to switch from a chilling mode to a warming mode at the activation time.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventor: Kurt Philip Leyendecker
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Patent number: 6756573Abstract: A heating system for warming and drying the grip of a golf club includes an electric heating element and a first electrical connector for the grip, and a second electrical connector and a power supply for the golf bag. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector electrically engage when the golf club is inserted into the golf bag, thereby energizing the electric heating element.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Inventor: Jeffrey Cornell
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Publication number: 20040112891Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Kent Douglas Ellis, Charles C. Wyatt
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Publication number: 20040104214Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing bound written material with representative covers, for marketing texts, magazines, constructions plans, collections of drawings, contracts, offers and promotional literature (catalogues) as required in small to medium series. A heatable ceramic surface (1) with an integrated heating element has several inductive (3) and thermal sensors (2) on its underside, for detecting covers with a metal inlay and for controlling the heat output. Said inductive sensors (3) are partially also supplemented with sensors with microswitches (16), optical sensors (17) and additionally, a pressure sensor (22) if the device is to be used for binding covers consisting of non metallic materials at the same time. The very short time for heating up the ceramic heating surface (1) made technically possible by the invention and the use of the stored temperature is made optimal use of through an internal flap system which is motor-operated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Inventor: Torsten Lein
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Patent number: 6739242Abstract: An appliance comprising a housing consisting of two articulated shells maintained spaced apart by a spring (4) two hot plates (5,6) arranged in the housing, locking elements for maintaining the housing closed countering the spring, elements for adjusting (12) cooking parameters, and elements for controlling the locking elements to urge them in unlocked position in accordance with cooking parameters, thereby controlling the opening of the housing under the effect of the spring (4). The locking elements include a locking component linked to one of the shells (1) so as to be mobile between an unlocked position wherein it co-operates with a locking finger (24) integral with the other shell (2), a spring for urging back the locking component in unlocked position, and a relay magnet (25) controlled by the control elements, for maintaining the locking component in locked position.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: SEB SAInventors: Yves Patenotre, Jean-Christophe Perrier
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Patent number: 6730888Abstract: Method and device for controlling the grilling, or toasting, of a food product placed in a toaster or toaster oven that has heating elements, a heating chamber, a grilling selector for adjusting the level of browning of the food product, an element for stopping the supply of electricity to the heating elements when the level of toasting is achieved and a light-receiving system composed of at least one photo-resistive element of the LDR type disposed for detecting light reflected by the food product being grilled or toasted. The grilling or toasting is controlled by measuring the evolution in time of a signal G representative of the light reflectivity of the food product, and converting at least one characteristic of that evolution into at least one of the grilling or toasting states of the food product.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: SEB S.A.Inventor: Claude Battu
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Patent number: 6730878Abstract: An image heating apparatus for heating an image formed on a recording material has a heater having a heat generating resistor, an electrically conductive substrate, an intermediate insulating layer formed between the resistor and the substrate and two surface insulating layers provided on substantially entire areas of both surfaces of the substrate. The surface insulating layer on that surface side of the substrate which is opposed to the recording material is higher in heat conductivity than the surface insulating layer on the opposite surface side.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masahide Hirai
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Patent number: 6730883Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: StratageneInventors: Larry R. Brown, William D. Brumley, Kenneth J. Zajac
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Patent number: 6727466Abstract: An adhesive attachment assembly is provided for mounting an attachment member such as a threaded stud or the like onto a substrate, wherein the attachment assembly includes a heat source for rapidly curing a selected adhesive bonding agent. The adhesive attachment assembly includes a first attachment component defining a base surface for receiving the curable bonding agent thereon, and a second attachment component adapted for temporary connection to the substrate. Upon pressed mounting of the first attachment component with bonding agent thereon onto the substrate, the second attachment component is movable into temporary engagement with the substrate, and a spring member reacts between the first and second attachment components to apply a positive force urging the first attachment component toward the substrate for the duration of the bonding agent cure time. A heat source is carried by the first attachment component for activating and/or rapidly curing the bonding agent.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Physical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Charles G. Hutter, III
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Patent number: 6727479Abstract: An integrated device based upon semiconductor technology, in particular a chemical microreactor, including a semiconductor body having a high-temperature operating portion and a low-temperature operating portion. The semiconductor body is provided with a thermal-insulation device including a dissipator element arranged between the high-temperature operating portion and the low-temperature operating portion. The dissipator includes a membrane connecting the high-temperature operating portion and the low-temperature operating portion, and a plurality of diaphragms that extend substantially orthogonal to the membrane and are parallel to one another.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Flavio Villa, Gabriele Barlocchi, Manlio Gennaro Torchia, Ubaldo Mastromatteo
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Publication number: 20040065655Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicant: StratageneInventors: Larry R. Brown, William D. Brumley, Kenneth J. Zajac
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Patent number: 6710311Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 4, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Flavio Villa, Ubaldo Mastromatteo, Gabriele Barlocchi, Mauro Cattaneo
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Publication number: 20040045954Abstract: A cover system for a heater unit includes a tray and a cap formed around the mouth of the tray. The tray holds a liquid medium that may be heated to various temperatures. The cap and the tray are coupled to prevent the passage of air and water. As a result, the cover system shields a non-sterilized heater unit from a sterile field in an operating room, thereby preserving the integrity of the sterile field.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Timothy M. Lehman
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Patent number: 6703588Abstract: A housing is provided for maintaining a planar lightguide circuit at a temperature within a predetermined temperature range independent of ambient temperature. The housing includes a planar heating arrangement supporting and in thermal contact with the planar lightguide circuit. Also included is a frame assembly having a first surface on which the planar heating arrangement is fixed. The frame assembly has at least one opening through which extends at least one optical fiber coupled to the planar lightguide circuit. An overmold, which is molded around the frame assembly, includes at least one strain relief member through which the optical fiber extends.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Wavesplitter Technologies, Inc.Inventors: George F. Deveau, Francis A. Rotoloni
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Publication number: 20040035738Abstract: A combination includes a dispenser package having a sheet of material with an opening for dispensing at least one item therefrom and a cap assembly attached to the sheet of material and surrounding the opening, the cap assembly including a flange. The combination also includes a holder including a front wall having an interior face, an exterior face and an aperture extending between the interior and exterior faces. The dispenser package is insertable into the holder so that a portion of the cap assembly passes through the aperture of the front wall with the sheet of material opposing the interior face of the holder and the flange opposing the exterior face of the holder, wherein the flange includes a portion that extends beyond the aperture of the front wall for preventing the flange from passing through the aperture when the dispenser package is inserted into the holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: Nice-Pak Products, Inc.Inventor: Robert P. Julius
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Patent number: 6688019Abstract: A baby bottle dryer and organizer is herein described. The bottle dryer has hollow posts onto which baby bottles are placed and a blower/fan that blows drying air up into the posts, thus drying the interior of the baby bottles. The bottle dryer further has a removable tray for drying baby bottle nipples and rings/caps into which are from the blower/fan flows. The bottle dryer also has a lid and a front door to protect the baby bottles, nipples, rings/caps from dust and debris.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: Hope R. Buchweitz
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Patent number: 6675700Abstract: A toaster has a chassis, a pair of end plates, a frame positioned in between and supported by the end plates. There is a pair of heating elements supported by the frame and a receiving bay between the frames. A carriage is movable within the receiving bay between a receiving/dispensing position and a cooking position. The carriage interacts with the frame during movement to transfer the frame and thereby re-size the receiving bay. As a result, the heating elements move closer to the bread during toasting and more away from the toast when toast has completed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Inventor: Tian Tan Hong
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Patent number: 6666949Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining substantially uniform temperature of semiconductor wafers and similar workpieces is provided. The method and apparatus utilize a workpiece holder that is substantially a closed chamber, which includes a wall structure including a workpiece engaging wall in thermal communication with the chamber. The workpiece holder also includes a condenser that communicates with the chamber and a heater that applies heat to the chamber. The heater applies heat to a fluid inside the chamber such that when the fluid vaporizes within the chamber the condenser abstracts the heat from the fluid. This causes continual circulation of vapor through the interior of the chamber, which helps to maintain temperature uniformity. A feedback control system connected to one or more temperature sensors can control the heater, the condenser or both so as to maintain a predetermined set point temperature within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Thermodigm, LLCInventors: Gary Hillman, David Bartok
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Publication number: 20030222070Abstract: A housing is provided for maintaining a planar lightguide circuit at a temperature within a predetermined temperature range independent of ambient temperature. The housing includes a planar heating arrangement supporting and in thermal contact with the planar lightguide circuit. Also included is a frame assembly having a first surface on which the planar heating arrangement is fixed. The frame assembly has at least one opening through which extends at least one optical fiber coupled to the planar lightguide circuit. An overmold, which is molded around the frame assembly, includes at least one strain relief member through which the optical fiber extends.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: George F. Deveau, Francis A. Rotoloni
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Patent number: 6657169Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: StratageneInventor: Larry Richard Brown
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Patent number: 6655262Abstract: The invention concerns a toaster comprising a housing (1) containing a bread-holder carriage (4) mobile between an ejecting position wherein it is returned by an elastic device (5) and a toasting position wherein it is retained by an electromagnetic device (14), the electromagnetic device (14) including a ferromagnetic component (15) secured to the bread-holder carriage (4) and an electromagnet (16) secured to the housing (1), and a control device acting on the circuit powering the coil (L) of the electromagnet.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: SEB S.A.Inventors: Julian Arnedo, Antonio Basora Sanjuan
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Patent number: 6653607Abstract: A heating pad system is 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: American Healthcare Products, Inc.Inventors: Kent Douglas Ellis, Charles C. Wyatt
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Patent number: 6646238Abstract: For sample picking on a cryosubstrate, on which multiple cryopreserved samples are each positioned at preselected sample positions, individual samples are selectively separated mechanically or thermally from the cryosubstrate and transferred to a target substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Evotec Oai AGInventors: Günter Fuhr, Rolf Hagedorn
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Publication number: 20030205567Abstract: There is provided a baby wipes warmer for warming baby wipes while maintaining moisture and coloration thereof. Such warmer comprises a base member for supporting the warmer on a surface. A body member is engaged onto the base member and has an interior-side housing wall and an upper housing wall which collectively form an inside compartment. The warmer further includes a sponge layer which is disposed within the inside compartment and retains liquid therein. A heating element is disposed about the inside compartment for providing heat thereto. The liquid retained within the sponge layer transitions into vapors when heated by the heating element for maintaining the moisture and coloration of the baby wipes supported upon the sponge layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Thomas E. McConnell, Francois Hacquard, Michael E. Henley, Gary L. Smith
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Publication number: 20030205568Abstract: There is provided a baby wipes warmer comprising a housing which defines an upper housing wall. It also comprises a liquid tank assembly that has an upper tank surface defining at least one vapor aperture therethrough. The tank assembly is disposed within the housing in a manner as to form an inside compartment between the upper housing wall and the upper tank surface. The warmer further comprises a heating element which is disposed within the housing to provide heat to the tank assembly. In this regard, a portion of liquid within the tank assembly transitions into vapors when heated by the heating element and flow to the inside compartment through the vapor aperture(s). By providing the vapors, the moisture and coloration of the baby wipes supported therein can be maintained while warming them.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Thomas E. McConnell, Francois Hacquard, Michael E. Henley, Gary L. Smith