Abstract: A refrigerator has a compartment for fermenting foods such as kimchi. The food is disposed within a container that is slidable into the compartment. The container includes an electrical connector projecting from a container wall and which becomes plugged into a recessed electrical connector disposed in a wall of the compartment in response to insertion of the container into the compartment. The container carries a heater and a temperature sensor which are electrically connectable, via the electrical connectors, to a controller disposed in the refrigerator housing.

Abstract: A PTC thermistor comprising a ceramic body having positive temperature coefficient resistivity, a pair of electrode layers provided on both major surfaces of the ceramic body so as to be opposed to each other with the ceramic body interposed therebetween, a pair of metal terminals electrically connected to the electrode layers, and a resin molded portion provided so as to cover side surfaces of the ceramic body and side surfaces of the electrode layers, the metal terminal having a connecting plate electrically connected to the electrode layer and a terminal plate opposed to the connecting plate so that a space is formed between the terminal plate and the connecting plate and connected to the connecting plate by a linking portion, and the resin molded portion being so formed as to expose an outer side surface of the terminal plate of the metal terminal and fill the space between the connecting plate and the terminal plate of the metal terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus (10,80,150) for heating an object with black body infrared radiation. The apparatus (10,80,150) comprises a radiation source (42,96,158) for generating black body infrared radiation and a honeycomb stagnating element (48,132,160) for preventing transmission of heat by convection from the radiation source (42,96,158). Also various methods for using the apparatus (10,80,150) are disclosed.

Abstract: A insulation system for providing temperature control of a surface includes a flexible heating element, conformable to the surface. Insulating material is disposed adjacent to the heating element. Circuitry is provided for sensing the temperature of the surface. A monitor senses the temperature of the surface and selectively controls the temperature of the heating element in response to the monitoring process.

Abstract: A longitudinal stream of cooling air is caused to flow around the cylinder (10) and over the length of each of one or more heating-and-cooling zones. This longitudinal flow is facilitated by specially designed cooling fins (22; 25). The performance of the extruder is improved in that the temperature over the cross-section of the cylinder is more uniform. Moreover, wear and tear on the extrusion screw and on the cylinder are greatly reduced.

Abstract: An electric toaster is suspended from the lower surface of a kitchen cabinet. The electric toaster has a horizontally disposed toasting compartment. An inner wall defines the toasting compartment and is spaced from an outer housing wall. A partition extends in the space between the inner and outer housing walls to separate the space into inner and outer air paths. An air inlet is in fluid flow communication with the inner air path to obtain convective cooling of the inner air path. The air in the outer air path provides an insulating barrier to minimize the transfer of heat from the toasting compartment to the housing wall.

Abstract: An interchangeable module for supporting a receptacle into which a molten sample, prepared by a fluxer, can be poured for analysis. One module can support a resistively heated casting dish into which a molten sample can be poured and cooled to form a solid sample for instrumental analysis. This module includes an insulator having a depression for receipt of a casting dish. A heating coil is positioned below the recession. A cooling gas conduit extends through the insulator support. The insulator is supported on a frame. The frame is supported on a back plate.

Abstract: A bread toaster includes a cooling system for the casing which includes structure for dividing the air flow rising in an air guide duct into a laminar part and a second part which is supplied to the upper region of the toasting chamber.

Abstract: A multiple station disinfector apparatus simultaneously heats a plurality of devices such as contact lenses. Each of these devices is disposed in a quantity of liquid within a closed container. The apparatus comprises a housing having a base portion and a recloseable cover portion and a plurality of similar recessed receptacles in the base for receiving the containers. Each receptacle has a bottom wall and sidewall of complementary shape for surroundingly engaging a bottom wall part and a substantial portion of a sidewall part of one of the containers. Heating elements are disposed for heating the receptacles.

Abstract: A rigid frame supported resistor for dynamic braking of electric and diesel-electric locomotives has certain of the frame elements cushioned or insulated from each other and the resistance ribbon insulated and cushioned from the frame. Organic insulating material in molded or sheet form, preferably a copolymer, such as a polyester resin, protected by a metal heat shield, may be used for structural frame members, or for cushioning and insulating metal structural frame members. The organic insulating resistant is supplemented by ceramic insulating material in locations subject to high heat.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heated roll for the thermal treatment of formed products. It includes a driven hollow shaft and a hollow roll body of a circular-ring-shaped cross section and closed on all sides to accommodate a heat transfer medium. Power supply lines for heating elements as well as electric wires of temperature probes are led through the hollow shaft. In order to provide a heated roll to be used without problems both in the low-temperature range and in the high-temperature range up to about 600.degree. C. and to reach a uniform temperature profile over the total operation surface of the roll outer shell and a long service life of the heat transfer medium, without excessive temperature prevailing at the bearings of the driving shaft, and to provide for an easy repair, the hollow shaft is connected with the roll body by a hub. One or several saline compound(s) or (a) low-melting metal(s) or metal alloy(s) are contained in the interior of the hollow roll body.

Abstract: An improved heat treatment furnace and method of constructing the same is enclosed wherein the duct work of the furnace includes directional vanes and adjustable plenum vents and chamber dampers to yield a substantially uniform air flow pattern within the heat treatment chamber. The plenum vents and chamber dampers are provided with remotely operable actuating means which permit rapid adjustment of the vents and dampers from the exterior of the furnace during the heat treatment process and/or furnace certification. The furnace additionally incorporates a novel ribbon heating element/fiber insulation assembly and construction method which substantially reduces furnace operating costs and insures that only convectional heat transfer (as opposed to radiant) occurs within the heat treatment chamber of the furnace.

Abstract: A cartridge heater includes an inner casing in which a heating element is accommodated. This inner casing is surrounded by an coaxially arranged outer casing of larger diameter so that an annular space is defined between the inner and outer casings. In the space a helical coolant piping is arranged, embedded in a highly heat-conductive substance of granular and/or pulverulent form so as to allow excess heat to be carried away.

Abstract: A heating unit combining a block of thermal and electrical insulating material and an electrical resistance element in which the block contains a mass of ceramic fibers bound together and has an elongated slot with confronting walls rising to the surface of the block from opposite sides of a land, and the resistance element is in the form of a thin member constructed of a continuous resistance wire which is provided with opposite bends to form a serpentine shape, the bends being embedded in the opposite walls of the block to secure the electrical resistance element on the block, and the resistance element abutting the land of the slot between the walls thereof.

Abstract: Heating apparatus includes a tray having a layer of insulative material disposed in the base thereof and a number of infra-red lamps disposed thereabove. The apparatus is accommodated within a housing having a layer of glass ceramic to form a hotplate. Each end of each lamp is provided with a pinch seal enclosed within a ceramic end cap. To improve substantially dissipation of heat from the pinch seals, first apertures are provided in a hollow bar and second apertures are provided in a base plate below the pinch seals, so as to permit air to flow into the housing via the second apertures, substantially around the pinch seals, and out of the housing via the first apertures.

Abstract: A toast guard made of a heat absorbent ceramic piece molded in the shape of a slice of bread, but slightly smaller in size and thickness than a slice of bread. The ceramic piece is used in the toasting process of an ordinary multi-slotted household toaster when some of the slots of the toaster are filled with slices of bread and some of the slots are vacant. The ceramic piece enables the toast to be darkened to the same degree on both sides and prevents the excessive darkening or burning of the side of the toast adjacent to a vacant slot in the toaster.

Abstract: There is disclosed storage apparatus for storage of energy in the form of heat or cold, preferably over a prolonged storage period. The apparatus comprises a container enclosing an energy storage zone and an insulating zone around the storage zone. The storage zone is filled with a mass of heatable or coolable storage material forming a storage core, and the insulating zone with a porous mass of granular or fibrous material forming a thermal insulating layer. Energy can be supplied to the storage core by, for example, a solar-powered electrical resistance heater and extracted from the core at a desired time by, for example, a heat exchanger. The insulating effect of the insulating layer is enhanced, particularly from the viewpoint of long-term energy storage, by creation of a vacuum in the cellular structure of the insulating layer.

Abstract: A device for hot air welding, comprising a nozzle for activation of a sealing area around an opening at the inside of a hollow body. The nozzle has a slot device for directing a flow of air out through the opening for activating the sealing area when the nozzle is in the operative position thereof. Means are arranged for cooling the hollow body externally around the sealing area. There are also provided means for recirculation of the gas.

Abstract: An electric heater for heating oil contained in the sump well of a compressor includes a thermally conductive shell having first and second opposed inner surfaces. A ceramic core having a D-shaped cross-section throughout is positioned in the shell and is provided with longitudinal channels which are disposed substantially the same distance from the outer curved surface of core. An electric resistance heating element is disposed in the channels and is energizable by a source of power for developing heat under the control of a thermostat disposed in the shell. A resilient pad of ceramic fiberglass material having low thermal conductivity is disposed between the flat surface of the core and the thermostat and urges the curved surface of the core and the thermostat into contact with the opposed inner surfaces of the shell while substantially blocking heat transfer therethrough from the heating element to the thermostat.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electric heating apparatus comprising a pre-formed body of thermally insulating material defining a cavity for receiving a vessel whose contents are to be heated, the body being provided with an electric heating element in or adjacent the cavity for heating such a vessel in use of the apparatus. The apparatus further comprises a housing in which the body is disposed with an air space between the body and the housing, the latter having openings so that convection air currents can flow through the air space in use of the apparatus for extracting heat via the air space.

Abstract: An electrically heated fluid conduit includes a plastic pipe adapted to carry a flow of fluid subject to freezing at low temperatures, an electric resistance heater disposed around the pipe and extending along the length thereof and a thermal insulating jacket disposed around the heater. The heater is formed as a seamless sleeve of synthetic polymeric material having electrically conductive carbonaceous particles therein and is connected to the lead wires of an electrical power cable by a pair of spaced electrically conductive bands fixed around the sleeve and defining the length of the heater along the pipe. The thermal insulating jacket is formed as a seamless layer of foamed synthetic plastic material having randomly disposed air pockets.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrical element support system that utilizes a series of ceramic hanger elements of generally rectangular cross-section which are adapted to be inserted into a clip which is attached by welding or bolting to the furnace wall. The clip provides bearing surfaces which match surfaces on the hanger element to provide support for the electrical element which is carried at the end of the support. The outer end of the hanger element generally has a hook or other device which is adapted to hold a particular electrical heating element.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a commercial convection cooking equipment having an outer casing and inner food cooking chamber forming channel(s) therebetween with air intake vent and fan to force air through such channel(s) to cool portions of the outer casing and then when such air is heated, to redirect the hot air back into the food cooking chamber.

Abstract: A electric steam generating unit includes a housing having an upper end having a steam outlet and a lower end having a water inlet. An elongated tubular electric immersion heating element is vertically disposed in the housing in such a manner that an insulator space having a closed upper end is provided between the tubular element and housing. An elongated cylindrical rod-shaped electric immersion heating element is disposed coaxially within the tubular heating element and is so dimensioned that an elongated steam generating space of small volume subjected to the heat of both elements is formed therebetween.

Abstract: A hand tool for heating a workpiece includes an elongated electric heating element, a heat applying member conductively connected at one end of the heating element and in alignment therewith, and an elongated cover surrounding and spaced from the heating element. The heating element and heat applying member are connected to the cover adjacent only one end of the cover, with the connection defining the sole heat conductive path therebetween. A handle is disposed at generally right angles to the cover. A relatively wide bent bracket member, including a hair-pin shaped portion, substantially coextensive in length with the cover and disposed between the cover member and handle, connects the handle to the cover solely at the opposite end of the cover. The cover dissipates heat throughout its length and the bracket is wide enough to shield the handle from the heat dissipated by the cover. Thus the cover and bracket member shield the handle from heat generated by the heating element with the tool is in operation.

Abstract: An electrical infrared radiant heater in which a heater assembly includes an extruded ceramic holder having parallel holes, certain of which receive heating element wires through such holes. The ends of the heating element wires extend outwardly of the holder on both sides and are joined to each other so as to form a resistance element connected to a source of current. A casing carries the heater assembly.

Abstract: An electrically heated tip assembly, particularly useful with a cyclically operated thermal press usable for forcible placement of inserts of hard material within bases of softer materials, includes a generally longitudinal tubular core member formed of a thermally conductive material. The core encloses an electric resistance heating element and has a tip element secured to one end thereof in heat exchange relationship with the heating element. The tip element includes a protruding finger member engageable with an insert and a paraboloidal section between the core member and protruding finger member to facilitate the concentration of heat downwardly into the finger member during the insertion portion of the operating cycle of the press.

Abstract: A U-shaped heating element is attached to a bracket having an elongated back portion and ear portions joined normal to each end of the back portion. The ear portions extend to the same side of the back portion, and each ear portion has a plurality of perforations formed therethrough and a V-shaped recess formed in the extended free end thereof. The heating element is affixed to the back portion and disposed on the same side of the back as the ear portions. Plastic pipe is received in the V-shaped recesses of the ear portions, and springs hold the bracket to the pipe.

Abstract: A heating device for installation on the roof of a structure to permit water to flow off the structure from behind a blockage of ice. An elongate, hollow tubular member defines a chamber in which is situated a point heat source. A jacket of insulative material surrounds the tubular member to retard heat loss. One side of the jacket faces the roof and has a channel open to the tubular member such that heat transfer from the tubular member occurs primarily through the channel. When the device is installed on a roof, heat radiated through the channel forms heated passageways through the ice blockage for escape of water.

Abstract: In a chromatography system of the type including an oven for the chromatographic column, and an electric heater for controllably heating the oven, an improved system is disclosed for controllably opening and closing the oven door to enable a fully controlled heat leak, thereby to stabilize the oven temperature at a desired set point. A signal, which is indicative by first or second conditions of an oven temperature above or below the set point, is generated. A heater power control responsive to one of the signal conditions can effect heating of the oven. A bi-directional door motor and actuator means is provided for opening and closing the oven door over a prescribed operating range, and this means is enabled to operate for a predetermined period upon the signal in its first or second condition departing from preset threshold values for a predetermined period, in consequence of which the opening or closing of the oven door is effected in incremental steps.

Abstract: A rigid electrical heating element having a thin, rigid, electrically insulating, air-impervious layer and a thick, insulating polyurethane layer formed in situ connected to said rigid layer by a conducting film based upon a synthetic resin, electrically conducting particles and potassium silicate or sodium silicate. Electrodes and corresponding electrical connections are mounted on the film after it has been applied by deposition of an aqueous plastic dispersion of said resin particles and silicate material. The silicates being present in the heating film in sufficient quantity to protect the heating film from attack by the starting reaction components of the polyurethane layer. The rigid layer may be a synthetic resin panel having a decorative heat irradiating surface.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for producing a planar heating element. The method comprises melt-admixing an insulating thermoplastic resin with an electrically conductive powder. The mixture is then extruded, and the extruded body is rapidly cooled.

Abstract: An electrically heated soldering device includes a housing having an elongated axis with an obtuse angle, an open end, a closed end and an intermediate opening. The outer dimensions of the housing are so dimensioned that the device can be held pencil-fashion with the portion of the housing between the open end and intermediate end grasped by the fingers and thumb of the hand with the portion of the housing between the intermediate opening and the closed end resting on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger. An electric heating means is substantially coaxially positioned in the housing in spaced relation thereto and is provided with a soldering tip protruding out of the housing through said open end. The open end and the intermediate opening are substantially aligned to produce a chimney-like hollow space surrounding the hot parts of the heating means which carries away excess heat generated within the housing thereby maintaining the housing comfortably cool to touch.

Abstract: A lunch bucket containing an electric heating coil that can be plugged into a household electric outlet, so to heat up a compartment in the bucket for holding hot foods, while another compartment is insulated therefrom so to contain cold foods.

Abstract: An improved tubular oven adapted for use in diffusion processing of semiconductors whose interior walls are comprised of polycrystalline silicon and whose exterior walls are comprised of phosphorous doped silicon. Block electrical contacts are located at opposed ends of such tubular oven and are comprised of conductive metal and graphite. A layer of thermal insulation circumscribes mid regions of such tubular oven.

Abstract: A radiant heater of panel form comprises an electric resistance heater sandwiched between a non-conductive flat front panel and a thermal insulator in the form of an open-celled honeycomb panel having closed front and rear faces. An electrically non-conductive rear panel is bonded to the rear face of the honeycomb panel. The front panel is selected for maximum emission at temperatures below 200.degree.F. The interior of the rear face of the honeycomb panel is provided with a heat reflecting metallic foil layer which acts as a directional heat reflector. The over temperature protection device for the panel heater is positioned entirely within the honeycomb panel between the front and rear faces thereof.