Abstract:
An infrared ceramic cooking assembly having a plurality of radiant heating units wherein each unit has an underlying low density refractory fiber thermal insulating heater block supporting an open coil resistance element in spaced relation to a glass-ceramic cover plate located on the heater blocks. Each unit has a surface temperature limiting device in combination therewith including a thermostat supporting bracket having a heat sensing flange in direct pressure contact with the undersurface of the cover plate and supported on the heater block surface such that the temperature of each bracket flange serves as an analog of the cover plate utensil heating area temperature influencing its associated thermostat for preventing energization of the unit when the overlying heating area exceeds a predetermined temperature.
Abstract:
An infrared radiant-type heating unit including a utensil support cover plate of infrared transmissive material, an underlying infrared reflective heater support block having a low thermal mass, and an open coil resistance element directly and continuously supported on the heater block in spaced relation to the cover plate. The heater block is a low density, homogeneous fibrous-ceramic rigid block rendered infrared reflective within a selected wavelength range of approximately 2 to 5 microns by having dispersed throughout the block a defined amount of finely divided pacifiers selected from a group consisting of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, tin oxide and potassium titanate. The rigid low-density block has tie members extending therein which retain the deeply undulating patterned resistance element within a continuous spiral groove formed in the block permitting controlled accordionlike thermal expansion and contraction of the element.
Abstract:
In preferred form, an electric hotplate with dual resistancetype heating elements which produce a maximum power output at a predetermined current level when operated separately. When operated simultaneously, the current is divided between the elements to energize them at less than the maximum power output without exceeding the predetermined current level. The hotplate circuit includes two parallel branches each containing a heating element, a heat control switch and a diode for energizing one element with the positive half wave of alternating current and the other element with the negative half wave of alternating current. A current-responsive bypass circuit which is normally in parallel with the diodes opens when both elements are energized simultaneously.