FIELD

The present disclosure teaches a wire mesh energy transfer system that enables an uninterrupted or long term consecutive heating of a wire mesh for use in high speed heating applications. In particular, the system includes a primary conductor including a wire mesh tightening device such that a secondary conductor connected to a wire mesh heater and disposed about the primary conductor allows for the efficient transfer of electrical energy to the electrode and from there to the wire mesh heater.

BACKGROUND

A strong and stable electrical connection to the wire mesh is needed to provide even heating in the radiant oven. Without limitation, the stable or uniform electrical connection may extend the life of the wire mesh heating element. When an electrical connection to the element is not uniform, for example, when contact pressure between the wire mesh element holder and the wire mesh element is uneven, then the electrical current tends to travel through or concentrates in the contact area where the contact pressure is better. As such, the concentrated area of contact pressure becomes hotter than the remaining area of the wire mesh element or the wire mesh element holder, and a failure point is created. The use of materials that are both strong at high temperatures, but are also electrically conductive is a difficult match to achieve at a reasonable price point. Many such materials, for example, aluminum, also melt well below the operating temperature of the wire mesh element.

Tensioning of a wire mesh heating element is also more difficult than the tensioning of a single wire strand as the expansion and contraction of the element can vary if the heating is uneven or the mesh is oriented in such a fashion that the mesh creates zones of greater expansion. The high rate cycling of the mesh further increases the probability of a mesh failure with an unevenly tensioned mesh. The use of a warped element in the heating or cooking chamber can cause uneven heating or cooking of the item.

In the prior art, changing wire mesh heating elements is difficult, however, it is needed for many commercial ovens. The use of fasteners that are tightened to a precise torque value is often difficult to achieve in the field, for example, at restaurants, where a lack of necessary training may be found.

SUMMARY

The present teachings provide embodiments of heating system and methods, and features thereof, which offer various benefits. The system can employ multiple electrodes, systems, operations, and the like to promote safe, efficient, and effective use of the devices and methods disclosed herein.

The present teachings disclose a wire mesh heater including: a wire mesh element having a surface area comprising a non-contact area and a contact area; a primary conductor having a hollow and a contact surface; and a secondary conductor configured to expand outwards. The contact area contacts the contact surface to provide an electrical connection between the wire mesh element and the primary conductor, and the primary conductor is disposed about the secondary conductor and secured to the secondary conductor when expanded.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

