An embodiment of an electric heating element is disclosed, including an electrically resistive inner heating element, an electrically resistive outer heating element, and a thermostat positioned underneath a centrally-positioned medallion and along a cold leg of the inner heating element. The thermostat is configured to selectively allow electrical current to be delivered to the inner heating element while maximum electrical current, for example, continues to be provided to the outer heating element. The thermostat cycles the electrical current on and off when detecting maximum and minimum desired temperatures radiated from the electric heating element. The inner heating element has a pair of cold legs that extend parallel to a pair of cold legs of the outer heating element, some or all of which may be supported by a terminal bracket.

An electric resistance heating coil assembly includes a spiral wound sheathed heating element having a first coil section and a second coil section. A bimetallic thermostat is connected in series between the first and second coil sections of the spiral wound sheathed heating element. The bimetallic thermostat is spring loaded such that a distal end of the bimetallic thermostat is urged away from a top surface of the spiral wound sheathed heating element. The electric resistance heating coil assembly also includes a shroud cover and a heat transfer disk.

An electric resistance heating coil assembly includes a spiral wound sheathed heating element having a first coil section and a second coil section. A bimetallic thermostat is connected in series between the first and second coil sections of the spiral wound sheathed heating element. The bimetallic thermostat is spring loaded such that a distal end of the bimetallic thermostat is urged away from a top surface of the spiral wound sheathed heating element. The electric resistance heating coil assembly also includes a shroud cover and a heat transfer disk.

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heater comprising a heating element having a region that does not contain a surface heating portion. The apparatus further includes a thermostat positioned in the region. The thermostat includes a contact surface disposed to make contact with an object placed on the surface heating portion. The thermostat includes a switch configured to prevent a current from conducting through the heating element when the contact surface experiences a temperature equal to or greater than a temperature limit. The apparatus further includes a medallion coupled to the thermostat and positioned below a top surface of the heating element, the medallion comprising an aperture shaped to allow the contact surface to extend through the aperture to make contact with the object. The apparatus includes an urging element configured to provide vertical movement of the medallion in response to a downward force applied from the object.

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heater comprising a heating element having a region that does not contain a surface heating portion. The apparatus further includes a thermostat positioned in the region. The thermostat includes a contact surface disposed to make contact with an object placed on the surface heating portion. The thermostat includes a switch configured to prevent a current from conducting through the heating element when the contact surface experiences a temperature equal to or greater than a temperature limit. The apparatus further includes a medallion coupled to the thermostat and positioned below a top surface of the heating element, the medallion comprising an aperture shaped to allow the contact surface to extend through the aperture to make contact with the object. The apparatus includes an urging element configured to provide vertical movement of the medallion in response to a downward force applied from the object.

We have invented a new, original, and ornamental design for a heater unit. The following is a specification of the heater unit, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof.

A heater for a stovetop heater unit is disclosed. The heater may reduce false detections of an overheat condition, minimize an impact of radiative heat from a heating element of the heater on temperature measurements of the heater, and accurately measure a temperature of an object placed on the heater. Thus, the heater may reduce an amount of time required to heat an object placed on the heater.

A cooktop appliance and heating element, as provided herein may define a heating zone having a thermostat positioned therein. The thermostat may include a base, a bimetallic disk, and a conductive spring. The base may extend axially between a first end and a second end. The bimetallic disk may be disposed within the base. The conductive spring may be disposed within the base in biased engagement with the bimetallic disk to motivate the bimetallic disk towards the first end within the base. The conductive spring may include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer may extend from a contact end proximal to the bimetallic disk to a joinder end connected to the first terminal. The second layer may extend from a biasing end proximal to the bimetallic disk to a secured end fixed within the base.

A cooktop appliance and heating element, as provided herein may define a heating zone having a thermostat positioned therein. The thermostat may include a base, a bimetallic disk, and a conductive spring. The base may extend axially between a first end and a second end. The bimetallic disk may be disposed within the base. The conductive spring may be disposed within the base in biased engagement with the bimetallic disk to motivate the bimetallic disk towards the first end within the base. The conductive spring may include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer may extend from a contact end proximal to the bimetallic disk to a joinder end connected to the first terminal. The second layer may extend from a biasing end proximal to the bimetallic disk to a secured end fixed within the base.

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heater comprising a heating element having a region that does not contain a surface heating portion. The apparatus further includes a thermostat positioned in the region. The thermostat includes a contact surface disposed to make contact with an object placed on the surface heating portion. The thermostat includes a switch configured to prevent a current from conducting through the heating element when the contact surface experiences a temperature equal to or greater than a temperature limit. The apparatus further includes a medallion coupled to the thermostat and positioned below a top surface of the heating element, the medallion comprising an aperture shaped to allow the contact surface to extend through the aperture to make contact with the object. The apparatus includes an urging element configured to provide vertical movement of the medallion in response to a downward force applied from the object.