Thermally Responsive Patents (Class 219/494)
  • Patent number: 8907254
    Abstract: A heating control system which allows a plurality of heaters to heat an object without depending on a variation in characteristics among a plurality of heater power sources includes: a thermocouple which detects a temperature of an object to be heated; temperature control means that receives a target temperature and a current temperature, and carries out electric power control so that these temperatures match; electric current and voltage detecting means for detecting an electric power value and a current electric power; and target electric power calculating means that receives the electric power value, and calculates the target electric power by multiplying the electric power value by a given ratio. The temperature control means receives the target electric power and the current electric power, and carries out electric power control so that the current electric power matches the target electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Sakagami, Toshinori Okada
  • Publication number: 20140356658
    Abstract: A battery heating system for electronic devices includes a battery that powers an electronic device and a heating element adjacent to the battery. The heating element is configured to emit heat to the battery. The heating element is further configured to be activated by the electronic device. The heating element is further configured to be deactivated by the electronic device. The heating element includes a heat conductive element within a covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: LEGENDS
    Inventor: Richard C. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20140348524
    Abstract: A non-contact power supply unit including a secondary coil supplies an alternating voltage to multiple heat generation layers provided in a heat generation film. In one of the heat generation layers, a loop is provided as a variable impedance circuit in which the impedance changes according to the frequency. A capacitance element in which the impedance changes according to the frequency is provided in the loop. The heat generation amounts of the heat generation layers are switched by changing the frequency of the alternating voltage generated in the secondary coil according to the size of the recording material that is the heating target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hisae Shimizu, Isao Hayashi, Masaaki Naoi, Hisatoshi Baba
  • Patent number: 8895904
    Abstract: An emergency shutoff system for a cooking appliance deactivates a cooking appliance upon the detection of smoke or rapidly rising heat. Three (3) embodiments are provided, depending on the presence of a gas or an electric model, each further comprises a combination heat and smoke detector located on the ceiling immediately above the appliance. The detector is connected to a control panel at the rear of the stove by a section of low voltage wiring. The control panel activates a shunt trip mechanism in the case of an electrically-powered stove or closes a low voltage solenoid valve in the case of gas-powered stove. Such features greatly reduce the affects of a fire at the cooking appliance should one occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Ciriaco N. Briones, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140341552
    Abstract: An espresso machine with improved fluid and thermal control is disclosed. The machine can include a controller for feedback pressure control of vibratory solenoid pumps. The controller can monitor pump pressure and/or volume and provide real-time feedback control of the pump pressure and/or volume. The controller can control pump output by means of a direct current, variable frequency square wave, which can be regulated to maintain a desired pressure output. The controller can also control pump output by means of a direct current, variable pulse width square wave. The espresso machine can also include a thermoblock with improved thermal efficiency and temperature control. The thermoblock can comprise a one or more serpentine pathways to improve thermal transfer to the fluid therein. The thermoblock can also provide feedback control of the temperature of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: ZPM Ltd. Co.
    Inventors: Igor Zamlinksy, Gleb Polyakov
  • Patent number: 8890574
    Abstract: Provided are a MIT device self-heating preventive-circuit that can solve a self-heating problem of a MIT device and a method of manufacturing a MIT device self-heating preventive-circuit integrated device. The MIT device self-heating preventive-circuit includes a MIT device that generates an abrupt MIT at a temperature equal to or greater than a critical temperature and is connected to a current driving device to control the flow of current in the current driving device, a transistor that is connected to the MIT device to control the self-heating of the MIT device after generating the MIT in the MIT device, and a resistor connected to the MIT device and the transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Hyun-Tak Kim, Bong-Jun Kim, Sun-Jin Yun, Dae-Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 8890357
    Abstract: A line voltage transformer device for a bathing installation includes a housing structure, with a line voltage electrical power connection including a line voltage wiring cable having an electrical connection at a distal end for connection to a line voltage AC supply outlet adjacent the bathing installation. A voltage transformer circuit is disposed within the housing and connected to the line voltage electrical power connection and is configured to transform AC line voltage electrical power from the line voltage electrical power connection to low voltage AC power at first and second low voltage AC terminals, wherein the low voltage AC power is delivered to the first and second low voltage AC terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Balboa Water Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Graham J. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20140332521
    Abstract: An aircraft heating system (100) is provided which can be supplied with DC power from an onboard source (130). The system (100) comprises a heater (150) positioned to provide heat to an aircraft appliance (101), a sensor (160) situated to sense appliance-relevant temperatures, a reporter (170) reporting system faults, and an introducer (180) introducing temperature setpoints. A thermostat (200) integrates circuitries which together manage power supply, control heating, convey sensed temperatures, detect heater and/or sensor faults, and/or perform other advantageous functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Jon D. Shearer, Carl R. Aeshliman
  • Publication number: 20140334807
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining heating element and water heater status based on galvanic current are provided. An exemplary water heater includes a tank for holding a volume of water and an anode rod extending into the water. The anode rod has a core made of a conductive material. The water heater also includes at least one heating element configured to heat the water when energized. The water heater includes a current measurement circuit configured to generate a feedback signal describing a galvanic current flowing from the core of the anode rod to an electrical ground. The water heater also includes a controller configured to receive the feedback signal from the current measurement circuit and to control one or more operations of the water heater based on the feedback signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Brett Alan Farris
  • Patent number: 8878106
    Abstract: A countertop multi-function oven. The oven, comprising: an internal compartment; a door for the compartment; at least five heating elements; the fifth heating element being located between two top heating elements; a controller coupled to the heating elements for providing a variable wattage; a user interface coupled to the controller, wherein upon user operation of the interface an oven mode is selected from one or more predetermined oven modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Breville Pty Limited
    Inventors: Keith James Hensel, Ze Kang Li
  • Publication number: 20140319115
    Abstract: A heating system for an aircraft or spacecraft with a control device which includes at least one power line data transmission transceiver and one sensor controller, and at least one remote component which has a sensor element and a heating element, the at least one power line data transmission transceiver being connected to the at least one remote component via a connecting cable, the control device being designed to supply the at least one heating element with power via the connecting cable and the sensor controller being designed to exchange first control signals with the sensor element via the connecting cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Mehmet Altay
  • Publication number: 20140317925
    Abstract: There is provided a heating device for use in the repair or production of a component of a wind power installation, in particular a rotor blade of a wind power installation. The heating device has a mat with at least one peripherally extending passage open to one side, and a vacuum tube in the at least one passage. The at least one peripherally extending passage divides the mat into a first and a second portion. A heating unit is provided in the region of the first portion. The air in the region of the first portion can be sucked away through the vacuum tube in the at least one passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Sven Muschke, Steffen Himsel, Uwe Rahmann
  • Patent number: 8872074
    Abstract: Systems and methods for bypassing a centrifugal switch are disclosed. The systems may include a bypass relay operatively connected to the heating element and configured to bypass the centrifugal switch prior to the drum reversing rotational direction, and allow the heating element to remain energized during the drum reversing rotational direction. The centrifugal switch bypass circuit further includes a relay hold circuit operatively connected to the bypass relay and configured to cause the bypass relay to continue bypassing the centrifugal switch during the drum reversing rotational direction. The method may include, once the drum begins reversing the rotational direction, utilizing a bypass relay to bypassing the centrifugal switch. Finally, the method may include utilizing a relay hold circuit to cause the bypass relay to continue bypassing the centrifugal switch during reversal of the rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven M. Recio, Erick Graven, Ashley Burt, Joseph Frazar
  • Patent number: 8869880
    Abstract: A system for subsea extraction of gaseous materials from and preventing the formation of hydrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Gaumer Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. McClanahan, Craig S. Tiras, Jeff McClanahan, Gaurav Dhingra
  • Patent number: 8867906
    Abstract: A dry fire protection system for a water heater is provided. The water heater includes a body having an elongated hollow for holding water to be heated, an inlet opening and an outlet opening in communication with the hollow for flowing water therethrough. A heating element is coupled to the body for heating the water within the hollow. The dry fire protection system comprises a sensing element disposed in the hollow of the body for detecting the presence of water in the hollow. The sensing element is spaced from and operably connected to the heating element. The sensing element is configured to generate a voltage in response to a temperature of the sensing element. A controller is operably connected to the sensing element for monitoring the generated voltage across the sensing element. The controller is configured to prevent a supply of electrical power to the heating element as a function of the generated voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric K. Watson, Jonathan D. Nelson, Denis Alagic, David Hicks, Neil Philip Smith, Frederick Pizzella
  • Patent number: 8859941
    Abstract: An oven includes an oven liner defined by front, top, bottom, back and side panels, a heating element thermally coupled to the oven liner, a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of a panel of the oven cavity, and a controller operatively coupled to the temperature sensor and the heating element. The controller is configured to energize the heating element as a function of the detected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Matthew David Gladhill, Paul Newsom, Heather Ann Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140299141
    Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device, the device including an aerosol-forming substrate, a heater including at least one heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, and a power source for providing power to the heating element, the method including determining the temperature of the heating element; and adjusting the power to the heating element to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a desired temperature range, wherein the desired temperature range is dynamically calculated based on a measured flow rate of gas through or past the device. By controlling the temperature of the heating element, an aerosol with consistent and desirable properties can be produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Marc FLICK
  • Patent number: 8853598
    Abstract: A bowling ball maintenance device performs a de-oiling process on bowling balls having porous surfaces. The maintenance device may comprise a container sized to store at least one bowling ball within the container and structured to receive the bowling ball. A heating element is structured to warm an internal environment of the container at least to a level at which oil that may have accumulated in the pores of the ball begins to flow out of the pores. Embodiments also include a ball support cup within the container that is structured to contain the oil that has flowed out of the pores of the ball. Depending on the embodiment, the ball support cup may include three or more ball support extensions structured to support the ball in a stationary position over a height of the walls or edges of the ball support cup during operation of the maintenance device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Wylie Ott
  • Publication number: 20140291309
    Abstract: A device is for heating a battery of a vehicle, when the battery is in its place in the vehicle. The device has a heating element, a contact arrangement to a current supply and a thermostat arrangement which ensures that the battery does nor overheat. The device has a first part, which has a heating element, and the first part is intended for heating some surface of the battery, which surfaces are the sides and bottom of the battery. The device has a shell, which surrounds the first part and is flexible material, and a thermostat protrusion, which is in the side of the first part. The thermostat protrusion has a thermostat arrangement. It is seamlessly attached to the first part. The thermostat protrusion is arranged to be turned onto some other surface of the battery where said first part is.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Polar Heater Oy
    Inventor: Polar Heater Oy
  • Publication number: 20140286631
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating a hydronic heating fluid comprising a casing body having an inlet and an outlet adjacent to the inlet and a fluid flow path between the inlet and outlets. The flow path extends along first and second substantially straight sections with a return bend therebetween. The apparatus further includes a heating element located within one of the first or second sections of the flow path. The second end may include a threaded heater bore aligned with the second section wherein the heating element is threadably insertable into the second section through the heater bore. The first end may include a pump in fluidic communication with the inlet, the pump being operable to draw the heating fluid in through the inlet and to discharge the heating fluid through the first section of the casing body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: CONRAD HORTON WILKINS
  • Publication number: 20140263279
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal control system for controlling the temperature of a fluid. In particular, the invention relates to a control system having at least two heating elements, at least one of which is used for directly or indirectly heating a fluid, and at least one of which is used for heating a thermal probe used to determine the temperature of the fluid. The heating systems are controlled by at least one feedback controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Vandersleen, Sergey Gershtein, Mitchell Tilson, Jaymin Patel, Craig H. Schneider, Seth Hunter, Paul Wasserman, Pierre Emeric
  • Patent number: 8829398
    Abstract: In a coffee maker (1) having a boiler (6) and heating means (62) for heating a content of the boiler (6), safety measures are taken to prevent breakdown of the coffee maker (1) in the case in which the heating means (62) are activated while the boiler (6) is empty. The coffee maker (1) comprises a controller (10) having a memory (15) in which a flag indicating a filled state of the boiler (6) can be raised, which controller (10) is programmed to activate the heating means (62) to supply reduced heating power if the memory (15) does not contain the flag. A situation in which the boiler (6) gets overheated, even if the heating means (62) are shut off after having been operated, is prevented thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Thijs De Haan, Haayo Nicolai, David Johannus Theodorus Huntink, Jean Bart Bleeker
  • Publication number: 20140246422
    Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating semiconductor wafers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heating device which contains an assembly linear lamps for emitting light energy onto a wafer. The linear lamps can be placed in various configurations. In accordance with the present invention, tuning devices which are used to adjust the overall irradiance distribution of the light energy sources are included in the heating device. The tuning devices can be, for instance, are lamps or lasers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: MATTSON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: ZION KOREN, CONNOR PATRICK O'CARROLL, SHUEN CHUN CHOY, PAUL JANIS TIMANS, RUDY SANTO TOMAS CARDEMA, JAMES TSUNEO TAOKA, ARIETH A. STROD
  • Patent number: 8822888
    Abstract: A method for controlling the pressure inside a fuel cartridge with a deformable inner fuel container connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventor: Andrew J Curello
  • Publication number: 20140238972
    Abstract: A control unit can select a large-number control zone model in which the number of control zones, which are independently controlled, is large, and a small-number control zone model in which the number of control zones, which are independently controlled, is small. When a temperature is increased or decreased, the control unit can select the small-number control zone model so as to control, based on signals from temperature sensors of the respective control zones C1 . . . C5 whose number is small, heaters located on the respective control zones C1 . . . C5. When a temperature is stabilized, the control unit can select the large-number control zone model so as to control, based on signals signals from the temperature sensors of the respective control zones C1 . . . C10 whose number is large, the heaters located on the respective control zones C1 . . . C10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Koji YOSHII, Tatsuya YAMAGUCHI, Wenling WANG, Takanori SAITO
  • Publication number: 20140233930
    Abstract: A fluid heater is disclosed and which has a heater, pump, and a plurality of temperature sensors which are electrically coupled with first and second temperature controlled relays, and wherein the fluid heater is operable to maintain a source of fluid used by an object of interest within a predetermined temperature range and further, is operable under given temperature conditions to discontinue operation so as to protect the object of interest and the heater from becoming damaged through overheating of the fluid which is utilized by same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: HOTSTART, INC.
    Inventors: David R. Sedacek, Michael T. Abbott, Christopher Michael McFarland
  • Publication number: 20140231406
    Abstract: Present invention embodiments include a thermal treatment system for thermally treating and individually monitoring a plurality of medical or other items. The thermal treatment system includes a modular configuration with a control unit and one or more modular units coupled to the control unit, where each of the control and modular units thermally treat a plurality of corresponding medical items. The control unit includes a display to interact with a user for setting a desired temperature, and controls the modular units to thermally treat corresponding medical items to the desired temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Medical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Tsang, Bruce Heymann, Tarry Faries
  • Patent number: 8809747
    Abstract: A method of operating a heating plate for a substrate support assembly used to support a semiconductor substrate in a semiconductor processing apparatus, wherein the heating plate comprises power supply lines and power return lines and respective heater zone connected between every pair of power supply line and power return line. The method reduces maximum currents carried by the power supply lines and power return lines by temporally spreading current pulses for powering the heater zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: John Pease, Neil Benjamin
  • Patent number: 8809748
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating a pipe prior to performing a welding operation, an interpass welding operation, a hydrogen bake-out operation of a weld joint or for post heat-treating of a weld joint is provided. The heating apparatus can include at least one heating collar placed around a pipe or weld joint, and a controller unit for controlling the thermal heat energy transferred from the heating collar to the pipe or weld joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Colin Regan
  • Publication number: 20140217088
    Abstract: A heater includes at least one heating element having a resistance that varies non-linearly with respect to a temperature of the heating element. The heating element includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface extending between the first and second surfaces, and a fourth surface extending between the first and second surfaces, opposite the third surface. The heating element has a height defined between the first and second surfaces, and a width defined between the third and fourth surfaces, and wherein the width is less than the height. The heater also includes at least one electrode coupled to the first surface and configured to generate an electric field across the heating element and cause a current to flow through the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Robert C. TWINEY, Christopher M. Morter
  • Publication number: 20140217087
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring system for a heater having a flexible, thin-film graphite heater element includes a temperature sensing component that uses the heater element to sense temperature. The temperature sensing component includes a current sensor and a voltmeter circuit for determining a resistance and temperature of the heater element. A temperature control component associated with the heater element receives at least one set point value associated with the heater and controls the temperature of the heater element based on a comparison of at least one of the resistance and temperature of the heater element to the at least one set point value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Brian C. Biller
  • Patent number: 8799205
    Abstract: The present inventors devised, among other things, systems and methods for estimating the energy usage of individual appliances based on cumulative household energy usage data and energy consumption profiles of the appliances. One exemplary system receives cumulative or aggregate energy usage for a building or other structure including a set of two or more appliances having different load ratings. Based on the aggregate energy usage and predefined usage profiles for the appliances, the exemplary system estimates individual energy usage of the appliances. In one embodiment, the system estimates individual energy usage of the appliances using a Bayesian estimator and displays the usage estimates, referred to as virtual submeter readings, on a graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Pradeep Shetty, Rangesa Arakere
  • Patent number: 8796591
    Abstract: An apparatus for warming a container, the apparatus including a holder having an inner wall, an outer wall, and an insulation layer between the inner and outer walls, wherein the inner wall defines a first volume having a size and shape for receiving at least a portion of the container, and wherein the holder defines a second volume. The apparatus can also include a solution and an activation disk positioned within the second volume and in contact with the solution, wherein the solution and activation disk are made from materials such that a force applied to the activation disk causes the solution to undergo a chemical reaction that generates heat for warming the container in the first volume. Furthermore, the apparatus can include a disk actuator for applying the force to the activation disk, and elastic bands to increase thermal contact between the container and the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Eric D. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8793030
    Abstract: The present invention provides with a power saving method for the electrical heating food processing device of temperature-controlled, which applied the thermal sensor dynamic senses the temperature of the heater; and the microprocessor judges that whether the real-time sensed temperature signal is within the corresponding temperature interval, then deals with the data. The microprocessor judges that whether the continuous-time length of the corresponding temperature interval exceeds the preset time threshold on the basis of the judgment of the temperature interval. If does, reduce the temperature or shutdown the power, otherwise return to the normal working mode. It realizes automatically temperature reduction and automatically shutdown when the food processing device is unused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hwaihsiang Kuo
  • Patent number: 8785824
    Abstract: A boiler regulation system for diverting energy from a boiler to hot water production having a housing with a thermostat dial, a sensor connection, and a plurality of connections on the housing; a step down transformer, a first general-purpose relay coil, a close-on-rise thermostat, and a first normally closed contact relay corresponding to a heating zone valve/pump each in the housing; wherein when the close-on-rise thermostat senses a rise in temperature when hot water is in demand the close-on-rise thermostat closes sending a first signal to the first general-purpose relay coil and the first general-purpose relay coil energizes causing the first normally closed contact relay to open, discontinuing power to the heating zone valve/pump thereby enabling boiler energy to be used for hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Scott K. Farr, Deborah L. Farr
  • Publication number: 20140197714
    Abstract: A surface acoustic wave (SAW) device comprising at least one heating element formed on the substrate; at least one temperature sensor having a first electric component on the substrate whose resistance varies with the temperature of the substrate and a second electric component whose resistance does not vary; and a temperature controller including an operational amplifier bonded in thermally conductive relationship to the substrate. The operational amplifier is responsive to the output of the temperature sensor to apply power to the heating element and thereby maintain the temperature of the substrate within a predetermined temperature range. The transducer, heating element, and first component are monolithically formed on the substrate, and only three electrical connections are on the substrate at voltage to off-SAW die points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: PHONON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tom A. Martin, Pierre A. Dufilie
  • Patent number: 8772681
    Abstract: A blower urges an airflow, at a rate according to a user-controlled flow rate command, through an electric heater and the electrical heater heats the airflow at a heater power based on a user-input temperature command, the user-input flow rate command, and a measured mass flow rate of the airflow. The heater power is calculated based on the heat energy required to heat air to the given reference temperature, at a flow rate corresponding to the measured mass flow rate. Optionally, the temperature of the air entering the electric heater is measured, and the heater power is calculated based on the heat energy required to heat air from the measured temperature to the given reference temperature, at a flow rate corresponding to the measured mass flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Electronic Instrumentation and Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe T. May
  • Publication number: 20140186015
    Abstract: A volatizer is provided including a multifunction cap secured over the open end of a body or other device, the chamber or other part of the device holding an amount of material to be extracted by selective volatization therein and including a thermo-indicator thereon or therein capable of deforming, actuating or otherwise indicating upon heating to a preselected temperature to provide an indication of the proper temperature for volatilization and extraction of the selected and or target compound from the material within the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: George R. Breiwa, III, Ingmar C. Nelson, Curtis M. Breiwa
  • Publication number: 20140183177
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor region, a second semiconductor region, a first electrode and a heat generation portion. The first semiconductor region includes n-type silicon carbide. The second semiconductor region is provided on a portion of the first semiconductor region. The second semiconductor region includes p-type silicon carbide. The first electrode provided on the first semiconductor region and the second semiconductor region. The heat generation portion is provided on the second semiconductor region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Chiharu OTA, Kazuto TAKAO, Johji NISHIO, Takashi SHINOHE
  • Patent number: 8768526
    Abstract: A system for shifting energy demand from on-peak time windows to off-peak time windows by using hot water heater load shifting, while providing the end user with the level of service (i.e., availability of hot water) according to the user's customary use described by service quality criteria. The shift is accomplished by a controller located at the end user establishment and in communication with a central control server. The controller monitors local water heater upper and/or lower temperature and controls upper and/or lower water heater heating elements in accordance with a demand shift process commanded by the central control server. The controller may determine usage and remaining capacity for reporting back to the central control server. A volumetric capacity and usage determination is disclosed. The control server may select water heaters according to use patterns and/or measured capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Carina Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin F. Harbin, III, Cecil Ray Holland, Jr., Robert J. Toth, Adrian O'Neil, Michael Scott Sansom, R. Michael Browder, Brook Marin
  • Patent number: 8766144
    Abstract: According to another aspect, the subject application involves an oven and a method of controlling an oven for cooking a food item. The oven includes a cooking cavity, a user interface comprising an input device to be actuated with a single actuation event by a cook to select a predetermined cooking mode for cooking the food item, a heating element operable to produce heat required to cook the food item within the cooking cavity, and a control unit. The method includes receiving a cooking signal in response to actuation of the input device with the single actuation event by the cook, and establishing a cooking parameter for the predetermined cooking mode based on the cooking signal. The cooking parameter can be specific to the food item to be cooked according to the predetermined cooking mode of the oven. The method also includes initiating the predetermined cooking mode associated with the input device, and detecting that cooking of the food item according to the predetermined cooking mode is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith McLoughlin, Margaret Mary Sterling
  • Publication number: 20140175087
    Abstract: A heater includes a heating element, a first electrode, a second electrode and a temperature controller. The heating element includes carbon nanotube layer and a binder. The carbon nanotube layer defines a number of wrinkles. The temperature controller is electrically connected to the heating element by the first electrode or the second electrode. The temperature controller is capable of controlling a temperature of the heating element by controlling a voltage and electric current applied to the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: CHEN FENG, XUE-WEI GUO
  • Publication number: 20140166636
    Abstract: Method for heating an SCR system using at least two resistive heating elements, according to which each of these resistive elements is powered by a PWM signal, the two PWM signals being at least partly in phase opposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYS. RESEARCH (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Volodia Naydenov, Guillaume Zeller, Florent Barzic, Benone Dorneanu
  • Publication number: 20140165531
    Abstract: A rigid electrical raft has electrical conductors embedded in a rigid material. The electrical conductors transmit electrical signals through the rigid electrical raft, which may form part of an electrical system of a gas turbine engine. The rigid electrical raft also has electrical heating elements embedded therein. The electrical heating elements provide heat which may be used, for example, to prevent condensation and/or ice build-up and/or to raise the temperature of electrical components to be within a desired range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Paul BROUGHTON, Michael Christopher WILLMOT, Justin Sean DALTON
  • Patent number: 8746584
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus, including an electric motor driven blower for circulating air through a cabinet, also includes one or more electric heating elements and a system controller operable to control energization of the heating elements and the blower motor at predetermined operating conditions by way of suitable relay or control elements. The system includes a heating interlock relay to prevent energization of the one or more heating elements if the blower motor is inoperable, operating at other than a predetermined range of speeds or the system controller detects a malfunctioning heating element control relay or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Trance International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Helt
  • Publication number: 20140156102
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system comprising a hybrid heating device (PAC-H) for a fluid contained in a remote tank (SP), comprising a fluid inlet (Wi) for receiving the fluid from the tank, first and second internal heating means for said fluid, control means co-operating with said first and second internal heating means, and a fluid outlet (Wo) for returning said heated fluid. Said control means activate alternately or simultaneously the first and second internal heating means according to a setpoint and/or a predetermined operating parameter of the hybrid heating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: POOLSTAR
    Inventors: Raphael ELBAZ, Georges AMSELLEM
  • Patent number: 8742301
    Abstract: A heater apparatus includes: a heater unit including a heater resistor; a first switching unit disposed on a downstream side of the heater resistor for on/off controlling a power supply path from a supply voltage; a second switching unit disposed on an upstream side of the heater resistor for on/off controlling the power supply path from the supply voltage; and a controller outputting first and second control signals for on/off controlling the first and second switching units, respectively. The first switching unit is switched on when the first control signal is high, and the second switching unit is switched on when the second control signal is low. The heater unit is switched on when the sensor temperature is equal to or lower than a first threshold, and is switched off when the sensor temperature is equal to or higher than a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Katayama
  • Patent number: 8742303
    Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a heating element adapted to be disposed on a substrate. The heating element includes electrodes and a multi-layer conductive coating of nano-thickness disposed between the substrate and electrodes. The multi-layer conductive coating has a structure and composition which stabilize performance of the heating element at high temperatures. The multi-layer conductive coating may be produced by spray pyrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Materials Enterprises Company Limited
    Inventors: Wing Yiu Yeung, Keith Mario Torpy
  • Publication number: 20140132361
    Abstract: A heater device includes a temperature detector, a heater control circuit, a heater, a voltage supply path, and an overheat prevention circuit. The overheat prevention circuit includes a positive-temperature-coefficient thermistor and a pull-up resistor. The positive-temperature-coefficient thermistor is interposed on the voltage supply path in a position for being heated by the heater. The pull-up resistor that includes: one end connected between the heater and the positive-temperature-coefficient thermistor, and another end connected to a direct current power source. The control voltage to be applied to the heater is restricted to a voltage at a connection point between the positive-temperature-coefficient thermistor and the pull-up resistor when the control voltage from the heater control circuit is abnormally decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomoya Yorita
  • Patent number: 8723085
    Abstract: A temperature controlled/limiting heating element for an electrically powered cooking appliance, having: a plate with an upper contact heating surface; a pair of heating element terminals adapted for removably engaging electrical power supply terminals of the electrically powered cooking appliance; a plurality of resistive heating wires, in thermal engagement with a lower surface of the top plate, comprising: a non-cycling resistive heating wire connected in series to the heating element terminals; and a cycling resistive heating wire connected in series to the heating element terminals via a thermostat switch in thermal engagement with a lower surface of the top plate, wherein the thermostat switch is normally closed when exposed to a sensed temperature below a set temperature and the thermostat switch opens when the sensed temperature is equal to or exceeds the set temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Pioneering Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin Callahan, Yibing Hu, Peter M. Callahan