Thermally Responsive Patents (Class 219/494)
  • Patent number: 8247745
    Abstract: The temperature of shelves used in a food holding cabinet are measured using a transistor. The voltage across a PN junction being known to be temperature dependent, the shelf temperature can be inferred from a calculated temperature of a PN junction of a transistor thermally coupled to a heated or refrigerated shelf. No calibration of the measurement device is required since the PN junction voltage, current and temperature relationship is well known.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Prince Castle, LLC.
    Inventors: Terry Tae-Il Chung, Jeff Schroeder, Kerry Berland, Douglas Reinking
  • Publication number: 20120204374
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface having an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; a housing bounding a reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet port; and an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for dispensing an amount of heated fluid. A heater element heats fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet port through the reservoir. A heat exchanger in thermal contact with the heater element for conveying heat to the fluid within the reservoir has a strut that divides fluid entering the housing through the inlet port into two flow paths and elongated fins that extend outwardly from the strut at transverse angles that bound fluid flow channels for fluid moving through said reservoir. A control circuit energizes the heater element with a voltage to heat the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Nartron Corporation
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
  • Patent number: 8244150
    Abstract: A fixing apparatus allows harmonic noise and flicker noise caused by alternating current to be reduced. To accomplish this, the fixing apparatus has a power supply unit that supplies AC power from a commercial power supply to a heater, a temperature detection element that detects the temperature of the heater, a setting unit that sets a duty ratio for providing power to the heater such that the temperature detected by the temperature detection element maintains a target temperature, and a control unit that controls the power supply unit such that an average power duty ratio of a single cycle equals the power duty ratio based on the detected temperature, where a single cycle is three or more full waves of the commercial power supply, there being three or more power duty ratios per one half wave of the commercial power supply in a single cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Kumada, Teruhiko Namiki, Atsunobu Mori
  • Patent number: 8242418
    Abstract: A golf ball bag includes a main housing for receiving one or more golf balls in the receiving cavity, and a temperature controlling device. The temperature controlling device includes a heating plate disposed within the receiving cavity to substantially align with the hitting surface of the golf balls, and a power source supported by the main housing to electrically connect with the heating plate. When the power source is activated, the heating plate is arranged to generate heat and to transfer to the hitting surfaces of the golf balls so as to heat up and maintain the hitting surfaces of the golf balls at an elevated temperature for achieving an optimal performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: KuangHung Kuo
  • Patent number: 8242417
    Abstract: In the present invention, temperature drop amounts of heating plate regions when the substrate is mounted on a heating plate are detected to detect a warped state of the substrate. From the temperature drop amounts of the heating plate regions, correction values for set temperatures of the heating plate regions are calculated. The calculation of the correction values for the set temperatures of the heating plate regions is performed by estimating steady temperatures within the substrate to be heat-processed on the heating plate from the temperature drop amounts of the heating plate regions using a correlation obtained in advance. From the estimated steady temperatures within the substrate and the temperature drop amounts of the heating regions, the correction values for the set temperatures of the heating plate regions are calculated. Based on the correction values for the set temperatures, the set temperatures of the heating plate regions are changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Masahide Tadokoro, Ryoichi Uemura, Mitsuteru Yano, Shinichi Shinozuka
  • Patent number: 8242431
    Abstract: An automated de-icing system for a low power lighting device having a light emitting face. The system includes one or more detectors for detecting conditions under which ice, frost or snow are likely to occur on the light emitting face. The system further includes a heat transfer system for transferring heat to the light emitting face and a controller for receiving data from the detector(s) and determining a likelihood of ice, frost or snow forming on the light emitting face. The controller engages the heat transfer system if the likelihood of ice, frost or snow forming on the light emitting face exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: GE Lighting Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Eden Dubuc, Dan Mihai, Christian Auger
  • Publication number: 20120203098
    Abstract: An ultrasound power supply (100) adapted for supplying electrical power for driving an ultrasound transducer (202, 702) in contact with a subject (208), wherein the ultrasound power supply comprises:—a communications interface (102) adapted for receiving a first temperature measurement of a first volume (211, 318) of the subject and a second temperature measurement of a second volume (214, 320) of the subject;—a controller (108) adapted for modulating the output of electrical power for driving the ultrasound transducer such that via ultrasonic heating by the ultrasound transducer: a. the first temperature measurement is maintained above a first predetermined threshold, b. the first temperature measurement is maintained below a second predetermined threshold, and c. the second temperature measurement is maintained below a third predetermined threshold; and wherein the first predetermined threshold is above the third predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Balasundara Iyyavu Raju, Shiwei Zhou, Shunmugavelu Sokka
  • Patent number: 8237094
    Abstract: A pulse modulating heating system provides connection to a step heating system having a main heating controller configured for connection to a heat sensor and step heating relays connected to respective step heating element and for activating, during a heating cycle, a required quantity of mechanical relays and step heating elements to generate a required amount of heat. The pulse modulating heating system has inputs, one for each step heating relay, connectable to the main heating controller for detecting the relays activated during the cycle, i.e. the required quantity of relays. The pulse modulating system, based on the required quantity of step relays detected, activates a pulse heating element for a quantity of pulses relative to a maximum quantity of pulses for the cycle that is proportional to the required quantity of step relays relative the total number of step heating relays to generate the required amount of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Cherif Menassa
  • Publication number: 20120193338
    Abstract: An electrical apparatus for removing ice and snow from the exterior top surface of the roof of a vehicle comprises at least one electrical heating element disposed against, and in direct contact with, the interior bottom surface of the roof. The heating element may be installed by the vehicle manufacturer or may be retrofit, and in the case of an automobile having a roof liner, the heating element is disposed below and in contact with the roof, but above the liner. Current to the heating element may be controlled by the vehicle's rear window defogger switch, through a relay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Nancy A. Sullivan, Nicholas Minicucci, JR., Frank Holtham, JR., Donald R. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8217322
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thermostatic biasing controller for use with an integrated circuit. In one embodiment, the thermostatic biasing controller includes a temperature sensing unit configured to determine an operating temperature of the integrated circuit. Additionally, the thermostatic biasing controller also includes a voltage controlling unit coupled to the temperature sensing unit and configured to provide a back-bias voltage corresponding to the operating temperature based on reducing a quiescent current of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Theodore W. Houston, Andrew Marshall
  • Patent number: 8217321
    Abstract: According to the invention, an improved analysis method for temperature monitoring of a hotplate (11) as a cooker with a temperature sensor (S) may be achieved by means of differentiating once over time and inverting the electronically interrogated temperature signal (T). The result of the inversion is raised to the power of ? to give an output value (A). This output value is used in further processing wherein, in the second processing, the output value is compared with stored values for an output value for defined events. The recording of the output value (A) occurs for a maximum time of up to 300 seconds after starting a cooking process, advantageously 60 to 120 seconds, and then said recording and analysis is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Thimm, Wolfgang Wittenhagen
  • Publication number: 20120168418
    Abstract: Provided is a heat control device of a heat generating glass, which supplies a sine wave signal for controlling temperature of the heat generating glass according to a size of the heat generating glass, so that the sine wave signal is input at a point of time when the current of the sine wave signal is zero and also the supply of the sine wave signal is stopped at the point of time when the current of the sine wave signal is zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Dong Il Lee, Beom Goo Son, Il Joon Bae
  • Publication number: 20120168417
    Abstract: A method for entering an operation mode in a low-temperature environment is applicable in a situation that plural electronic devices in an electronic apparatus are not activated. Through performing the method, the electronic apparatus obtains a temperature of each electronic device after receiving a request of a user. Then the electronic apparatus determines whether the temperatures of all the electronic devices reach a threshold value. If the temperatures of at least two electronic devices do not reach the threshold value, the electronic apparatus generates a plurality of corresponding enable signals for the electronic devices having the temperatures lower than the threshold value. The waveforms of the enable signals vary alternately. The electronic apparatus transfers the enable signals to a plurality of corresponding heaters. Being activated by the received enable signal, each of the heaters heats the corresponding electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: GETAC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chia-Chang Chiu
  • Patent number: 8212184
    Abstract: Operation of complex integrated circuits at low temperatures may be enhanced by providing active heating elements within the integrated circuit so as to raise the temperature of at least critical circuit portions at respective operational phases, such as upon power-up. Consequently, enhanced cold temperature performance may be obtained on the basis of existing process elements in order to provide design stability without requiring extensive circuit simulation or redesign of well-established circuit architectures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: GlobalFoundries, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Mowry, Casey Scott, Maciej Wiatr, Ralf Richter
  • Patent number: 8212189
    Abstract: A temperature control interface for a stove top is provided. The temperature control interface includes a numerical temperature setting to which a temperature of an object heated on the stovetop will be regulated. A method of cooking on a stovetop is provided in which a recipe includes a numerical temperature to which a cookware object should be regulated during cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Mamoru Imura
  • Publication number: 20120163781
    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: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: David R. Sedlacek, Michael T. Abbott, Christopher M. McFarland
  • Patent number: 8207476
    Abstract: A substrate holder for supporting a substrate in a processing system includes a temperature controlled support base having a first temperature, and a substrate support opposing the temperature controlled support base and configured to support the substrate. Also included is one or more heating elements coupled to the substrate support and configured to heat the substrate support to a second temperature above the first temperature, and a thermal insulator disposed between the temperature controlled support base and the substrate support. The thermal insulator includes a non-uniform spatial variation of the heat transfer coefficient (W/m2-K) through the thermal insulator between the temperature controlled support base and the substrate support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yuji Tsukamoto, Eric J. Strang
  • Patent number: 8207477
    Abstract: A method of operating a household oven to cook vegetables using steam during a cooking cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Karen M. Embury, Joel M. Sells, Jason R. Savage
  • Publication number: 20120159200
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal management of components and functional subsystems of a handheld device, including for a peripheral device electrically coupled to thereto. A power source provides power to a plurality of functional subsystems of the handheld device and optionally the peripheral device. The components and functional subsystems comprise predetermined thermal signatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: David Neil Ardron
  • Patent number: 8204633
    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 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Carina Technology, 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: 8203105
    Abstract: Embodiments involve a food warmer that uses a nano thickness heating material as the heating element. The heating element has a fast response and is energy efficient. The temperature of the food warmer can be precisely controlled. The food warmer may be used to heat cold food to a desired temperature, maintain a temperature of already heated food, and/or cook uncooked food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Materials Enterprises Company Limited
    Inventors: Geng Li, Joey Cho Yee Chow, Chih Lin I, Edward S. Yang
  • Patent number: 8193474
    Abstract: Smart oven allows contactless detection of surface temperature of an item being heated. The temperature of the heated object can be maintained at the specified temperature for a specified time. The program for cooking can be read automatically from a package from the food, e.g, from a bar code on the package. When the preheating or cooking is finished, a text message can be sent to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Harris Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Scott C. Harris
  • Patent number: 8193475
    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: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Materials Enterprises Company Limited
    Inventors: Wing Yiu Yeung, Keith Mario Torpy
  • Publication number: 20120125912
    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: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: PIONEERING TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Kevin CALLAHAN, Reza SHAH, Peter M. Callahan, Yibing Hu
  • Patent number: 8183504
    Abstract: A surface-mountable electrical circuit protection device includes layers defining a first PPTC resistive element, a second PPTC resistive element, and at least one heat-generating electrical component such as a planar zener diode chip positioned between, and in thermal contact with, the first and second PPTC elements, such that an electrical current above a threshold level passing through the component causes the component to heat, the heat being transferred to the PPTC resistive elements and tripping at least one, and preferably both of the first or second PPTC elements to a high resistance state. A series of edge-formed terminal electrodes enable surface-mount connection of the first and second PPTC elements and the electrical component to an electrical circuit substrate, such as a printed circuit board. A method for making the device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Montoya, Luis A. Navarro, Cecilia A. Walsh, Adrian P. Mikolajczak
  • Patent number: 8177936
    Abstract: Evaporation of calciferous water is performed by an evaporator using electrical heating. An injection nozzle is connected to a spray hose arranged in an upper third of the evaporator, immediately above a thermostat that is disposed on the bottom side of the evaporator. A distance between the injection nozzle and the thermostat is less than 15 mm. A steam hose is connected to the evaporator via a steam connector. The steam connector has an inside diameter of at least 5 mm. The steam hose leads to a collector situated at an angle of inclination of 5° to 10°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Dietmar Berghaenel
  • Publication number: 20120107486
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sealant coating device having a sealant receiving chamber and a nozzle formed on a lower portion of the sealant receiving chamber. The sealant coating device further has a heating device, and the heating device is installed around the sealant receiving chamber for heating a sealant material filled in the sealant receiving chamber. The present invention further provides a dispensing method of the sealant coating device, which has the following steps of: obtaining time during the sealant material stays in the sealant receiving chamber; calculating a target temperature of the sealant material according to the obtained time and a desired sealant viscosity value; heating the sealant material to the target temperature. The advantages of the present invention are to use the heating device to lower the sealant viscosity based on the characteristic of the sealant viscosity varied with the temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chengming He, Chien-Pang Lee, Yu-wu Huang
  • Publication number: 20120103969
    Abstract: A warming apparatus for warming a container having outer walls, the apparatus including a warmer body, at least one container holder, open at both ends, defined in the body, the container holder including holder walls adapted and configured to cradle a portion of the outer walls of a container for releasably holding that portion of the outer walls, and at least one heating element disposed in the warmer body adjacent the container holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Igal Sharon
  • Patent number: 8168924
    Abstract: The invention provides an overheat protection control component for a liquid heating vessel which includes a control body (1); a single-integrated dual-actuation thermally sensitive bimetallic actuator (2) is provided on the upper face of the control body (1), wherein the single-integrated dual-actuation thermally sensitive bimetallic actuator (2) is two integrated and relatively independent actuating units which are formed on a piece of bimetallic strip, and the outer kick limb (3) of either said actuating unit will produce an actuating movement downwards when an overheat state occurs; two groups of switch contacts (6) are also provided on the control body (1), wherein either group of switch contacts (6) cooperate with the outer kick limb (3) of a corresponding actuating unit, and the outer kick limb (3), when producing a downward actuating movement, will open a corresponding group of switch contacts (6) and cut off the power supply of the heater for the liquid heating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Zhejiang Jiatai Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiang Yang, Hesheng Zheng, Yu Yan
  • Publication number: 20120097043
    Abstract: A pump for a beverage preparation machine which includes a heat-radiating electric arrangement; and a thermo-fuse connected to the electric arrangement via an electric connection. The thermo-fuse is connectable to a power source for powering the heat-radiating electric arrangement via the thermo-fuse. The thermo-fuse is in thermal communication with the heat-radiating electric arrangement so as to disconnect the electric arrangement from the power source when the thermo-fuse reaches a predetermined maximum temperature in reaction to an excessive heat radiation from the electric arrangement. The thermo-fuse and the heat-radiating electric arrangement are so configured that heat radiating from the electric arrangement to the thermo-fuse is predominantly conducted along the electric connection from the electric arrangement to the thermo-fuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Renzo Moser
  • Patent number: 8165725
    Abstract: A kind of temperature controlling device of heating element and method thereof detect the actual temperature of heating body of the heating element, and calculate the descending gradient and frequency of temperature based on the detected actual temperature. The norm signal is formed based on the actual temperature, descending gradient and frequency of the temperature to control the switch power as to achieve the split second control for the electric power of the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: L Lab Corporation
    Inventor: Xiaogang Liu
  • Patent number: 8164031
    Abstract: An electric trace tube bundle characterized by an internal branched circuit or circuits wherein power to the branched circuit or circuits is supplied via leads contained within a tubular jacket surrounding an insulation layer and an inner core containing one or more process tubes and the heater circuits. Such an arrangement allows the power connection to the heater circuits to be made at a proximal end of the bundle, thereby eliminating the need to cut through the jacket to make branched circuit power connections at a location remote from the proximal end of the bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Francis, Lawrence K. Kunkel, Dale J. Zelesnik
  • Publication number: 20120085748
    Abstract: An integrated circuit is provided having an active circuit. A heating element is adjacent to the active circuit and configured to heat the active circuit. A temperature sensor is also adjacent to the active circuit and configured to measure a temperature of the active circuit. A temperature controller is coupled to the active circuit and configured to receive a temperature signal from the temperature sensor. The temperature controller operates the heating element to heat the active circuit to maintain the temperature of the active circuit in a selected temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicants: STMICROELECTRONICS ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD., STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Olivier Le Neel, Fuchao Wang, Ravi Shankar
  • Publication number: 20120082180
    Abstract: Tools and methods for creating isolated or localized temperature changes on components in an electric circuit. By isolating temperature changes to individual components or small sets of components, the tools and methods allow greater control over the analysis of interactions within a board. This may allow clearer understanding of the effects of temperature on circuit component behavior. The tools and analysis advances analysis such as failure analysis and design testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Jason J. Edwardson, Timothy A. Fonte, Eric F. King, Ross G. Baker, JR., Toby Daniel Awender
  • Patent number: 8148669
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for effectuating temperature control in roller grill assembly. Some embodiments provide a roller grill assembly which provides enhanced measurement by utilizing temperature probes located in convective air streams generated in the roller tube. Certain embodiments also provide an improved method for maintaining of a food product temperature by utilizing an intermediate holding mode. Finally, certain embodiments provide improved current control by limiting the number of heating circuits of a food heater that may be simultaneously enabled such that the current draw does not exceed a maximum current draw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: APW Wyott Corporation
    Inventors: Roger A. Schwierking, Diosdado G. Pangan, Kenneth P. Gross
  • Publication number: 20120076905
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for effectuating temperature control in roller grill assembly. Some embodiments provide a roller grill assembly which provides enhanced measurement by utilizing temperature probes located in convective air streams generated in the roller tube. Certain embodiments also provide an improved method for maintaining of a food product temperature by utilizing an intermediate holding mode. Finally, certain embodiments provide improved current control by limiting the number of heating circuits of a food heater that may be simultaneously enabled such that the current draw does not exceed a maximum current draw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: American Wyott Corporation
    Inventors: Roger A. Schwierking, Diosdado G. Pangan, Kenneth P. Gross
  • Patent number: 8143560
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus is provided. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking cavity, a door, an input selection device provided on an exterior of the door, and a control panel provided in the door and operably coupled to the input selection device. The input selection device may include buttons which are illuminated by a light source provided with the control panel. A guide may be positioned between the control panel and the input selection device to guide the light generated by the light source to the input selection device and concentrate light on the buttons to illuminate the buttons. In this manner, the cooking apparatus may include a selection device on its door including buttons that are effectively illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyoung-jun Park, young-min Lee
  • Patent number: 8143559
    Abstract: A heating pad is provided. The heating pad includes a heating element and a control circuit operatively connected to the heating element for providing a predetermined level of power thereto. An isolation device interconnects a power source to the control circuit. The isolation device has a first open configuration preventing transmission of electrical power therethrough and a second closed configuration allowing transmission of electrical power therethrough. The control circuit terminates power to the heating element in response to the heating element exceeding a first temperature limit. The isolation device moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to the heating element exceeding a second temperature limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Advance Thermo Control, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwok Wai Chow
  • Patent number: 8143554
    Abstract: A heating element includes a plurality of folded surfaces which can be resistively heating using electrical current. The heating element can advantageously function both as a heating source and a heat transfer device, as the need for separate fins or other heat dissipation members is eliminated. In some embodiments, the heating element can be included in a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system can include a fluid transfer device configured to deliver a volume or ambient air or other fluid through the heating element. As air moves past the heated folded surface of the heating element, it is heated. Heated air can then be discharged to one or more desired locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Amerigon Incorporated
    Inventor: John Lofy
  • Patent number: 8138455
    Abstract: A novel method for introducing delays in self timed memories is disclosed. In the proposed method, delays are introduced by introducing a capacitance on the path of signal to be delayed. The capacitances are realized by using idle lying metal layers in the circuit. The signal to be delayed is connected to these idle lying capacitances via programmable switches. The amount of delay introduced depends on the capacitance introduced in the path of signal which in turn depends on state of the switches. The state of the switches is controlled by delay codes provided externally to the delay introducing circuitry. Since, in the proposed method, idle-lying metal capacitances are utilized, the circuit can be implemented using minimum amount of additional hardware. Also delay provided by the proposed circuitry is a function of memory cell spice characteristics and core parasitic capacitances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Pvt. Ltd.
    Inventors: Nishu Kohli, Mudit Bhargava, Shishir Kumar
  • Publication number: 20120061369
    Abstract: A multiple heater control system includes cables, connectors, and junction boxes for user-friendly daisy chain connections of heater controllers and heaters in various configurations or combinations of individually controlled heater series and/or master and slave heater series. The heater controllers include process control of AC power to the heaters and upper-limit safety shutoff that is substantially independent from the process control. The heater controllers also have variable levels of control, adjustment, display, and communications functionality in a base module that is expandable to various levels with expansion modules that are attachable to and detachable from the base module. Connector, cable, and junction configurations, adapters, and latch features enhance user friendliness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicants: WATLOW ELECTRONIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY, MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Youfan Gu, Jeffrey D. Kiernan, Charles C. Lawhead, William C. Bohlinger, Eric E. Ellis, Curtis A. Foster, James P. Hentges, Mark Loius-Gilmer Hoven, James H. Kreisel, Shawn Leininger, Robert O. Moran, Kurt W. Peterson, Jason R. Powell, Dale T. Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20120063754
    Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid heating unit capable of monitoring the temperature of the liquid storage tank or pipe in which liquid is heated by permeation of the radiated light, a liquid processing apparatus including the same, and a liquid processing method. The liquid heating unit includes: a lamp heater radiating light; a cylindrical member having a cylindrical shape made of material permeating the radiated light configured to insert and penetrate the lamp heater into an internal space; a liquid conduction part placed along an outer periphery of the cylindrical member and configured to heat liquid flowing therein by using the radiated light; a reflection plate covering the liquid conduction part from the outside and reflecting the radiated light; and a first temperature sensor attached to an outer surface of the reflection plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Toshihiko Nishida, Kazuyoshi Eshima, Hisakazu Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20120057856
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to an apparatus for vacuum-compatible substrate thermal management. The apparatus includes a load-lock chamber coupled to a vacuum chamber, a light-emitting diode array, and a substrate stage. The load-lock chamber is configured to hold a substrate prior to the substrate being transferred into the vacuum chamber, and a substrate stage is configured to hold the substrate in the vacuum chamber. The light-emitting diode array is configured to warm the substrate while the substrate is in the load-lock chamber. Other features, aspects and embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Jason Keith ROWAN, Li-Min CHEN, Roni ROBINZON, Christopher Vreje OHANIAN
  • Publication number: 20120057857
    Abstract: In various aspects, the present application describes a tankless liquid heater receiving liquid at an inlet and providing heated liquid at an outlet. The tankless liquid heater may include a heating element for heating liquid received from the inlet. A flow sensor indicates the flow rate of the liquid received by the heating element. The heater includes a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of liquid exiting the heating element. A controller of the heater regulates the amount of electrical current energizing the heating element responsive to the flow sensor and the temperature sensor, energizes the heating element when the flow rate of the liquid exceeds a predefined value and prevents energizing the heating element when the heated liquid exceeds a predefined temperature. The heater may also include a thermostatic mixing valve for mixing the heated liquid with liquid diverted from the inlet responsive to the temperature of the heated liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph Kevin Kenney, Jeff Hankins
  • Patent number: 8115145
    Abstract: A technique for climate control of, for example, base station circuitry within an enclosure involves placing base station circuitry within the enclosure and controlling the climate therein. A system according to this technique includes an enclosure suitable for use outside in a wide range of extreme weather conditions. A controller may, for example, control a fan tray with a heater to pull ambient air through a filtration unit, through the fan tray where the air is heated, and through cold start recirculation dampers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sanmina-SCI Corporation
    Inventors: Zia Shariff, Andrew Hudz, Anthony Cormick Sharp
  • Patent number: 8115144
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes, but is not limited to estimating the temperature (TGP,est) of the glow-plug (GP) in accordance with a first model of the glow-plug (GP) as a function of the detected values of the glow-plug voltage and current (VGP, IGP) and the sensed values of some input variables, such as the engine speed (?E) and the engine temperature (TE), determining, in accordance with a second predetermined model of the glow-plug (GP), a desired value of the voltage (VGP,des) or power (PGP,des) to be supplied to the glow-plug (GP), as a function of a desired value of the glow-plug temperature (TGP,des), the estimated glow-plug temperature (TGP,est), and the sensed values of the input variables, and varying the duty-cycle of a pulse-width-modulated voltage (VPWM) applied to the glow-plug (GP), as a function of the calculated value of said desired voltage (VGP,des) or power (PGP,des).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Stefano Cassani, Andrei Kanev
  • Publication number: 20120031893
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring temperature in a cooking appliance, both of which utilize a circuit for reading an input from a thermal resistive device. By including a processor and an amplifier in the circuit, embodiments reduce the number of processor pins required to modify the amplified input arising from the amplifier. In one embodiment, the processor utilizes a single processor pin, through which is distributed a control output corresponding to the input and modifying the operating parameters of the amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick Ryan COX, David Lepie, Gregory Francis Gawron, SR.
  • Publication number: 20120031894
    Abstract: Provided is a thermal processing method including a first process comprising changing a set temperature of the heating plate from a first temperature to a second temperature; initiating a thermal processing for a first substrate before the temperature of the heating plate reaches the second temperature; obtaining temperature data of the heating plate after the thermal processing is initiated; changing the set temperature of the heating plate from the second temperature when the set temperature reaches the second temperature; and thermal processing of the first substrate using the heating plate for which the set temperature has been changed. The method further includes a second process comprising reinstating the temperature of the heating plate to the second temperature after the thermal processing of the first substrate; and thermal processing of a next substrate using the heating plate while the temperature of the heating plate is maintained at the second temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Kenichi Shigetomi
  • Patent number: 8110781
    Abstract: The present invention provides a golf club head cover which provides conventional protection to golf clubs and in addition provides a heating function for a hitting surface of the golf club in order to keep the temperature within a optimized range for hitting. The golf club head cover has a main housing having an opening side for inserting a top portion of the golf club and a heating side for disposing a temperature controlling device for heating. The temperature controlling device has a power source, a circuit board, and a heating plate which couples with the hitting surface of the top portion of the golf club to apply heat to control the temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: KuangHung Kuo
  • Patent number: 8112010
    Abstract: A heating unit heated upon receiving power supplied from an AC power supply, a temperature detecting unit detecting the temperature of the heating unit, a memory storing power energization pattern in which power energization and non-power energization are performed for each percentage of AC power, and a power control unit that determines the percentage of AC power applied to the heating unit based on the temperature and that determines the power energization pattern by referring to the memory are provided. When the power energization percentage is changed, the power control unit changes the power energization pattern after the power energization percentage is changed in accordance with the changed power energization percentage based on the power energization pattern before the power energization percentage is changed and the power energization pattern after the power energization percentage is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Totsuhiro Yoshimoto