Abstract: A ratiometric current source circuit having a reduced temperature dependence is disclosed. An embodiment of the current source circuit includes a first divider circuit configured to generate a reference voltage using a voltage level of a power supply node and a second divider circuit including a first resistor with a first temperature coefficient and a second resistor with a second temperature coefficient. The first resistor is configured to generate a first current using an input voltage and the voltage level of the power supply node and the second resistor is configured to generate a second current using the input voltage. The embodiment further includes a buffer circuit configured to generate the input voltage using the reference voltage and generate an output current using a difference between the first current and the second current.

Abstract: A set of headphones (1) comprises a pair of speaker units (3); a pair of ear pad portions (4); a plurality of temperature change modules (24) that are provided inside the pair of ear pad portions (4), and that heat and/or cool electrically so as to convey a temperature other than normal temperature to the user; and a temperature control unit (31) that drives the plurality of temperature change modules (24) on a rotating basis while shifting the phase of operation individually or in groups.

Abstract: A photonic heater is provided. The photonic heater includes a current source and a transfer circuit. The transfer circuit connected to the current source. The photonic heater further includes a heating element. The heating element is connected to the transfer circuit. The transfer circuit is operable to regulate an amount of current being transferred from the current court to the heating element.

Abstract: The wirelessly-controlled electric blanket is a domestic article. The wirelessly-controlled electric blanket is a textile structure known as a blanket. The wirelessly-controlled electric blanket is an electrically powered device known as an electric blanket. The wirelessly-controlled electric blanket comprises a blanket and a personal data device. The personal data device controls the operation of the blanket.

Abstract: An ironing system with a coach, comprising an iron; the iron comprising at least one accelerometer; at least one magnetometer; at least one gyroscope; the ironing system further comprising a unit for determining the movement of the iron configured to make use of signals originating from the accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope, and calculate one or more from the list comprising a pitch axis, a yaw axis, a roll axis; and a multimedia learning system configured in particular to make use of the results originating from the movement determining unit, compare the results with an aim to be achieved for these results, and select a multimedia sequence to be presented to the user depending on the comparison.

Abstract: Controllers for dry eye treatment apparatus and methods are described herein which generally comprise a patch or strip affixed to the skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids to deliver heat to the one or more meibomian glands contained within the underlying skin. The treatment strip or strips include one or more strips configured to adhere to an underlying region of skin in proximity to one or both eyes of a subject such that the one or more strips allow for the subject to blink naturally without restriction from the one or more patches. A controller is in communication with the one or more strips and is programmable to monitor a temperature of the one or more strips to provide a treatment therapy above a threshold temperature of, e.g., 39° C., and below a maximum temperature of, e.g., 48° C., over a treatment period of 12 minutes.

Abstract: A system for heating a pool or spa. The system may include a circuit for interrupting the power supply to a heating element of the pool or spa. A thyristor may be used to vary the voltage supply to the heating element, such as by use of a variable resistor, capacitor, and a triac. The system may adjust the resistance on the variable resistor to control to voltage supply to the heating element, allowing a larger heating element to be used more efficiently.

Abstract: A lighting fixture is provided. The lighting fixture includes a light source and an environmental detection system. The environmental detection system is coupled to a continuous supply of electrical power. The environmental detection system includes one or more sensors operable to detect a parameter associated with a space in which the lighting fixture is located.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an auto run mode for initiating a heating cycle of a heated bedding product. A heated bedding product can include a bedding product body comprising a heating element and a controller electrically connected to the heating element. The controller can include a processing circuit, such as a microcontroller, that is configured to operate in an auto run mode in which a heating cycle of the heating element is automatically initiated in response to alternating current power being provided to the controller.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure discloses an over-temperature protection circuitry and a driving method. The circuit includes a source circuit, a comparator circuit and an output circuit, wherein the comparator circuit includes a thermistor, a first resistor and a comparator, the source circuit is connected to a first input terminal of the comparator via the thermistor and is connected to a second input terminal of the comparator via the first resistor; and the comparator circuit is configured to compare a first signal from the first input terminal with a second signal from the second input terminal, and output a control signal according to a comparison result, the control signal is an over-temperature control signal in the case that the comparison result indicates that the temperature is greater than or equal to a protection threshold, and the output circuit is configured to output an disenabling signal.

Abstract: In a conventional power supply system, it was difficult to quickly activate a motor load or the like after performing switching to an isolated operation.

Abstract: A device (1) for controlling an electrical heating circuit (2) comprising a number N of heating elements (21-23) connected in parallel, comprises, according to the invention: N electronic switches (T1-T3), each able to be connected in series with one of the N heating elements (21-23); a module (10) able to receive a power setpoint in the form of a control signal (PWM) with duty ratio varying as a function of power; means (12) for extracting a mean value (formula (I)) of the control signal (PWM) received; and P comparators (C1-C3), the integer P being less than or equal to N, which are able to compare the mean value (formula (I)) extracted with P distinct threshold values (Ref1-Ref3) and to generate P comparison signals (S1-S3), each comparison signal serving to control a toggling of the electronic switch (T1-T3) associated with at least one heating element into the open or closed position.

Abstract: A thermal system includes multiple thermal elements, multiple power lines, and a control system. Each of the thermal elements define a resistor and a current limiting device, and the thermal elements include at least a first subset of parallel thermal elements and at least a second subset of parallel thermal elements. The current limiting devices in a given subset of parallel thermal elements have opposite polarity from each other. The multiple power lines are connected to the plurality of thermal elements. The power lines are configured in pairs for providing power to the first subset and the second subset of parallel thermal elements. The control system is configured to selectively apply power to the first subset and the second subset of parallel thermal elements by way of the power lines.

Abstract: A thermal barrier for a wireless power transfer system comprises a first surface area (807) for coupling to a power receiver (111) to be powered by a first electromagnetic signal and a second surface area (805) for coupling to a power transmitter (101) providing a second electromagnetic signal. The thermal barrier (801) further comprises a power repeater (803) with a resonance circuit including an inductor and a capacitor. The power repeater (803) is arranged to generate the first electromagnetic signal by concentrating energy of the second electromagnetic signal towards the first surface area (807). The thermal barrier may provide thermal protection of the power transmitter (101) without unacceptable impact on the power transfer operation.

Abstract: A method and system of igniting one or more filaments for silicon production includes applying an output voltage to the one or more filaments using a transformer connected with the one or more filaments. In addition, the method includes supplying, in combination with the application of the output voltage, a current to a primary winding of the transformer via a choke to limit the current to a first predetermined current threshold range. The combination of the supplied current and applied output voltage allows a predetermined output range to be generated from a power supply device initially required to ignite the one or more filaments.

Abstract: A line voltage thermostat having a multiple heatsink switch. A total switch may have a semiconductor switch mounted on each heatsink of the multiple heatsink switch. The semiconductor switches of the respective heatsinks may be connected in parallel to represent the total switch. Each of the two or more heatsinks, having a semiconductor switch for switching, and in total conveying the same power as one equivalent switch with one total heatsink, may have higher maximum operating temperatures and higher thermal resistances than twice the thermal resistance of the one total heatsink. The two or more heatsinks may be situated within a housing of the line voltage thermostat, and be easier to distribute in the housing to achieve an efficient layout of a display and control buttons for the thermostat.

Abstract: A Physically Unclonable Function circuit may include precharge circuitry that precharges an output. The precharge circuitry may include transistors of a first type such as N-type or P-type. Circuitry having only transistors of a second, different type may be coupled to the output. The circuitry may produce a signal at the output based on variations between the transistors of the second type. The circuitry may include first and second circuits such as first and second transistors of the second type that are cross-coupled. While the circuitry is producing the signal at the output, the precharge circuitry or any transistors not of the second type may be disabled or electrically disconnected from the output. In this way, the stability over time of the Physically Unclonable Function circuit may be improved, because only variations associated with transistors of the second type may be used in producing the signal.

Abstract: A system includes, in one example, a first heater device, a second heater device, and a temperature sensor, each disposed within a fluid flow. The system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first heater device, the second heater device, and the temperature sensor. The controller is configured to receive, from the temperature sensor, an indication of a measured temperature of the fluid flow. The controller is further configured to control, based on a difference between the measured temperature of the fluid flow and a target temperature, operation of the first heater device via a first pulse width modulation signal and operation of the second heater device via a second pulse width modulation signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the microfluidic device includes a microfluidic chip comprising a first zone having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a second zone having a plurality of microfluidic channels, wherein the microfluidic channels in the first and second zones are in fluid communication. The microfluidic device further comprising a thin-film heater in thermal communication with each of the microfluidic channels in the first and second zones. The microfluidic device also includes a control system configured to independently control the temperature of each of the thin-film heaters using pulse width modulation (PWM) control signals that are optimized for each of the thin-film heaters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing two energy level settings for a refrigerator hot water heater are provided. An exemplary refrigerator includes a refrigeration system that includes an evaporator. The refrigerator includes a defrost assembly for defrosting one or more of the evaporator or a freezer compartment. The refrigerator includes a water dispensing assembly that includes a heating element for heating a volume of water. The refrigerator includes a controller configured to operate the heating element at a first energy level when the defrost assembly is not operating and to operate the heating element at a second energy level when the defrost assembly is operating. An exemplary method includes detecting that the refrigerator is performing an energy critical task. The method includes enabling a reduced consumption of electrical power by a heating element included in a water dispensing assembly of the refrigerator when the refrigerator is performing the energy critical task.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method of determining a water out condition in a humidified gases supply apparatus. The method includes a two step process including a primary determination of a water out condition and a secondary determination of a water out condition. This primary determination is made during observation of the normal operation of the apparatus. During the secondary determination the method takes temporary control over the humidifying part of the apparatus. The secondary determination confirms or contradicts the primary determination.

Abstract: A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) for controlling power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) includes a thyristor coupled between the source and the load, a gate coupling circuit coupled between a first main terminal and a gate terminal of the thyristor, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to control the gate coupling circuit to conduct a pulse of current through the gate terminal to render the thyristor conductive at a firing time during a half cycle of the AC power source, and to allow the gate coupling circuit to conduct at least one other pulse of current after the firing time during the half cycle. The load control device is further arranged to conduct current through the electrical load if the thyristor becomes non-conductive and remains non-conductive during the half-cycle.

Abstract: A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) for controlling power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) includes a thyristor coupled between the source and the load, a first circuit coupled between a first main terminal and a gate terminal of the thyristor to conduct current through the gate terminal, a second circuit coupled between the first main terminal and a second main terminal of the thyristor to conduct current through the load when the thyristor is non-conductive, and a control circuit configured to individually control the first and second circuits. The control circuit renders the first circuit conductive to conduct a pulse of current through the gate terminal to render the thyristor conductive at a firing time, and allows the first circuit to conduct at least one other pulse of current through the gate terminal after the firing time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low-profile or ultra-thin navigational pointing device incorporating haptic feedback related to the hardware designs, and sensor optimization relative to the functionally of joysticks, computer mice, gaming equipment, cell phones, personal digital assistants, telecommunications equipment, entertainment equipment, and other electronic pointing devices requiring height profiles of 5 mm or less. In one embodiment, a device in accordance with the present invention includes a support structure component, a read component, a sensor component, and a capture enclosure component. The read component is coupled to the support structure, and the sensor component is coupled to the capture enclosure where it is positioned in close proximity to the read component by capture enclosure.

Abstract: A control system includes a remote temperature sensor configured to wirelessly communicate a signal indicative of a space temperature, and a return air temperature sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a temperature of return airflow within an air conditioning/heating unit. The system further includes a controller segregated from the space that is responsive to the signals from the sensors for determining a working sensed temperature based upon a temperature value associated with the return air sensor and at least one temperature value associated with at least one remote temperature sensor. The controller is configured to compare the working sensed temperature to a set-point temperature and responsively generate a command signal to activate the air conditioning or heating unit to control temperature relative to a set-point. The controller controls the air conditioning/heating unit at all times based upon the temperature value associated with the return air sensor.

Abstract: An electronic circuit control arrangement to sustain water discharging from an instantaneous hot water heater at a set temperature or range having a proportional water temperature signal derived from a sensing arrangement in communication with water inlet and outlet ports so as to sense the respective temperatures at each port to provide a comparatively measurable proportional difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures set against referenced parameters, including a comparator that acts as an operable control of a switch adapted to couple and de-couple an alternating current power source to the heating element through a duty cycle of highs and lows to provide a rate to generate and maintain the appropriate coupling and/or de-coupling of the alternating current power source to and from the heating element to achieve the desired referenced temperature and/or range.

Abstract: A dual resistance heater for a phase change material region is formed by depositing a resistive material. The heater material is then exposed to an implantation or plasma which increases the resistance of the surface of the heater material relative to the remainder of the heater material. As a result, the portion of the heater material approximate to the phase change material region is a highly effective heater because of its high resistance, but the bulk of the heater material is not as resistive and, thus, does not increase the voltage drop and the current usage of the device.

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.

Abstract: A zero-crossing detector circuit includes: a first capacitor including a first electrode configured to connect to one end of an AC power supply and a second electrode; a second capacitor including a first electrode configured to connect to the other end of the AC power supply and a second electrode; a current path, which is connected in series between the second electrode of the first capacitor and the second electrode of the second capacitor, and which is connected to a reference potential, and which generates a second-electrode-side voltage when the AC current passes through the current path; a signal converting circuit, which is connected to the AC power supply to receive the second-electrode-side voltage and then converts the second-electrode-side voltage into a pulse signal; and a detecting unit, which detects a pulse period of the pulse signal, which and detects zero-crossing points by using the pulse period.

Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting a single electrical heating element of a hot water heater to first and second AC electrical power sources. Typically, these first and second AC electrical power sources include a utility provided electrical power source and a renewable power source that generates AC power from DC power. The method includes operating a controller that selectively connects and disconnects the first and second power sources. If sufficient electrical power is available from the renewable power source, the utility provided electrical power source may be disconnected to preferentially utilize renewable energy.

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.

Abstract: A temperature control system includes a temperature control circuit having a plurality of predetermined temperature values, a switch control circuit and a heating control circuit. The temperature control circuit outputs control signals according to the plurality of predetermined temperature values. The switch control circuit turns on according to the control signals and outputs the DC voltage to the heating control circuit which begins to get hot. The temperature control circuit detects a temperature of the heating control circuit from time to time and turns off the switch control circuit when the temperature of the heating control circuit is equal to a selected predetermined temperature.

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.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing equipment is provided herein. The semiconductor manufacturing equipment includes a heater element configured to heat a wafer, a first connection part and a second connection part integrated with the heater element, a first electrode electrically contacted with and fixed to the first connection part on a first surface of the first electrode, and a second electrode electrically contacted with and fixed to the second connection part on a second surface of the second electrode. The second surface is perpendicular to the direction of the first surface, and the heater element produces heat by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A medical device having a heater with at least one heating element which has mains voltage applied to it by a heating control unit. The heating control unit includes a monitoring arrangement and a switching arrangement. The monitoring arrangement can recognize the zero crossings of the mains voltage, and the switching arrangement can switch the at least one heating element on or off in the zero crossing. The heating control unit controls the power of the heating by switching on and off of one or more half cycles of the mains AC voltage.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus is provided for heating a liquid and is operable either by foreign or domestic voltages. The apparatus may have a heating element that couples directly to the voltage source, regardless of whether the voltage source is foreign or domestic. The apparatus also may have a power supply that couples directly to the voltage source, regardless of whether the voltage source is foreign or domestic. The power supply outputs a DC voltage that may be coupled to various other components of the apparatus either directly or after subsequent processing.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an electrical outlet including a power output adapted to provide electricity to an electrically coupled device, a switch adapted to activate and deactivate the power output, a temperature sensor adapted to detect a temperature, and a control unit in communication with the switch and the temperature sensor. The control unit is adapted to control the power output using the switch based at least in part on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A temperature control circuit of an oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) is provided. A first and a second digital potentiometer are correspondingly arranged in a bridge circuit which outputs a voltage to an input terminal of a differential amplifier (OPAMP), wherein the resistance value of the first digital potentiometer is adjustable so as to adjust the temperature of the oven to the peak temperature of the crystal resonator, and the resistance value of the second digital potentiometer is adjustable so as to cancel the temperature gradient of the first digital potentiometer. In the temperature control circuit of OCXO, the heat generation of the heater resistor is controlled by the power transistor based on the control voltage from the differential amplifier.

Abstract: A method of controlling a phase of an alternating current (AC) power having an AC voltage waveform having a predetermined cycle includes counting a number of times a zero crossing signal has been generated, the zero crossing signal being generated whenever a level of the AC voltage waveform becomes “0”; calculating a half cycle of the AC voltage waveform based on times at which the counted number of times the zero crossing signal has been generated changes; detecting phases that divide an area surrounded by a waveform corresponding to the half cycle of the AC voltage waveform into a predetermined number of equal areas; and generating control pulse signals based on the detected phases.

Abstract: A method for controlling power supply to the liquid contents of a cooking vessel or the like, particularly for controlling the electrical power supply in an induction heating system, wherein a predetermined thermodynamic state is detected and the user is alerted, comprises maintaining a predetermined high power condition after reaching the predetermined thermodynamic state for a predetermined time and then reducing the power supply to a predetermined level.

Abstract: Provided are a variable field effect transistor (FET) designed to suppress a reduction of current between a source and a drain due to heat while decreasing a temperature of the FET, and an electrical and electronic apparatus including the variable gate FET. The variable gate FET includes a FET and a gate control device that is attached to a surface or a heat-generating portion of the FET and is connected to a gate terminal of the FET so as to vary a voltage of the gate terminal. A channel current between the source and drain is controlled by the gate control device that varies the voltage of the gate terminal when the temperature of the FET increases above a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A heated eyelash curler comprises a curling head portion having an arcuate top surface on one end and a protection case on the other end. The protection case serves as a handle and also encloses the power source. A heating element is laid on the arcuate top surface caged inside a plurality of bridges or protected between protruding comblike spikes. The curler includes a pigmented silicone piece which changes in color corresponding to the temperature of the heating element as indicator. The heating element comprises a conducting wire lined or coated with a high temperature insulation arranged in zigzag configuration inserted into a conducting tube. The circuitry includes a converter for boosting the voltage of the power source which hastens the rise in temperature of the heating element and this in combination with the heating element having the conducting wire in zigzag configuration, provide a more stable and even heating.

Abstract: Provided are a method and circuit for controlling heat generation of a power transistor, in which the power transistor can be protected by preventing heat generation of the power transistor by using a metal-insulator transition (MIT) device that can function as a fuse and can be semi-permanently used.

Abstract: A heater control device includes a temperature detector that detects a temperature of a heated object heated by a heater; an alternating-current power supply for applying an alternating current voltage to the heater; a turn-on ratio decision unit that determines a turn-on ratio of the heater based on the temperature and a target temperature; a turn-on pattern decision unit that determines a partial turn-on pattern, as the turn-on pattern of the heater, which is a pattern of a turn-on ratio higher than the determined turn-on ratio in terms of a control-period, and to which a partial turn-on instead of a full turn-on is allocated on a half-wavelength basis of the alternating current voltage within the control period based on the turn-on ratio of the heater; and a turn-on controller that controls turn-on of the heater based on the determined turn-on pattern.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus has: a process chamber in which a substrate is processed; a heating device that optically heats the substrate accommodated in the process chamber from an outer periphery side of the substrate; a cooling device that cools the outer periphery side of the substrate by flowing a fluid in a vicinity of an outer periphery of the substrate optically heated by the heating device; a temperature detection portion that detects a temperature inside the process chamber; and a heating control portion that controls the heating device and the cooling device in such a manner so as to provide a temperature difference between a center portion of the substrate and an end portion of the substrate while maintaining a temperature at the center portion at a pre-determined temperature according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection portion.

Abstract: A portable combined heating and lighting unit comprising a first element and a second element for generating thermal or light energy, and a component to convert thermal or light energy into electricity. The first element generates thermal or light energy from combustion of fuel. The second element generates thermal or light energy from electricity.

Abstract: An infrared, room heater system for installation in a wall or on a floor. An electric fan assembly draws room air into a housing, then through three parallel, air transit channels where the air is heated by infrared radiation within and about a heat exchanger assembly, and then back out into the room. One or more ceramic heating elements attached to a first copper plate emit infrared radiation when electrically energized. The first copper plate lies adjacent to, but spaced away from, a second copper plate such that radiation emitted from the heating elements reflects back and forth between the plates. Room air passed between the copper plates is heated by heat radiation concentrated between the plates, thereby achieving both energy and space efficiency.

Abstract: An electronic circuit control arrangement to sustain water discharging from an instantaneous hot water heater at a set temperature or range having a proportional water temperature signal derived from a sensing arrangement in communication with water inlet and outlet ports so as to sense the respective temperatures at each port to provide a comparatively measurable proportional difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures set against referenced parameters, including a comparator that acts as an operable control of a switch adapted to couple and de-couple an alternating current power source to the heating element through a duty cycle of highs and lows to provide a rate to generate and maintain the appropriate coupling and/or de-coupling of the alternating current power source to and from the heating element to achieve the desired referenced temperature and/or range.

Abstract: Provided are a thermistor with 3 terminals, a thermistor-transistor including the thermistor, a circuit for controlling heat of a power transistor using the thermistor-transistor, and a power system including the circuit. The circuit includes: a thermistor-transistor which comprises a thermistor having a resistance decreasing with an increase in temperature and a control transistor connected to the thermistor; and at least one power transistor which is connected to a driving device to control a supply of power to the driving device, wherein the thermistor-transistor is adhered to one of a surface and a heat-emitting part of the at least one power transistor and is connected to one of a base, a gate, a collector, and a drain of the at least one power transistor to decrease or block a current flowing in the at least one power transistor when the temperature of the at least one power transistor rises, so as to prevent the power transistor from heating up.

Abstract: An electrothermal transfer device includes a substrate, a plurality of electrothermal components and a heating circuit. The electrothermal components are disposed on a surface of the substrate and arranged in a pattern. The heating circuit is electrically connected to the electrothermal components. In an electrothermal transfer method, at first, a transfer substrate is disposed on a workpiece substrate. Then, the electrothermal transfer device is disposed on the transfer substrate so that the electrothermal components contact with the transfer substrate. Thereafter, the heating circuit is used to heat the electrothermal transfer components so that the transfer substrate is heated to be transferred to the workpiece substrate. The electrothermal transfer device and the electrothermal transfer method can reduce cost.