Plural Means Intermittently Or Selectively Operated Patents (Class 219/508)
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Patent number: 8450659Abstract: A load control system and method of time multiplexing power to a plurality of holding shelves in a food holding cabinet to allow total cabinet power to be limited to electrical distribution capabilities. This method allows for individual shelf heaters to be utilized normally to maintain food temperatures during normal use and modulates power when multiple shelves demand heating that would normally exceed branch circuit capabilities thus tripping the breaker. The system monitors temperature of each shelf and based upon demand executes a logical demand schedule for each shelf heater output (time multiplexing or modulating AC power to each) such that total system demand does not exceed available power to the system.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.Inventors: Michael Andrew Theodos, Steven Matthew Takata, Charles D. Grant
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Publication number: 20130105465Abstract: A system and method is provided. The system and method calculate target setpoints for each thermal element and index through each thermal element to provide power to the thermal element, sense an electrical characteristic of the thermal element, and determine if the thermal element exceeds a target setpoint for the thermal element based on the sensed electrical characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Watlow Electric Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Cal T. Swanson, Phillip S. Schmidt, John F. Lemke
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Publication number: 20130098895Abstract: A thermal array system is provided. The thermal array system having each thermal element connected between a first power node and a second power node of the plurality of power nodes and each thermal element being connected in electrical series with an addressable switch configured to activate and deactivate the thermal element.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANYInventors: Cal T. Swanson, Phillip S. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20130064529Abstract: A dynamic double-circuit in-Line heater is disclosed, as well as a machine containing the heater and a method of operating the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: NESTEC S.A.Inventor: Stefan Etter
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Patent number: 8367979Abstract: A household range includes a first oven having a first electric cooking element, and a second oven includes a second electric cooking element. A power management system is used to distribute power such that when the second electric cooking element is energized the first electric cooking element is de-energized.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Max Douglas Oyler, Siva Kiran Chekka
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Publication number: 20120273475Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic mattress heating apparatus which automatically heats a mattress selectively or completely. An automatic mattress heating apparatus which automatically heats a part or the entirety of a heated area of a mattress according to the number of sleeping persons or the positions of the sleeping persons. The automatic mattress heating apparatus is safely and conveniently used while properly providing heat according to the number of sleeping persons or the positions of the sleeping persons without waste of energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventor: Jung Ho An
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Patent number: 8237094Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Inventor: Cherif Menassa
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Patent number: 8225708Abstract: A beverage brewer (10) with a temperature selectable dispense system having an on-demand hot water heating chamber assembly (30) with a hot water chamber body (86) having a volume substantially less than the volume of beverage brewed during a single brew cycle, a heating element (98) to quickly and substantially alter the water temperature in the chamber body during a single brew cycle and a microprocessor controller (38) for controlling the heating element in response to temperature sensors (40, 42). The controller (38) controls the brewer (10) to brew different types of beverages, with dispense water at different preselected temperatures in response to a manually actuatable switch (72, 74, 76 and 78). The temperature of the dispense water may also be changed from a hotter temperature at the beginning of a brew cycle to a lower temperature during an end portion of the same brew cycle.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Lassota, Zbigniew G. Lassota
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Publication number: 20120160823Abstract: Several embodiments of an electric heater are disclosed, each of which includes a master or a satellite heating unit and a slave or a base heating unit. The base or slave unit selectably derives heating power and heating control either from the master or satellite unit through a disconnectable electrical cord or derives heating power and heating control independently there-from. The master or satellite and slave or base units are adapted for tool-free mechanical attachment and separation. A communicating arrangement distinguishes between the attachment and the separation and alters the heating power and control according thereto by causing transfer of at least some of the heating control of the slave or base unit from the slave or base unit to the master or satellite unit during the attachment.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Donald William BRYCE, Wing Sun (Felix) Wong, Robert Scott Ashworth
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Patent number: 8178821Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus for treating substrates with a treating liquid is disclosed. The apparatus includes a treating tank for storing the treating liquid, and treating the substrates as immersed in the treating liquid, a chamber surrounding the treating tank, a supply device for supplying an inert gas containing an organic solvent into the chamber, a lift mechanism vertically movable, while supporting the substrates, between a process position in the treating tank and a wait position above the treating tank and inside the chamber, a tank temperature control device for controlling temperature of the treating tank, a chamber temperature control device for controlling temperature of the chamber, and a control device for causing the tank temperature control device and the chamber temperature control device to perform heating treatment at least while the inert gas containing the organic solvent is supplied from the supply device.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomoaki Aihara
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Patent number: 8119953Abstract: A heating control system for controlling heating of a fluid contained in a fluid vessel using a fluid level sensor as a heating control element. The system includes a control circuit coupled with an electrical power system of a heating unit. The control circuit includes switching elements that are selectively activated or deactivated responsive to a low fluid level in a corresponding fluid vessel such that heating of the fluid is terminated as the level of fluid becomes less than a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Oshkosh Truck CorporationInventors: Daniel John Worden, Karl James Bauer
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Patent number: 8084715Abstract: A control panel used in combination with a power unit to control the operation of a sauna. The control panel is equipped with a microprocessor that has software and proper circuitry to allow a user to use buttons to input information into the control panel regarding the time, temperature, and day on which heating within the sauna is to occur. Additionally, the power unit has a microprocessor with a pulse width modulation output that causes individual heating elements to continuously produce varying intensities of heat in order to maintain a consistent desired temperature, and/or intermittently radiate heat creating a wave of heat to be emitted by each individual heating element.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Quad Cities Automatic Pools, Inc.Inventor: Keith A. Hall
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Patent number: 8008603Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting a boiler and heating system from damage comprising a control board having inputs and outputs, a processor having inputs and outputs, at least one ambient sensor in communication with the processor, at least one boiler sensor in communication with the processor, a power failure relay, the power failure relay being in communication with the processor wherein the power failure relay is capable of detecting power failure of the boiler, an alarm relay connected to the control board by the at least one output and which is capable of sending notification to an alarm system. When an ambient temperature detection event occurs the ambient sensor communicates with the processor and switches the control board from passive mode to monitoring mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Inventor: Bruce G. MacKenzie
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Patent number: 8008605Abstract: An electronic cook top control system has a cooktop including a heating element. An electronic controller is operatively connected to the cooktop. A rotary position input is operatively connected to the electronic controller. The electronic controller controls a heating level of the cooktop in a first manner in response to rotation of the rotary position input in a first direction. The electronic controller controls the heating level of the cooktop in a second manner in response to rotation of the rotary position input in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Sanjay Shukla, James E. Pryor
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Patent number: 8003923Abstract: A domestic appliance device with a light signal unit, a control unit, which is designed to interact with the light signal unit for outputting information by means of a light signal, and a carrier unit for supporting the light signal unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventor: Gerd Wilsdorf
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Patent number: 7947929Abstract: A control apparatus for a dryer is provided. The control apparatus provides a connection for a detecting circuit adapted to determine a clogging degree of the dryer. The control apparatus includes a power supply circuit including a heating coil arranged in a heater case, a temperature control member mounted to the heater case, the temperature control member being configured to receive power and supply the received power to the heating coil, a microcomputer that controls an operation of the dryer, and a connecting line that connects the power supply circuit to the microcomputer. The microcomputer can detect a state of the power supply circuit through the connecting line.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Chang Hun Oh, Seon Il Heo, Yang Hwan Kim, Yeong Sik Choi, Seog Ho Ko, Ju Han Yoon
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Patent number: 7902486Abstract: An operating device provided to equipment such as an indoor unit of an air conditioner is equipped with an analog operating member for setting a set temperature of the equipment and outputting an indication value that is associated with the set temperature and continuously varies in accordance with an operation of the analog operating member, and a set temperature adjusting unit for changing a variable range of the set temperature corresponding to a variable range of the indication value on the basis of at least one of an operation mode of the equipment and the type of the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akira Shindo
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Patent number: 7723647Abstract: A hot melt adhesive material dispensing system includes a communication system for transmitting information or data between the adhesive supply unit (ASU) and one or more applicator heads, wherein the number of hard wires actually interconnecting the adhesive supply unit (ASU) and the one or more hot melt adhesive material dispensing applicator heads can be reduced by the employment of signal couplers. In addition, the number of applicator heads that can be utilized in conjunction with a particular adhesive supply unit (ASU) can be increased by incorporating the temperature controller, normally disposed upon the adhesive supply unit (ASU), upon the applicator head.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Dieter B. Heerdt, Michael Surenbrock
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Patent number: 7652230Abstract: An operating device for a cooktop has a cover with a control panel with a plurality of operating areas. Below the panel, several FSR sensors are positioned. When a control panel is pushed down by a process of operation, the FSR sensor changes its electrical resistance resulting in change of a signals that can be detected and interpreted as operation of the appliance by a user.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbHInventor: Martin Baier
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Patent number: 7629559Abstract: A method of improving conductive paste connections in a circuitized substrate in which at least one and preferably a series of high voltage pulses are applied across the paste and at least one and preferably a series of high current pulses are applied, both series of pulses applied separately. The result is an increase in the number of conductive paths through the paste connections from those present prior to the pulse applications and a corresponding resistance reduction in said connections.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Endicott Interconnect Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Subahu D. Desai, John M. Lauffer, How T. Lin, Voya R. Markovich, Ronald V. Smith
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Patent number: 7626145Abstract: A redundant control circuit comprises a pair of heater circuits for heating a hot melt adhesive hose assembly to a predetermined temperature level, and a pair of temperature sensors which are used to sense the temperature of the hot melt adhesive hose assembly and to control energization of the heater circuits in order to maintain the desired temperature level. A first one of the heater circuits would initially be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry, and in a similar manner, a first one of the temperature sensors would likewise be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Daniel D. Bourget, Dieter B. Heerdt
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Patent number: 7605351Abstract: A hot melt adhesive hose assembly has a redundant control circuit fixedly mounted thereon which comprises a pair of heater circuits for heating a hot melt adhesive hose assembly to a predetermined temperature level, and a pair of temperature sensors which are used to sense the temperature of the hot melt adhesive hose assembly wherein the sensed temperature level will be used to control energization of the heater circuits in order to maintain the desired temperature level. A first one of the heater circuits is initially electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry, and in a similar manner, a first one of the temperature sensors is likewise electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Daniel D. Bourget, Dieter B. Heerdt
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Patent number: 7598476Abstract: A fusing apparatus in an image forming apparatus that heats a fusing unit by applying an induced current is provided. The flicker characteristics of the fusing apparatus are improved by gradually increasing the amount of induced current applied to the fusing unit for a predetermined amount of time so that the amount of induced current applied to the fusing unit is prevented from severely varying. The fusing apparatus comprises a fusing unit which is resistance-heated or induction-heated by applying an induced current and fuses toner onto paper using the heat. The fusing apparatus further comprises a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generation unit which generates a PWM signal in response to the ON signal so that the amount of induced current input to the fusing unit gradually increases to a reference current.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young-Min Chae, Hwan-Guem Kim, Durk-Hyun Cho, Su-Kyoung Chae, Sang-Yong Han
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Patent number: 7595467Abstract: A fault detection system comprises a data server configured to collect parameters incoming from at least one apparatus, at least one fault-sensing module configured to generate an alarm signal if the parameter exceeds a predetermined specification, a monitoring module configured to restart the fault-sensing module if the fault-sensing module operates abnormally, and a remote controller configured to control the data server, the fault-sensing module, and the monitoring module.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Promos Technologies Inc.Inventors: Cheng Jer Yang, Wen Ti Lin, Hung Wen Chiou
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Patent number: 7589299Abstract: In one aspect, a cooktop heating system that include a first cooktop heating element, a second cooktop heating element, and an interface device. The system also includes a controller for selectively associating the interface device with any one or both of the first cooktop heating element and the second cooktop heating element. In another aspect, the system includes at least one cooktop heating element, a potentiometer, and controller arrangement operatively connected between the potentiometer and the at least one cooktop heating element to determine heating of the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the input provided by the potentiometer and control power provision to the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the determination.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Gary Fisher, Chris Ray Blackson
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Patent number: 7566846Abstract: A multi-zone blanket includes a body including first heat zones juxtaposed side-by-side and symmetrically aligned within a body cavity. A first primary heating element passes through each of the first heat zones. A first external controller has an AC/DC transformer electrically coupled thereto. The first controller is electrically coupled and removably attached to the first primary heating element. The transformer is removably coupled to an external power supply source which provides a high voltage input to the transformer. The transformer converts the high voltage input to a low voltage input. The first controller includes a mechanism for providing output control signals to the first heat zones such that each first heat zone can simultaneously and independently generate a selected quantity of heat.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Inventors: Cynthia Sorensen, Brian Sorensen
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Patent number: 7547863Abstract: A system and method for controlling one or more appliances includes a control system where one appliance is in a condition such as having operated at full capacity for a predetermined period of time, and activation signal is sent to a secondary appliance. Appliances may be linked together to control each other, so that when a second appliance is operating at full capacity a third appliance is activated and so on.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: Ryan Hardesty, Jeff Jelinek
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Patent number: 7507937Abstract: An electronic cook top control system has a cooktop including a heating element. An electronic controller is operatively connected to the cooktop. A rotary position input is operatively connected to the electronic controller. The electronic controller controls a heating level of the cooktop in a first manner in response to rotation of the rotary position input in a first direction. The electronic controller controls the heating level of the cooktop in a second manner in response to rotation of the rotary position input in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Sanjay Shukla, James E. Pryor
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Patent number: 7417208Abstract: The power supply device comprises first wiring that connects an alternator that is driven by the engine and a constant voltage electrical load that is driven at 12V, a heat accumulator that accumulates cooling heat and warming heat, a thermoelectric converter which generates power by using the heat that has accumulated in the heat accumulator and which supplies the generated power to the battery, second wiring that connects the battery and a variable voltage electrical load that is driven at 5V to 16V, for example, a relay which is provided on third wiring that connects the first wiring and second wiring and which interrupts the first wiring and second wiring, and a charge and discharge ECU which controls the thermoelectric converter on the basis of travel route information and so forth and which controls the relay on the basis of the operating state of the engine, the heat accumulation state of the heat accumulator, and the state of charge of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kenji Tsubone
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Patent number: 7402780Abstract: A thermostat is provided comprising a first connector for connecting to an air conditioner, a second connector for connecting to either a conventional heater or a heat pump reversing valve, and a selection means for selecting from at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The first mode of operation is configured to establish cooling by providing an on signal to the first connector and to establish heating by providing an on signal to the second connector. The second mode of operation is configured to establish cooling by providing an on signal to the first and second connectors, and heating by providing an on signal to the first connector but not the second connector. When the second mode is selected and the second connector is connected to conventional heating, the thermostat detects when both the conventional heating and air conditioning are operating simultaneously during cooling.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Carl J. Mueller, John M. Sartain, Bartholomew L. Toth
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Patent number: 7368686Abstract: An electric cooking appliance is provided. The electric cooking appliance includes a plurality of surface heating elements and a plurality of sensors configured to monitor an operational status of a corresponding surface heating element. The electric cooking appliance also includes a first cooking unit, a second cooking unit and an electronic control to facilitate sharing power between the first cooking unit and the second cooking unit based on the operational status of the plurality of surface heating elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John L. Etheredge, Philip A. Barber, Brian Henninger, Timothy Scott Shaffer
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Patent number: 7351937Abstract: An electronic control circuit, for use in connection a hot melt adhesive dispensing system having a relatively large applicator head, has a plurality of heater circuits and a plurality of temperature sensors disposed upon different regions of the relatively large applicator head, wherein the electronic control circuitry can effectively interface between the plurality of heater circuits and the plurality of temperature sensors, and the adhesive supply unit (ASU) hose and head connector, so as to control individual ones of the plurality of heater circuits and thereby ensure that all of the heater circuits will maintain the same temperature setting throughout all regions of the applicator head.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2006Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Dieter B. Heerdt, Andreas Pahl
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Patent number: 7345259Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a circuit arrangement for preventing overheating of a cooking appliance. The arrangement includes a power circuit with a heating element and a control circuit with a coupling switch. The control circuit and the power circuit are coupled by the coupling switch. The arrangement further includes a safety switch to the control circuit. The coupling switch interrupts a power supply to the power circuit to the heating element when a limiting temperature in the cooking appliance is exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Hans-Jürgen Bauer, Robert Hasslberger
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Patent number: 7335861Abstract: A cooking stove which prevents the quantity of heat generated by a gas burner from increasing continuously contrary to the user's expectations, while allowing the user to easily operate the appliance. A cooking stove includes an operation portion 6 having touch switches provided on a glass top plate 2 covering a top surface of a cooking stove main body 1 accommodating burners 4a and 4b, the touch switches allowing a user to give instruction on activation of the burners 4a and 4b, the touch switches sensing an object that contacts or approaches the top surface of the glass top plate 2, and a controller for determining whether each of the touch switches is on (sensing state) or off (non-sensing state) to control activation of the burners 4a and 4b in accordance with the result of the determination. When a thermal power up switch for the burner 4a in the operation portion 6 is kept on while the burner 4a is in operation, controller increases the thermal power of the burner 4a by only one level.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Rinnai CorporationInventors: Atsuhito Gama, Shinichiro Hata, Hiroyuki Yamada, Kazuya Hirota
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Patent number: 7332692Abstract: A redundant control circuit comprises a pair of heater circuits for heating a hot melt adhesive hose assembly to a predetermined temperature level, and a pair of temperature sensors which are used to sense the temperature of the hot melt adhesive hose assembly and to control energization of the heater circuits in order to maintain the desired temperature level. A first one of the heater circuits would initially be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry, and in a similar manner, a first one of the temperature sensors would likewise be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Daniel D. Bourget, Dieter B. Heerdt
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Patent number: 7326887Abstract: A self-hold motor protector (10) has an open metallic housing (12) in which a thermostatic disc (14) carrying a movable electrical contact (18) is cantilever mounted. A heater seat plate (20) is mounted in the housing in electrical and thermal relationship therewith. The heater seat plate has a seating recess (20a) in which a positive temperature coefficient resistor heating element (22) is received with one contact surface in electrical and thermal engagement with the heater seat plate. A terminal plate (26) mounts a stationary electrical contact (28) and is received over the opening of the housing but electrically isolated therefrom by a gasket (24). An electrically conductive spring (30) extends between the terminal plate and a second contact surface of the heating element.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven K. Sullivan, Jonathan F. Cohen
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Patent number: 7319209Abstract: A manual control mechanism for a heating unit of a domestic cooker (1) having a front face is in the form of a twist grip (11, 12, 13) operable by rotation about a substantially horizontal axis parallel to the front face of the cooker. A plurality of such control mechanisms are provided in a rail (7) mounted on the front of the cooker.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2006Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Lincat Group plcInventors: Mark Francis, David Fisher
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Publication number: 20070278210Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating element for heating at least one surface contacted at times by a user, with a plurality of heating conductors or heating conductor sections that are directly or indirectly connected electrically to one another, at least in part by mutual contact, with at least one heating conductor or heating conductor section which, upon exceeding a permissible maximum temperature, at least temporarily loses its electrical conductivity at least in part. It is provided that the electrical resistance of at least two heating conductors or heating conductor sections is dependent at least in part on its mechanical strain, that these heating conductors or heating conductor sections are electrically connected to one another in parallel, and that they are separated from one another at least in sections by a spacing zone in order to prevent electrical connection between them in spacing zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2007Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventor: Michael Weiss
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Patent number: 7301129Abstract: A control circuit includes a drive circuit which applies a drive voltage to a semiconductor device having an overheating protection function according to an externally supplied signal; and a current detecting circuit which outputs a detection signal when a drive current flowing through the semiconductor device exceeds a predetermined threshold current. The semiconductor device incorporates a semiconductor element, a temperature detecting circuit for detecting temperature increase of a chip, and an interrupting circuit for interrupting an input to the semiconductor element according to a detection output of the temperature detecting circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Hiroo Yabe
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Patent number: 7199335Abstract: Disclosed is a heat fusing apparatus for thermally fusing toner that has been transferred to a printing medium from a toner image formed on an image bearing member using an electrophotographic process. Temperature is detected at the surface of a heating element or in the vicinity thereof. If control is performed so as to interrupt supply of power to the heating element based upon result of comparing the detected temperature and a reference value, the amount of current that flows into the heating element is detected and the reference value is changed over in accordance with the result of detection. Further, a pressure roller, which is a rotation member placed opposite the heating element, presses the printing medium against the heating element and transports the printing medium. The state of rotation of the roller is detected and the reference value is changed over in accordance with the result of detection.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Takami, Tomoyuki Makihira
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Patent number: 7193188Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to create a temperature control system applied in heating and cooling phases of thermal processing. The invented temperature control system consists of a single frequency converter F to whose output, through contactors, are simultaneously connected: at least one heating system and at least one cooling system. The heating system incorporating resistance heating elements R is actuated by the heating system contactor SG. The cooling system incorporating gas blower, 3-phases induction motor MD is actuated by the blower motor contactor SD. The heating and cooling system contactors (SG and SD) are connected to the output of the frequency converter F and are controlled by the temperature controller RT.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Seco/Warwick SP.ZO.OInventor: Maciej Korecki
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Patent number: 7180038Abstract: A control is provided for switching on and off two heating devices of a hob forming a hotplate. In cyclic manner the continuous energy or power generation level can be adjusted by an energy control device. A temperature limiter monitors a maximum temperature via the first heating device, but not via the second heating device. The energy control device controls the first heating device directly or switches the same. The temperature limiter trips a power relay in order to switch the second heating device simultaneously with the first heating device.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbHInventors: Eugen Wilde, Erich John, Hans Mohr, Ralf Stoll
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Patent number: 7176418Abstract: The present invention provides a cooking stove that prevents an instruction from being given using the touch switch owing to a factor different from the user's operation, while hindering the user from having an incongruous or anxious feeling when operating the touch switch. Touch switches 10 to 13 are provided on a glass top plate covering a top surface of a cooking stove main body accommodating a left burner and a right burner; the touch switches 10 to 13 sense an object that contacts with or approaches the top surface of the glass top plate. When any of the touch switches is turned on and then turned off again, heating control 31 executes a pre-assigned process to the touch switch. When the touch switch is turned on, lighting control 32 changes the displays of display sections 14 to 17 to ones corresponding to the state of a burner after the process has been executed before executing a pre-assigned process to the touch switch.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Rinnai CorporationInventors: Atsuhito Gama, Shinichiro Hata, Hiroyuki Yamada, Kazuya Hirota
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Patent number: 7122767Abstract: A fixing roller in an image forming apparatus (such as a copier) has a fixing heater that is supplied power from a capacitor. The fixing heater, the capacitor, a mechanical switch (such as a relay) and a semiconductor switch (such as a FET) are serially connected. As a cover of the apparatus is opened, an interlock switch is turned on and outputs an off-signal to a CPU, which turns off the semiconductor switch prior to turning off the mechanical switch, and thereby prevents a counter-electromotive voltage due to an inrush current.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Naoki Sato, Keiichi Sugai, Masae Sugawara, Masashi Ooi
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Patent number: 7115843Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a high-frequency pulse oscillator, and more particularly to a high-frequency pulse oscillator adapted to provide pulse currents having a high frequency and large amplitude so as to transition metallic materials into a plastic state for ease of processing or for closing microcracks formed in metallic parts in order to recover mechanical characteristics thereof. The high-frequency pulse oscillator of the present invention comprises a controllable rectifier, a switching section, and a control system. The controllable rectifier rectifies alternating currents supplied from a current source to output currents having a predetermined waveform, according to a control signal from the control system. The switching section generates pulse currents using the currents from the rectifier, according to another control signal from the control system.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Kyong In Special Metal Co., Ltd.Inventors: Stanislav K Kim, Eduard I Anisimov, Alexandre S. Drojjine, Vladimir A. Martynov, Won-Guk Jee
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Patent number: 7084377Abstract: A device for carrying a heated liquid, and controlling the temperature of the heated liquid includes a liquid conveying element including a passage for carrying the heated liquid. First and second temperature sensing devices are operatively associated with the liquid conveying element to sense the temperature of the heated liquid. A controller is actively connected to the first temperature sensing device. The first temperature sensing device thereby senses the temperature of the heated liquid in the passage and conveys the temperature information or readings to the controller for use in the heater control. The second temperature sensing device is capable of being actively connected to the controller upon failure or malfunction of the first temperature sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventors: John M. Raterman, Edward C. Taylor
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Patent number: 7022943Abstract: An engine block heating system for a vehicle and the associated method of its operation. The engine block heating system has an electrical heating element that is coupled to the vehicle's engine. A power cord is provided for supplying electricity to the electrical heating element from a source external to the vehicle. A sensor is provided for detecting whether or not the power cord is connected to the vehicle. A disruption switch is coupled to both the starting circuit of the vehicle and the sensor. The disruption switch disrupts the starting circuit of the vehicle when the sensor detects that the power cord is connected to the vehicle. As such, the vehicle cannot be started when the power cord of the engine block heating system is attached to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Justin M. Barta
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Patent number: 6998585Abstract: A control unit for a household appliance, preferably a cooking device, containing a control device and regulating devices. The control device has a removable control element and a blocking device. The regulating devices have a change-over regulating device that allows the cooking device to be used in an alternative operating mode should the control element be removed from the cooking device.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventor: Klaus Erdmann
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Patent number: 6987250Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier, a cooking apparatus, or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, and time-automated switching of modes of operation. The circuit includes a single control switch to manually set power output, to set a value for automatically comparing and responding to a sensed condition, and to set a time-automated sequence of operational modes. The circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably an application-specific integrated circuit, to provide circuit logic. The single control switch, preferably a push-button switch, selects a mode of operation. The circuit includes a thermistor or humidity sensor. The unit responds to the sensed condition, in accordance with the temperature/humidity value set by the control switch. The unit bypasses sensor operation in manual mode. In timed mode, a manual or automatic mode operates for selected time, followed by an automatic mode or powering off.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: The Holmes Group, Inc.Inventors: William Levy, Robert A. Sherwood, James J. Tracy
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Patent number: 6940051Abstract: A heater effectively uses a current controlled fan motor in series with a resistance heating arrangement. The fan motor preferably is wound with a gauge of wire to appropriate for the relatively high current provided to the fan motor. This arrangement is effectively used to adjust the fan speed to match the heat output when the heating arrangement has variable heat output. More desirable operating characteristics are achieved without increasing costs and fan motor manufacturing savings are realized. The portable heater preferably produces heat at different outputs and the current used to power the resistance heating arrangement is used to power the fan motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Inventor: Art K. Tateishi