With Control System Patents (Class 219/702)
  • Patent number: 11907802
    Abstract: The invention concerns a system (10) of a package (2) containing a product and an apparatus (1) using said product, the apparatus being refilled by the product contained in the package, wherein a code (21) related to the contained product is associated to the package, said code being a two dimension code and said code presenting a predetermined surface Scode, and wherein the apparatus comprises a code reader (11) to read the code associated to the package, said code reader being an image capturing device, said image capturing device being defined by: —a predetermined focal range, —a horizontal angle of view ? and a vertical angle of view ?, wherein the apparatus comprises a housing structure (16) and a cavity (12) inside the housing structure, wherein the image capturing device is positioned at the back side of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Flavien Dubief, Stefano Ceccaroli, Riste Pindjurov, Sandrine Jaccard
  • Patent number: 11855460
    Abstract: A photovoltaic inverter is provided, including an inverter circuit, a data sampling module, and a control module. The inverter circuit includes a switch component and an alternating current output terminal. The data sampling module is configured to collect, from the alternating current output terminal, an instantaneous current value at each sampling point moment in target sampling duration and an instantaneous value of each-phase current at a target moment. The control module is configured to: determine a valid current value of the target sampling duration based on the instantaneous current value at each sampling point moment, determine an upper switching frequency limit and a lower switching frequency limit of an Nth switching period based on the valid current value, and determine a target instantaneous current value IN based on the instantaneous value of each-phase current at the target moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Huawei Digital Power Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xinyu Yu, Kai Xin
  • Patent number: 11658565
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a power factor correction circuit of a charger for charging a vehicle batter is configured to correct a power factor of an input AC voltage through switching of a switching element. The apparatus for controlling the power factor correction circuit includes: a phase angle detection unit configured to detect phase angle information of the input AC voltage; and a frequency determination unit configured to synchronize a period in which a preset frequency variation value varies, with a period of the input AC voltage by applying the phase angle information to the frequency variation value, and determine, as a switching frequency of the switching element, a value obtained by applying the synchronized frequency variation value to a preset fundamental frequency value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Jee Heon Kim, Hyun Wook Seong, Sung Uk Park, Chul Soon Kim, Hui Sung Jang, Dong Gyun Woo
  • Patent number: 11309195
    Abstract: Described herein is a technique capable of processing a substrate uniformly using microwaves. According to one aspect of the technique of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating element used in a substrate processing apparatus configured to heat a substrate supported by a substrate retainer by microwaves and process the substrate, the heating element including a dielectric material of an annular shape capable of generating heat by the microwaves. An inner circumferential portion of the heating element is located outer than an outer circumferential portion of the substrate, and the heating element is supported by the substrate retainer without contacting the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: KOKUSAI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Yanagisawa, Yukitomo Hirochi
  • Patent number: 11213158
    Abstract: Predictive cooking systems and methods. A representative system can include a cooking device submergible in a container of fluid and a memory device storing instructions for causing a processor to receive information and determine heater set point temperature and on time. The processor can receive information indicative of one or more characteristics of a food item to be cooked in the fluid and a desired food temperature. The processor can perform a control process that can include sending instructions for controlling a heater, obtaining a temperature measurement of the fluid from a temperature sensor, determining a measurement of power delivered to the heater, determining constants related to corresponding physical characteristics of the fluid and/or the container based on at least one of the temperature measurement and the measurement of power, and determining a food temperature of the food item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Breville USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Baldwin, Kevin Klonoff, Christopher Charles Young
  • Patent number: 11076456
    Abstract: An adapting circuit is connected onto the high voltage end output of a magnetron driving power supply. In the adapting circuit, the high frequency part of current in the magnetron anode loop is converted into a part of the filament driving current. The high frequency part is removed by the two primary coils of a ferret core transformer and converted into a larger current on the secondary coil, which is rectified and filtered to increase the driving current in the magnetron filament loop. Two or more power supplies connected with the adapting circuits are connected together in parallel to drive a high power and high filament driving current magnetron with a correct compensation for its filament current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: Yixin Yang
  • Patent number: 11051370
    Abstract: A device for cooking by heating comprises: a heating unit for heating food that is accommodated in a cooking cavity, a setting unit for setting a heating control content of the heating unit, a display unit for displaying the heating control content set by setting unit, and a display controller for controlling display on the display unit. Moreover, the device for cooking by heating comprises: an image capturing unit for capturing the inside of the cooking cavity, and a storage unit for storing an image captured by image capturing unit and the heating control content set by setting unit in a correspondence table in association with each other. The display controller controls display so as to display images stored in the storage unit in a list on the display unit, and the setting unit sets, based on selection of an image from the list, the associated heating control content in the correspondence table in the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirohisa Imai, Koichiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 11013073
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for preparing at least one food (1, 2, 3) having a cooking chamber (10), in which the food (1, 2, 3) can be prepared, an energy unit (20), in order to carry out an supplying of electromagnetic energy into the cooking chamber (10) specific to the at least one food (1, 2, 3) in dependence on cooking information (4, 5, 6) of the at least one food (1, 2, 3), whereby the at least one food (1, 2, 3) can be brought into an edible state, wherein the energy unit (20) has at least two transmission antennae (30, 31, 32, 33), which are spaced apart from each other, can be actuated by at least one high frequency signal encoder of the system (100), and are designed to emit energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range into the cooking chamber (10) based on said actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventor: Hendrik Koetz
  • Patent number: 10962228
    Abstract: Provided herein are an oven and a method of opening or closing the door. In more detail, disclosed herein are an oven having a door opening or closing unit capable of opening or closing a door driven by remote control and a method of opening or closing the door of the oven. Some of embodiments provide an oven capable of opening or closing a door by using a door opening or closing unit according to remote control and a method of opening or closing the door of the oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Jun Park, Han Jun Sung, Jun Hwa Lee, Hyeong Jin Jang
  • Patent number: 10939508
    Abstract: A cooker is configured such that reader (19) reads heating control information attached to food from an image of an interior of heating chamber (12) captured by imaging unit (16), correction calculator (29) performs correction calculation based on the heating control information, and heating controller (14) controls heating unit (13) based on a result of the correction calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirohisa Imai, Gantetsu Matsui
  • Patent number: 10928070
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical interface device for an appliance. The device including: a mounting element having a first side and a second side, the mounting element having a mounting aperture from the first side through to the second side; a first selection element in the form of a hollow sleeve that is partially located through the mounting aperture from the first side of mounting element; and a fastening ring engages the first selection element from the second side of mounting element, such that the first selection element is releasably retained from being withdrawn from the mounting aperture, wherein the first selection element is rotatable with respect to the mounting element. The device may further include a hub element is located within the circular-sleeve of the first selection element that restricts separation of the first selection element from the fastening ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: BREVILLE PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: James George Morton, Gerard Andrew White
  • Patent number: 10915240
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product/article of manufacture provide the ability to enable and use of a Control Pad technology on a multi-touch device, which is designed for a touch-based user interface that affords precise selection and manipulation of graphical objects, for instance, the editing of vector graphics objects, points on a vector object outline, animation paths, and positions of graphical objects within a document or composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Matthew Aaron Feinberg
  • Patent number: 10790101
    Abstract: A knob with a display function includes a chassis with a knob ring and a rotary sensor. A display screen, a control circuit board, a reset device and a functional connection board are sequentially installed onto the chassis. A circuit board bracket is installed between the display screen and the control circuit board. The functional connection board has a confirm button, a connection terminal disposed on the back of the functional connection board. The reset device has a through hole for extending the confirm button to the outside, an end abutting and connecting the control circuit board and the other end abutting and connecting the functional connection board. This invention has the features of simple structure and reasonable design and selects a function by turning the knob ring. With the reset device, the application of the invention has high reliability and provides easy identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Defond Electech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung Yiu Brian Yu
  • Patent number: 10681776
    Abstract: A disclosed computer-implemented method for heating an item in a chamber of an electronic oven towards a target state includes heating the item with a set of applications of energy to the chamber while the electronic oven is in a respective set of configurations. The set of applications of energy and respective set of configurations define a respective set of variable distributions of energy in the chamber. The method also includes sensing sensor data that defines a respective set of responses by the item to the set of applications of energy. The method also includes generating a plan to heat the item in the chamber. The plan is generated by a control system of the electronic oven and uses the sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Markov LLC
    Inventors: Arvind Antonio de Menezes Pereira, Leonard Robert Speiser, Nick C. Leindecker
  • Patent number: 10661247
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ferromagnetic-particle includes preparing a manufacturing apparatus including a single mode cavity that resonates with a microwave of a predetermined wavelength; a microwave oscillator electrically connected to the single mode cavity and configured to introduce the microwave of a predetermined wavelength into the single mode cavity; a pipe disposed to pass linearly through an inside of the single mode cavity, the pipe being formed of a dielectric material; and a pump configured to introduce, from one end of the pipe, an alkaline reaction liquid in which metal ions of a ferromagnetic metal and hydroxide ions are dissolved; and reacting the reaction liquid in the pipe, introduced by the pump, by introducing the microwave into the single mode cavity so as to generate the ferromagnetic-particle in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: DAI-ICHI HIGH FREQUENY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kotaro Hirayama, Shota Tanoue
  • Patent number: 10425999
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying electromagnetic energy at a frequency or frequencies in a frequency range of 1 MHz to 100 GHz to an object in a cavity via at least one radiating element. At least one processor is configured to receive a target energy distribution, select, based on the target energy distribution, a plurality of sets of values of field-affecting parameters controllable by the apparatus. The parameters include at least one of frequency, phase, and amplitude. The apparatus provides for the control of a source coupled to the at least one radiating element to excite a respective field pattern for each selected set of values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: GOJI LIMITED
    Inventors: Pinchas Einziger, Eran Ben-Shmuel, Alexander Bilchinsky, Amit Rappel, Denis Dikarov, Michael Sigalov, Yoel Biberman
  • Patent number: 10415829
    Abstract: A current discharge probability of a flame sensor is calculated based on the number of drive pulses applied to the flame sensor and the number of discharges determined to have occurred in the flame sensor after receiving the drive pulses. Degradation indices (degradation progress and remaining lifetime) indicating the current degradation state of the flame sensor are calculated based on the calculated current discharge probability of the flame sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventor: Raita Mori
  • Patent number: 10412795
    Abstract: A device includes an output circuit that includes an input port at which a signal is received, an output port at which an impedance-adjusted representation of the signal is provided, and a set of bond wires connecting the input and output ports. The device further includes first and second couplers, each including a respective coupling bond wire along the set of bond wires for inductive coupling with the set of bond wires. The first coupler is oriented relative to the distributed-element output circuit to measure forward power provided by the impedance-adjusted representation of the signal via the output port. The second coupler is oriented relative to the output circuit to measure reflected power received via the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaofei Qiu, Lionel Mongin, Pierre Piel
  • Patent number: 10321525
    Abstract: A control panel having a tunnel structure of discharging infiltrated moisture, and a microwave oven having the same. The microwave oven includes a cabinet provided with a cooking compartment in which food is heated by microwaves and a machine room divided from the cooking compartment and in which machine parts are installed, a door coupled to a front side of the cooking compartment so as to open and close, and a control panel coupled to a front side of the machine room and provided to allow a function to be selected, wherein the control panel is provided at an inside thereof with at least one tunnel allowing moisture infiltrated into the control panel to pass therethrough so that the moisture is discharged to the outside. The tunnel is formed along an outer peripheral surface of the input unit, thereby preventing device malfunction due to moisture infiltrated into the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chul Woo Lee, Sun Ki Kim, Jin Seong Kim
  • Patent number: 10224873
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a voltage collection bootstrap circuit includes a capacitor, an inductor, an oscillator, a bias circuit, and a switch. A current may be induced in the inductor, the oscillator, or both. The inductor, the oscillator, or both may store energy in the capacitor. The inductor, capacitor, and oscillator may supply energy to the bias circuit. The bias circuit may output a difference between a reference voltage and a voltage corresponding to the energy received from at least one of the inductor, capacitor, and oscillator. Based on the output of the bias circuit, a switch may connect the voltage collection circuit to an output of at least one of the inductor, capacitor, and oscillator. Accordingly, energy may be provided to the voltage collection circuit using one or more induced currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph T. DiBene, II, Rashed Mahameed, Brad W. Simeral
  • Patent number: 10197289
    Abstract: Provided is a cooking apparatus and a touch sensor assembly of the cooking apparatus, including an outer cover formed of a metal material and forming an exterior of the cooking apparatus; and a touch module mounted on a rear side of the outer cover to be contacted therewith and including a plurality of touch sensors, wherein a touch unit is formed in an opening of a rear side of the outer cover that contacts to the touch sensor and is elastically deformed with ease when touched by a user to transfer the pressure to the touch sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Youngjin Kim
  • Patent number: 10143045
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) heating apparatus and a microwave oven including an RF heating apparatus. The apparatus includes a cavity for receiving an object to be heated. The apparatus also includes a plurality of channels for generating RF radiation to be introduced into the cavity. Each channel includes a frequency synthesizer, a power amplifier and an antenna. Each channel is operable to use a common phase reference signal for generating the RF radiation. Each channel may be controllably operable to generate RF radiation having different, respective frequency spectra. Forward and reverse signal detection circuitry may be provided that is operable to determine amplitude, frequency and/or phase information relating to RF radiation in the cavity. This information may be used for adaptively controlling the RF radiation generated by each channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ampleon Netherlands, B.V.
    Inventors: Robin Wesson, Roger Williams
  • Patent number: 10076000
    Abstract: A control system for a control-compartment cooling fan of an oven. In one embodiment, the control system includes a sensor for sensing an operating condition of a motor of the cooling fan. The operating condition is selected from the group of a motor current and a motor RPM. A controller is communicatively connected to the sensor and is configured to receive the operating condition from the sensor, compare the operating condition to one or more predetermined tolerances and, when the operating condition exceed at least one of the one or more predetermined tolerances, generate an interrupt command. A heating control element is communicatively connected to the controller and configured to interrupt operation of a heating element in response to receiving the interrupt command. The control system may also include a user interface communicatively connected to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
    Inventors: William S. Schjerven, Sr., Theodore James Chmiola, Richard H. Van Camp
  • Patent number: 9980324
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) and apparatus for controlling the heating of food ingredients. The method comprises the step of measuring (110) the spectrum of energy absorption of the food ingredients in a given range of radio frequencies. The method also comprises the step of identifying (120), in said given range of radio frequencies, the radio frequency for which the food ingredients have the maximum energy absorption. The method also comprises the step of applying (130) an electrical field to the food ingredients, said electrical field having a radio frequency corresponding to said radio frequency for which the food ingredients have the maximum energy absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Wei Li, Guangwei Wang
  • Patent number: 9867307
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a lower unit having a circuit board on which first electronic components are mounted and also having a chassis in which the circuit board is mounted at a bottom, an upper surface of the chassis being open; and an upper unit having a tray member detachably attached to the chassis and also having second electronic components mounted at a bottom of the tray member, the upper unit being stacked on the lower unit; wherein the upper unit has a connector board attached to the tray member, having a first and a second connectors, the first connector being fitted to a board-side connector on the circuit board, the second connector being electrically connected to the second electronic components, and an opening is formed at the bottom of the tray member, the first connector and the board-side connector being mutually fitted through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Keitaro Kurosaki, Kazunori Hori
  • Patent number: 9844103
    Abstract: Provided is a cooking assistance device for providing information that assists cooking using a cooking appliance based on a measurement result of power consumption of the cooking appliance. The cooking assistance device includes a storage unit that stores information that relates to power consumption in cooking, an acquisition unit that acquires a measurement value that relates to power consumption of the cooking appliance, and an output unit that outputs the measurement value and the information that relates to power consumption in cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keiko Hirukawa, Ataru Okura, Misuzu Doi
  • Patent number: 9832821
    Abstract: A control method causes a computer of an information terminal apparatus to perform a process including: receiving, from a first server, first display data causing a user of the information terminal apparatus to confirm the purpose of use of recipe information and asking for the permission to collect the recipe information; accessing a second server and receiving selected recipe information and control data for a cooker for preparation based on the selected recipe information; and when it is selected to permit collecting the recipe information for a purpose of use related to health care, and it is determined that selected recipe information corresponding to the set control data has an identifier indicating that the recipe is for food related to a specific constitution, disorder, disease, or allergy, transmitting the selected recipe information with the identifier, in association with a user ID of the information terminal apparatus, to the first server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Yuji Unagami, Motoji Ohmori
  • Patent number: 9804104
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying RF energy to process an object may include at least one controller configured to receive EM feedback-related values from an energy application zone, each of the values being associated with a respective MSE. The controller may also be configured to identify a change in one or more of the EM feedback-related values within a period of time; adjust the RF energy application based on the change in the EM feedback-related values identified, and cause application of RF energy to the energy application zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GOJI LIMITED
    Inventors: Avner Libman, Hertzel Yehezkely, Sharon Hadad, Ram Elboim, Zalman Ibragimov, Amit Rappel
  • Patent number: 9732963
    Abstract: A control panel assembly for an appliance with features for securing a backing plate to a control panel frame to maintain a high quality fit, feel, and finish of the control panel assembly is provided. In particular, the backing plate includes a plurality of securing tabs for securing the backing plate against the control panel frame. The backing plate also may include a plurality of spring tabs for securing the backing plate against the control panel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Andrew Kozinski, Gonzalo Luis Ocano
  • Patent number: 9690462
    Abstract: An information terminal includes a first radio communication unit that performs communication with a server, a condition input unit through which a condition for retrieving a specific cooking recipe information group from cooking recipe information groups stored in the server is input, and a display unit that displays the specific cooking recipe information group specified based on the condition input through the condition input unit. Further, the display unit displays list screen (1200) that displays as a list the specific cooking recipe information group so that first cooking recipe information that is associated with operation control information is differentiated from second cooking recipe information that is not associated with the operation control information, and a cooking method screen that displays a cooking method relating to specific cooking recipe information in the specific cooking recipe information group displayed on the list screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kouda, Yasuo Yoshimura, Kazuhiro Kuroyama, Mariko Nakaso, Gantetsu Matsui, Hiromi Toyota
  • Patent number: 9668603
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to systems, methods, and devices for remote fuel level detection. A weighing instrument may couple to a propane tank for determining measurement values for a weight of the propane tank, wherein the propane tank is for coupling to a cooking apparatus to provide the fuel to the cooking apparatus. A computing device may receive, via a wireless communication link, measurement values for the weight of the propane tank; correlate the measurement values to data values stored in a database to determine an amount of fuel in the propane tank; and provide the amount of fuel in the propane tank to a user interface. A temperature instrument may determine a temperature of a region proximate to the propane tank to generate a safety factor for the propane tank. A temperature instrument may determine temperatures for regions proximate to the cooking apparatus. A temperature control may control the cooking apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: TITANFIRE, INC.
    Inventor: Sydney Barkhouse
  • Patent number: 9638461
    Abstract: Refrigerator appliances and methods for operating refrigerator appliances are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a user's presence, associating the user's presence with a heated beverage preference, and initiating heating of a liquid stored in the refrigerator appliance. The detecting step, the associating step and the initiating step are performed by a controller of the refrigerator appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Wesley Wait, William Everette Gardner
  • Patent number: 9535412
    Abstract: An electrical assembly is provided for selectively operating a household appliance in a demonstration mode or a standard mode. A logic unit (2) is adapted to control the electrical and/or electronic components of the household appliance (1), and to make the household appliance (1) perform a standard mode or a demonstration mode. A power supply device (5), external to the household appliance (1), is adapted to deliver electric power to the household appliance (1). The household appliance (1) comprises a power supply circuit (3) adapted to be connected to the power supply device (5) or directly to the supply mains (4), in order to energize the logic unit (2) and the other electrical and/or electronic components of the household appliance (1). The household appliance (1) further comprises a detection device (9) adapted to detect if the power supply circuit (3) is connected to the power supply device (5) or directly to the supply mains (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Giancarlo Arrigoni, Edi Fabbro, Paolo Farris, Mauro Taiariol, Stefano Toppan
  • Patent number: 9362813
    Abstract: A controller (100; 200) for controlling a process variable (202) comprises an input interface (102) configured to receive a feedback signal indicative of an error between a process variable (202) to be controlled and a setpoint (104) for the process variable. At least a first integrator is (108) configured to derive an accumulated error signal using an integrator input signal depending on the feedback signal and at least one resonator having a predetermined resonance frequency is configured to provide a resonator output signal using a resonator input signal depending on the feedback signal. An output interface is (130) configured to provide a manipulation signal for influencing the process variable (202), the manipulation signal being derived using the accumulated error signal and the resonator output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Jiawen Hu
  • Patent number: 9324231
    Abstract: Disclosed are a communication module and a lighting apparatus having the same. The communication module includes a housing provided therein with a space, and a module substrate provided in the space of the housing and provided therein with a wireless communication chip, a reset device to reset the wireless communication chip, and a display part to display the state of the wireless communication chip through the opening. The communication module is detachably coupled with an object to transmit a control signal, which is received through a wireless network, to the object. The communication module is stored when the lighting part of the lighting apparatus is replaced with new one, so that the cost is reduced. The light is discharged through the opening to display the erroneous operation of the inner part, such that the communication module is forcibly reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dae Hun Kim, Yull Oh Kim
  • Patent number: 9132408
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying radio frequency (RF) energy to an object in an energy application zone. At least one processor may be configured to cause RF energy to be applied at a plurality of electromagnetic field patterns to the object in the energy application zone. The processor may be further configured to determine an amount of power dissipated in the energy application zone, for each of the plurality of field patterns. The processor may also be configured to determine a spatial distribution of energy absorption characteristics across at least a portion of the energy application zone based on the amounts of power dissipated when the plurality of field patterns are applied to the energy application zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: GOJI LIMITED
    Inventors: Pinchas Einziger, Amit Rappel
  • Patent number: 9040883
    Abstract: An electromagnetic heater for heating an irregularly shaped object, including: a cavity within which an object is to be placed; at least one feed which feeds UHF or microwave energy into the cavity; and a controller that controls one or more characteristics of the cavity or energy to assure that the UHF or microwave energy is deposited uniformly in the object within ±30% over at least 80% of the volume of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: GOJI LIMITED
    Inventors: Eran Ben-Shmuel, Alexander Bilchinsky
  • Patent number: 9012821
    Abstract: A digital control type power converter for cooking utensils includes a rectifier; a power inverting circuit composed of an IGBT and an LC shunt-resonant circuit; and a SoC chip which internally integrates a MPU, a Programmable Pulse Generator (PPG), an ADC, a COM, wherein the PPG, the ADC and the COM are connected to the MPU. One output of the MPU is connected to the PPG through a first AND gate, and a pulse signal outputted by the PPG is transmitted to the IGBT through a second AND gate. The MPU calculates the present power value according to measured current and voltage signals, and compares the present power value with the required power of the host computer to change the set pulse width value of the PPG. When a magnetic energy conversion detecting circuit outputs an enabling signal, the PPG outputs the pulse signal with the setting pulse width to drive the IGBT and realize the regulation of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen CHK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shouqing Qiu, Samson Xu
  • Patent number: 8974743
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for continuously carrying out chemical reactions. The device comprises a microwave generator, a microwave applicator accommodating a microwave-transparent tube, and an isothermal reaction section which is arranged such that the material to be reacted is guided inside the microwave-transparent tube through a microwave applicator which is used as the heating zone and in which it is heated to reaction temperature by means of microwaves that are emitted from the microwave generator into the microwave applicator. The material to be reacted, which is heated and optionally under pressure, is transferred from the microwave applicator to an isothermal reaction zone once it has left the heating zone, said reaction zone being arranged downstream of the heating zone, and is cooled once it has left the isothermal reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Clariant Finance (BVI) Limited
    Inventors: Matthias Krull, Roman Morschhaeuser
  • Patent number: 8963060
    Abstract: There is described an automated heating system for heating a sample contained in a sample holder, comprising: a heating chamber having at least one opening and adapted to receive the sample holder; a microwave generator in microwave transfer communication with the heating chamber; a conveyor extending into the heating chamber and adapted to receive and transport the sample holder into and out of the heating chamber; at least one microwave barrier movable between an open position to allow access to the heating chamber and a closed position to prevent microwaves from leaking out of the heating chamber when the microwave generator is activated; and a control unit for controlling the microwave generator and the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: SCP Science
    Inventors: George Feilders, Arthur Ross, Raymond Guay
  • Publication number: 20150041457
    Abstract: Systems and methods include directing limited frequencies of microwave signals toward target molecules, driving a motion of the target molecules to impact molecular recognition. In one implementation, a microwave spectra associated with the rotational modes of a target molecule is obtained. From peaks in the spectra, a mode of molecular movement is identified and a microwave signal profile is generated for driving a motion of binding portions of the molecule associated with the identified mode. Microwave signals are generated based on the signal profile for output by antennas. For example, the microwave signals can be can be used to impede the binding of quorum sensing molecules by receptors of P. aeruginosa. In one implementation, the antennas can be placed in a catheter for placement in a patient. In another implementation, the antennas can be placed in a sleeve or other device for use adjacent to the skin of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: William Hunt, Kyle Spencer Davis, Michelle LaPlacca, Chris Ward, John Alexander Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8941040
    Abstract: An electromagnetic heater for heating an irregularly shaped object, including: a cavity within which an object is to be placed; at least one feed which feeds UHF or microwave energy into the cavity; and a controller that controls one or more characteristics of the cavity or energy to assure that the UHF or microwave energy is deposited uniformly in the object within ±30% over at least 80% of the volume of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Goji Limited
    Inventors: Eran Ben-Shmuel, Alexander Bilchinsky
  • Publication number: 20150014305
    Abstract: Novel microwave ovens and methods of using and manufacturing the same. Some microwave ovens include multiple doors and/or control keypads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Bemon, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Monahan, Chris Becze, Daniel Gallo, Joshua Peifer
  • Patent number: 8927913
    Abstract: Generally and not exclusively, a method for controlling a process condition of at least one item within a microwave chamber may include receiving one or more initial values of one or more dynamically variable heatability properties for the at least one item in the microwave chamber, applying one or more microwave energy beams to the at least one item in the microwave chamber, remotely monitoring a spatial variation of the one or more dynamically variable heatability properties for the at least one item in the microwave chamber at least one of simultaneously with or following the applying of the one or more microwave energy beams, and estimating the process condition for microwaving the at least one item in the microwave chamber based at least partially on the monitoring of the one or more dynamically variable heatability properties for the at least one item in the microwave chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8908382
    Abstract: Provided is a control panel for a microwave oven, which includes a control casing, at least one board in the control casing, and at least two board holders. Each of the board holders includes a board insertion slot and a foolproof rib. The board insertion slots receive both ends of the board. The foolproof ribs catch a portion of the board to prevent the board from being improperly inserted into the board insertion slot. Accordingly, the control panel can be assembled more accurately, and operates more reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Byungcheon Lee, Byounggu Kim, Modam Joo, Jaekwan Jung, Donghan Kim, Jaeho Lee, Keunjae Hwang, Chulwoo Lee
  • Patent number: 8901470
    Abstract: In a microwave heating apparatus of the invention, microwaves from oscillation parts 1a, 1b are divided into a plurality of microwaves by power division parts 2a, 2b and inputted to amplification parts 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and desired microwave powers from the amplification parts are supplied from feeding parts 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d to a heating chamber 8. Reflected powers reflected from the heating chamber to the amplification parts via the feeding parts are detected by power detection parts 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d. Each of the feeding parts has a plurality of antennas for supplying the microwaves having different characteristics to the heating chamber, and a control part 7 extracts an oscillating frequency with which the reflected powers detected by the power detection parts are minimum, and causes the oscillation parts to oscillate at the extracted oscillating frequency so as to supply the microwaves having the different characteristics from the plurality of antennas to the heating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Oomori, Tomotaka Nobue, Kenji Yasui, Makoto Mihara
  • Patent number: 8853600
    Abstract: A system and method for treating subcutaneous histological features without affecting adjacent tissues adversely employs microwave energy of selected power, frequency and duration to penetrate subcutaneous tissue and heat target areas with optimum doses to permanently affect the undesirable features. The frequency chosen preferentially interacts with the target as opposed to adjacent tissue, and the microwave energy is delivered as a short pulse causing minimal discomfort and side effects. By distributing microwave energy at the skin over an area and adjusting power and frequency, different conditions, such as hirsuitism and telangiectasia, can be effectively treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Miramar Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Bruce Spertell
  • Publication number: 20140287100
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying electromagnetic energy to an object in a first energy application zone via at least one radiating element is disclosed. The apparatus may include at least one processor configured to cause the at least one radiating element to apply energy to the energy application zone at two or more MSEs; and adjust energy supplied to the at least one radiating element to follow changes in an MSE-dependent parameter, in absence of feedback from the energy application zone regarding the MSE-dependent parameter, based on data having been collected during energy application in a second energy application zone before the object is placed in the first energy application zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: GOJI LTD.
    Inventor: Avner Libman
  • Patent number: 8809753
    Abstract: Various electromagnetically-countered microwave heating system include at least one wave source irradiating harmful electromagnetic waves and at least one counter unit emitting counter electromagnetic waves for countering the harmful waves by the counter waves. Such counter units counter the harmful waves by the counter units via various mechanisms such as, e.g., matching configurations of the counter units with those of the wave sources, matching shapes of such counter waves with shapes of the harmful waves, and the like. Various methods are also illustrated to counter the harmful waves with the counter waves using the source or wave matching, to provide the counter units, and to emit suitable counter waves. Various processes are also illustrated to provide such systems, such counter units, and the like. Various electric or magnetic shields may be used alone or in conjunction with such counter units to minimize irradiation of the harmful waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Youngtack Shim
  • Patent number: 8796603
    Abstract: An appliance including a cabinet having a first PCB located therein, a door connected to the cabinet, the door being moveable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the cabinet, and a second PCB located in the door. In addition, at least one first connector is connected to the first PCB. At least one second connector is connected to the second PCB and is electronically connectable to the first connector. In particular, the second connector is electrically connected to the first connector when the door is in a substantially closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Woo Lee, Wan Soo Kim, Hyun Jung Kim