Proportional Control Patents (Class 236/78D)
  • Patent number: 6152375
    Abstract: A remote control thermostat system for controlling electric devices for remotely controlling electric heating and cooling devices for regulating temperatures inside a structure. The remote control thermostat system for controlling electric devices includes a thermostat with a transmitter for emitting signals varying with the ambient temperature around the thermostat. A control unit is in communication with a power source and has a receiver for receiving the signals from the thermostat. The control unit is adapted for selectively permitting flow of power to an electric device in response to signals received from the thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Jerry L. Robison
  • Patent number: 6119949
    Abstract: A control system and method provide a multiple option select function in which an option select resistor acts as a selector. The control system determines the resistance value of the resistor and maps the resistance value to a data entry in an option select table. The index of the data entry is determined and used to reference option parameters in at least one option parameter table. The index allows the control system to select an option parameter from many possible option parameters in the option parameter table. Furthermore, additional option parameter tables may also be referenced to select multiple option parameters using a single select resistor. The control system is disclosed as controlling a water heater system, although such control systems may be used to control other systems, such as furnaces and hydronic heating and water systems. A calibrating circuit is used to measure a transient response of an RC circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: David Eric Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 6101824
    Abstract: A thermostat for use with multistage Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) plants where a proportional/integral control loop is present for each stage of the multistage HVAC plant. Filter constants, Ki and Kp as well as stage control points and interstage values can be set independently for each stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Meyer, Daniel Thomas Uhrich, deceased
  • Patent number: 6095426
    Abstract: A controller for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning distribution systems, which includes feedforward and feedback control strategies. The controller has a feedforward control strategy that generates a control signal based on control set points and identified characteristics of the system, and which adaptively adjusts such set points based on changes that are measured with respect to the identified characteristics. The controller is particularly adapted for controlling the temperature during a heating or cooling operation in a controlled space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies
    Inventors: Osman Ahmed, John W. Mitchell, Sanford A. Klein
  • Patent number: 6062482
    Abstract: A method of controlling an HVAC system includes measuring environmental and/or physical parameters associated with the controlled space, and making operational decisions based on those parameters. Control apparatus is also provided comprising input circuitry receiving environmental information and output circuitry for controlling an HVAC system. Processing circuitry in the controller configures the output circuitry based at least in part on the signals received on the input circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Pentech Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale A. Gauthier, Guy D. Covert
  • Patent number: 6059194
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling thermal processes, whereby measuring devices measure at least two process parameters at least once within a time interval in which a parameter change occurs that is not negligible for the process sequence, the recorded parameters are fed into a control unit, and the control unit regulates the process parameters in the thermal process by means of quantities obtained from the measurements of process parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Orfeus Combustion Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Wintrich, Dieter Kaiser, Hartmut Wintrich
  • Patent number: 6058716
    Abstract: A method of controlling supply air temperature in an enclosure refrigerated with a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator exhibiting a temperature differential, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of defining a supply temperature limit constant and a setpoint; sensing supply air temperature; sensing return air temperature; comparing supply air temperature to the supply temperature limit constant; increasing supply air temperature if supply air temperature drops below the constant and at least one of additional determinable factors is sensed, thereby reducing cooling capacity; and increasing cooling capacity without substantially effecting the temperature differential at the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: John Reason, Mark Fragnito, Mead Rusert
  • Patent number: 6055820
    Abstract: In a refrigerator temperature controlling apparatus and method thereof adopting GA-fuzzy inference, the refrigerator includes a cool air passage formed at both sides of the rear surface of a housing for guiding downward the cool air passing through a guide passage, a cool air discharging adjustment blade rotatably installed in front of the housing for dispersing and concentrating the cool air produced from discharging apertures, a driving motor for driving the cool air discharging adjustment blade, and a controller with each temperature sensors in left right side walls, for comparing the temperature inferred by the GA-fuzzy inference with data learned by reference to control the cool air discharging direction. Therefore, the cooling speed becomes fast and the temperature distribution depending on the refrigerated foodstuffs is made uniform throughout the refrigeration compartment. Also, the incoming external temperature due to door openings can be compensated for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong-wook Jeong, Jae-in Kim, Yun-seog Kang, Suk-hang Park, Yong-myoung Kim
  • Patent number: 6049071
    Abstract: A power supply device for a non-linear load, especially a magnetron for microwave ovens, includes a resonant transformer. Using a fuzzy logic management unit, a level of a low voltage signal on the primary side of the transformer, a level of high voltage signal on the secondary side of the transformer, and a signal corresponding to the ambient temperature of the transformer are taken into account for the generation of a parameter for a control signal for controlling a switch positioned at the primary winding of the transformer. The power supply device makes it possible to reduce the size of the resonant transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventor: Maurice Le Van Suu
  • Patent number: 6038871
    Abstract: An improved control method for an electronically controlled variable displacement refrigerant compressor, where the control has normal and high speed displacement control modes, with smooth transitions between such control modes. The displacement control mechanism is in the form of a solenoid valve, and the valve is pulse-width-modulated (PWM) at a variable duty cycle to regulate displacement of the compressor. When the compressor is operating in a normal speed range, a first control mode determines a normal PWM duty cycle to satisfy cooling demand; when the compressor is operating in a high speed range, a second control mode determines an alternate PWM duty cycle based on compressor speed. The solenoid valve is operated in accordance with the duty cycle corresponding to the lower displacement. A smooth transition from the normal control mode to the high speed control mode is achieved by scheduling the alternate duty cycle as a function of compressor speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ernesto Jose Gutierrez, Charles Andrew Archibald, Christopher M. Kachur, Giles M. Brandon
  • Patent number: 6016966
    Abstract: In an air conditioning system for controlling the temperature of a vehicle passenger compartment, a valve is disposed in a fluid passageway for controlling an amount of the engine coolant flowing toward the heat exchanger. A sensor device senses an air temperature for the air flow through the heat exchanger and generates an electrical sensor signal indicative thereof. A temperature selector selects a target temperature of the air flow through the heat exchanger and generates an electrical set signal indicative thereof. A control circuit controls opening of the valve by integrating a feed-back control and a feed-forward control based on the electrical sensor signal and the electrical set signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Atsuo Inoue
  • Patent number: 6006997
    Abstract: The invention concerns a heating appliance which is protected against overheating in that the temperature increase during operation of the appliance is monitored. If the temperature increases too rapidly, the heating operation is stopped. According to the invention, temperature increase values are determined in a close chronological succession and/or a mean value is calculated in order to compensate signal noise from the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: J. Eberspacher GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Pfister, Jurgen Epple, Stefan Ottenbacher, Andreas Alber
  • Patent number: 5947370
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the state of a thermal process. The system applies a modulated heat input to a liquid in a vessel and a thermal response measured at the bottom of the vessel provides information for real time processing of thermal properties of the liquid as it is being heated. Detection and control of an unknown boiling point enables a steady simmer or boiling condition in the liquid to be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Arthur D. Little, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehmet Rona, Douglas J. Ely, William E. Morgan, Steven S. Carroll, deceased
  • Patent number: 5937941
    Abstract: An air conditioning installation for the cabin of a motor vehicle comprises an air treatment and distribution unit, consisting of a trunk containing distribution valves and a mixing valve, together with a heater. The installation treats fresh air, drawn from outside and/or recirculated air and delivered by a blower, and distributes the treated air into the cabin of the vehicle. The installation includes sensors for periodic measurement of the temperature inside the cabin, the outside temperature and the temperature of the engine coolant fluid. It also includes a setting module whereby the demand temperature in the cabin can be set by the user, and control means for measuring a difference between the demand temperature and the prevailing inside temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation
    Inventor: Beatrice Gach
  • Patent number: 5921099
    Abstract: An air conditioner temperature control apparatus comprising: a remotely controlled signal receiving unit for setting-up room temperature; a temperature detecting unit for detecting room temperature; and a control unit for carrying out fuzzy logic by inputting the detected room temperature and the temperature error between detected room temperature and set-up room temperature and for compensating the temperature error to linear-control an operation frequency of the compressor by inputting the compensated temperature error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seon-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 5890369
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an evaporative gas conditioning system utilizes a controller for controlling the rate at which liquid is introduced into a conditioning chamber, thereby closely controlling the rate at which temperature within the conditioning chamber is adjusted to a desired temperature. Nozzle characteristics of a plurality of different nozzle types are stored in a memory associated with the controller, so that when existing nozzles are replaced with a different nozzle type, an operator can select the new nozzle type, and data stored in memory will be retrieved to permit efficient control of the system without the necessity for manual reconfiguration. Additionally, spray nozzles for spraying water into the conditioning chamber of the system are organized into banks of nozzles, and the banks of nozzles are controlled to maintain optimum water flow through each nozzle, and to evenly distribute the water into the conditioning chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: BHA Group Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Anand Mahableshwarkar, Michael M. Mahler, David F. Johnston, Robert Hummell
  • Patent number: 5848535
    Abstract: A control system for controlling overshoot in response to a setpoint input to the control system is provided. The control system includes a feedback loop connected to the control system via a summing node; and a binomial filter arranged to receive a setpoint input and to provide a filtered setpoint output to the control system via the summing node. The control system includes the binomial filter to provide a filtered setpoint output having a gradual initial response to the control system via the summing node. A method of controlling a water chiller system to provide a supply of leaving water at a preselected temperature is also provided. The method has the steps of: providing a control system for the water chiller system, the control system having an input; selecting a setpoint temperature; filtering the setpoint temperature using a binomial filter to provide a filtered setpoint; and providing the filtered setpoint to the input of the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Lee Sibik
  • Patent number: 5819845
    Abstract: A temperature control method and apparatus therefor controls an air temperature in a room by determining an error temperature between a set temperature and an actual room temperature. An auxiliary reference calorie is initially set as a previous state calorie value, an error calorie associated with the detected error temperature is determined by PID operation and a current calorie value in determined by adding or subtracting the previous state calorie value to/from error calorie, and the room temperature is brought to the set temperature using the current calorie value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-Joo Ryu, Yun-Bong Chun
  • Patent number: 5809794
    Abstract: A method of controlling an expansion valve in a refrigeration system. The method comprises the steps of controlling the modulation of the expansion valve based upon a first feedback control criteria; and controlling the modulation of the expansion valve based upon a second feed forward control criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Lee L. Sibik, Daniel C. Leaver, Craig M. Goshaw
  • Patent number: 5799869
    Abstract: Apparatus for heating and cooling an enclosed operator space in an off-road vehicle controlling evaporator fan speed, compressor clutch and condenser fan operation, and having sensors for detecting operator space temperature and an evaporator freezing condition, the condenser fan motor fuse condition, and under or over pressure conditions in the compressor; the apparatus also controls the operation of a heat source such as a heat valve in a coolant path or an electric resistance heater. The evaporator fan speed is controlled by pulse-width modulating power to the fan motor and speed is displayed by a bar graph; a digital display of temperature and system diagnostics is also provided. Operation of the clutch is inhibited when the evaporator freezes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Eagle Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Pichotta
  • Patent number: 5791155
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a heating or cooling system includes a neural network for computing the status of one or more expansion valves within the system. The neural network is trained to learn certain characteristics of the heating or cooling system during a development mode of operation. The thus trained neural network timely computes the status of the one or more expansion valves during a run time mode of operation. Information as to the status of the one or more expansion valves is made available for real time assessment during the run time mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Sharayu Tulpule
  • Patent number: 5788148
    Abstract: In a vehicle heating appliance, an overhead state is detected by an overheating temperature sensor by means of a microprocessor. The overheating temperature sensor supplies a signal (UTF) to the microprocessor, and when the signal (UTF) exceeds a threshold value, the microprocessor blocks the transmission of driving signals to a driving transistor (Tr) for the fuel dosing pump. A circuit connected in parallel to the microprocessor with a threshold value switch acts as a redundant switching-off device. The output signal of the threshold value switch is applied to an AND-gate whose output is connected to the base of the driving transistor (Tr) and whose other input receives the driving signals from the microprocessor. When the signal UFT exceeds the threshold value of the threshold switch, the AND-gate blocks all signal transmission from the microprocessor to the driving transistor, so that the fuel dosing pump is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: J. Eberspacher GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Erwin Burner, Jurgen Epple, Michael Humburg, Johannes Koch
  • Patent number: 5782103
    Abstract: A control arrangement for the superheat temperature of at least one evaporator of a refrigeration system having a refrigerant circulation, in which at least one compressor, a condenser, an electronically controlled expansion valve and the evaporator are arranged in series, contains a measuring device connected to the evaporator, which device produces a measurement signal Tu that is a measure of the superheat temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator, a comparator to which the measurement signal Tu and a desired superheat temperature signal Tu.sub.s are arranged to be supplied, and a PID controller arranged between the comparator and the expansion valve. For rapid compensation of changes in the superheat temperature, a control signal S proportional to the evaporation temperature T.sub.o of the refrigerant is arranged to be supplied additionally to the PID controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventor: Frede Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5779141
    Abstract: A heating apparatus of a re-heat type for an air conditioning system for a vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine. The heating apparatus includes a flow control valve for controlling an amount of an engine hot water directed to a heat exchanger for heating. When the degree of the opening of the flow control valve is 2/8 or less and when the target degree of the opening of the flow control valve is 2/8 or more, a control of the degree of the opening of the flow control valve to the target opening plus a predetermined overshoot amount is initially executed, which is followed by a control to the target opening. When both of the initial and target opening is larger than 2/8 or the initial and target opening are identical, the overshoot control is not carried out, i.e., the degree of the opening of the flow control valve is directly controlled to the target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Okumura, Koichi Ito, Yoshimitsu Inoue, Hikaru Sugi
  • Patent number: 5771703
    Abstract: The flow of refrigerant is controlled by a strategy that strives to seek and maintain a fluctuating superheat condition. The control system causes optimal use of the evaporator coil by ensuring that the refrigerant in the coil is in the liquid state. A temperature sensor at the evaporator coil exit senses refrigerant temperature and the control system regulates refrigerant flow so that the liquid dry out point (transition between liquid state and superheat state) occurs in the vicinity of this sensor. Thus a single sensor may be used to effect closed loop control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventor: Natarajan Rajendran
  • Patent number: 5718373
    Abstract: A system for controlling an automobile cooling fan utilizes a temperature-sensitive negative resistance device having a resistance which decreases as the temperature rises, and which increases as the temperature falls. Thus, if the cooling water temperature does not exceed a certain level, the cooling fan motor is not driven. If the temperature exceeds a certain level, the cooling fan motor is driven in proportion with the dynamic temperature variations. Therefore, a variable cooling fan speed is possible, and therefore, the cooling operation becomes efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-ho Kim, Young-sik Lee
  • Patent number: 5697436
    Abstract: An improved method of controlling the temperature of a batch reactor employing a cascaded master and slave controller architecture wherein the temperature of the reactor serves as the measured variable, MV.sub.1, in the master loop and the jacket temperature serves as the measured variable, MV.sub.2, in the slave loop and the feedback for the master loop, FB.sub.1, is intentional set equal to this measured variable, MV.sub.1, or to the master controller set point, SP.sub.1, corresponding to the temperature of the reactor thus inherently creating a bias feedback and proportional variable reset (PVR). The novel PVR temperature control system is useful in alleviating product variability caused by temperature control variation during heat, cod and hold steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: William Harold Johnson, Frederick William Meckley, Breydon Gregory Morton
  • Patent number: 5678758
    Abstract: A temperature control device of a heating apparatus comprising: an input unit for receiving input of a set temperature; a heating/cooling unit for raising/dropping temperature of a medium, from which a person receives heat; a set temperature reaching unit for controlling the heating/cooling unit so that temperature of the medium is raised to the set temperature and maintained afterwards; a time judgement unit for judging whether a given time has passed after the temperature of the medium is raised to the set temperature; and an imperceptible temperature change unit for controlling the heating/cooling unit, if the time judgement unit judges that the given time has passed, so that the temperature of the medium drops/rises by an amount within a given range by which human beings cannot perceive changes in temperature at a temperature change rate by which human beings cannot perceive changes in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirozo Takegawa, Yuji Inoue, Hisashi Kodama, Tomoko Kitamura, Shigeyuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 5669226
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus for an electric vehicle includes an electrically-driven compressor. A desired temperature is set which relates to one of a temperature of air discharged into a vehicle interior and a temperature within the vehicle interior. Detection is given of a temperature related to a heat exchanger. An inverter connected to the compressor is operative for driving the compressor at a variable speed corresponding to a desired rotational speed. A target temperature related to the heat exchanger is calculated in response to the desired temperature. Calculation is given of a difference between the detected temperature and the target temperature. Also, calculation is given of a variation in the detected temperature for every given period. A corrective rotational speed is calculated from the temperature difference and the temperature variation for every given period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasufumi Kurahashi, Minoru Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 5669225
    Abstract: To capacity control a refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator all connected in a closed refrigeration circuit, the compressor having a plurality of adjustable inlet guide vanes and driven by an internal combustion engine, signals indicating the condenser pressure; the evaporator pressure; the inlet guide vanes position; the engine speed; the chilled water discharge temperature; and the engine intake manifold pressure are processed by a microprocessor to continuously calculate a surface speed and to equalize engine speed and calculated surface speed utilizing a fuzzy logic algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory K. Beaverson, Russell P. Wueschinski, Craig N. Shores, John C. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5655380
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a motor control system for controlling the speed of an electrical motor in an air temperature control system having a control signal determined in accordance with various loads of the air temperature control system. An electrical energy source provides electrical energy to the control system. A motor starter has a starter input coupled to the electrical energy source and a starter output coupled to the electrical motor for receiving the electrical energy from the electrical energy source and selectably applying the received electrical energy to the electrical motor. An inverter is directly coupled to the starter input and to the starter output to bypass the starter and provide a frequency signal to control the speed of the electrical motor according to the control signal. The motor operates in a high speed mode and in a reduced speed mode wherein the mode of operation of the motor is determined according to frequency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Engelhard/ICC
    Inventor: Dean Scott Calton
  • Patent number: 5651192
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dryer device and a drying control system utilizing an infrared sensor that measures the temperature of garments or items being dried in a drying device. The invention provides significant improvement over conventional techniques using temperature sensors, or such sensors in combination with moisture or humidity sensors. Also disclosed are methods for controlling drying temperatures and methods for determining drying cycle completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Horwitz
  • Patent number: 5651264
    Abstract: A flexible process controller for coordinating the operations of various equipment is disclosed. Briefly stated, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, various parameters of the sub-systems in a HVAC system are monitored and made alterable or changeable. These parameters are transmitted to and controlled by a flexible process controller which thereafter cooperates with a motor drive controller. Logic incident to and resident in the flexible process controller consider the various parameters monitored and allow the user or the system to minimize power consumption amongst one or more of the sub-systems while maximizing efficiency and operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Electric Limited
    Inventors: Lai Lo, Dominic Leung, Piotr Grudzinski
  • Patent number: 5638687
    Abstract: In a substrate cooling apparatus for cooling a substrate placed on or adjacent a cooling plate having Peltier elements, the substrate is cooled quickly by controlling the Peltier elements to cool the cooling plate to a second set temperature below a target temperature to which the substrate is to be cooled, and switching control of the Peltier elements at a predetermined time after the substrate is placed on or adjacent the cooling plate, to increase the temperature of the cooling plate to the target temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Mizohata, Minobu Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 5639023
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of controlling the water temperature in a beverage-brewing apparatus, wherein the water is initially heated in an open water reservoir up to the boiling point, said boiling point being reached in that the water is heated from the initial temperature T.sub.i up to a temperature T.sub.HIGH at which it is ensured that the water does not boil as yet under conventional environmental conditions, in that the rate of change of the temperature dT/dt during heating from the initial temperature T.sub.i to the temperature T.sub.HIGH is determined, in that on reaching the temperature T.sub.HIGH a period of time t.sub.heiz is determined from the difference between 100.degree. C. and T.sub.HIGH as well as from the rate of change of the temperature dT/dt, and in that on reaching the temperature T.sub.HIGH the water continues to be heated during the period of time t.sub.heiz. The temperature T.sub.HIGH is 75.degree. C., approximately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Holger Hild, Dietwald Schotte
  • Patent number: 5613369
    Abstract: An air conditioner and a method for controlling an air conditioner which can operate in at least two operation modes, such as a cooling mode and heating mode. The capacity of the air conditioner is determined based on a difference between a set temperature and the temperature detected by a room temperature sensor every time a set time has elapsed, and the amount of variation of the detected temperature over the set time. The capacity can be controlled using PID control, fuzzy control, genetic algorithm control, or the like. The set time is varied based on the operating mode. Also, the set time can be varied in accordance with the volume of air blown into the room from the air conditioner, the direction of the blown air, the performance rating of the air conditioner and/or the size of the room to be conditioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takashi Sato, Yasuhiro Kageyama, Masao Isshiki, Harunobu Nukushina
  • Patent number: 5592827
    Abstract: A temperature controlling method of a refrigerator by using a microprocessor includes the steps of: sampling digitized temperature values counted by an analog-to-digital converter according to a predetermined temperature range by a predetermined frequency by using the microprocessor; when the number (X') of a temperature value (X) counted with the most frequency is not less than a desired frequency, selecting the temperature value with the most frequency as a controlling temperature; when the number (X') of the temperature value (X) counted with the most frequency is less than the desired frequency, selecting a value obtained by adding/subtracting a predetermined temperature value which is less than the predetermined temperature range to/from the temperature value (X) with the most frequency as the controlling temperature; and selecting a temperature value obtained by applying the steps to at least two temperature values (Y) (Z) counted with the second most frequency and the third most frequency, as the contr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong-wook Jeong, Jae-in Kim, Yun-seog Kang
  • Patent number: 5579993
    Abstract: A controller implemented in a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) distribution system provides improved control by implementing a general regression neural network to generate a control signal based on identified characteristics of components utilized within the HVAC system. The general regression neural network utilizes past characteristics and desired (calculated) characteristics to generate an output control signal. The general regression neural network is implemented in a feedforward process, which is combined with a feedback process to generate an improved control signal to control components within the HVAC distribution system. Implementation of the general regression neural network is simple and accurate, requires no input from an operator supervising the controller, and provides adaptive, real-time control of components within the HVAC distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Landis & Gyr Powers, Inc.
    Inventors: Osman Ahmed, John W. Mitchell, Sanford A. Klein
  • Patent number: 5573181
    Abstract: A global control system is implemented in a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) distribution system. The system allows local controllers and a source controller to exchange data between one another so that optimization of control for a local component is not sacrificed for optimization of control for a source component, and vice versa. The controllers have their control process sudivided into an identification process and a control process. The identification process periodically identifies characteristics related to the component to be controlled. The control process continuously generates a control signal to be applied to the component to control the component. The control process is further subdivided into a feedforward process and a feedback process. The feedforward process utilizes the identified characteristics to generate a control signal based on calculated system variables, while the feedback generates a control signal based on measured system variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Landis & Gyr Powers, Inc.
    Inventor: Osman Ahmed
  • Patent number: 5568733
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a means for detecting a frequency for controlling an AC motor of a compressor, a means for determining whether the frequency during operation converges to within a predetermined range, of the frequency required to maintain the designated temperature, and a means for shifting the designated temperature by a predetermined temperature when the frequency converges to the predetermined range. The temperature is shifted when the frequency decreases and converges to the predetermined range while the air conditioner operation causes the room temperature to approach the designated temperature. Thus, even if the body temperature of a user decreases because, for example, he is sleeping, the stable state of the operation can be accurately determined and thereby a comfortable temperature is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Toyota, Hajime Takada, Katsuhiro Ohkubo, Hiroyuki Nunokawa
  • Patent number: 5564625
    Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature of an interior, particularly for a motor vehicle immediately sets the desired temperature of the inflowing medium by way of PI control in a starting phase only if the initial interior-temperature error values are small. With larger initial control imbalances, an offset desired temperature for the medium acting thermally on the interior is first of all set such that the interior-temperature error is counteracted to the maximum extent by the inner control loop. The range of small interior-temperature errors is thus regained as rapidly as possible, after which PI control is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Straub
  • Patent number: 5557939
    Abstract: A control system for absorption chillers which comprises a device for measuring operating state data concerning components of the main assembly of the chiller and including the liquid level of a high temperature generator and the degree of opening of a gas valve, and a fuzzy control circuit for calculating the deviation of the liquid level from a target value based on the measured operating state data, predicting a variation in the liquid level from the deviation and another item of the operating state data and calculating a control input as to the inverter frequency of an absorbent pump based on the result of prediction, whereby even when a great disturbance occurs, the liquid level of the generator can be controlled with high responsiveness to minimize the variation of the liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Mizukami, Atsushi Ogawa, Masashi Yasuda, Masahiro Furukawa, Hidetoshi Arima, Yoshio Ozawa
  • Patent number: 5546756
    Abstract: A control system for generating a pulse width modulated control signal for an electrically operated refrigerant valve. The controller receives inputs from evaporator inlet and outlet temperature sensors (T.sub.in, T.sub.out) and "fuzzy" logic to compute the discrete value of pulse width change needed, based upon the difference .DELTA.T=T.sub.out -T.sub.in and the time rate of change of .DELTA.T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Dawood A. Ali
  • Patent number: 5533347
    Abstract: A method of controlling a refrigeration case of a refrigeration system including the steps of locating an expansion valve of a refrigeration case, moving the expansion valve of the refrigeration case out of a predetermined position, sampling temperature readings from an evaporator coil of a refrigeration case, calculating an adaptive proportional-integral-differential (PID) of the temperature of the evaporator coil for the refrigeration case, and moving the expansion valve to a second position closer to the predetermined position based on the calculated proportional-integral-differential until the temperature of the evaporator coil for the refrigeration case is within a predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Novar Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Ott, Mark E. Anglin, James P. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5524444
    Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of air inside two compartments of a refrigerator or similar appliance utilizing a single temperature sensor and the known air temperature external of the appliance. Based on knowledge of the temperature relationship between both compartments, the appliance performance is optimized based on outside temperatures. As a result of this process, the compartment without a sensor functions with increased temperature control accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Joseph R. Gromala, Vu T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5505057
    Abstract: A pattern classification system includes a plurality of classification sections. Each of the classification sections includes a device for storing information of N coefficients W representing a reference pattern, a device for calculating an evaluation value V on the basis of N input signals S and the N coefficients W, the N input signals representing an input pattern, the evaluation value V representing a relation between the input pattern and the reference pattern, a device for storing information of a fixed threshold value R, and a device for comparing the evaluation value V and the threshold value R and for outputting an estimation signal depending on a result of the comparing, the estimation signal including a category signal P which represents a category. A selection section is operative for selecting one of categories in response to the category signals outputted from the classification sections and for outputting a signal Px representing the selected one of the categories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Sato, Motohiko Naka, Takehiko Shida, Kunio Yoshida, Mie Saitoh, Ikuo Akamine, Makoto Shimizu, Katsuhiko Fujiwara, Akira Yokouchi
  • Patent number: 5476137
    Abstract: A control system for effecting ultra-precision temperature control for a controlled system having large load fluctuations or including a dead time component. A control unit (5) instructs a high-precision PID temperature controller (10) to renew and correct a control target value T.sub.0,NEW for the supply fluid temperature T.sub.0 only by a temperature difference .DELTA.T=T.sub.C -T.sub.2 between a set value T.sub.C for the return fluid temperature T.sub.2 of a heat transfer fluid and the actually controlled return fluid temperature T.sub.2. In response to the instruction, the high-precision PID temperature controller (10) controls the heating power of a heater (17) for heating control through a constant-power thyristor phase controller (16). The heater (17) heats the heat transfer fluid and sends it to a machining apparatus (1) through a closed damping tank (21). The heat transfer fluid exchanges heat with the machining apparatus (1) and is then returned to a precooling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignees: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha, Kanto Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Ochiai, Kouya Watanabe, Kyoichi Ebisawa, Koichi Urano
  • Patent number: 5467607
    Abstract: An air conditioning control system monitors the temperature in the vicinity of electronic equipment using one or more sensors placed either in the equipment area or at the outlet of an air conditioning duct or vent. The temperature sensors supply signals to a microprocessor that is programmed to adjust the output of a system controller such that the amount of cooling provided by the air conditioning system is controlled. Illustratively, when the air conditioning system is restarted after a power failure, the power applied to one or more air conditioning fan motors is controlled, such as by throttling the motors down to an acceptable speed, to in turn control the cooling effect on the equipment. The amount of cool air produced by the air conditioning system is detected by the sensors, thereby forming a feedback control loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventor: William J. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5452687
    Abstract: A boiler sequencer system having a microprocessor based controller which allows the firing rate for multiple boilers to be increased or decreased with a proportional output integrated with the process variable rate of recovery that is desired, preventing unnecessary rapid advancements to high fire even when a boiler is started with a high off-set of the process variable from its set point. The controller automatically overrides this proportionate control when the process variable rises above a predetermined maximum or falls below a predetermined minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Century Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Leo P. Christiansen
  • Patent number: 5452999
    Abstract: A temperature regulating system (preferably a cooling system) for a cyclic processor comprising a mould having at least one internal passageway for receiving temperature regulating fluid, preferably coolant water. Continuous fluid flow will overcool the mould, and so the system normally is set to provide flow only for a part of the cycle, the proportion depending on mould temperature (or of fluid exhaust temperature) from a previous cycle, preferably the immediately preceding cycle and with an averaged temperature over the cycle. Also disclosed is a processor fitted with the system, and a method of controlling the temperature of a fluid cooled processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Rowland F. Evans