Specific Application Of Temperature Responsive Control System Patents (Class 700/299)
  • Patent number: 10077916
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a pest repelling magnetic field generating device (PRD) having a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of a solenoid coil during operation. The detected temperature to be used to ensure that the PRD operates within an ideal temperature range. Additionally, a fan is oriented within a housing of the PRD to force the flow of air from inside a housing of the PRD to outside a housing the PRD. In an illustrative example, the PRD may shut off if the temperature of the solenoid coil moves outside the ideal temperature range. By operating the PRD within an ideal temperature range, the service life of the PRD may be extended. Further, the fan may mitigate dust collection within the housing of the pest repelling magnetic field generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: ISpyTronics PTY LTD
    Inventor: Raymond Connell
  • Patent number: 10060868
    Abstract: A method, a system, and computer program product for calculating an effective heat transfer coefficient of a device. The method includes measuring: an internal temperature of the device, a first temperature at a first location along a first resistive path of a parallel resistive network and a second temperature at a second location along a second resistive path of the parallel resistive network. An ambient temperature of the environment and an effective heat transfer coefficient of the device is then calculated based on the internal temperature, the first temperature, the second temperature, and resistive properties of the parallel resistive network. The ambient temperature and the effective heat transfer coefficient are provided to a thermal management component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Alberto R Cavallaro, Maninder Sehmbey
  • Patent number: 10037438
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for allowing security features to be selectively enabled during device configuration. For example, a programmable integrated circuit device is provided that receives configuration data and security requirement data. Control circuitry compares enabled security features in the device against the security requirements, and can configure the programmable integrated circuit device with the configuration data or prevent such configuration. Control circuitry may also use the security requirement data to set security features within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce B. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 10037258
    Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for intelligent thermal power management implemented in a portable computing device (“PCD”) are disclosed. To mitigate or alleviate hysteresis associated with drastic changes in processing speeds for thermally aggressive processing components, embodiments of the solution dynamically adjust performance level floors in view of a temperature reading. Advantageously, embodiments work to manage thermal energy generation based on temperature sensor feedback that is relatively slow to detect temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Adam Cunningham, Kwangyoon Lee, Melanie Oclima
  • Patent number: 9952636
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that may be implemented for facilitating user modification of cooling device speed response to sensed temperature in information handling systems. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to allow an information handling system user to modify how one or more individual cooling device/s respond to device speed control values specified by stored device speed control information without requiring the user to change the identity or pre-defined device speed values of the device speed control information with which the information system is currently operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Adolfo S. Montero, Kevin B. Locke
  • Patent number: 9946327
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of cores and a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature for the cores. The apparatus further includes t least one switch, each being configured to supply power to one of the cores. A thermal mitigation module is configured to operate the at least one switch at a duty cycle based on the monitored temperature. A method for thermal mitigation for an apparatus is provided. The method includes monitoring a temperature for a plurality of cores, supplying power to one of the cores at a duty cycle, and adjusting the duty cycle based on the monitored temperature. Another apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of cores, means for monitoring a temperature for the cores, means for supplying power to one of the cores at a duty cycle, and means for adjusting the duty cycle based on the monitored temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Suresh Sugumar
  • Patent number: 9829867
    Abstract: Provided are a fan control method and a fan control system. The fan control method of the present invention includes the steps of predetermining a reliable operating temperature of a hard disk; creating a storing a corresponding relationship between an average hard disk temperature and a fan speed, and creating and storing a corresponding relationship between a hard disk temperature greater than the reliable operating temperature and a fan speed; reading actual temperatures of the plurality of hard disks; comparing the actual temperatures of the plurality of hard disks with the reliable operating temperature; computing an average temperature of the plurality of hard disks; and outputting a control signal to adjust the fan speed based on the stored corresponding relationship between an average hard disk temperature and a fan speed. Accordingly, the present invention may increase hard disk reliability and decrease power dissipation of a fan and system noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Celestica Technology Consultancy (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yaoyin Fan
  • Patent number: 9785136
    Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for a system, such as a computing system, that includes a processor operable to execute instructions associated with the electronic code, a thermal sensor operable to measure a temperature associated with a device, and a controller in communication with the thermal sensor. The controller is configured to receive an activity status associated with the processor, and receiving a temperature output value representative of a measured temperature associated with the device from the thermal sensor. The controller is further configured to provide a disable signal to the thermal sensor based upon the activity status indicating that the processor is in a reduced activity state and that the temperature output value is less than or equal to a predetermined temperature threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Craig S. Forbell
  • Patent number: 9767321
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for allowing security features to be selectively enabled during device configuration. For example, a programmable integrated circuit device is provided that receives configuration data and security requirement data. Control circuitry compares enabled security features in the device against the security requirements, and can configure the programmable integrated circuit device with the configuration data or prevent such configuration. Control circuitry may also use the security requirement data to set security features within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce B. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 9763356
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a method, including: receiving, from a temperature sensor disposed within an electronic device, temperature input relative to a first heat generating component; the first heat generating component being upstream of a cooling element of the electronic device; receiving, from a temperature sensor disposed within an electronic device, temperature input relative to a second heat generating component; the second heat generating component being downstream of the cooling element; and controlling the cooling element to cool the first and second heat generating components based on both the temperature input relative to the first heat generating component and the temperature input relative to the second heat generating component. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Marc Richard Pamley, Timothy Samuel Farrow, Omar Ali Ali, William Fred Martin-Otto
  • Patent number: 9720467
    Abstract: The various embodiments provide methods and systems for adjusting the thermal mitigation system of a mobile electronic device when an add-on outer casing is attached. The mobile electronic device determine whether an add-on outer case is attached to the mobile electronic device and change a thermal mitigation parameter of a thermal mitigation process implemented on the mobile electronic device in response. The determination may be via a sensor or a user input. A changed thermal mitigation parameter may be stored in memory, or input by a user or in a communication from the add-on case. The changed thermal mitigation parameter may be determined based on a particular make, model or properties of the add-on case, and/or may be obtained from a database stored in the device or accessed via a network. Removal of the case may be detected and the thermal mitigation parameter returned to an initial value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Ankur Jain, Unnikrishnan Vadakkanmaruveedu, Vinay Mitter
  • Patent number: 9723697
    Abstract: A system for alternating lighting-emitting of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) is provided, including a plurality of DRAMs and an application program. Each DRAM includes a processing unit and a lighting-emitting unit. The processing unit is able to trigger the lighting-emitting unit to emit light in a preset mode. The lighting-emitting units define a lighting-emitting module. The application program is installed in a mobile electronic device. The application program sends a signal to the processing units of the DRAMs via the mobile electronic device to match with and identify the DRAMs, and the application program can make each said processing unit control the light-emitting unit to emit light and make the light-emitting module emit light in a preset mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: ALSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Han-Hung Cheng, Chi-Fen Kuo
  • Patent number: 9671841
    Abstract: A system and method for temperature management of information handling systems includes network switching device including a control unit, one or more ports coupled to the control unit and configured to couple the switch to a network, one or more tables stored in a memory coupled to the control unit, and a thermal sensor coupled to the control unit. The one or more tables include information associating each of the one or more ports with one or more threshold temperatures. The switch is configured to measure a temperature of the switch by the thermal sensor, compare the temperature with the one or more threshold temperatures, and adjust an operating state of the one of more ports based on the temperature and the one or more threshold temperatures. The network switching device may be a switch, a member of a stacked switch, a router, a bridge, a hub, and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventor: Shathish Muthu Venkatesan
  • Patent number: 9575537
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a processor comprises: a plurality of cores each to execute instructions; a plurality of thermal sensors, at least one of which is associated with each of the cores; and a power control unit (PCU) coupled to the cores. The PCU includes a thermal control logic to preemptively throttle a first core by a first throttle amount when a temperature of a second core exceeds at least one thermal threshold. Note that this first core may be preemptively throttled independently of a throttling of the second core and may have a temperature of the first core does not exceed any thermal threshold. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Ignowski, Matthew M. Bace, Eric J. Dehaemer, Chris Poirier
  • Patent number: 9461460
    Abstract: A circuit control device for controlling power consumption of a plurality of circuit units includes a monitoring unit configured to monitor whether a detection temperature of each of the circuit units meets a predetermined overheat condition, and an overheat protection unit configured to execute an overheat protection operation when the overheat condition is met in any one of the circuit units, wherein the overheat protection operation is an operation to reduce power consumption of an overheat unit meeting the overheat condition, among the circuit units, and a neighbor unit disposed near the overheat unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoki Yamamoto, Hideki Matsubara, Satoru Kominami
  • Patent number: 9439323
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device in which a temperature control using a cooling fan can be made more efficiently and more stably and a method for controlling temperature of a device. The device includes the fan, a measurement unit, and a control unit which controls a rotation speed of the fan based on the measured temperature. The control unit stores a plurality of measured temperatures and a normal temperature range for each measurement unit, determines the presence or absence of a temperature increasing trend, shortens a time interval when it is determined that increases, determines whether or not the plurality of temperatures are included in the normal range when it is determined that does not increase, prolongs when the all are included in the normal range, and does not change when at least one is not included in the normal range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: NEC Platforms, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Kitano
  • Patent number: 9429090
    Abstract: A method of estimating temperature of a catalyst associated with a cylinder bank of a multi-displacement internal combustion engine having multiple cylinder banks associated with multiple catalysts. A temperature estimate of the catalysts associated with the multiple cylinder banks is set substantially equal to a base model temperature. Deactivation of a cylinder bank of the multiple cylinder banks is determined, and a catalyst cooldown correction is identified for the catalyst associated with the deactivated cylinder bank from a catalyst cooldown model including time elapsed since deactivation of the cylinder bank. The catalyst cooldown correction is applied to the temperature estimate of the catalyst associated with the deactivated cylinder bank to update the temperature estimate of the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Gerald Lee Kennie, Kevin Scott Freeman, James J. Daley
  • Patent number: 9389126
    Abstract: The invention may provide a temperature sensor device that includes an analog temperature sensor to generate a first base-emitter voltage and a second base-emitter voltage, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to sample at the voltages and generate corresponding digital values. The temperature sensor device may also include a logic unit to calculate a digital temperature code from the digital values using a digital virtual reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Sejun Kim, Khiem Quang Nguyen, Michael W. Determan, Robert Adams
  • Patent number: 9355929
    Abstract: A method includes, in a nonvolatile memory device that includes a plurality of dies, detecting that a first temperature associated with a first die is equal to or exceeds a temperature threshold. A metablock is defined to include a first plurality of storage blocks that includes a first storage block of the first die. Each storage block of the metablock resides in a distinct die of the plurality of dies. The method also includes, in response to detecting that the first temperature is equal to or exceeds the temperature threshold, redefining the metablock to exclude from the redefined metablock any storage block associated with the first die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Yonatan Tzafrir
  • Patent number: 9354126
    Abstract: A method includes determining a relationship between indirect thermal data for a processor and a measured temperature associated with the processor, during a calibration process, obtaining the indirect thermal data for the processor during actual operation of the processor, and determining an actual significant temperature associated with the processor during the actual operation using the indirect thermal data for the processor during actual operation of the processor and the relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy J. Chainer, Pritish R. Parida, Mark D. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9323320
    Abstract: The subject matter of this application is embodied in an apparatus that includes a data processor, and two or more hardware monitors to measure parameters associated with the data processor. The apparatus also features a power supply to provide power to the data processor and the hardware monitors, and a controller to control the power supply to adjust an output voltage level of the power supply according to measurements from the hardware monitors. Different weight values are applied to the hardware monitors under different conditions, and the power supply output voltage level is controlled according to weighted measurements or values derived from the weighted measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: MediaTek Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Sean Fitzpatrick, Anand Satyamoorthy
  • Patent number: 9297559
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a processor includes a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) controller to obtain a platform cooling level associated with the processor; obtain a temperature associated with the processor; calculate a TEC power level based at least in part on the platform cooling level and the temperature; and provide the TEC power level to a TEC device associated with the processor, wherein the TEC device is to transfer heat from the processor to a heat sink. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thanunathan Rangarajan, Rahul Khanna, Richard Marian Thomaiyar, Minh T Le
  • Patent number: 9263105
    Abstract: Memory systems are provided. A memory system may include a plurality of nonvolatile memories and a memory controller configured to control the plurality of nonvolatile memories. Moreover, the memory system may include an input/output buffer circuit connected between the memory controller and the plurality of nonvolatile memories. A data channel may be connected between the memory controller and the input/output buffer circuit, and first and second internal data channels may be connected between the input/output buffer circuit and respective first and second groups of the plurality of nonvolatile memories. The input/output buffer circuit may be configured to connect the data channel to one of the first and second internal data channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youngjin Jeon, Jeongdon Ihm, Kilsoo Kim, Jinman Han
  • Patent number: 9223325
    Abstract: Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to the estimation of temperature based on a fan control signal. Example embodiments include the estimation of temperature based on a fan control signal having a value based on a temperature reading of a temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT LP
    Inventors: James D. Hensley, Douglas E. O'Neil, Glenn C. Simon
  • Patent number: 9163849
    Abstract: Various methods related to air moving devices in electronic systems are disclosed. Various electronic systems including controlled air moving devices are also disclosed. Thus, one example electronic system includes an air moving device and a controller for controlling the air moving device. The controller is configured to selectively control a rotational speed of the air moving device. The controller is configured to vary the rotational speed within a range bounded by and including a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed during a time that a target rotational speed is within the range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Astec International Limited
    Inventors: Iain Scott, Michael B. Dizon, Gordon Currie
  • Patent number: 9141568
    Abstract: A memory controller receives memory operations via an interface which may include multiple ports. Each port is coupled to real-time or non-real-time requestors, and the received memory operations are classified as real-time or non-real-time and stored in queues prior to accessing memory. Within the memory controller, pending memory operations from the queues are scheduled for servicing. Logic throttles the scheduling of non-real-time memory operations in response to detecting a number of outstanding memory operations has exceeded a threshold. The throttling is proportional to the number of outstanding memory operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Sukalpa Biswas, Hao Chen
  • Publication number: 20150148981
    Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for multi-correlative learning thermal management (“MLTM”) techniques implemented in a portable computing device (“PCD”) are disclosed. Notably, in many PCDs, thermal energy levels measured by individual temperature sensors in the PCD may be attributable to a plurality of processing components, i.e. thermal aggressors. Generally, as more power is consumed by the thermal aggressors, the resulting generation of thermal energy may cause the temperature thresholds associated with temperature sensors located around the chip to be exceeded, thereby necessitating that the performance of the PCD be sacrificed in an effort to reduce thermal energy generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: FAN PENG KONG, DARIUSZ KROLIKOWSKI, WILSON HUNG YU, SHIJU MATHEW, SIDDHARTH ZAVERI
  • Publication number: 20150142203
    Abstract: A high accuracy on-chip thermal sensor includes an integrated circuit and sensing elements. The thermal sensor finds application in various mobile and battery powered devices and includes a processor that analyzes a measured temperature signal and decides if the thermal sensor operates in low or high power operational mode, or if the device's CPU is to be reset. A method utilizing the thermal sensor includes making comparisons to two threshold temperatures and operating at low power mode below the first threshold temperature, high power mode between the two threshold temperatures and causing reset if the second threshold temperature is exceeded. Low power operational mode includes a lower clock frequency, lower bias current and lower power consumption. Higher power operational mode is used when the upper threshold temperature is being approached and includes a higher data sampling frequency and more accurate temperature control and uses higher power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Alan ROTH, Eric SOENEN
  • Publication number: 20150134119
    Abstract: Components and devices are provided for controlling and monitoring a machine or process using an automation controller that may be capable of receiving inputs from a digital source, an analog source, or a thermistor source. In one embodiment, an automation controller may include first, second, and third input terminals. The first and second input terminals may receive input signals from analog and digital sensors, and the second and third terminals may receive input signals from a thermistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION ASIA PACIFIC BUSINESS CENTER PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Rajesh Ramesh Shah
  • Publication number: 20150127187
    Abstract: A method of adjusting port parameters. A source device establishes an initial output voltage swing and an emphasis level for output signals from a display port interface as a result of executing a link training process with a target device. A processor determines that a prescribed temperature threshold has been exceeded by a source device temperature. The output voltage swing and emphasis levels are set to different output voltage swing and emphasis levels as a consequence of determining that the prescribed temperature threshold has been exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Jacob Warren KIMBRELL
  • Patent number: 9026262
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method, circuit, and electronic device for controlling a rotation speed of a fan. The method provides a multistage function curve associates temperatures with rotation speed values. The multistage function curve comprises a first steady-state function segment with slope of zero, a second steady-state function segment with slope of zero and N function segments positioned between the first and second steady-state function segments. N is a positive integer. The slope of a (i+1)th function segment is greater than that of an ith function segment, and i is a positive integer in the range from 1 to N. The electronic device comprising the circuit may use the temperature of the processor based on the multistage function curve to dynamically control the rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Getac Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Chi Wang, Wei-Chung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 9020655
    Abstract: A method and system for thermal management in integrated circuits and integrated circuit boards is described. In an embodiment, the circuit device board includes circuit devices, temperature sensors, and a thermal management unit. The thermal management unit receives thermal data from the temperature sensors and determines thermal reference points that define thermal regions. The thermal reference points are correlated with the operating characteristics of the circuit devices. When warranted, the thermal management unit makes independent corrective responses to each of the thermal regions. These corrective responses include modifying operating parameters, adjusting workload, and suspending operation of circuit devices within the thermal region. Thus, the disclosed method and system can preserve function in one thermal region while alleviating stress on another thermal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Signalogic, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Brower
  • Patent number: 9020656
    Abstract: A thermal state within an information handling system enclosure is managed within predetermined constraints by estimating thermal energy introduced to the enclosure by power dissipation to electronic components and thermal energy removed from the enclosure by a cooling airflow generated by a fan. A desired bulk temperature of a cooling airflow is attained at a predetermined position in an enclosure by selecting a fan speed and power allocation to the components that conserves energy within the enclosure at a predetermined thermal state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Shelnutt, German Florez-Larrahondo, Sharadha Parthasarathy, Tyler Duncan
  • Publication number: 20150112503
    Abstract: A control device of the present invention estimates warm-up time that it takes for a warm-up of a machine based on the temperature of the machine to be warmed up and the saturation temperature that is unique to the machine. Warm-up start time is calculated based on the obtained warm-up time and predefined warm-up end time. In this way, the warm-up can be efficiently performed as the warm-up can be performed for an appropriate period of time in consideration of the saturation temperature unique to the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kaname Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9014870
    Abstract: A container system including cabinets, a main control unit connected to the cabinets and a heat dissipation zone is mentioned. The cabinet includes a plurality of serving zones each of which further includes a master server and at least one slave server. The heat dissipation zone is disposed at a side of the serving zone and coupled to the main control unit. Each slave server is coupled to the master server. The slave server includes at least one temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor is used for outputting temperature information to the master server when receiving the temperature demand. The master server collects the temperature information transmitted by each slave server. The master server forwards the temperature information to the main control unit. The main control unit drives the heat dissipation zone to dissipate heat of the serving zone according to the temperature information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Shu Chiu, Chien-Chou Chen, Szu-Hsien Lee, Hsing-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 9002525
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for providing software updates to client devices. A client device (such as a thermostat) executes software to perform one or more functionalities of the device. Upon receiving an indicating that a software update is available, the device waits to download the software update until pre-download conditions are satisfied. Once the software update is downloaded, the device then waits to install the software update until pre-install conditions are satisfied. If the software update is non-critical and received during an initial installation of the device, the software update may not be installed until after installation of the device is complete. If the device is a thermostat, the device may delay installation of the software update until a controlled HVAC system in inactive. Control of the HVAC system may be disabled during installation of the software update.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair R. Gourlay, David A. Bourne, Grant M. Erickson, Richard J. Schultz, David Sloo, Jonathan Solnit
  • Patent number: 8995123
    Abstract: A cooling and noise-reduction apparatus for a computing device disposable within a structure having a central air conditioning system is provided. The computing device includes a heat generating component, an enclosure having first and second inlets, a fan configured to drive coolant from the first inlet to the heat generating component, a vent operably interposed between the second inlet and the heat generating component and a controller coupled to the fan and the vent to respectively control operations thereof. The cooling and noise-reduction apparatus includes a ducting element configured to flexibly and fluidly couple the second inlet with the central air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Marten, Martin R. Naish, Brian Stewart, Sam Rogers, Paul Thorpe
  • Patent number: 8996182
    Abstract: There are provided a fuel cell system capable of reducing power consumption by inhibiting an unnecessary operation of a DC-DC converter, and a power control method therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Mori, Kenji Umayahara
  • Patent number: 8996192
    Abstract: A method and system for thermal management in integrated circuits and integrated circuit boards is described. In an embodiment, the circuit device board includes circuit devices, temperature sensors, and a thermal management unit. The thermal management unit receives thermal data from the temperature sensors and determines thermal reference points that define thermal regions. The thermal reference points are correlated with the operating characteristics of the circuit devices. When warranted, the thermal management unit makes independent corrective responses to each of the thermal regions. These corrective responses include modifying operating parameters, adjusting workload, and suspending operation of circuit devices within the thermal region. Thus, the disclosed method and system can preserve function in one thermal region while alleviating stress on another thermal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Signalogic, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Brower
  • Patent number: 8996193
    Abstract: A method for cooling a data center having a plurality of racks and an adjustable cooling system includes the following steps. A minimum and maximum temperature is set for each of the racks. A temperature of each of the racks is determined based on i) a rate R(t) at which the chilled air at a temperature Tc is introduced to each of the racks and ii) a rate R at which warm air from each of the racks at a temperature T is returned to the cooling system. The cooling system is adjusted to add cooling or to reduce cooling to the data center. The determining and adjusting steps are repeated at a predetermined time interval to achieve and maintain the temperature of each of the racks to be greater than or equal to the minimum temperature and less than or equal to the maximum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis G. Manzer
  • Patent number: 8989912
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and controlling a temperature is closed, it comprises a temperature collecting unit (1), a temperature collecting path (2) and a temperature controlling unit (3). The temperature collecting path (2) comprises a fast sensing path (20) and a slow sensing path (22). The fast sensing path (20) is connected to temperature sensing spots of a device and is used for obtaining temperatures of the temperature sensing spots of the device in a first predefined period. The slow sensing path (22) is connected to functional units (5) of the device and is used for obtaining temperatures of the functional units in a second predefined period. The second predefined period is greater than the first predefined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventor: Hang Dai
  • Patent number: 8989909
    Abstract: A multi-dimensional energy control system is provided with an energy management software application that organizes the consumption of energy by a device as an n-dimensional energy space, where n is an integer greater than 2, and each axis in the energy space represents an energy consumption characteristic. The energy management application generates instructions for a device in response to calculating a compromise operating point in the energy space. A user interface (UI) connected to the energy management application has a display to receive a graphical representation of the energy space and compromise operating point, and an input to receive user commands for moving the represented compromise operating point in the represented energy space. The energy management application calculates the compromise operating point in the energy space to match the displayed compromise operating point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Park, James Owen, Carl Mansfield, David Elrod
  • Patent number: 8988874
    Abstract: A cooling and noise-reduction apparatus for a computing device disposable within a structure having a central air conditioning system is provided. The computing device includes a heat generating component, an enclosure having first and second inlets, a fan configured to drive coolant from the first inlet to the heat generating component, a vent operably interposed between the second inlet and the heat generating component and a controller coupled to the fan and the vent to respectively control operations thereof. The cooling and noise-reduction apparatus includes a ducting element configured to flexibly and fluidly couple the second inlet with the central air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Marten, Martin R. Naish, Brian Stewart, Sam Rogers, Paul Thorpe
  • Publication number: 20150075546
    Abstract: An add-on module for an electronic cigarette or vaporizer providing an electronic means to communicate with remote computers and electronic devices and to provide a dynamic means to control temperature over time, manage and save device settings, dynamically control temperatures, monitor sensors, and transmit and read this data from remote computing devices for display, alteration and storage
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Stoicheion Technology LLC
    Inventors: Todd R. Kueny, SR., Todd R. Kueny, JR., Nicholas McKelvey
  • Patent number: 8983674
    Abstract: A method for cooling a data center having a plurality of racks and an adjustable cooling system includes the following steps. A minimum and maximum temperature is set for each of the racks. A temperature of each of the racks is determined based on i) a rate R(t) at which the chilled air at a temperature Tc is introduced to each of the racks and ii) a rate R at which warm air from each of the racks at a temperature T is returned to the cooling system. The cooling system is adjusted to add cooling or to reduce cooling to the data center. The determining and adjusting steps are repeated at a predetermined time interval to achieve and maintain the temperature of each of the racks to be greater than or equal to the minimum temperature and less than or equal to the maximum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis G. Manzer
  • Patent number: 8983665
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a data and commands communication system between compressor and electronic thermostat, particularly applied to cooling systems having variable capacity compressor (VCC), with the purpose of providing an exchange of data between said equipment which is technically more efficient and less costly compared to the solutions available today.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventor: Günter Johann Maass
  • Patent number: 8972075
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature of a glow plug (1), wherein a setpoint temperature (Tset) is used to determine a setpoint value (Rset) of a temperature-dependent electric variable and an effective voltage (Ueff) which is generated by pulse width modulation is applied to the glow plug (1) and is used as correcting variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner BERU Systems, GmbH
    Inventor: Ismet Demirdelen
  • Publication number: 20150057828
    Abstract: A system for managing a data center including a plurality of electronic components, each of which are configured to generate varying levels of heat loads under varying power level utilizations, is disclosed. The system may comprise a data collection module adapted to collect data describing heat loads generated by the plurality of electronic components; an implementation module adapted to implement a model to predict a thermal topology of the data center, wherein the model is based on thermodynamic state equations; and a control module adapted to adjust the heat load of at least one of the plurality of electronic components based on the model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Massimo Civilini
  • Patent number: 8956152
    Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater is shut down when a predicted steady state combustion chamber temperature is below a known threshold. The predicted steady state temperature is based on combustion chamber temperatures during heat up of the burner and appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Beckett Gas, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Cook
  • Patent number: 8948922
    Abstract: In a method for identifying operating conditions of a domestic appliance, a temperature of an operating agent of the domestic appliance and/or of a component of the domestic appliance is detected by a temperature sensor. The ambient temperature is detected by the temperature sensor before the programming mode, in an initialization phase. At least one reference temperature value is defined that represents a critical value for the programming mode of the domestic appliance in respect of reliable and/or efficient operation. The programming mode is prevented from beginning as a function of the comparison of the measured ambient temperature with at least one reference temperature value. The programming mode is prevented from beginning until the ambient temperature has reached a value that is in an acceptable range in comparison with the reference temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Schleuthner