Specific Application Of Temperature Responsive Control System Patents (Class 700/299)
  • Publication number: 20130325200
    Abstract: Methods of providing enhanced energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gases for an eco-industrial park with retrofit in mind and eco-industrial park retrofit with retrofit in mind, are provided. An exemplary method includes identifying hybrid inter-time zones inter-area matching solutions through selecting best energy efficient routes, generating technically viable energy efficient eco-industrial parks alternatives, identifying best generation and allocation of energy utilities, and synthesizing a combined heat and power utility system that satisfies the eco-park demands during each time zone as well as rendering its best operating scenario at each specific time-zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Mahmoud Bahy Noureldin, Abdulaziz M. Alnutaifi, Mana M. Al-Owaidh
  • Patent number: 8600543
    Abstract: When a temperature of a semiconductor wafer is controlled to be a target temperature by raising the temperature of the semiconductor wafer, switching is performed so that a high-temperature circulating liquid at a temperature higher than the target temperature in a high-temperature tank is supplied into an inside-stage flow channel, and respective thermoelectric elements in a plurality of zones in a stage are controlled; and then, the temperature of the semiconductor wafer matches the target temperature and a desired in-plane temperature distribution of the semiconductor wafer is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignees: Kelk Ltd., Tohoku University
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takechi, Norio Takahashi, Wataru Kiyosawa, Shigenao Maruyama, Atsuki Komiya
  • Patent number: 8600560
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for controlling computer room air conditioning units (CRACs) in data centers. An example embodiment includes: receiving an alert message from a reporting wireless network sensor of a plurality of wireless network sensors via a wireless sensor network, the alert message including information indicative of a modification needed to an environmental condition, the alert message including an indication of stability or instability of a computer room air conditioning unit (CRAC) in a data center; and using the information indicative of a modification needed to an environmental condition at a networked controller to command a device capable of modifying the environmental condition to modify the environmental condition in a manner corresponding to the information in the alert message, commanding the device including controlling fan speed in the CRAC to correct an indication of instability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: SynapSense Corporation
    Inventors: Garret Smith, Raju Pandey, Ray Pfeifer
  • Publication number: 20130317656
    Abstract: An integrated Energy Management and/or Control System method and apparatus that continually monitors power consumption on each piece of equipment 2417 and performs detailed analyses of energy consumption curves including derivatives and compares data to historical data on the same equipment as well as going online and acquiring manufacturers specs and comparing to that as well as the same model number equipment in the same or other locations, in order to detect anomalies, abnormal energy consumption or provide early warning of equipment failures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Edward L. Davis
  • Publication number: 20130317664
    Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature of a component is disclosed. The component is part of a drive configured to drive an electrical machine via an electrically conductive member. The method comprises determining a value of an attribute of the electrically conductive member; configuring a model to calculate the temperature of the component, the model being configured based on the determined value of the attribute of the electrically conductive member; using the model to calculate the temperature of the component; and if the calculated temperature of the component does not meet a predetermined temperature condition, issuing a command to control the operation of the drive such that the temperature of the component is changed to meet the predetermined temperature condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Control Techniques Limited
    Inventor: Control Techniques Limited
  • Patent number: 8594849
    Abstract: A method and a device for regulating the temperature inside a building having walls that include an inner microporous wall separated from a thermally insulating outer wall by a sheet of air, the device having a data processor configured to drive and control the circulation of outside air between the double walls of the building so as to act as a function of climatic conditions to regulate the temperature and the hygrometry inside the building by evaporating and condensing a fraction of the humidity of the microporous inner wall of the double walls of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Edouard Serras, Jean-Marie Gaillard
  • Patent number: 8594857
    Abstract: A modulized heat-dissipation control method for a datacenter is provided. In this method, a temperature sensor is used to sense inner temperatures of multiple servers and CPU temperatures in the multiple servers. If any one of the CPU temperatures is abnormal, a flow of a first coolant is adjusted. If any one of the inner temperatures is abnormal, a rotating speed of a fan module is adjusted. If the rotating speed of the fan module has reached its maximum, a flow of a second coolant is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Chien Lin, Chien-An Chen
  • Patent number: 8594850
    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: September 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair Robert Gourlay, David A. Bourne, Grant M. Erickson, Richard J. Schultz, David Sloo, Jonathan Solnit
  • Patent number: 8595535
    Abstract: Described are techniques for managing a data storage system. First energy information for each of one or more enclosures of the data storage system is determined. Second energy information for the data storage system based on information including the first energy information for the one or more enclosures is determined. It is determined whether any of the first energy information for each of the one or more enclosures and the second energy information for the data storage system are within a predetermined amount of one or more associated thresholds. If it is determined that any of the first energy information for each of the one or more enclosures and the second energy information for the data storage system are within a predetermined amount of one or more associated thresholds, one or more actions are taken prior to reaching the one or more associated thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Ashok Tamilarasan, Joseph Perry, James W. Espy
  • Patent number: 8590332
    Abstract: A system and method for thermal management of a memory device is described. In an embodiment, one or more thermal sensors sends a signal to a thermal control module indicating that a pre-determined temperature threshold for a memory device or devices has been reached. The thermal control module may then begin tracking memory thermals or initiate thermal management operations based on the signal and history of memory device temperatures over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Wyatt
  • Publication number: 20130297094
    Abstract: The present invention applies to the field of integrated-circuit control, and provides a temperature feedback control system and method for DVFS. In the present invention, a main processor sends a control data packet to a microprocessor according to a received temperature feedback trigger signal, and the microprocessor immediately triggers working of a temperature data acquiring module, and after the temperature data acquiring module acquires real-time temperature data of a chip, executes a temperature feedback algorithm on the real-time temperature data according to the control data packet to output a corresponding performance control parameter, so as to enable a DVFS circuit to adjust a working frequency and a working voltage of the chip, and further enable the chip to implement automatic frequency and voltage adjusting at a low voltage and a low temperature and at a high voltage and a high temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Zhen YAO, Liqian CHEN, Lili PAN
  • Publication number: 20130297093
    Abstract: A user can be detected and identified at or near an elevator installation. A record for the user can be read from a database, and based on information in the record, a personalized building action can be performed for the user. A portion of the building can thus be “prepared” for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Edward Nowel
  • Patent number: 8571690
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing batch fermentation in a biofuel production process. A nonlinear control model of yeast growth and fermentable sugar concentration for biofuel (e.g., fuel ethanol) production in a batch fermentation process (pure and/or fed-batch fermentation) of a biofuel production process is provided. Process information for the batch fermentation process is received, and the nonlinear control model executed using the process information as input to determine values of one or more fermentation process variables for the batch fermentation process, e.g., fermentation temperature and/or enzyme flow, for substantially maximizing yeast growth and achieving target fermentable sugar concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Bartee, Maina A. Macharia, Patrick D. Noll, Michael E. Tay
  • Patent number: 8567175
    Abstract: A system configured to decrease the emissions of a power plant system during transient state operation is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: at least one computing device adapted to adjust a temperature of an operational steam in a power generation system by performing actions comprising: obtaining operational data about components of a steam turbine in the power generation system, the operational data including at least one of: a temperature of the components and a set of current ambient conditions at the power generation system; determining an allowable operational steam temperature range for the steam turbine based upon the operational data; generating emissions predictions for a set of temperatures within the allowable steam temperature range; and adjusting the temperature of the operational steam based upon the emissions predictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gordon Raymond Smith, Kelvin Rafael Estrada
  • Patent number: 8571717
    Abstract: A group management apparatus is configured to manage a plurality of air conditioning facilities installed in a plurality of buildings as a plurality of groups. The group management apparatus includes an obtaining section configured to obtain operational data of the air conditioning facilities through a plurality of control units disposed in the buildings on a one-to-one basis, and an extracting section configured to extract one or more groups satisfying predetermined conditions from the groups based on a plurality of assessment perspectives. The control units are configured to control the air conditioning facilities within the buildings. A group management system includes the group management apparatus and the control units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Nishino, Satoshi Hashimoto, Toshiyuki Miki, Shigesada Omoto, Takashige Kai
  • Patent number: 8570002
    Abstract: A generator set including a prime mover, a generator coupled to the prime mover, and a controller that is associated with a temperature controlled space and operates the generator set in one of a start/stop mode and a continuous mode depending on a demand defined at least in part by contents within the temperature controlled space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Randy S. Burnham, David J. Renken
  • Patent number: 8571518
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method of managing a site in a mobile environment, which includes detecting an availability of a thermostat wherein the thermostat has an operating condition; detecting a location of a mobile device associated with the site; providing a proximity control selector within a user interface of the mobile device to manage a proximity detection module disposed on the thermostat, wherein the proximity control selector has an enabled setting of the proximity detection module and a disabled setting of the proximity detection module; enabling the proximity detection module in response to the enabled setting of the proximity control selector to allow for the modification of the operating condition of the thermostat based on the detected location of the mobile device relative to the site; and disabling the proximity detection module in response to the disabled setting of the proximity control selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Allure Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Imes, James Hollister
  • Patent number: 8571689
    Abstract: System and method for managing batch fermentation in biofuel production. An optimizer executes a nonlinear multivariate predictive model of a batch fermentation process in accordance with an end of batch objective specifying a target end of batch biofuel concentration to determine an optimal batch trajectory over a temporal control horizon specifying a biofuel and/or sugar concentration trajectory over the batch fermentation process. A nonlinear control model for the batch fermentation process that includes the temporal control horizon driven by biofuel concentration during the batch fermentation process is executed per the determined optimal batch trajectory using received process information as input, thereby generating model output including target values for manipulated variables for the batch fermentation process, including batch fermentation temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Maina A. Macharia, Michael E. Tay
  • Patent number: 8565932
    Abstract: An idle control system for a vehicle is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Oakes
  • Patent number: 8560126
    Abstract: An approach for providing setpoint optimization for air handling units. An area for such optimization may incorporate choosing a thermal comfort level index, finding a zone air properties target area and computing a supply air properties target area. Beyond the present approach, an outdoor air portion may be optimized, a feasible psychrometric path found, supply airflow versus temperature optimized, and a controller run to meet setpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jiri Vass, Jiri Rojicek, Jana Trojanova
  • Patent number: 8555522
    Abstract: A method for operating a laundry treating appliance, such as a clothes dryer, having a treating chamber, an air system for supplying and exiting air from the treating chamber, a heating element for heating the air to the treating chamber, and a controller determining an inlet temperature used as a control input for a cycle of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan R. Bellinger, James P. Carow, Michele A. Paustian, David M. Williams
  • Patent number: 8560124
    Abstract: A computer readable medium containing instructions that when executed by a computer performs steps to affect temperature. The steps include defining a desired temperature as a first value; activating an HVAC device if a current temperature achieves a first condition relative to the desired temperature; deactivating the HVAC device if the current temperature achieves a second condition relative to the desired temperature; and defining the desired temperature as a second value if the current temperature does not achieve the second condition within a first time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Oakes
  • Patent number: 8560132
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an adaptive system and method for cooling a computer system. A plurality of interchangeable fans may be provided for cooling the computer system. Each fan may have different operational limits, but with a minimum fan speed selected so that all of the fans produce substantially the same airflow rate at the respective minimum fan speed. In one embodiment, the operational limits are stored in a computer-readable storage medium on a computer system cooling fan. The stored fan speeds are electronically retrieved from the fan, and a fan speed table is automatically generated from the retrieved maximum and minimum fan speeds. The fan speed table includes cooling state values indexed to specific fan speed values. The fan is operated at a fan speed associated with a dynamically selected cooling state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Jason A. Matteson
  • Patent number: 8560141
    Abstract: In a method for managing at least one three-dimensional package and a cooling system having at least one active cooling mechanism configured to cool the at least one three-dimensional package, at least one of workload on and an environmental condition on or around the at least one three-dimensional package is identified. In addition, at least one of an active cooling mechanism and a three-dimensional package is controlled based upon at least one of the identified workload and environmental condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Amip Shah, Chandrakant Patel
  • Patent number: 8552861
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for a biodegradable sensor device for mesh networking applications. In an embodiment of the invention, a biodegradable sensor device for mesh networking applications is provided. The device includes a frame formed of biodegradable material such as a mixture of polylactic acid and a resin, a biodegradable battery such as a flexible biodegradable lithium ion battery, an antenna, an environmental event detector formed from biodegradable material responsive to a change in environmental conditions, and signal generating circuitry configured to be responsive to detecting an environmental event by broadcasting a signal to other sensor devices in a mesh network and also to re-broadcast signals received from other sensor devices in the mesh network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Bastide, Matthew E. Broomhall, Robert E. Loredo
  • Patent number: 8554378
    Abstract: A controller for mobile hydraulic equipment includes a radio receiver, hydraulic controller, and display unit. The controller further includes terminals configurable to function as a combination of analog or digital inputs or outputs according to the system requirements. A user interface included on the controller permits an operator to select a desired function for each terminal and to configure the controller according to the application requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Magnetek, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Novak, Eric J. Zacherl
  • Patent number: 8554389
    Abstract: A thermal manager has a digital filter whose input is to receive raw temperature values from a sensor and whose output is to provide processed or filtered temperature values according to a filter function that correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at another location in the device. The thermal manager has a look-up table that further correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at the other location. The look-up table contains a list of processed temperature sensor values, and/or a list of temperatures representing the temperature at the other location, and their respective power consumption change commands. The thermal manager accesses the look-up table using selected, filtered temperature values, to identify their respective power consumption change commands. The latter are then evaluated and may be applied, to mitigate a thermal at the other location. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Cox, Andrew Bradley Just, Matthew G. Watson, Eric Albert, David Matthew Powers, Daniel Ariel West, Donald J. Novotney, Michael F. Culbert
  • Patent number: 8554377
    Abstract: Methods for optimizing a thermocline in a thermal energy storage fluid within a thermal energy storage tank are disclosed. The methods comprise identifying a thermocline region in the fluid, adding thermal energy to a fluid stream extracted from the thermocline region, and returning the fluid stream to the tank at a plurality of locations above the thermocline region. The methods further comprise regulating the temperature of the fluid returned to the tank at a set point temperature by modulating the flow rate of the fluid stream and by changing the location from where the fluid is extracted from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Terrafore, Inc.
    Inventors: Anoop K Mathur, Rajan B Kasetty
  • Patent number: 8538597
    Abstract: A hot water heater, and method of regulating the same, which includes a PID control. The PID control is responsive to inputs such as water temperature in the hot water heater and the flow rate of water such as through inlets and outlets coupled to the hot water heater. In one embodiment, the PID control generates an output that modifies the operating parameters of a heating device to accommodate changes in the temperature of the fluid in the hot water heater. The output results from one or more modules of a three-term control structure, wherein the modules comprise one or more of a proportional control module, an integral control module, and a derivative control module. Each of the modules is assigned at least one term, wherein the term is defined in accordance with gain parameters such as a proportional gain, an integral gain, and a derivative gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bryan James Beckley, John Joseph Roetker, Brian Michael Schork
  • Patent number: 8538584
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for controlling environmental conditions in a data center using wireless mesh networks. An example embodiment includes receiving an alert message from a reporting wireless network sensor of a plurality of wireless network sensors via a wireless sensor network, the alert message including information indicative of a modification needed to an environmental condition; and using the information indicative of a modification needed to an environmental condition at a networked controller to command a device capable of modifying the environmental condition to modify the environmental condition in a manner corresponding to the information in the alert message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Synapsense Corporation
    Inventors: Raju Pandey, Ray Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 8532838
    Abstract: System and method for controlling energy consumption in a data center. An embodiment includes: segregating hot air from cold air by preventing hot air exhausted from hot aisles from flowing into cold aisles; measuring temperature and relative humidity values of the segregated hot and cold air; detecting temperature and relative humidity values of outside air; mixing the segregated hot air with a volume of the outside air, the volume of the outside air depending on a result of the measuring and the detecting; measuring temperature and relative humidity values of the mixed air; comparing the temperature and relative humidity values of the mixed air and the temperature and relative humidity values of the segregated cold air to IT specifications; cooling the mixed air based on a result of the comparison; and providing the cooled mixed air in the cold aisles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic Allard, Jean-Marc Legrand, Jean-Louis Veran
  • Patent number: 8532832
    Abstract: In a temperature control system using a controlled mix of high temperature pressurized gas and a cooled vapor/liquid flow of the same medium to cool a thermal load to a target temperature in a high energy environment, particular advantages are obtained in precision and efficiency by passing at least a substantial percentage of the cooled vapor/liquid flow through the thermal load directly, and thereafter mixing the output with a portion of the pressurized gas flow. This “post load mixing” approach increases the thermal transfer coefficient, improves control and facilities target temperature change. Ad added mixing between the cooled expanded flow and a lesser flow of pressurized gas also is used prior to the input to the thermal load. A further feature, termed a remote “Line Box”, enables transport of the separate flows of the two phase medium through a substantial spacing from pressurizing and condensing units without undesired liquefaction in the transport lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
  • Patent number: 8517088
    Abstract: The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC System comprising a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of input control areas. A microprocessor is provided for control on the display screen. Buttons are pressed in order to program set-points of the thermostat so that seven days may be programed simultaneously. The display includes a seven-day icon so that the user can program the thermostat set-points rapidly (e.g. setting time and temperature settings with minimal steps). The user may activate a first programming mode wherein the activating occurs by depressing a programming-mode button for a first pre-selected duration in order to select a first day for setting the conditioning mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Braeburn Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Glenn A. Moore, Daniel S. Poplawski, Robert M. Rados
  • Patent number: 8509959
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for evaluating the transient cooling performance of a data center. In one version, the method includes receiving input data from a storage device, the input data including data center architecture information and operating data, displaying a model of the data center, performing real-time transient cooling performance calculations for the data center using the input data, and displaying results of the real-time transient cooling performance calculations, wherein the results include a maximum predicted temperature of the data center following a power outage of the data center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric IT Corporation
    Inventors: Xuanhang Zhang, James W. VanGilder
  • Patent number: 8504213
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed that enable the regulation of the temperature of transmission equipment connected to a generating plant. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a temperature of transmission equipment connected to a generating plant and regulating the output of the generating plant in response to the temperature exceeding a threshold level to reduce the temperature of the transmission equipment to below the threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Einar Vaughn Larsen
  • Patent number: 8490684
    Abstract: A temperature control device includes an estimator that estimates the outlet temperature of fluid at an outlet of heating tanks to which no outlet temperature sensor is provided. The temperature control device includes a control unit. For a heating tank to which an outlet temperature sensor is provided, the control unit determines a manipulated variable on the basis of the outlet temperature which has been measured and an individual target temperature. For a heating tank to which no outlet temperature sensor is provided, the control unit determines a manipulated variable on the basis of the estimated temperature estimated by the estimator and an individual target temperature. The control unit controls the outlet temperature of the heating tanks on the basis of the manipulated variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Kelk Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Mimura
  • Publication number: 20130184895
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method and apparatus for controlling temperature of data card. The method includes the following steps: sampling the temperature of protected element on the data card; regulating the data transmission speed of the data card according to the sampled temperature to control the temperature of the data card. With the disclosure, the element aging or element damage of a wireless data card is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: ZTE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hailong Wen, Hai Jian, Bo Gao
  • Patent number: 8489237
    Abstract: Methods correcting wafer position error are provided. The methods involve measuring wafer position error on a robot during transfer to an intermediate station. This measurement data is then used by a second robot to perform wafer pick moves from the intermediate station with corrections to center the wafer. Wafer position correction may be performed at only one location during the transfer process. Also provided are systems and apparatuses for transferring wafers using an intermediate station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Gage, Damon Genetti
  • Patent number: 8489250
    Abstract: A fan control system for a computer system is provided. The fan control system includes a power sensor and a controller. The power sensor detects the power dissipated by a target device in the computer system. The controller calculates a suggested airflow speed required for the target device and thus outputs a control signal for controlling a fan within the computer system according to at least the dissipated power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ameha Aklilu, Charlie C C Chiu, Kelvin W P Huang, Ku-Jei King, Edward Y C Kung, Bryan M H Pan
  • Publication number: 20130178999
    Abstract: A thermal workload distribution controller receives, for each of multiple thermal controlled areas, at least one current thermal measurement from at least one separate thermostat node. The thermal workload distribution controller selects a particular thermal controlled area from among the multiple thermal controlled areas that is most optimal to receive additional heat based on the at least one current thermal measurement received for each of the thermal controlled areas. The thermal workload distribution controller distributes at least one workload to a server node associated with the particular thermal controlled area, wherein the heat dissipated by the server from executing the workload affects a thermal environment of the particular thermal controlled area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: ANDREW GEISSLER, MICHAEL C. HOLLINGER
  • Publication number: 20130173082
    Abstract: A programmable thermal sensor is implemented in an integrated circuit such as a microprocessor. The programmable thermal sensor monitors the temperature of the integrated circuit, and generates an output to indicate that the temperature of the integrated circuit has attained a pre-programmed threshold temperature. In a microprocessor implementation, the microprocessor contains a processor unit, an internal register, microprogram and clock circuitry. The microprogram writes programmable input values, corresponding to threshold temperatures, to the internal register. The programmable thermal sensor reads the programmable input values, and generates an interrupt when the temperature of the microprocessor reaches the threshold temperature. In addition to a programmable thermal sensor, the microprocessor contains a fail safe thermal sensor that halts operation of the microprocessor when the temperature attains a critical temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Jack D. Pippin
  • Patent number: 8478447
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer program products for controlling one or more HVAC systems using a distributed arrangement of wirelessly connected sensing microsystems are described. A plurality of wirelessly communicating sensing microsystems is provided, each sensing microsystem including a temperature sensor and a processor, at least one of the sensing microsystems being coupled to an HVAC unit for control thereof. The plurality of sensing microsystems is configured to jointly carry out at least one shared computational task associated with control of the HVAC unit. Each sensing microsystem includes a power management circuit configured to determine an amount of electrical power available for dedication to the at least one shared computational task. The at least one shared computational task is apportioned among respective ones of the plurality of sensing microsystems according to the amount of electrical power determined to be available for dedication thereto at each respective sensing microsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Yoky Matsuoka, Matthew Lee Rogers, David Sloo
  • Publication number: 20130166092
    Abstract: A system for monitoring server simulated loads includes a fan, a switch module, a server chassis, a temperature sensor, and a micro control unit (MCU). The load module includes a plurality of heating loads. The switch module includes a plurality of switches, each of which is connected to one of the plurality of heating loads. The fan, the load module, and the switch module are housed in the server chassis. The temperature sensor detects an interior temperature of the server chassis. The MCU controls the switch module to turn on/off one or more loads of the plurality of heating loads, and/or adjusts a rotation speed of the fan, and determines whether the interior temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. A method for monitoring server simulated loads is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: KANG-BIN WANG
  • Publication number: 20130166095
    Abstract: A method to reduce large temperature over/undershoot in a computer system. Using workload data, the method proactively modifies controls of mechanical cooling system to anticipate power and take appropriate actions to maintain temperature. Workload control modifies workload and scheduling to reduce power transients and subsequent temperature deviations. In addition, workload control allows more even distribution of temp across chips, allowing for even wear and reduction of small/ripple/noise temp oscillations. A system and program product for carrying out the method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott J. Hadderman, Daniel J. Kearney, Wei Huang, K. Paul Muller, William J. Rooney, Guillermo J. Silva, Malcolm S. Ware, Emmanuel Yashchin, Peter B. Yocom
  • Publication number: 20130166091
    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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuo-Shu Chiu, Chien-Chou Chen, Szu-Hsien Lee, Hsing-Yi Chen
  • Publication number: 20130166093
    Abstract: An electronic device may be operated in any of a plurality of heat-dissipation modes to accommodate temperature rises, including rapid temperature rises, while allowing an electronic device to continue operating. A parameter such as clock frequency, a supply voltage, current consumption, the number of applications running, or other operating parameter, may be manipulated to control internal heat dissipation and thereby accommodate factors, such as external temperature rises. One operation mode may be a maximum operation mode in which clock(s) operate at their highest frequencies and power is supplied at its highest level. A shut-down operation mode, in which a processor cuts power to electronic components, may be entered when a temperature of interest exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Choon Kim, Jichul Kim, Hyunggil Baek, Eunseok Cho
  • Patent number: 8473105
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for feedback control and a device using the same, wherein the device comprising a sensing layer for generating a plurality of sensing signals with respect to the at least one kind of characteristics on the sensing layer, and a driving layer for changing the surface status of the sensing layer. The control method is started a step of acquiring the plurality of sensing signals within a first specific time interval and establishing a first prediction model accordingly, then predicting a distribution status with respect to the at least one kind of characteristic on the sensing layer at a specific time point according to the first prediction model, and finally, determining whether to change the surface status of the sensing layer according to the distribution status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Chia-Chi Chang, Tzu-Chien Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20130158737
    Abstract: A method induces augmented levels of heat dissipation by exploiting quiescent IC leakage currents to control the temperature in high power devices. A heat control and temperature monitoring system (HCTMS) utilizes a thermal sensor to sense the junction temperature of a component, which becomes self-heated due to the quiescent leakage current inherent to the component upon the application of power to the component. By increasing the voltage level of the power source, this quiescent self-heating property is augmented, which serves to accelerate the preheating of the device, until the temperature rises above the minimum specified operating temperature of the component. The method further includes reliably initializing the system by applying full system power and triggering a defined initialization sequence/procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: International Business Machines Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130158713
    Abstract: A thermal control system for a data center room, for controlling an ambient temperature in the data center room to meet an ambient temperature set point, receives multiple ambient temperature votes from multiple fan controllers positioned in the data center room each for controlling fan speeds for at least one separate fan from among multiple fans each positioned within a separate system from among multiple systems within the data center room. The thermal control system sets the ambient temperature set point to a lowest ambient temperature specified in the multiple ambient temperature votes, such that the thermal control system and fan controllers operate as independent systems, but are integrated for selecting an ambient temperature that minimizes the power required for controlling a thermal environment in the data center room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: ANDREW GEISSLER, MICHAEL C. HOLLINGER
  • Patent number: 8464544
    Abstract: A refrigerator capable of supercooling a target object and a control method thereof are provided. The refrigerator includes a temperature sensor which senses a temperature of the target object in the cooling compartment, wherein the temperature sensor is prevented from being in contact with ambient cool air and is installed on a bottom surface on which the target object is placed so as to sense only the temperature of the target object. Further, the control method includes sensing a temperature of the target object at each interval of a specified time ?t, calculating a difference between two temperatures sensed at specified time intervals, and comparing the difference between two temperatures with a predetermined reference value ?Tc to determine the supercooled state of the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Shik Shin, Jeong Han Kim