Patents Assigned to Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
  • Publication number: 20230059671
    Abstract: A heater includes a flow guide and a plurality of electrical resistance heating elements. The flow guide defines a continuous geometric helicoid disposed about a longitudinal axis of the heater assembly. The flow guide defines a predetermined pattern of perforations that extend in a longitudinal direction through a first longitudinal length of the geometric helicoid, the longitudinal direction being parallel to the longitudinal axis. The plurality of electrical resistance heating elements extend through the perforations. At least one electrical resistance heating element of the plurality of electrical resistance heating elements has a first region with a first watt density and a second region with a second watt density. The second region is located farther in the longitudinal direction than the first region. The second watt density is less than the first watt density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Satya TATAVARTHY, Ethan DINAUER, Sanhong ZHANG, Scott H. BOEHMER, Scott YARBROUGH, Troy Ruben BOLTON, John LILLELAND, Jacob WILSON, Mike BANGE, Mark D. EVERLY
  • Patent number: 11585252
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for a fluid flow system having a container body includes a heater element and a strip. The heater element is within the container body and includes an electrical resistance element, a sheath, and an insulating material. The sheath extends along a predefined path through the container body and surrounds the electrical resistance element along the predefined path. The insulating material is disposed about the electrical resistance element between the electrical resistance element and the sheath. The insulating material electrically insulates the electrical resistance element from the sheath. The strip is disposed inside the container body and defines a tortuous geometry that follows the predefined path. The strip defines a plurality of openings at discrete locations along the strip. The heater element extends through the plurality of openings and is configured to contact the strip at the discrete locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark D. Everly, Jeremy Ohse, David P. Culbertson, Richard T. Williams, George Jambor, Jacob Wilson
  • Publication number: 20230049957
    Abstract: A standoff assembly for use in terminating a plurality of resistive heaters disposed within a fluid vessel includes a pressure adapter plate, an electrical enclosure adapter plate, and a plurality of conduits. An end portion of each of the resistive heating elements extends through the pressure adapter plate. The electrical enclosure adapter plate is spaced apart from the pressure adapter plate to define a dry volume therebetween. The conduits are secured to the pressure adapter plate and the electrical enclosure adapter plate. Each conduit is aligned concentrically with each of the resistive heating elements. An electrical termination portion of each resistive heating element is disposed within the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Curt ST.CLAIR, Matthew T. LANHAM, Ken GAULKE, John ABBOTT, Kenny SINCLAIR
  • Patent number: 11576233
    Abstract: A heater includes a first power pin and a second power pin made of dissimilar materials, and a resistive heating element made of a material different from those of the first and second power pins. The resistive heating element includes a first end electrically and directly connected to the first power pin to form a first thermocouple junction and a second end and electrically and directly connected to the second power pin to form a second thermocouple junction. The first and second power pins perform a dual function of supplying power to the resistive heating element and detecting changes in voltage at the first and second thermocouple junctions without interrupting the power supplied to the resistive heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jack Reynolds, Louis P. Steinhauser, Jake Spooler, William Bohlinger
  • Patent number: 11574838
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a support pedestal for use in semiconductor processing includes applying a protective layer on a conductive member of the support pedestal with an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The support pedestal has a support plate bonded to a tubular shaft. The support plate has a substrate, an electric element embedded in the substrate, and a conductive member connected to the electric element, and the tubular shaft defines an internal chamber. The ALD process introducing first precursors into the chamber of the tubular shaft to form a first monolayer on the conductive member, and introducing second precursors into the chamber of the tubular shaft to form a second monolayer on the first monolayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Mohammad Nosrati
  • Patent number: 11569661
    Abstract: A method of providing power via a plurality of power control systems forming a power network is provided. Each power control system includes a power controller and a power switch operable by the power controller. The method includes defining, by each power controller of the power network, a power allocation schedule for a power cycle using a dynamic load scheduling model based on a members list of the power network. The power cycle is divided into a plurality of power units, and the power allocation schedule identifies one or more designated power control systems from among the plurality of power control systems to provide power to a load during each of the power units. For the power cycle, the method includes providing power to the load by the one or more designated power control systems during a respective power unit based on the power allocation schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Philip S. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11570851
    Abstract: In combination with a pipe (213), a clamp (201) is provided which supports the pipe in a fixed position with respect to a substrate. The clamp includes first (203) and second (205) bands, wherein each of the first and second bands has an arcuate portion (209) and first and second terminal portions (211), and wherein the arcuate portions of the first and second bands are disposed in opposing relation around the surface of the pipe. A first fastener (207) extends through the first terminal portions of the first and second bands, and a second fastener extends through the second terminal portions of the first and second bands. A thermal insulator (233) is disposed between the first fastener and the first terminal portions of the first and second bands, and between the second fastener and the second terminal portions of the first and second bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael L. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20230021550
    Abstract: A control system for controlling an adjustable output voltage provided to a heater includes a controller configured to determine an input parameter based on an electrical characteristic of the heater, where the heater includes a resistive heating element that is operable to emit heat and as a sensor. The controller is further configured to determine an output voltage for the heater based on the input parameter and a desired setpoint, and to transmit a signal to a power converter to generate the output voltage. The desired setpoint is based on an operational state of the heater, and the input parameter includes data indicative of a temperature of the resistive heating element that is determined based on the electrical characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Applicant: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Stanton H. BREITLOW, John F. LEMKE, James HENTGES, Keith Douglas NESS, Eric ELLIS, William BOHLINGER, Matthew YENDER, Dean R. MCCLUSKEY
  • Patent number: 11562913
    Abstract: A heater assembly and method of controlling the heater assembly is provided. The heater assembly includes a resistive heater and a substrate, and the resistive heater comprises a plurality of heating zones disposed along a perimeter of the substrate. Each of the plurality of heating zones are independently controllable such that azimuthal temperature control of the heater assembly is provided. The plurality of resistive heating elements may be connected in series and have a common ground electrical lead. In the alternative, the plurality of resistive heating elements may each have a ground electrical lead and be isolated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin Smith, Paul Valachovic
  • Publication number: 20230021014
    Abstract: A heater assembly includes a flow guide and a plurality of electrical resistance heating elements. The flow guide defines a continuous geometric helicoid disposed about a longitudinal axis of the heater assembly. The flow guide defines a predetermined pattern of perforations that extend in a longitudinal direction through a first longitudinal length of the geometric helicoid. The longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis. The geometric helicoid has a first pitch at a first zone along the longitudinal axis and a second pitch at a second zone along the longitudinal axis. The second pitch is shorter than the first pitch. The electrical resistance heating elements extend through the perforations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Satya TATAVARTHY, Ethan DINAUER, Sanhong ZHANG, Scott H. BOEHMER
  • Patent number: 11558933
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a control system for controlling a heater system. The control system includes a plurality of zone control circuits, at least two auxiliary controllers, and a primary controller. The zone control circuits are operable to provide power to a plurality of heater zones of the heater system and to sense performance characteristics of the zones. The auxiliary controllers are coupled to the plurality of zone control circuits to control power to the plurality of zones and to monitor operation of the heater zones based on the performance characteristics. The primary controller is coupled to the auxiliary controllers and is configured to provide an operation set-point for each of the heater zones based on the performance characteristics. The auxiliary controllers operate the zone control circuits to supply power to the heater system based on the operation set-point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John Lemke, Martin Currie, William Bohlinger, Stanton H. Breitlow, Adam Kidney, Kurt Peterson, James Hentges
  • Patent number: 11550346
    Abstract: A heating system includes a plurality of heater elements, a plurality of switches connected to the plurality of heater elements, a set of predetermined performance information including heater information specific for each heater element, at least one temperature sensor measuring temperature of at least one heater element from among the plurality of heater elements, and a heater control unit in communication with the temperature sensor(s). The heater control unit controls the heater elements differently, via the switches, based on the heater information and the measured temperature from the temperature sensor(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: David P. Culbertson, Magdi Khair, Julian Tan, Mark Everly
  • Publication number: 20230003161
    Abstract: A heating system includes at least one electric heater disposed within a fluid flow system and a control device that is configured to determine a temperature of the at least one electric heater based on a model, at least one fluid flow system input, and at least one heater input. The at least one heater input includes at least one physical characteristic of the heating system, the at least one physical characteristic includes at least one of a resistance wire diameter, a heater insulation thickness, a heater sheath thickness, a conductivity, a specific heat and density of the material of the heater, an emissivity of the heater and the fluid flow pathway, and combinations thereof. The control device is configured to provide power to the at least one electric heater based on the temperature of the at least one electric heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Applicant: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: James N. PRADUN, Sanhong ZHANG, Jeremy J. QUANDT, David P. CULBERTSON, Magdi KHAIR
  • Patent number: 11540358
    Abstract: A heater system is provided, which includes a plurality of heaters, a controller for supplying power to the plurality of heaters, a plurality sets of auxiliary wires extending from the plurality of heaters, and a wire harness for connecting the plurality sets of auxiliary wires to the controller. Each set of auxiliary wires includes three wires, two of the three wires being made of different materials and being joined to form a thermocouple junction, such that each of the plurality of heaters is operable to function as both a heater and a temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jeremy Ohse, Douglas Schaefer, Eric Ellis
  • Publication number: 20220404067
    Abstract: An electric heater system includes an inlet, an outlet, a plurality of heat exchanger assemblies, and one or more connectors. The plurality of heat exchanger assemblies are connected in series. Each heat exchanger assembly includes a vessel, heating elements disposed within the vessel, and a fluid guide member. The connectors secure the vessels of the plurality of heat exchanger assemblies to each other. The connectors are also in fluid communication with the vessels. Fluid entering the inlet flows through the heat exchanger assemblies and through one or more connectors where it exits the outlet. The fluid guide members of the heat exchanger assemblies are of different or the same combinations to generate a predetermined pressure drop between the inlet and the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Rolando JULIANO, Ni-ñen PADERAYON, Dyson CABAHUG, Rhea A. DEL CAMPO, Melannie NELLAS
  • Patent number: 11533782
    Abstract: A heater system includes a plurality of heater cores defining zones, a plurality of power pins extending through each of the heater cores and made of different conductive materials, and at least one jumper connected between two of the plurality of power pins being made of dissimilar materials. The jumper is in communication with a controller to obtain a temperature reading of the heater system proximate the jumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jack Reynolds, Louis P. Steinhauser, Jake Spooler, William Bohlinger
  • Publication number: 20220397354
    Abstract: A thermal insulation structure includes an insulation layer having a first surface proximate a cooling device and a second surface opposing the first surface. A heater is disposed proximate the second surface, and a protective layer is disposed proximate the heater layer such that the heater layer is disposed between the insulation layer and the protective layer. The heater layer is configured to reduce frost or ice buildup on an exterior surface of the insulation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Applicant: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John LILLELAND
  • Patent number: 11528823
    Abstract: An industrial control device includes a display, a body, a first sensor, and a controller. The body includes a facia wall, an inner shroud, and an outer shroud. The facia wall includes a window that is a transparent material aligned to permit the display to be viewed through the window. The inner shroud extends rearward from a rear side of the facia wall. The outer shroud is disposed about the inner shroud and extends rearward from the rear side of the facia wall and is spaced apart from the inner shroud to define a cavity. A seal member is within the cavity forms a seal with a facia plate disposed about the inner shroud. The first sensor detects contact with a front surface of the facia wall. The controller is coupled to an output of the first sensor. The controller is coupled to the display and controls the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark Hoven, Andrew Borkowski, Bret Wadewitz, Robert A. Pape, Jeremy J. Quandt, Theodore Von Arx, Austin Johannes, Stephen White
  • Patent number: D974299
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jeremy Ohse, Eric Ellis
  • Patent number: D974300
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jeremy Ohse, Eric Ellis