Patents Assigned to Watlow/Winona, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5602363
    Abstract: A DIN rail mounted enclosure for a relay, electronic control, sensing or other such similar device having a single lever for rapid one-handed engagement or disengagement with a DIN rail. A component housing cover secures readily to a base which includes lip or hook capturing members on its bottom surface for engagement of standard DIN rail. A circuit board structure is incorporated for the mounting of a face plate panel and control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Watlow/Winona, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore T. Von Arx
  • Patent number: 5598322
    Abstract: A power control system in a DIN rail mount assembly for switching power in a low cost, compact, and solid state for controlling electric heaters. The system can be used for single phase, three phase-two leg, and three phase-three leg. Current switching capabilities range from 30 A to 50 A. Variable time base, 4-20 mA process control or VAC/DC input contactor configurations can be utilized. The DIN Rail back plate includes a sliding mechanical configuration. A potting fence provides for potting of the electrical substrate and also provides a heat sink. A large cover covers finger palm safer terminals. The DIN rail assembly can also be used for supporting electrical, electromechanical, optical or other types of assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Watlow Winona, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore T. Von Arx, Robert A. Judd, Russell A. Schneidewind
  • Patent number: 5552998
    Abstract: Multiple heaters are calibrated and controlled by a microcomputer, and a multiplexer for this system. The heaters are sequentially sampled and resistance calculated from voltage and current measurements. The operator enters a temperature for the calculated resistance to establish a calibrated resistance value. During run, the computer energizes and samples each heater to calculate its resistance. The calculated resistance if divided by the calibrated resistance to determine a resistance ratio. A look-up table is stored in the computer having resistance ratios for corresponding temperature. The computer compares the calculated ratio to that of the look-up table to determine actual heater temperatures. Based upon heater temperatures, the computer controls energization of the heaters until set points are achieved. Negative temperature coefficient and positive temperature coefficient transistors and semiconductors can be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Watlow/Winona, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Datta
  • Patent number: 5521850
    Abstract: Multiple heaters are calibrated and controlled by a microcomputer, and a multiplexer for this system. The heaters are sequentially sampled and resistance calculated from voltage and current measurements. The operator enters a temperature for the calculated resistance to establish a calibrated resistance value. During run, the computer energizes and samples each heater to calculate its resistance. The calculated resistance if divided by the calibrated resistance to determine a resistance ratio. A look-up table is stored in the computer having resistance ratios for corresponding temperature. The computer compares the calculated ratio to that of the look-up table to determine actual heater temperatures. Based upon heater temperatures, the computer controls energization of the heaters until set points are achieved. Negative temperature coefficient and positive temperature coefficient transistors and semiconductors can be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Watlow Winona, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Moe, James R. Datta
  • Patent number: 5280422
    Abstract: Multiple heaters are calibrated and controlled by a microcomputer, and a multiplexer of this system. The heaters are sequentially sampled and resistance calculated from voltage and current measurements. The operator enters a temperature for the calculated resistance to establish a calibrated resistance value. During run, the computer energizes and samples each heater to calculate its resistance. The calculated resistance is divided by the calibrated resistance to determine a resistance ratio. A look-up table is stored in the computer having resistance ratios for corresponding temperatures. The computer compares the calculated ratio to that of the look-up table to determine actual heater temperatures. Based upon heater temperatures, the computer controls energization of the heaters until set points are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Watlow/Winona, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Moe, James R. Datta
  • Patent number: 5059397
    Abstract: A gas detector system for detecting gases such as CO.sub.2. Sample air is passed through a critically sized sealed sample chamber in a sample cell. Infrared waves are generated in an insulated heater assembly, and radiate through windows of the sealed sample chamber concurrent with the sample air. The strength and magnitude of the infrared waves is attenuated by the level of gas, such as CO.sub.2, present in the sample air passing through the critically sized sealed sample chamber, and is sensed by a thermopile detector, including a filter for a specific frequency of infrared energy. Electronic circuitry processes the thermopile signal and measures other parameters of the gas detector to provide a signal indicative of the percentage of gas concentration in the air. Extensive use of insulation about and around the thermopile detector electronic circuitry and other components of the detector maximize stability and reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Watlow/Winona, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Melly, Shawn Bennett
  • Patent number: 5003430
    Abstract: Electronic temperature controller including a snap-on relay module which snaps into the electronic temperature controller. Any compatible relay module with any different numbers of poles can be accepted by manually disengaging a relay module from clips on the electronic temperature controller. Ball-stud assemblies on the relay module frictionally engage into a plurality of receptacles in the electronic temperature controller. A geometrical configuration provides for knob to potentiometer orientation and alignment including radial and axial stress relief for the potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Watlow/Winona, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted VonArx, Gerald J. Klaves
  • Patent number: 4736091
    Abstract: Integral sensor controller for an electrical resistance heater, where the heater is constructed from materials such as nickel, balco, platinum, alumel, or like materials which have an appreciable, positive temperature coefficient of resistivity. The resistance versus temperature characteristic of the heater acts as the temperature sensor. A low level D.C. current provides a sensor voltage which is compared to a set point voltage for switching the heater power through a transistor. The relationship of the sensor voltage to the set point voltage is compared by a comparator which is subsequently used to toggle flip flops for switching of the heater power. Circuitry is provided for protection against heater short circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Watlow/Winona, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Moe
  • Patent number: D312581
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Watlow/Winona, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Klaves, Ted VonArx