Patents Examined by Mark Paschall
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Patent number: 9655169Abstract: An electric heater for an automobile vehicle, with an electric heating element, which is connectable to an electric power source, with an insulating element and with a tube with the electric heating element being placed inside the tube and being electrically insulated from the tube, with the tube having at least one opening through which the insulating element and the electric heating element can be inserted into the tube. The electric heater features a safety element, which is plugged into the at least one opening of the tube, with the safety element having at least one distance element, which defines the orientation of the electric heating element and/or the insulating element in relation to the tube. Furthermore the invention relates to a heat exchanger with at least one electric heater.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: MAHLE International GmbHInventor: Thomas Zirgel
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Patent number: 9649716Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used to sustain a low flow plasma. In certain examples, the low flow plasma can be sustained in a torch comprising an outer tube and an auxiliary tube within the outer tube. In some examples, the auxiliary tube comprises an effective length to match the shape of a low flow plasma sustained in the torch using a flat plate electrode. Methods and systems using the torches are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Peter Morrisroe
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Patent number: 9646728Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma welding apparatus for a guide thimble and guide thimble end plug of a nuclear fuel assembly, which includes: a welding chamber (100) includes an end-plug inserting part (110) into which the end plug (10) is inserted, a guide-thimble inserting part (120) which is provided on the same axis as the end-plug inserting part (110) and into which the guide thimble (20) is inserted and fixed, a torch assembling part (130) to which a plasma welding torch (131) is assembled so as to make a right angle with the end-plug inserting part (110) and the guide-thimble inserting part (120), and argon inflow and outflow ports (141, 142) through which argon is supplied or discharged; an end-plug transfer unit (210) supplying the end plug (10) to the end-plug inserting part (110); and an guide-thimble transfer unit (220) transferring the guide thimble (20) to the guide-thimble inserting part (120).Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: KEPCO NUCLEAR FUEL CO., LTD.Inventors: Ju Young Lee, Chang Hwan Hwang, Hung Soon Chang, Soon Ki Guk, Tae Hyung Na, Yeong Seon Oh
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Patent number: 9648665Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a heating system component including a temperature monitoring and/or control unit comprising a lower surface, and a carrier unit comprising an upper surface. At least a part of said lower surface of said temperature monitoring and/or control unit is in thermal contact with at least a part of said upper surface of said carrier unit. Said lower surface of said temperature monitoring and/or control unit and said upper surface of said carrier unit are attached to each other by means of a welded seam, preferably by means of a laser-welded seam.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Bleckmann GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Gernot Teufl, Gerhard Weber
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Patent number: 9646861Abstract: A heating plate for use in a substrate support is configured to provide temperature profile control of a substrate supported on the substrate support in a vacuum chamber of a substrate processing apparatus. The heating plate includes an independently controllable heater zones operable to tune a temperature profile on an upper surface of the heating plate. The heater zones are each powered by two or more power lines wherein each power line is electrically connected to a different group of the heater zones and each respective heater zone is electrically connected to a different pair of power lines.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATIONInventors: Harmeet Singh, Keith Gaff, Neil Benjamin, Keith Comendant
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Patent number: 9648667Abstract: A system and method for induction cooking using an induction cooking unit, an interface adapted to receive, store, and execute a plurality of instructions of a multistage programmable recipe using the induction cooking unit, a power supply, a controller coupled to said power supply, said interface, and said induction cooking unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: NuWave, LLCInventors: Jung S. Moon, Byung G. Choi, Jennifer E. Dawes, Mikale K. Kwon, Cathy Rosch, Terry Puerzer, Eunjung Huh, Teng Jin Lian, Kim Jong Rok, Zeng Qing Ping
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Patent number: 9648666Abstract: To provide a warming temperature control device which prevents overheating with high accuracy and stability to ensure safety and is excellent in economy, between both electrodes of a DC stabilization power supply which drives a temperature control section, a fixed resistor with which a capacitor is connected in parallel, a first diode disposed in a forward direction with respect to the power supply, and a temperature detection element wire are connected in series, and an inter-wire short circuit protection circuit is included. A degree of leak of a polymer layer is determined by detecting a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of an input signal to the temperature control section on a time axis. When the difference increases to reach a predetermined set value, the temperature control section performs control such that a heating signal is not outputted.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Hongkong Tachibana Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Nomura, Masahiro Asakura
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Patent number: 9642188Abstract: An electric heater (4) of a synthetic-material molding system (2) defines a current path (6) that includes a first measuring pickup (20), a second measuring pickup (22), a switch (16) and a third measuring pickup (24), all connected in series, wherein a heating element (14) is connected between the first measuring pickup (20) and the second measuring pickup (22). The electric heater (4) also has a diagnostic path (28) that includes a first diagnostic pickup (30), a first voltage measuring device (52), a second diagnostic pickup (32), a second voltage measuring device (54) and a third diagnostic pickup (34), all connected in series.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Christine Bach, Axel Haase, Reinhard Schneider, Jürgen Stoll, Philipp Zinn
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Method of improving electrode life by simultaneously controlling plasma gas composition and gas flow
Patent number: 9642237Abstract: A method of operating a plasma arc torch system is provided. A first plasma gas supply source, a second plasma gas supply source, and a control unit are provided. A first plasma gas composition is flowed through a first plasma gas flow path, and a plasma arc is generated using the first plasma gas composition. After arc generation, the plasma gas composition is changed to a second plasma gas composition, and the plasma gas flow path is changed to a second plasma gas flow path, wherein the second plasma gas flow path is different from the first plasma gas flow path. The plasma arc is sustained using the second plasma gas composition. The first and second plasma gas flow paths are both at least partially disposed within the plasma arc torch.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: John Peters, Jon W. Lindsay -
Patent number: 9630272Abstract: In some aspects, methods for operating a plasma cutting system can include initiating an arc between a set of consumable components disposed in a torch of the plasma cutting system, the set of consumable components including a first consumable component and a second consumable component, detecting an operational characteristic of the arc, and analyzing the operational characteristic to identify at least one consumable component of the set of consumable components.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventor: Justin Gullotta
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Patent number: 9633875Abstract: An apparatus for improving the temperature uniformity of a workpiece during processing is disclosed. The apparatus includes a platen having a separately controlled edge heater capable to independently heating the outer edge of the platen. In this way, additional heat may be supplied near the outer edge of the platen, helping to maintain a constant temperature across the entirety of the platen. This edge heater may be disposed on an outer surface of the platen, or may, in certain embodiments, be embedded in the platen. In certain embodiments, the edge heater and the primary heating element are disposed in two different planes, where the edge heater is disposed closer to the top surface of the platen than the primary heating element.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Dawei Sun, D. Jeffrey Lischer, Steven M. Anella, Dale K. Stone, Lyudmila Stone
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Patent number: 9630273Abstract: Systems and methods can be provided to use an automated cutting system to identify an edge or multiple edges of a workpiece. An automated cutting system receives trace data for a test path to be traced over a workpiece. The automated cutting system includes a torch from which gas is flowed. The torch is controlled in accordance with the trace data to trace the test path over the workpiece. A set of back pressure values are obtained by monitoring a back pressure of the gas during the tracing of the path. The back pressure values are mapped to a set of coordinates. An edge of the workpiece is identified using the set of back pressure values and the set of coordinates.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: John Peters, Richard Adams
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Patent number: 9624089Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for heating a drinkable or other fluid, such as water and/or ice in a hydration system. Such embodiments include heating assemblies for hydration systems, hydration systems with heating elements, electronic control assemblies for hydration systems, and various methods of heating a drinkable or other fluid, gel or semi-solid.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Arctic Innovations, LLCInventor: Robert Edward Ostrom
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Patent number: 9618947Abstract: Electrical resistance of a heated component is determined for temperature control and monitoring. A voltage-representation signal, which is proportional to a voltage across a heater component, is received. A magnified voltage-representation signal is generated by determining a difference between a voltage baseline offset, which represents a minimum operating voltage of the heater component, and the voltage-representation signal. A current-representation signal, which is proportional to an electrical current passing through the heater component is received. A magnified current-representation signal is generated by determining a difference between a current baseline offset, which represents a minimum operating current of the heater component, and the current-representation signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventor: Perry Robert Czimmek
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Patent number: 9615690Abstract: A cooking appliance including a housing and cooking vessel having a rim. A lid covers the cooking vessel when seated on the rim. At least one latch is disposed on the lid and a complementary engagement member is disposed on a sidewall of the housing. The at least one latch includes a base attached to the lid, a rotating arm having a cammed head at one end that engages the base, and a rod pivotally connected to the cammed head on one end and having a foot disposed at an opposite end. The rod passes through an aperture in the base and the cammed head engages the base as the arm is rotated. The rotation of the arm causes an axial displacement of the rod to cause a stop member on an end of the rod to engage the engagement member to seal the lid to the cooking vessel rim.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.Inventor: Jamal F. Hammad
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Patent number: 9612035Abstract: An adaptable system for defogging a mirror in a steamy bathroom having a tube assembly with a plurality of openings with an impeller and a plurality of heating elements for blowing hot air through the openings onto the fogged mirror. In one example embodiment, the tube assembly has louvers directing the hot air from the openings. The system has a plurality of mounting assemblies configured for all types of mirrors operative for coupling to the tube assembly, such as a portable mounting assembly with a rechargeable battery that selectively attaches on or adjacent to a mirror. The system has an articulated arm mounting assembly in one example embodiment. The system has a mounting assembly fixture in another example embodiment. A kit comprises the tube assembly and at least one mounting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: WINTERVENTIONInventor: Frank Winters
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Patent number: 9614262Abstract: A battery temperature raising system and a control method thereof are provided. The battery temperature raising system includes a power supply that operates a heater attached to a battery module. The heater is configured to increase a battery temperature and a variable resistor mounted on a circuit between the heater and the power supply adjusts a heating value of the heater based on an adjustment state of a resistance value. A heater relay is mounted on the circuit between the heater and the power supply and opens and closes the circuit to selectively turn on/off the heater. A first sensor senses the battery temperature and a second sensor senses a heater temperature. A controller outputs a control signal to operate the heater relay to selectively turn on/off the heater based on temperature information sensed by the sensors and a control signal to adjust the resistance value of the variable resistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Dal Kim, Shin Hyuk Yoon
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Patent number: 9605873Abstract: A heater includes a heating unit that supports at least a high-power state, a low-power state and a stand-by state. A control circuitry of the heater implements a state machine to control the heating unit, with respective states in the state machine corresponding to power states in the heating unit. The transition from a first state to a second state in the state machine is determined by a comparison between a measured ambient temperature with a predetermined threshold temperature for transitioning from the first state to the second state.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Helen of Troy LimitedInventors: Charles Boulos, Charles F. Squires
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Patent number: 9607867Abstract: The invention provides a substrate processing device and a substrate processing method for cooling a substrate, which are capable of conveying a substrate in a cleaner condition. A substrate cooling device serving as a substrate processing device of an embodiment of the invention includes: a chamber; a cooling unit which performs cooling; a substrate holder which is provided with a substrate mounting surface for mounting a substrate inside the chamber, and is cooled by the cooling unit; and a shield which is provided with a side surface portion surrounding a lateral side of the substrate mounting surface inside the chamber, and is cooled by the cooling unit. Moreover, a shield heater is provided in the vicinity of a surface on the inside of the shield.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Canon Anelva CorporationInventor: Yuji Kajihara
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Patent number: 9605376Abstract: Material treatment is effected in a treatment region by at least two energy sources, such as (i) an atmospheric pressure (AP) plasma and (ii) an ultraviolet (UV) laser directed into the plasma and optionally onto the material being treated. During processing, the material being treated may remain substantially at room temperature. Precursor materials may be dispensed before, and finishing material may be dispensed after treatment. Precursors may be combined in the plasma, allowing for in situ synthesis and dry treatment of the material. Electrodes (e1, e2) for generating the plasma may comprise two spaced-apart rollers which, when rotating, advance the material through a treatment region. Nip rollers adjacent the electrode rollers define a semi-airtight cavity, and may have a metallic outer layer. Loose fibers and fragile membranes may be supported on a carrier membrane, which may be doped. Individual fibers may be processed. Electrostatic deposition may be performed. Topographical changes may be effected.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: MTIX Ltd.Inventor: Pravin Mistry