Abstract: A method of providing an electronic monitoring or controlling device with a uniform and comprehensive programming interface as a means for accessing, either individually or in subgroups, various parameters, for the purposes of programming device operation, performing system diagnostics, or for activation, deactivation, selection or changing of other device functions. Said monitoring or controlling device includes user input means such as an individual switch or a plurality of switches, user output means such as a single or multi-digit digital readout, a microcontroller, and various electronic devices and sensors necessary for the device to perform its desired function. Said uniform and comprehensive programming interface provides a means for utilization of the aforementioned user input and output means for selecting, changing and displaying parameter choices, while at the same time, because of its architecture, being inherently secure.

Abstract: An electronic controller maintains the operating temperature of a cryopump by controlling a heater coupled to the cryopump. The heater is coupled to a cryopumping surface of the cryopump. The controller can control the operation of the heater in response to feedback from temperature sensors coupled to the cryopump. The controller can cause the heater to shut-off if a temperature sensor reads out of its normal temperature range.

Abstract: A method for providing an electronic monitoring device with the ability to detect the status of a controlled condition of a monitored environment, and, based on this status, to automatically self-adjust monitoring parameters in accordance with pre-defined parameter settings so as to properly monitor the controlled condition of the monitored environment. The monitoring device includes a microcontroller, a sensor to detect the status of the controlled condition of the monitored environment, switches to allow for user interaction and audible and visual annunciation devices as well as remote annunciation devices such as relays, all of these devices combined in a system to alert personnel when controlled conditions are abnormal.

Abstract: A control circuit for selectively allowing a backup battery to be physically connected to a load without being electrically connected to the load includes a bistable multivibrator circuit, a power-to-load switching circuit connected to the multivibrator circuit, a delay circuit and a sleep state switching circuit. The multivibrator circuit is in a first sleep state when the backup battery is connected to the control circuit but no voltage is supplied to the control circuit from the power supply. Under these circumstances, the control circuit provides no power supply voltage or backup battery voltage to the load. The multivibrator circuit changes to a second state from the first state when a power supply voltage is provided to the control circuit after the multivibrator circuit is already in the first state. Then, the control circuit will provide either the power supply voltage or the backup battery voltage to the load.

Abstract: A seat for marine use including a hollow primary seat structure. The primary seat structure has a generally upright back portion and a seat portion formed integrally with the back portion and extending forwardly therefrom. The back portion includes at least a pair of first female connector structures, and the seat portion includes at least a pair of second female connector structures. The seat further includes a pair of armrests having integral hook-shaped connectors at first ends thereof. The hook-shaped connectors are received in the first female connectors of the primary seat structure. The armrests also include integral male connectors at second ends that are received in the second female connector structures of the primary seat structure.

Abstract: An electronic controller maintains the operating temperature of a cryopump by controlling a heater coupled to the cryopump. The heater is coupled to a cryopumping surface of the cryopump. The controller can control the operation of the heater in response to feedback from temperature sensors coupled to the cryopump. The controller can cause the heater to shut-off if a temperature sensor reads out of its normal temperature range.

Abstract: A method for providing an electronic monitoring device with the ability to detect the status of a controlled condition of a monitored environment, and, based on this status, to automatically self-adjust monitoring parameters in accordance with pre-defined parameter settings so as to properly monitor the controlled condition of the monitored environment. The monitoring device includes a microcontroller, a sensor to detect the status of the controlled condition of the monitored environment, switches to allow for user interaction and audible and visual annunciation devices as well as remote annunciation devices such as relays, all of these devices combined in a system to alert personnel when controlled conditions are abnormal.

Abstract: An electronic controller is used to control a vacuum gauge in a vacuum system. The electronic controller may be coupled to a vacuum pump in the vacuum system. Preferably, the vacuum pump is a cryopump. The electronic controller determines whether there is a potentially dangerous condition present in the vacuum system. A potentially dangerous condition may be present, for example, if there is a sufficient amount of gas in the vacuum pump to ignite. If the vacuum pump is filed with inert gas, such as nitrogen, then the potentially dangerous condition is not present. The potentially dangerous condition is present when the temperature of the vacuum pump is above a temperature setpoint, such as 20K. The electronic controller responds to a potentially dangerous condition by preventing the vacuum gauge from being turned on.

Abstract: In a cryogenic vacuum pump, after determining that a power fail recovery mode is on, and that the temperature is below a setpoint, the cryopump is automatically cooled. If the power fail recovery mode is on, and the temperature is above the setpoint, a regeneration cycle is started automatically. If the power fail recovery mode is off, the cryopump may be maintained in an off state. When a command to turn on a pressure sensing thermocouple (TC) gauge is received, the TC gauge is turned on only if there is not a sufficient amount of gas to ignite. When a command to turn on a roughing valve is received, an additional command must be received before the roughing valve is turned on. When a temperature-sensing diode is faulty, temperature control is automatically turned off. During a regeneration cycle, a purge test is performed. If the purge test passes, heaters are turned on. If the purge test fails, the heaters are turned on only if the temperature reaches a threshold within a predetermined period.

Abstract: In a cryogenic vacuum pump, after determining that a power fail recovery mode is on, and that the temperature is below a setpoint, the cryopump is automatically cooled. If the power fail recovery mode is on, and the temperature is above the setpoint, a regeneration cycle is started automatically. If the power fail recovery mode is off, the cryopump may be maintained in an off state. When a command to turn on a pressure sensing thermocouple (TC) gauge is received, the TC gauge is turned on only if there is not a sufficient amount of gas to ignite. When a command to turn on a roughing valve is received, an additional command must be received before the roughing valve is turned on. When a temperature-sensing diode is faulty, temperature control is automatically turned off. During a regeneration cycle, a purge test is performed. If the purge test passes, heaters are turned on. If the purge test fails, the heaters are turned on only if the temperature reaches a threshold within a predetermined period.

Abstract: A cryogenic vacuum pump includes, in an integral assembly, temperature sensors and heaters associated with the first and second stages of the cryopumping array, a roughing valve and a purge valve. An electronic module removably coupled in the assembly responds to all sensors and controls all operations of the cryopump including regeneration thereof. System parameters are stored in a nonvolatile memory in the module. Included in the regeneration procedures are an auto-zero of the pressure gauge, heating of the array throughout rough pumping, and a change in pressure rate test to determine stall in rough pumping. The electronic module also restarts the system after power failure, limits use of a pressure gauge to safe conditions, provides warnings before allowing opening of the valves while the cryopump is operating and stores sensor calibration information. Control through a control pad on the pump may be limited by a password requirement. Password override is also provided.

Abstract: A cryogenic vacuum pump includes, in an integral assembly, temperature sensors and heaters associated with the first and second stages of the cryopumping array, a roughing valve and a purge valve. An electronic module removably coupled in the assembly responds to all sensors and controls all operations of the cryopump including regeneration thereof. System parameters are stored in a nonvolatile memory in the module. Included in the regeneration procedures are an auto-zero of the pressure gauge, heating of the array throughout rough pumping, and a change in pressure rate test to determine stall in rough pumping. The electronic module also restarts the system after power failure, limits use of a pressure gauge to safe conditions, provides warnings before allowing opening of the valves while the cryopump is operating and stores sensor calibration information. Control through a control pad on the pump may be limited by a password requirement. Password override is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring, indicating and controlling conditions of a refrigeration system having a refrigerated compartment, a door for accessing the refrigerated compartment, an interior light source for illuminating the interior of the compartment and a fan and coolant valve arrangement for refrigerating the compartment comprising. The apparatus includes a door switch and a microprocessor for controlling an interior light source, an audible alarm, a visual alarm and the refrigeration system. The microprocessor includes manually adjustable timing algorithms for activating and deactivating these elements after a predetermined delay. User selectable switches for setting the desired functional operation of the apparatus and a manually depressible panic button are also provided.

Abstract: A cryogenic vacuum pump includes, in an integral assembly, temperature sensors and heaters associated with the first and second stages of the cryopumping array, a roughing valve and a purge valve. An electronic module removably coupled in the assembly responds to all sensors and controls all operations of the cryopump including regeneration thereof. System parameters are stored in a nonvolatile memory in the module. Included in the regeneration procedures are an auto-zero of the pressure gauge, heating of the array throughout rough pumping, and a change in pressure rate test to determine stall in rough pumping. The electronic module also restarts the system after power failure, limits use of a pressure gauge to safe conditions, provides warnings before allowing opening of the valves while the cryopump is operating and stores sensor calibration information. Control through a control pad on the pump may be limited by a password requirement. Password override is also provided.

Abstract: A cryogenic vacuum pump includes, in an integral assembly, temperature sensors and heaters associated with the first and second stages of the cryopumping array, a roughing valve and a purge valve. An electronic module removably coupled in the assembly responds to all sensors and controls all operations of the cryopump including regeneration thereof. System parameters are stored in a nonvolatile memory in the module. Included in the regeneration procedures are an auto-zero of the pressure gauge, heating of the array throughout rough pumping, and a change in pressure rate test to determine stall in rough pumping. The electronic module also restarts the system after power failure, limits use of a pressure gauge to safe conditions, provides warnings before allowing opening of the valves while the cryopump is operating and stores sensor calibration information. Control through a control pad on the pump may be limited by a password requirement. Password override is also provided.

Abstract: A cryogenic vacuum pump includes, in an integral assembly, temperature sensors and heaters associated with the first and second stages of the cryopumping array, a roughing valve and a purge valve. An electronic module removably coupled in the assembly responds to all sensors and controls all operations of the cryopump including regeneration thereof. System parameters are stored in a nonvolatile memory in the module. Included in the regeneration procedures are an auto-zero of the pressure gauge, heating of the array throughout rough pumping, and a change in pressure rate test to determine stall in rough pumping. The electronic module also restarts the system after power failure, limits use of a pressure gauge to safe conditions, provides warnings before allowing opening of the valves while the cryopump is operating and stores sensor calibration information. Control through a control pad on the pump may be limited by a password requirement. Password override is also provided.

Abstract: A cryogenic vacuum pump includes, in an integral assembly, temperature sensors and heaters associated with the first and second stages of the cryopumping array, a roughing valve and a purge valve. An electronic module removably coupled in the assembly responds to all sensors and controls all operations of the cryopump including regeneration thereof. System parameters are stored in a nonvolatile memory in the module. Included in the regeneration procedures are an auto-zero of the pressure gauge, heating of the array throughout rough pumping, and a change in pressure rate test to determine stall in rough pumping. The electronic module also restarts the system after power failure, limits use of a pressure gauge to safe conditions, provides warnings before allowing opening of the valves while the cryopump is operating and stores sensor calibration information. Control through a control pad on the pump may be limited by a password requirement. Password override is also provided.

Abstract: A cryogenic vacuum pump includes, in an integral assembly, temperature sensors and heaters associated with the first and second stages of the cryopumping array, a roughing valve and a purge valve. An electronic module removably coupled in the assembly responds to all sensors and controls all operations of the cryopump including regeneration thereof. System parameters are stored in a nonvolatile memory in the module. Included in the regeneration procedures are an auto-zero of the pressure gauge, heating of the array throughout rough pumping, and a change in pressure rate test to determine stall in rough pumping. The electronic module also restarts the system after power failure, limits use of a pressure gauge to safe conditions, provides warnings before allowing opening of the valves while the cryopump is operating and stores sensor calibration information. Control through a control pad on the pump may be limited by a password requirement. Password override is also provided.