Patents Issued in March 1, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070045244
    Abstract: A microwave resonance plasma generating apparatus, a plasma processing system having the same and a method of generating a microwave resonance plasma are provided. The apparatus includes a microwave generating unit which generates a microwave, and a plasma producing unit which produces electrons and photons of high energy using the microwave generated from the microwave generating unit. The plasma producing unit includes a coaxial waveguide having an inner electrode disposed adjacent to the microwave generating unit, an outer electrode connected to the microwave generating unit and disposed to coaxially surround a portion of the inner electrode, the outer electrode being shorter than the inner electrode, and a dielectric tube disposed between the inner electrode and the outer electrode to insulate between the inner electrode and the outer electrode. The coaxial waveguide utilizes a principle of “cut or truncated electrode of coaxial waveguide” and a resonance phenomenon of Langmiur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Yound-dong Lee, Igor Kossyi, Mamikon Misakyan, Merab Taktakishvili
  • Publication number: 20070045245
    Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Brandt, Richard Anderson, Brian Currier, Jon Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward Shipulski
  • Publication number: 20070045246
    Abstract: A plasma generating electrode according to the invention includes at least two opposing plate-shaped unit electrodes 2, each having a rectangular surface and four end faces, and a holding member 5 which holds at least one (fixed end 6) of a pair of parallel ends (pair of ends) of four ends of the unit electrode 2 corresponding to the four end faces, at least one of the opposing unit electrodes 2 being a conductive-film-containing electrode 8 including a ceramic body 3 and a conductive film 4, and a distance “a” (mm) from an edge of the conductive film 4 to an edge of the ceramic body 3 on the other pair of parallel ends (other pair of ends 9) of the four ends of the conductive-film-containing electrode 8 adjacent to the pair of ends and a thickness “c” (mm) of the ceramic body 3 satisfying a relationship “(c/2)?a?5c”. The plasma generating electrode 1 is effectively prevented from breaking due to thermal shock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicants: NGK Insulator, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasumasa Fujioka, Masaaki Masuda, Atsuo Kondo
  • Publication number: 20070045247
    Abstract: An inductively coupled plasma alignment apparatus having a coil 10 for generating an inductively coupled plasma in a gas, the coil having a first axis 100; a torch 20 passing at least partially through the coil, the torch having a second axis 200; and an adjustment mechanism 80, 110 for adjusting the position of the torch with respect to the coil so as to alter the relative configuration of the first and second axes. The adjustment mechanism may adjust an angle and/or a distance between the second axis and the first axis. The second axis may be held substantially parallel to the first axis, while the adjustment mechanism adjusts a distance between the second axis and the first axis. The coil is preferably maintained substantially fixed in position with respect to a sampling aperture for sampling photons or ions from the plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Philip Marriott, Timothy Whitechurch, Jonathan Bradford, Jim Stringer
  • Publication number: 20070045248
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a vacuum arc plasma source device using a low mass, compact inductive energy storage circuit powered by a low voltage DC supply acts as a vacuum arc plasma thruster. An inductor is charged through a switch, subsequently the switch is opened and a voltage spike of Ldi/dt is produced initiating plasma across a resistive path separating anode and cathode. The plasma is subsequently maintained by energy stored in the inductor. Plasma is produced from cathode material, which allows for any electrically conductive material to be used. A planar structure, a tubular structure, and a coaxial structure allow for consumption of cathode material feed and thereby long lifetime of the thruster for long durations of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Jochen Schein, Andrew Gerhan, Robyn Woo, Michael Au, Mahadevan Krishnan
  • Publication number: 20070045249
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the gap resistance between two electrodes, such as the electrodes used fusion splicing one optical fiber to another, by injecting negative ions into the gas or gasses that are located between the electrodes. As a result, the voltage that is required to cause dielectric breakdown and initiation of the electrical arc is drastically reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Wiley
  • Publication number: 20070045250
    Abstract: A method for welding a metal part with a laser that generates a laser beam, where the method includes manually feeding successive portions of a filler material adjacent the metal part and in a pathway of the laser beam, generating the laser beam for melting the filler material, and cooling the melted filler material for fusing the filler material to the metal part. The method further includes controlling an intensity of the laser beam based on a sensed position of a user's hand relative to the laser beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James Moor, Gary Shubert
  • Publication number: 20070045251
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a tubular component comprising an insert made of a metal matrix composite, within which ceramic fibers extend, characterized in that it includes a draping step, in which a bonded sheet of coated filaments is draped around a metal mandrel, each filament comprising a ceramic fiber coated with a metal sheath, and the filaments being bonded by spot welds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Franchet, Gilles Klein, Agathe Venard
  • Publication number: 20070045252
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods of laser machining that include inducing formation of a plasma plume from a process gas through interaction of the gas with a laser beam are disclosed. The methods may include removing material from the substrate by interaction of the induced plasma plume with the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Klaus Kleine, Scott Palley, Frank Korte
  • Publication number: 20070045253
    Abstract: A method and system increase the quality of results achieved by laser micromachining systems. Data relating to parameters controlling laser micromachining process are recorded during the micromachining process, identified by the feature associated with the parameters used to micromachine, and stored on the system. The stored data can be either retrieved during the micromachining process to enable real time control or retrieved after workpiece processing to conduct statistical process control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: William Jordens, Lindsey Dotson, Mark Unrath
  • Publication number: 20070045254
    Abstract: A wafer drilling method for forming via holes reaching electrodes in a wafer having a plurality of devices formed on the front surface of a substrate and electrodes formed on the devices by applying a pulse laser beam from the rear surface side of the substrate, wherein a material forming the substrate, a material forming the electrodes and a wavelength of the pulse laser beam are selected based on absorptivity for the wavelength of the pulse laser beam, and the material forming the substrate, the material forming the electrodes and the wavelength of the pulse laser beam are set to ensure that the absorptivity of the electrodes for the wavelength of the pulse laser beam becomes lower than the absorptivity of the substrate for the wavelength of the pulse laser beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Hiroshi Morikazu
  • Publication number: 20070045255
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods of laser machining that include inducing formation of a plasma plume from a process gas through interaction of the gas with a laser beam are disclosed. The methods may include removing material from the substrate by interaction of the induced plasma plume with the substrate. The process gas may be optimized to achieve a desired machining effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Klaus Kleine, Scott Palley
  • Publication number: 20070045256
    Abstract: A fiber-bundle disclosed has: a bundle of a plurality of optical fibers each receives a light beam in one end and emits the light beam from the other end; and an adjuster to adjust positions of a plurality of optical fibers. The configuration can realize a wide variety of irradiation patterns easily and freely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Shinsuke Kurahashi
  • Publication number: 20070045257
    Abstract: A control system, for use with a laser that generates a laser beam, includes a sensor for sensing a position of a hand of a user, and a control for controlling operation of the laser based on the sensed position of the user's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James Moor, Gary Shubert
  • Publication number: 20070045258
    Abstract: A device is provided to remove sputtered materials adhering to a nozzle in a laser processing machine. In a laser processing, some sputtered material S1 adhering to a nozzle 65 degrades copy operations in the processing. A nozzle polishing device 600 comprises a processing head 610, and drives a processing tool 620 which may be a formed grindstone. The processing tool 620 of the formed grindstone has a processing surface 622 which is brought into contact with the nozzle 65 to remove the sputtered material S1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Naoomi Miyakawa
  • Publication number: 20070045259
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with an engine driven inverter power supply includes generating an ac output with an engine and generator. The output is rectified and inverted to provide an ac inverter output. The engine is controlled using feedback indicative of a welding output operating parameter. The feedback may also be taken from the inverter or generator, and the generator may be controlled instead of or in addition to the engine. Engine parameters that may be controlled include engine speed, selecting between an idle speed and a run speed, a throttle position, a fuel pump, an injection timer, a fuel to air ratio, fuel consumption and ignition timing. Another aspect of the invention is having the feedback be responsive to one or more of the welding current, welding voltage, welding power, or functions thereof. The feedback may be responsive to the current, voltage, power, ripple and functions thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Beeson, Stephen Li, Alan Smith
  • Publication number: 20070045260
    Abstract: An edge of an aluminum 5xxx series sheet is welded to another aluminum 5xxx series sheet utilizing a low magnesium content aluminum alloy filler. The bottom weld seam metal is heat dressed as by a TIG and subsequently the bottom and the top, are planished to the same thickness as the sheets. Favorable properties such as the elimination of nail heads, improved corrosion resistance, and bendability are obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Frank Feng, William Christy
  • Publication number: 20070045261
    Abstract: A filler-metal weld rod of a filler-metal composition is prepared by providing a mass of metallic powders, mixing the metallic powders with a temporary thermoplastic binder to form an injection-moldable mixture, and thereafter injection molding the injection-moldable mixture at an injection-molding temperature above the thermoplastic temperature of the thermoplastic binder to form an injection-molded rod. Any excess thermoplastic binder is removed from the injection-molded rod, and the injection-molded rod is thereafter sintered to form a filler-metal weld rod, with the temporary thermoplastic binder removed in the step of sintering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas Kelly
  • Publication number: 20070045262
    Abstract: An electric heating module for heating air flow, in particular in vehicles, is provided by the invention having at least one PTC heating element 10 and at least one adjacent heat dissipating area 13, through which air can flow, with heat conducting ribs being in an effective contact to the PTC heating element 10 as well as the PTC heating element 10 and the heat conducting ribs 13, combined by a frame 1 to form a module. The invention is characterized in that the heat dissipating area is embodied circular, in particular round.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: MICROHELLIX SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Ingo Schehr
  • Publication number: 20070045263
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical heating device, especially for motor vehicles, comprising a closed frame (2) consisting of rails (3, 4) and cross rails (5, 6), heating elements (7) consisting of electrically conductive plastic layers (18) having PCT effect, which are arranged between contact plates (15, 16), heat-conducting secondary surface elements (8) that can be overflown by air and at least one electrically conductive spring element (9), wherein the heating elements (7) and the secondary surface elements (8) are alternatingly arranged next to one another and are braced against each other by means of the rails (3, 4) and a spring element (9) placed centrally which replaces the secondary surface element (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicants: BEHR GMBH & CO KG, BEHR FRANCE S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Jürgen Otto, Michel Brun, Yannik Laumonnerie, Gregory Lucas, Pascal Miss, Mathieu Mougey, Christophe Schmittheisler
  • Publication number: 20070045264
    Abstract: A glass plate having printed conductive members, comprises a functional strip (30) being a printed conductive member, a first bus bar (20a) electrically connected to an end of the functional strip and being a printed conductive member, a second bus bar (20b) electrically connected to the other end of the functional strip and being a printed conductive member and a printed dark ceramics (13) provided along the periphery of a glass plate (10), wherein the bus bars (20a, 20b) are provided on the printed dark ceramics and have cut-out portions (23a, 24a) in which the printed dark ceramics is exposed. Generation of uneven temperature distribution due to the difference of heat absorptivities between the printed dark ceramics and the bus bars is prevented, whereby a glass plate having printed conductive members is provided by more simple method and at lower cost than before.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Takashi Nekoda, Teruji Nagaoka, Takeshi Shibata
  • Publication number: 20070045265
    Abstract: A system for reducing heat load applied to a frozen barrier by a heated formation is described. The system includes heat interceptor wells positioned between the heated formation and the frozen barrier. Fluid is positioned in the heat interceptor wells. Heat transfers from the formation to the fluid to reduce the heat load applied to the frozen barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Billy McKinzie
  • Publication number: 20070045266
    Abstract: An in situ conversion system for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation is described. The system includes a plurality of u-shaped wellbores in the formation. Piping is positioned in at least two of the u-shaped wellbores. A fluid circulation system is coupled to the piping. The fluid circulation system is configured to circulate hot heat transfer fluid through at least a portion of the piping to form at least one heated portion of the formation. An electrical power supply is configured to provide electrical current to at least a portion of the piping located below an overburden in the formation to resistively heat at least a portion of the piping. Heat transfers from the piping to the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Chester Sandberg, Thomas Fowler, Harold Vinegar, Willem Jan Antoon Schoeber
  • Publication number: 20070045267
    Abstract: A system for heating a subsurface formation is described. The system includes a first elongated heater in a first opening in the formation. The first elongated heater includes an exposed metal section in a portion of the first opening. The portion is below a layer of the formation to be heated. The exposed metal section is exposed to the formation. A second elongated heater is in a second opening in the formation. The second opening connects to the first opening at or near the portion of the first opening below the layer to be heated. At least a portion of an exposed metal section of the second elongated heater is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the exposed metal section of the first elongated heater in the portion of the first opening below the layer to be heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Harold Vinegar, Ronald Bass, Dong Kim, Stanley Mason, George Stegemeier, Thomas Keltner, Frederick Carl
  • Publication number: 20070045268
    Abstract: A system for heating a subsurface formation is described. The system includes an elongated heater in an opening in the formation. The elongated heater includes two or more portions along the length of the heater that have different power outputs. At least one portion of the elongated heater includes at least one temperature limited portion with at least one selected temperature at which the portion provides a reduced heat output. The heater is configured to provide heat to the formation with the different power outputs. The heater is configured so that the heater heats one or more portions of the formation at one or more selected heating rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Harold Vinegar, Xueying Xie, David Miller, Jean-Charles Ginestra
  • Publication number: 20070045269
    Abstract: A heating garment for heating the body of a wearer having a front section adapted to overlie the ventral region of the wearer; a back section adapted to overlie the dorsal thoracic region of the wearer and having a medial portion and lateral portion; electric heating element located in the medial portion of the back section; switching means connected to said heating element and connectable to a portable electric power source, and having at least an off mode and an on mode; and whereby when said switching means is connected to a portable electric power source and is in said on mode said heating element heats to at least 50° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicants: Jett (Aust) Pty Ltd, Petatech International Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Vassallo
  • Publication number: 20070045270
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus relating to the thermal management of an image fixing device such as establishing the temperature of a component that engages with the image fixing device in an image forming apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Douglas Hamilton, Russell Lucas, Johnny Sears
  • Publication number: 20070045271
    Abstract: There is disclosed a heating element 10 comprising: a single-piece heat-resistant base member 1 with a plate portion la in which a heater pattern 3a is formed, a rod portion 1b extending from one surface of the plate portion la and in which a current-carrying part 3b is formed, and an end portion 1c at an end of the rod portion 1b on the opposite side of the plate portion la and in which a power-supply terminal 3c is formed; a dielectric layer 2 with insulating property on the surface of the heat-resistant base member 1; a conductive layer 3 with conductive property on the dielectric layer 2, in which the conductive layer 3 is formed as the heater pattern 3a in the plate portion 1a, as the current-carrying part 3b in the rod portion 1b, and as the power-supply terminal 3c in the end portion 1c; and a protection layer 4 with insulating property which covers the surface of the heater pattern 3a and the current-carrying part 3b, in which the dielectric layer 2, the conductive layer 3 and the protection layer
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noboru Kimura, Takuma Kushihashi
  • Publication number: 20070045272
    Abstract: A warming unit and system and method for warming an infusion medium prior to introducing the medium into a patient's body. The apparatus includes an outer casing, inlet and outlet tubes secured to the outer casing, a fluid conduit for transporting the infusion medium through the warming unit, and a heating element disposed proximate to the fluid conduit for warming the infusion medium flowing therethrough. The warming unit forms part of the system, which further includes a controller for controlling various functions of and separate from the warming unit, a reservoir containing the infusion medium, and a power source for powering the warming unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: C. French, Garrett Barker, Wyatt Earp
  • Publication number: 20070045273
    Abstract: A warming unit and method for warming an infusion medium prior to introducing the medium into a patient's body. The apparatus includes an outer casing, inlet and outlet tubes secured to the outer casing, a fluid conduit for transporting the infusion medium through the warming unit, and a heating element disposed proximate to the fluid conduit for warming the infusion medium flowing therethrough. The warming unit can form part of a system, which further includes a controller for controlling various functions of and separate from the warming unit, a reservoir containing the infusion medium, and a power source for powering the warming unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: C. French, Garrett Barker, Wyatt Earp
  • Publication number: 20070045274
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pre-heater for vehicles comprising: A PTC element module including a positive terminal composed of two sheets, an upper sheet of which has a fastening hole and upward bended ribs formed at opposite edges of the fastening hole; a ring-shaped insert insulator inserted between the ribs; a PTC element inserted into an inside of the insert insulator, a bottom surface of which is in contact with a lower sheet of the positive terminal; one heat fin assembly closely fastened to one surface of the PTC element; another heat fin assembly fastened to the other surface of the PTC element through the medium of a positive terminal and an entire surface insulator; and a fastening insulator for binding together the two heat fin assemblies, the PTC element, the positive terminal and the entire surface insulator, and a heat fin assembly disposed parallel to the PTC element module; a negative terminal disposed parallel to the heat fin assembly; frames and respectively fastened to both ends of a combined body inclu
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Sung-Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20070045275
    Abstract: A heat trace assembly for heating a conduit is provided that comprises at least one preformed heat trace section adapted to be placed around at least a portion of the conduit and a connector secured to the heat trace section. The connector is adapted for coupling the heat trace section to an adjacent heat trace section, and the heat trace section and the connector have mating mechanical features to allow the heat trace section to be quickly connected to and disconnected from the conduit. Additionally, a heat trace junction is provided that preferably defines a cross configuration and comprises a plurality of arms extending from a central portion of the heat trace junction. The plurality of arms are deformable to conform to a junction within a conduit system. Thermal insulation jacket configurations are also provided in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Louis Steinhauser, Christopher Lanham
  • Publication number: 20070045276
    Abstract: A lighter includes (1) a housing; (2) a rechargeable electric power source contained in the housing; (3) a heating element operatively connected to the power source; (4) an actuator for selectively connecting the heating element to the power source resulting in electricity being delivered to the heating element to cause heating thereof; and (5) a first feature for indicating a charge level of the power source and for indicating when the heating element is at an optimal temperature for igniting an object. The first feature can also indicate the charge level when the device is being charged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Gary Fisher, Fernando Newcomb
  • Publication number: 20070045277
    Abstract: Food service heating systems and methods that include a heating element configured to heat a food service product in a heating area. A controller is coupled to the heating element and configured to control an aspect of the heating element. A sensor arrangement is configured to sense motion of the food service product within the heating area. The controller detects motion of the food service product within the heating area using the sensor, and controls the aspect of the heating element in response to the motion. Methods for controlling a food service product heating system involve providing a heating element configured to heat a food service product in a heating area. Motion of the food service product is detected within the heating area. An aspect of the heating element, such as power level, ON/OFF condition, number of active elements, or other aspect, is controlled in response to the detected motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Valdislav Smarda, William Pollack
  • Publication number: 20070045278
    Abstract: A glass ceramic cooktop includes at least one burner delimited in a radial direction by an inner wall of insulation, and a heating element disposed under the burner for heating up a cooking pot placed on the burner. A monitoring element is provided for limiting a heating temperature to a maximum value and to limit heat generated underneath the glass ceramic surface so as to limit heat radiated on the glass ceramic surface to a predefined value. A temperature switch is disposed underneath the glass ceramic surface outside of the burner in the radial direction. The temperature switch is configured to sense radially radiating heat released outside of the burner and, within a range of from about 130° C. to about 200° C., switch off the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Dittrich, Joerg Vollgraf
  • Publication number: 20070045279
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a heating element structure. A first strip wire shaped in a wave-like configuration is attached to an insulator surface by a plurality of staples placed along the first strip wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Arsalan Emami, Mitch Agamohamadi, Saeed Sedehi
  • Publication number: 20070045280
    Abstract: A thermal head driving method of driving thermal heads is disclosed. The method includes a step of dividing the thermal heads into plural groups, providing for each of the groups a common potential terminal, a step of using a drive circuit to drive the thermal heads of one or more of the groups, and a step of applying an operating voltage to the common potential terminal of said one or more groups driven by the drive circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Sumio Watanabe, Fumio Sakurai, Yukihiro Mori, Norio Endo, Shuko Yamaji, Tomoyuki Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20070045281
    Abstract: An operating device for a cooktop has a cover with a control panel with a plurality of operating areas. Below the panel, several FSR sensors are positioned. When a control panel is pushed down by a process of operation, the FSR sensor changes its electrical resistance resulting in change of a signals that can be detected and interpreted as operation of the appliance by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: E.G.O. ELEKTRO-GERAETEBAU GMBH
    Inventor: Martin Baier
  • Publication number: 20070045282
    Abstract: A method for controlling a coefficient of friction between an object and ice includes steps of (1) pulsing power to an interface between the object and the ice to melt an interfacial layer of ice at the interface and decrease the coefficient of friction, (2) facilitating refreezing of the interfacial ice at the interface to increase the coefficient of friction; and (3) repeating steps (1) and (2) to control an average coefficient of friction between the object and the ice. A slider having a surface intended to interface with ice or snow includes a power supply for generating power. The slider also has a heating element that converts power to heat at the surface, the heat being sufficient to melt interfacial ice at the interface, and a controller for controlling delivery of power to the heating element to control friction between the slider and the ice or snow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Victor Petrenko
  • Publication number: 20070045283
    Abstract: A heat sink that is disposed on a heating element and absorbs the heat generated by the heating element includes: a contact surface to which recessed grooves are formed and the region of which excluding the recessed grooves is in contact with the heating element; insertion members having a thickness, which permits them to fill the recessed grooves, and come into contact with the heating element by being inserted into the recessed grooves; and a turning mechanism that separates the contact surface from the heating element by turning the insertion members in response to a manipulation while abutting the extreme ends of the insertion members against the heating element. With such arrangement, there can be provided the heat sink that can reduce time and effort for removing the heat sink from the heating element while suppressing deterioration of heat absorption capability and an information processing device including the heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Eriko Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20070045284
    Abstract: A control and a method for controlling a cooking device, which is adapted to carry out cooking programs. The control includes a selection element for selecting a cooking program, a first input element for inputting the amount of cooking desired, a processing unit which modifies a parameter of the cooking program depending on the amount of cooking desired, the control controlling the cooking device in accordance with the cooking program modified by the parameter. The cooking program depends on a plurality of modifiable parameters and the processing unit determines from the plurality of parameters the parameters to be modified subject to the selected cooking program and/or subject to the adjusted amount of cooking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Katja Balk, Hans Rogenhofer, Michael Ulmer
  • Publication number: 20070045285
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic heating apparatus. The automatic heating apparatus uses a plurality of resistors and a heat conductor to solve the problems encountered when a complex heating circuit of the prior art needs to be operated in a low temperature environment and therefore requires an automatic heating effect. The automatic heating apparatus can be located on a surface of an electronic component or on one side of an electronic device to increase the temperature of the electronic component or the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: He-Ping Chen
  • Publication number: 20070045286
    Abstract: A switching power supply includes a sensor for detecting that the output level of the switching power supply has exceeded a rated output level, and a memory that stores data for estimating temperature change of a heat-producing component during a period in which the output level is higher than the rated output level. The data is differentiation data of a curve that represents temperature change characteristics of the heat-producing component. An estimated temperature of the heat-producing component is computed based on the time elapsed from when the output level of the switching power supply exceeds the rated output level and the differentiation data. When the estimated temperature of the heat-producing component reaches an upper threshold temperature, a switching element is deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Takafumi Mizuno, Kota Otoshi
  • Publication number: 20070045287
    Abstract: An improved PTC device and method of manufacturing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device and method incorporates an improved metal-ceramic composite PTC material manufactured by: (a) heating a ceramic material to a sufficiently high temperature to induce the ceramic material's PTC properties; (b) grinding the ceramic PTC material into a powder; (c) mixing the ceramic PTC material powder with a metal material powder so as to produce a metal-ceramic composite material powder; and (d) sintering the composite material powder at a temperature between 600° and 950° C. In alternative embodiments, an improved multi-layer structure and method of manufacturing such a structure is disclosed. In various embodiments, a PTC device made in accordance with the improved multi-layer structure and method of manufacture may or may not incorporate the improved metal-ceramic composite PTC material disclosed herein, but may use conventional ceramic-based PTC materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Xiang-Ming Li, Xiaopeng Yang, Liwu Wang, Daniel Chang
  • Publication number: 20070045288
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus having a housing, a heating element, a heating element switch, a heating chamber, a heating chamber cover, and a controller. The housing is handheld. The heating element is disposed within the housing. The heating element switch may be electrically coupled with the heating element. The heating chamber is disposed within the housing. The heating chamber cover may be adapted to at least partially eject the heating chamber from the housing when the heating chamber cover is displaced relative to the housing. The controller is electrically coupled with the heating element switch. The controller is adapted to control a transfer of energy to the heating element. The controller may be adapted to prevent the transfer of energy to the heating element if the heating chamber cover is not in a closed position relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen Nelson
  • Publication number: 20070045289
    Abstract: A portable cart is provided for spraying viscous coating material. The cart holds a resin container and an activator container, each of which is separately heated by conduction. Material transfer lines run from the containers to a spray gun, and the lines are heated. A gas tank and pressure regulator provide compressed gas to the spray gun for spraying the coating material. The spray gun is a positive displacement gun. A direct current, double stack, low-ramp motor drives two material transfer pumps to force the resin and activator through the lines to the spray gun. The two pumps are each driven through a separate helicoidal gear box. A single 110 volt AC input provides the power for the entire cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: John Kott, Kenneth Kott
  • Publication number: 20070045290
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a heat generating device formed of heat generating diaphragm plates comprises an electrically conducting supporting frame and a plurality of heat generating diaphragm plates. The supporting frame consists of two coupled supporting plates facing against each other with a predetermined spacing, surfaces on the two supporting plates opposite to each other are respectively provided with several insertion slots whose wall surfaces are coated to form electrode terminals such that when the heat generating diaphragm plates are inserted into the insertion slots, an electrical connection is formed among silver solders provided at both terminals of each heat generating diaphragm plate and the electrodes formed on the insertion slots thereby completing a heat generating device capable of adjusting heat generation capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20070045291
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nano particle generator that can reduce power consumption, can be miniaturized, and can generate nano particles having various different material characteristics at the same time. The nano particle generator includes a body, a heating unit to heat a material received in the body such that the material is evaporated, a channel extending through the body such that a fluid to condense the evaporated material flows along the channel, and an insulating member to prevent heat generated from the heating unit from being transmitted to the body. The heating unit heats the material while the heating unit is in direct contact with the material, and the heating unit is in point or line contact with the insulating member. The heating unit has a plurality of locating parts formed therein such that the material is located in the locating parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Ji, Hyung Noh
  • Publication number: 20070045292
    Abstract: A vehicle heating apparatus which directly detects an anomaly in temperature sensors for a heated portion of a vehicle or other device, including first and second front thermistors and first and second rear thermistors in front and rear seats, respectively, and a heater controller which stops a front heater group when a difference between temperatures detected respectively by the first and second front thermistors reaches a predetermined threshold value and which stops a rear heater group when a difference between temperatures detected respectively by the first and second rear thermistors reaches a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Yamada, Koji Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20070045293
    Abstract: This invention provides a power supply which supplies an AC electric current to the coil of a heating unit employing the electromagnetic induced heating method via a connector connecting a plurality of wires, and a method for the power supply. The method includes the steps of supplying electric currents to the coil via 1st and 2nd wires from 1st and 2nd electric current supply units and detecting feedback electric currents via 3rd and 4th wires through the coil. Whether an electric current is abnormally supplied to the coil is monitored on the basis of these detected electric currents. It is controlled in accordance with the monitoring result to stop driving the 1st and 2nd electric current supply units and supply an electric current to the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Junji Ishikawa