Temperature Sensor Controlling Temperature Patents (Class 165/253)
  • Publication number: 20030217840
    Abstract: A lid for a well plate is provided. Pins penetrate the lid and project downwardly into the wells of the well plate. Thermal energy is applied to the upper end of the pin to regulate the temperature of liquid samples in the well plate. Ultrasonic energy is applied to the upper end of the pin to sonicate the liquid sample. An electrical charge is applied to the upper end of the pin to attract charged materials, such as DNA, and to selectably segregate charged materials from the liquid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin R. Oldenburg
  • Patent number: 6640891
    Abstract: A thermal cycling device consisting of a plate containing a plurality of wells to hold liquid and a lid that covers the plate and contains a number of “pins” that insert into the wells of the plate to control the temperature of the sample in the well. Biological, chemical or other samples are placed into the wells of the plate and the lid is placed on the plate with the pins inserted into or in the proximity of the sample. The lid, the outer surface of which may be copper clad and in direct contract with the pins, is heated or cooled, rapidly and uniformly heating or cooling the biological samples. The temperature of the sample can be rapidly and uniformly cycled and is particularly useful for the amplification of DNA via the polymerase chain reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin R. Oldenburg
  • Publication number: 20030131983
    Abstract: An improved cooling system for an original machine comprised of a temperature controller, a linear temperature sensor, a cooling liquid tank provided with a heat exchanger and a refrigeration frequency variable compressor; hot liquid of the original machine being detected by the sensor with data transmitted to the temperature controller for comparison with the preset temperature to control the refrigeration output of the compressor for the tank temperature to reflect as required by the original machine without causing excessive fluctuation of temperature difference, thus to achieve zero error in the positioning of the main shaft of the original machine in process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Liu Chang Kuo
  • Patent number: 6569696
    Abstract: A heat exchange section (72) is provided in the middle of a circulation water path (58, 59) connecting between a temperature-controlled water tank (71) and a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus body (4) so as to perform a heat exchange with air of a clean room (3). The heat exchange section (72) is installed near an exit of an air circulation path (32) above a fan-filter unit (34) of the clean room as a temperature stabilized area off an atmosphere of the clean room (3). Additionally, as another method, a temperature of a chemical fluid from a chemical fluid tank (6) is controlled to be a temperature of the air in the clean room by a heat exchange section (61) provided in a location the same as above without using the temperature-controlled water so as to supply the chemical fluid to the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus body (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignees: Tokyo Electron Limited, Taisei Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Suenaga, Makoto Yamamoto, Naoki Mori, Hiromu Ito, Sadao Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20030075313
    Abstract: A system for cooling heat generating objects arranged in a room. The system adapts in real time to changing cooling demands of the objects. Remote sensors mounted in proximity to the heat generating objects relay information to cooling units, which adjust their operation in response to the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Lennart Stahl, Christian Belady
  • Publication number: 20030070799
    Abstract: A method for cooking food in a refrigerated oven comprising a cool cycle, bake cycle, and warm cycle. The cool cycle maintains the food placed in the refrigerated oven at a temperature suitable to prevent the spoiling of the food prior to the initiation of the bake cycle. The food is cooked during the bake cycle. The warm cycle maintains the cooked food at a temperature suitable for serving on removal from the cooking chamber. In optional cool cycle can precede the warm cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Dianne D. Mueller, Dale Lukens, David J. Anderson, Ralph Tate, Thomas J. Leichliter
  • Publication number: 20030006032
    Abstract: The absence or shortage of a heat transfer medium can be detected without any time lag. While the medium is circulated through a water jacket and an exhaust gas heat exchanger 9 which receives heat from the exhaust gas, the heat generated by the engine 2 can be recovered. A first sensor TW1 is provided at a waste heat recovering location in a circulation path 12 of the medium. A second sensor TW2 is provided at the downstream of the sensor TW1. When the medium is absent, there is developed a difference in the temperature measurement between the sensor TW1 and the sensor TW2 which is greater than a reference level. A heat transfer medium shortage signal is outputted when a difference in the temperature measurement between the first sensor TW1 and the second sensor TW2 exceeds the reference level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Nakagawa, Keiichirou Bungo
  • Publication number: 20030005707
    Abstract: A substrate cooling unit comprises a cooling plate on which the substrate is placed, a cooling temperature adjusting element which adjusts the cooling plate to a predetermined temperature, a temperature controller which controls a temperature of the cooling temperature adjusting element according to a transfer function, a temperature sensor attached to the cooling plate, and a control parameter changing section which changes at least any one setting of a proportional operation coefficient, integral time or derivative time among control parameters in the transfer function based on a temperature of the cooling plate detected by the temperature sensor after the substrate that is an object to be cooled is placed on the cooling plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Jun Ookura, Koji Harada
  • Publication number: 20020185136
    Abstract: A thermal treatment system for thermally treating a sterile medium is controlled via a foot actuated switch to thermally treat the sterile medium to a desired temperature and/or form (e.g., slush). The thermal treatment system includes a basin recessed in a system top surface, while a surgical sterile drape is placed over the system and within the basin to form a drape container for containing the sterile medium. The basin may be configured to cool the sterile medium and form sterile surgical slush, or heat the sterile medium to provide warm sterile liquid. A dislodgment mechanism may be employed within a cooling basin to manipulate the drape and dislodge frozen pieces of sterile medium adhered to the drape. Information pertaining to the sterile medium and system operation may be displayed on a system display that has dimensions sufficient to provide visibility of the information to users located within extended ranges from the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Bruce R. Heymann
  • Publication number: 20020166659
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) device (104) which includes both heating and cooling operating modes provides an easy-to-use interface (110) for selecting the operating parameters of the device (104). The interface (110) allows the input of a setpoint temperature at which the HVAC device (104) conditions the ambient temperature of a space (102). A mode switch-over algorithm (200) uses the setpoint temperature, the sensed temperature from the conditioned space, and prestored threshold values that depend on the device's operating capacities, to determine when to change the device between heating and cooling modes. Also, within each of the respective modes, a heating (300) or cooling (400) algorithm controls the engaging and disengaging of the heating and cooling elements of the device (104) to maintain the temperature of the conditioned space (102) within a desired comfort zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Ranco Incorporated of Delaware
    Inventors: Phillip Ryan Wagner, John Gilman Chapman
  • Publication number: 20020157414
    Abstract: A low-cost vehicle air-conditioning apparatus for idle stopping vehicles is capable of performing both cooling and heating operations throughout the year. The air-conditioning apparatus includes an engine-driven compressor and engine-driven pump for a heating unit. The air-conditioning apparatus includes a motor-driven compressor and pump. A control unit drives the motor such that the motor-driven compressor is operated when there is a need for cooling and the motor-driven pump is operated when there is a need for heating when the engine is stopped. Battery power is conserved through various methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Shigeki Iwanami, Yasushi Suzuki, Yasushi Yamanaka, Yukio Ogawa, Keiichi Uno
  • Patent number: 6446716
    Abstract: A working enclosure includes a working chamber whose walls delimit a confinement space for working in and an exterior branch loop for recycling the atmosphere of the confinement space. The branch loop opens at each end into the confinement space and includes means for circulating the atmosphere in the branch loop. The working enclosure includes filter members at each end of the branch loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Jouan
    Inventors: Norbert Marchal, Laurent Mimaud
  • Publication number: 20020100582
    Abstract: Lid for a well plate having wells therein having pin-like members which project downwardly into the wells of said well plate. The invention has means and pins associated with each means for causing the pins to change temperature or vibrate ultrasonically or control the polarity and magnitude of an electrical charge placed on the pins. The means can, respectively, alter the temperature of a fluid contained in the wells or sever material contained in the liquid or attract or repel particles suspended in the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin R. Oldenburg
  • Publication number: 20020062955
    Abstract: A system for measuring a thermal property of a garment includes a mannequin having a form similar to at least a portion of a mammalian body and adapted to wear the garment. Fluid is circulatable through at least a portion of the mannequin. An outer surface temperature sensor is affixed to the mannequin, and a fluid pressure regulator and temperature controller are located exterior of the mannequin. A meter monitors the energy usage of the controller, which is indicative of the thermal property of the garment. Environmental conditions are controllable, including variable wind speeds and induced mannequin motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Francis N. Dukes-Dobos, Uwe Reischl
  • Publication number: 20020014331
    Abstract: A heating and air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle having a conditioning housing in which at least one heat exchanger is integrated and which has a plurality of air outlet openings for guiding air to front interior zones of the motor vehicle is known. According to the invention, the conditioning housing has a connecting section which is provided with at least one air outlet opening and is intended for connecting to an optionally attachable rear temperature-control unit which, when not utilized can be tightly, in a leak-proof manner, closed by a removable covering part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Ian Bendell, Wolfgang Dieksander, Dipl.-Ing Gebhard Schweizer
  • Publication number: 20010010265
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit is provided. The system includes a conditioning unit having a heating stage, a cooling stage, and a fan. The conditioning unit operates in an active mode where one of the heating stage and cooling stage is activate to condition air in an enclosure. The conditioning unit also operates in a ventilation mode to provide supply air to the enclosure. A supply temperature sensor is provided to sense the temperature of the supply air. A central control operates to activate one of the heating stage and cooling stage when the conditioning unit is operating in the ventilation mode and the temperature of the supply air is outside of a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald R. Rayburn, Neil A. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20010010266
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit is provided. The system includes a conditioning unit having a heating stage, a cooling stage, and a fan. The conditioning unit operates in an active mode where one of the heating stage and cooling stage is activate to condition air in an enclosure. The conditioning unit also operates in a ventilation mode to provide supply air to the enclosure. A supply temperature sensor is provided to sense the temperature of the supply air. A central control operates to activate one of the heating stage and cooling stage when the conditioning unit is operating in the ventilation mode and the temperature of the supply air is outside of a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald R. Rayburn, Neil A. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6213199
    Abstract: A temperature selectable water supply device for one of heating and cooling water provided by a water supply system to an outlet in a structure. The device includes a main water tank including an inlet conduit for receiving water from a water supply tank connected to the water supply system and an outlet conduit for supplying the water to the outlet connected thereto. The temperature selectable water supply device also includes a water refrigeration tank connected to receive water from the main water supply tank for cooling to a desired temperature. A heating device is connected to the main water supply tank for heating the water therein and a cooling device is connected to the water refrigeration tank for cooling the water received thereby. A return conduit is connected between the water refrigeration tank and the main water tank for returning the cooled water to the main water tank for mixing with the water therein and thereby cooling the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Osama Othman Mostaeen Al-Khateeb
  • Patent number: 6210958
    Abstract: A temperature regulating block for lab thermostatting systems has a receiving side with two kinds of seats in the form of differently shaped recesses to implement large-area contact-making seating of filled lower zones of two differently shaped kinds of receptacles filled with sample liquid. At least one temperature regulator is in contact with the block. The two kinds of seats are arranged in a regular, two-dimensional grid such that a seat of one kind in each case is located between four seats of the other kind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Eppendorf-Netheler-Hinz, GbmH
    Inventors: Ruediger Brust, Juergen Lenz
  • Patent number: 6121061
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating wafers on a low mass support. The method includes mounting a temperature sensor in proximity to the wafer, which is supported on the low mass support, such that the sensor is only loosely thermally coupled to the wafer. A temperature controller is programmed to critically tune the wafer temperature in a temperature ramp, though the controller directly controls the sensor temperature. A wafer treatment, such as epitaxial silicon deposition, is started before the sensor temperature has stabilized. Accordingly, significant time is saved for the treatment process, and wafer throughput improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Franciscus Bernardus Maria Van Bilsen, Jason Mathew Layton, Ivo Raaijmakers
  • Patent number: 6089310
    Abstract: A thermostat for control of an AC-operated HVAC unit (or a unit providing only heating or only cooling) is provided with load activation detection sensing for increased reliability of latching relay activation. The thermostat includes a sensing transformer in series with the heating or cooling load (or both, if both are in the system), so that, when activation of the load is called for by the thermostat, current flows in a primary winding of the transformer, inducing a current in the secondary winding. A voltage derived from the current in the secondary winding is sensed by the thermostat controller and used to determine whether the heating or cooling load has been properly activated or deactivated. Sensing of the AC power source in the HVAC unit may also be provided, so that the controller can confirm that the absence of the voltage derived from the current in the secondary winding is actually due to the state of the latching relays rather than to a failure of the AC power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Bartholomew L. Toth, Ronald J. Holohan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6054263
    Abstract: A method in which a temperature gradient is generated across a "gradient" block, and an apparatus comprising a block across which a temperature gradient can be generated. By setting up such a gradient, multiple reaction mixtures held in wells on the gradient block can be simultaneously run at temperatures which differ only slightly, thereby permitting an optimum temperature for the reaction to be quickly identified. In a preferred embodiment the gradient block is integrated into a thermal cycler used for nucleic acid amplification reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Stratagene
    Inventors: John Lewis Danssaert, Robert James Shopes, Daniel Davis Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 5971068
    Abstract: A combination of setting a correction value of an atmospheric temperature for each temporal section in response to a predicted value of a variation of the atmospheric temperature in a day and a delayed variation of a temperature of hydraulic oil due to thermal inertia and correcting a command value for a temperature regulation of the hydraulic oil at a supply source of the hydraulic oil in response to the correction value of the atmospheric temperature, performing a feed forward compensation of the temperature of the hydraulic oil with respect to the variation of the atmospheric temperature for the day as a cyclic period, permits a working body of hydraulic oil to be kept at an adequate temperature, even under working conditions subjected to significant influences of atmospheric temperature variations and thermal inertia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Ochiai, Kazuo Nagashima, Chikara Watanabe, Haruhiko Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 5896915
    Abstract: A rethermalization system for heating refrigerated food on trays, maintaining the food in a refrigerated condition until heated, and heating some of the food to a desired temperature at a serving time while maintaining the rest of the food in a refrigerated condition. The system has a cart which docks inside a refrigerator. The cart has shelves on which trays of food reside. In the shelves there are heaters. The operator programs the system using an intricate series of commands at an operator interface. A first controller interprets the commands and sends the program to a second controller. The second controller controls the heating cycle of the heaters. A current sensor is provided to sense whether there is current to the heaters. The second controller polls the current sensor and compares the findings to what is called for in the program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Standex International Corporation
    Inventors: John Walter Westbrooks, Jr., Sara Cofield Hurt
  • Patent number: 5771959
    Abstract: A rethermalization system for heating refrigerated food on trays, maintaining the food in a refrigerated condition until heated, and heating some of the food to a desired temperature at a serving time while maintaining the rest of the food in a refrigerated condition. The system has a cart which docks inside a refrigerator. The cart has shelves on which trays of food reside. In the shelves there are heaters. The operator programs the system using an intricate series of commands at an operator interface. A first controller interprets the commands and sends the program to a second controller. The second controller controls the heating cycle of the heaters. A current sensor is provided to sense whether there is current to the heaters. The second controller polls the current sensor and compares the findings to what is called for in the program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Standex International Corporation
    Inventors: John Walter Westbrooks, Jr., Sara Cofield Hurt
  • Patent number: 5560422
    Abstract: A controller for an air conditioner is provided wherein an operation mode is not unnecessarily changed in accordance with variations in temperature. When room temperature t is in a range of T+3.0>t.gtoreq.T+1.5, and when a timer expires (steps 212, 214), it is determined whether the room temperature has a tendency to fall (step 218). When the room temperature has a tendency to fall, it is predicted that the room temperature will be in an observing region although the operation mode is not changed. For this reason, the current operation mode is kept. On the other hand, when the room temperature does not have a tendency to fall, a cooling mode is set (step 210). Further, when the room temperature t is in a range of T-3.0<t.ltoreq.T-1.5, and when the timer expires (steps 222, 224), it is determined whether the room temperature has a tendency to rise (step 228).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Matumoto, Hikaru Katuki, Masayuki Simizu