Abstract: An air conditioner and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The air conditioner includes a compressor; an indoor fan configured to blow an indoor air; and a controller configured to change and control a revolutions per minute (RPM) of the indoor fan to a predetermined time when the compressor is off.

Abstract: In an air conditioner, a control section controls at least the indoor expansion valve. The indoor expansion valve has a degree of opening that is controllable. The control section has a condensate formation suppressing control mode and a normal heating control mode. The condensate formation suppressing control mode is performed in a case where a predetermined condensate formation condition is satisfied. The predetermined condensate formation condition relates to generation of condensate formation on the connecting section. The normal heating control mode is performed in cases other than the case where the predetermined condensate formation condition is satisfied. The control section increases the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve when the condensate formation suppressing control mode is performed compared to a case when the normal heating control mode is performed.

Abstract: A method, which is for controlling a temperature of a refrigerating compartment, includes cooling the refrigerating compartment, cooling the freezing compartment, determining a temperature of the refrigerating compartment, and based on the temperature of the refrigerating compartment, controlling the refrigerating compartment to a constant temperature range by controlling opening and closing of first and second passages of a three-way valve of the refrigerator to alternate cooling the refrigerating compartment and cooling the freezing compartment.

Abstract: An electronic device having a temperature management function includes a platform controller hub (PCH), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) and a hardware monitor. The PCH includes a first temperature sensor for sensing the first temperature of the PCH. The CPLD includes a memory and is coupled to the PCH. The CPLD reads the first temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor and saves it in the memory. The CPLD searches for an offset value in the memory and generates a device temperature according to the offset value and the first temperature. The hardware monitor is coupled to the CPLD and reads the device temperature.

Abstract: One or more noxious gas detectors disposed within a cabin of a vehicle are used by an analyzer to determine that a rate of increase of measured noxious gas exceeds a first threshold, or that a level of measured noxious exceeds a second threshold, or both; and to generate an alert output responsive to the determination. Optionally, the analyzer may take remediation actions by emitting or transmitting commands to the vehicle's control computer to stop or start the engine, start the air conditioning or heater, roll down windows, unlock doors, activate horns and lights, and even transmit alert messages to one or more recipients.

Abstract: A universal controller for control of air handling and HVAC equipment. The base controller includes a fixed task portion as well as a modular portion for expansion of control features with modules. The fixed task portion is suitable for enclosure or cabinet control. The modular portion enables expansion from basic cabinet control to more complex control schemes. In one embodiment, the base controller is provided in a kit including appurtenances such as variable speed drives that enable proportional-type control of a residential air conditioning system. In another embodiment, a plurality of modules are ganged together in a rotating master/slave arrangement to distribute wear on the respective controlled air conditioning equipment.

Abstract: A cooling and heating air conditioner installed in an electric vehicle, having a cooling and heating air conditioning unit including a cooling device that produces cooled air, and a heating device that produces heated air, wherein the cooling and heating air conditioning unit sends the cooled air produced by the cooling device or the heated air produced by the heating device to a vehicle interior, a cooling and heating air conditioning controller that sets the cooling and heating air conditioning unit to a cooling mode for sending the cooled air produced by the cooling device, a heating mode for sending the heated air produced by the heating device, or an AUTO mode for automatically selecting the cooling mode or the heating mode at least based on a temperature of the vehicle interior so as to control the cooling and heating air conditioning unit according to a set mode.

Abstract: A module for warming and, alternately, for cooling, this module comprising an electrocaloric capacitor, an electrical energy storage device and a controllable circuit for transferring electrical energy between the electrocaloric capacitor and the energy storage device. The controllable circuit comprising an inductor connected between the electrocaloric capacitor and the storage device and at least one controllable switch. There is further included a unit programmed to control the switch so as to cause the transfer circuit to toggle successively into the following states and in the following order: an energy recovery state, a disabled state in which it electrically isolates the electrocaloric capacitor and the energy storage device, an energy release state and the disabled state, and each time to maintain the transfer circuit in the disabled state for a duration greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method of controlling airflow through a grille on a front end of a vehicle comprising the steps of: detecting vehicle operating conditions; determining a desired percentage of airflow through the grille based on the desired operating conditions; actuating grille airflow shutters to an open position for the determined desired percentage of a predetermined time interval; and actuating the grille airflow shutter to a closed position for a remaining percentage of the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An HVAC system for conditioning air of an associated room includes one or more power consuming features/functions including at least one temperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the HVAC system in one of a plurality or operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the HVAC system in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and systems are directed to controlling the amount and polarity of current to multiple loads with switches, where the loads share switching components. The loads may be thermoelectric elements, which heat or cool based on the state of the switches. The switches may be run in a single mode during a duty cycle, or multiple successive modes during the duty cycle to achieve full control of the loads.

Abstract: A method of cooling a plurality of devices operated in parallel and heated by relatively long duration pulses using a single coolant flow channel to the devices in series that transports the heat from the several devices in a contiguous series of heat pulses to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A lid for a well plate is provided. A pin penetrates the lid and projects downwardly into a well of the well plate. An electrical charge is applied to the pin and an electrical charge of opposite polarity is applied to an electrically conductive portion of a corresponding well, generating a small flow of electrical current and corresponding electrical fields within the well. Charged materials, such as DNA, selectably are attracted to the pin and segregated from the liquid sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling a chassis are provided. Pulsed and/or modulated air flow may be used to cool a chassis. An array of movable doors and/or baffles may be used to achieve the pulsed/modulated airflow.

Abstract: A lid for a well plate, which has pins that 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. 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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for more effectively managing humidity of an inside space using an air conditioner are provided. In one illustrative embodiment, the system determines whether the humidity level in an inside space is above a predetermined humidity threshold, and if so, changes a control parameter such as a minimum “on” time for the air conditioner. If the humidity level in the inside space is not above the predetermined humidity threshold, the control parameter is not changed, or changed less than when the humidity level is above the predetermined humidity threshold. Rather than changing (i.e. increasing) the minimum “on” time, it is contemplated that any control parameter that increases the “on” time of the air conditioner may be used including, for example, changing (i.e. decreasing) the maximum cycle rate allowed for the air conditioner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering conditioned air using short duty cycles during which a damper is fully open for a time and fully closed for the remaining time. Conditioned air is continuously supplied to a plenum at low pressure and is applied to the space when the damper is open and blocked when the damper is closed. The proportion of on to off time during each duty cycle is adjusted to meet the load. When several supply terminals serve a space, their duty cycles are staggered to avoid fan instability. A special motor is coupled directly to the damper shaft for fast opening and closing of the damper. A magnetic latch holds the damper open or closed until the motor moves it again.

Abstract: A cooling system including a pulse-width modulated variable capacity compressor operable between on-cycles and off-cycles, and in electrical communication with the compressor and operable to respectively synchronize opening and closing thereof with on- and off-cycles of the compressor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioner and method of controlling the same. The air conditioner includes a compressor having a capacity variable according to a duty control signal. The duty control signal controls the compressor to undergo a loading time for maintaining a loading state in a cycle and an unloading time for maintaining an unloading state in a cycle. The air conditioner further includes a control unit for determining the loading time and the unloading time according to the variation of a total required cooling capacity to generate the duty control signal even before a corresponding cycle is over, if the total required cooling capacity has been varied in a corresponding cycle while the compressor is operated, and controlling the compressor according to the duty control signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining a temperature between a first value and a second value. The method and apparatus utilize a heat transfer device capable of cycling through a series of cycles, the device being capable of changing the temperature from the second value to the first value when operational. During each cycle the device transfers heat for a first period of time when the temperature reaches the second volume until the first value is reached and thereafter the device stops transferring heat. The first period of time is compared to a desired cycle-on period of time during each cycle and the second temperature value then is adjusted for a subsequent cycle of the device so the first period of time when the device transfers heat approaches the desired cycle-on period of time. There may also be provided temperature controls for a liquid heater having a jacket containing the liquid. The jacket has an inner heated wall and an outer wall spaced apart from the inner wall.

Abstract: In a method for driving an output stage by pulse-width modulation, which driving serves to supply a unit cooling the output stage during operation, at a higher temperature of the output stage a style of driving is performed which results in a low power loss in the output stage. At a lower temperature of the output stage driving is performed in such a way that the power loss is higher.

Abstract: An electrically operated fluid dispenser for dispensing a pattern of viscous fluid onto a substrate during a run mode. The dispenser is turned off and does not dispense the viscous fluid during a standby mode of operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having an outlet and an armature disposed in the dispenser body for movement between an opened position allowing a fluid flow from the outlet and a closed position preventing the fluid flow from the outlet. A coil is mounted adjacent the armature and selectively generates an electromagnetic field for moving the armature between the opened and closed positions. A controller includes different apparatus and methods for using the coil as a heater as well as providing other heat transfer devices on the dispensing valve to maintain a constant temperature either, during only the run mode or, during both, the run and the standby modes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of regulating cycles of a burner in a forced air heating system. A control unit uses a sensor at an output of a heat exchanger to make measurements of a temperature of air output from the heat exchanger. The control unit observes temperature measurements, after the burner has turned on. It initializes a confirmation interval when two consecutive temperature measurements are the same. If the temperature is the same at an end of the confirmation interval. The invention interrupts firing of the burner for an interrupt interval. The interrupt interval is insufficient to allow the heat exchanger to cool below a temperature useful for heating below which the circulation fan would shut off.

Abstract: To regulate a cooling system operation, a value from an energy value sensor such as a thermostat or pressuretrol is sensed and, if the value warrants a call for compressor operation, the call is made. The last compressor off-call-time is stored in memory. If the off-call-time is less than a short-cycle interval, the compressor is delayed to allow substantial compressor pressure equalization. Compressor operation is delayed further for a percentage of the off-call-time. compressor on-time is also measured and, if on for a substantial interval, the compressor is given a short rest. Improved efficiency results.

Abstract: A low temperature storage cabinet having a freezing cycle system composed of a compressor, a condenser, a throttle and an evaporator, a cabinet temperature sensor for detecting an inside temperature of the cabinet, and an electric fan provided in the cabinet for circulating cooled air in the interior of the cabinet, wherein the compressor in the freezing cycle system is activated in response to rise of the inside temperature of the cabinet and deactivated in response to a fall in the inside temperature of the cabinet, and wherein the rate of operation of the electric fan is decreased in accordance with a decrease of temperature or pressure of refrigerant in the freezing cycle system during deactivation of the compressor to thereby reduce consumption of the electric power.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and cooling an enclosed operator space in an off-road vehicle controlling evaporator fan speed, compressor clutch and condenser fan operation, and having sensors for detecting operator space temperature and an evaporator freezing condition, the condenser fan motor fuse condition, and under or over pressure conditions in the compressor; the apparatus also controls the operation of a heat source such as a heat valve in a coolant path or an electric resistance heater. The evaporator fan speed is controlled by pulse-width modulating power to the fan motor and speed is displayed by a bar graph; a digital display of temperature and system diagnostics is also provided. Operation of the clutch is inhibited when the evaporator freezes.

Abstract: A low temperature storage cabinet having a freezing cycle system composed of a compressor, a condenser, a throttle and an evaporator, a cabinet temperature sensor for detecting an inside temperature of the cabinet, and an electric fan provided in the cabinet for circulating cooled air in the interior of the cabinet, wherein the compressor in the freezing cycle system is activated in response to rise of the inside temperature of the cabinet and deactivated in response to a fall in the inside temperature of the cabinet, and wherein the rate of operation of the electric fan is decreased in accordance with a decrease of temperature or pressure of refrigerant in the freezing cycle system during deactivation of the compressor to thereby reduce consumption of the electric power.