Abstract: A method of operating a user engagement system, as provided herein, may include receiving a recipe selection signal of a predetermined recipe, and receiving a recipe information signal based on the predetermined recipe. The method may further include receiving an image signal from the camera assembly, and identifying a utensil based on the received image signal. The method may still further include initiating a recipe action at the user engagement system.

Abstract: A testing apparatus comprises a test interface board comprising a plurality of socket interface boards, wherein each socket interface board comprises: a) an open socket to hold a DUT; b) a discrete active thermal interposer comprising thermal properties and operable to make thermal contact with the DUT; c) a superstructure operable to contain the discrete active thermal interposer; and d) an actuation mechanism operable to provide a contact force to bring the discrete active thermal interposer in contact with the DUT.

Abstract: A measurement system for determining an energy usage parameter of an electronic device under test is described. The measurement system includes a thermal chamber and an analysis circuit. The thermal chamber includes a housing, a temperature regulator and a thermal control circuit. The housing encloses an interior space of the thermal chamber, wherein the interior space is configured to accommodate the device under test. The thermal control circuit is configured to control the temperature regulator to keep a temperature of the interior space at a predefined reference temperature. The thermal control circuit is configured to determine a power consumption of the temperature regulator, wherein the power consumption is associated with keeping the temperature of the interior space at the predefined reference temperature. The analysis circuit is configured to determine at least one energy usage parameter of the device under test based on the determined power consumption.

Abstract: A system comprising a calorimeter for measuring a heat flux of a sample comprising a recipient space for a sample container containing a sample, a heat sink, a first heat transducer whereby the first heat transducer comprises a heat receiving surface in contact with the sample container when the sample container is positioned in the recipient space and a heat absorbing surface in contact with the heat sink. A second heat sink is provided, whereby the second heat sink has a second heat receiving surface in contact with the heat sink and a second heat absorbing surface in contact with the sample container, when the sample container is positioned in the recipient space.

Abstract: A humidity detecting device includes a semiconductor substrate including at least one impurity diffusion layer, a heating unit formed by the at least one impurity diffusion layer, and a humidity detecting unit. The humidity detecting unit includes a plurality of insulating films laminated on the semiconductor substrate, a lower electrode disposed over the heating unit via a first insulating film among the insulating films, a humidity sensitive film disposed on a second insulating film among the insulating films, so as to cover the lower electrode, and an upper electrode disposed on the humidity sensitive film.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a heating assembly (10, 15) for generating heat in order to carry out temperature-dependent tests on an electronic component (3, 200) arranged inside a socket (2), the heating assembly (10, 15) comprising: A heating device (10) comprising an electrically conductive material (25) in such a manner as to allow the passage of an electrical current to produce heat. According to the invention, the assembly further comprises: A covering (15) of a thermally insulating material suitable for containing said heating device (10) inside, the covering having at least one opening at one side for allowing the heat diffusion through said opening; Fastening means for fastening said covering (15) to a support surface (5B), in such a manner that, while used, the heating device (10), arranged inside said covering (15), faces said support surface (5B) through said opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for managing operations of a semiconductor chip. In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a semiconductor chip that may comprise a temperature sensor, a thermal heater, a processor and thermal control logic. The thermal control logic may be configured to: determine that a first temperature read-out from the temperature sensor reaches a first temperature threshold value, turn on the thermal heater, determine that a second temperature read-out from the temperature sensor reaches a second temperature threshold value that is lower than the first temperature threshold value, suspend functions of the processor, determine that a third temperature read-out from the temperature sensor reaches the first temperature threshold value, resume the functions of the processor, determine that a fourth temperature read-out from the temperature sensor reaches a third temperature threshold value that is higher than the first temperature threshold value and turn off the thermal heater.

Abstract: A humidity sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, an insulating film, an interconnect layer formed above the semiconductor substrate via the insulating film, a protective film that covers the interconnect layer, a moisture sensitive film formed above the protective film, and a metal oxide film formed between the protective film and the moisture sensitive film.

Abstract: A uniform thickness flex circuit is taught that uses more than one dielectric layer. A first dielectric layer is more flexible and capable of reliably bending at a radius of curvature at which a second dielectric layer cannot be reliably bent. The second dielectric layer has at least one more desirable electrical characteristic than the first dielectric area, for example leakage. Use of the uniform thickness flex circuit to protect sensitive material in an electronic enclosure is also described.

Abstract: A fluid analyzer having an electrical heater includes an intrinsic safety barrier that provides voltage and current from a power source to an electrical load and includes a voltage limiter and an infallible current limiting resistor for limiting the voltage and current provided to respective intrinsically safe levels, where the voltage limiter is arranged in a flameproof/explosion proof or pressurized/purged enclosure, and the current limiting resistor, e.g., an electrical heater, is connected via a connecting line to the voltage limiter and arranged outside the flameproof/explosion proof or pressurized/purged enclosure in an enclosure configured to provide protection against contact and ingress without being flameproof/explosion proof or pressurized/purged.

Abstract: A power storage device includes a power storage module including a plurality of power storage cells aligned in one direction, a healer formed to be deformable along a shape of the power storage module and configured to heat the power storage module, and an elastic member configured to press the heater against the power storage module.

Abstract: In some implementations, a joystick includes a control unit having a first surface and a handle positioned at an angle adjacent to the first surface. The handle can have a second surface and is operably connected to the control unit. The joystick can further include a heating element, a blower, and one or more vent openings in at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The blower can move air warmed by the heating element through the at least one vent opening.

Abstract: Provided is a control device or a power storage device configured to efficiently increase the temperature of a vehicular power storage unit, while suppressing an increase in the size of the configuration. A control device includes: a holding unit that holds a power storage unit; a board unit in which one board surface is arranged on the power storage unit side; a charging circuit unit that performs charging operations of supplying charging current to the power storage unit; and a resistance unit, mounted on the one board surface of the board unit and disposed between the board unit and the power storage unit, wherein current flows in the resistance unit in response to a circuit unit performing predetermined charging operations, and the resistance unit emits heat at least toward the power storage unit.

Abstract: A cooking engagement system and methods therefore are provided. The method includes obtaining image data of the cooktop surface and displaying a first user interface at an interactive assembly associated with the appliance. The first user interface displays the image data of the cooktop surface. The method further includes determining that cookware is present on the cooktop surface based on the image data, and displaying a second user interface at the interactive assembly. The second user interface displays an enlarged image of the cookware based on determining that the cookware is present on the cooktop surface.

Abstract: A modular LED heater and an LED array are disclosed. The modular LED heater comprises a base having one or more internal conduits through which a coolant fluid may flow. The base also includes a plumbing port on one side wall of the base and a recessed port on an opposite side of the base. These ports are configured such that the plumbing port of one modular LED heater can be inserted into the recessed port of the adjacent modular LED heater to form a fluid-tight seal. A printed circuit board having a plurality of LEDs is disposed on the front surface of the base. Further, in some embodiments, the base includes one or more wedge clamps on its side walls used to lock the modular LED heater to an adjacent modular LED heater. An LED array may be created by assembling a plurality of these modular LED heaters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a start control system of a vehicle, including: an electronic control unit (ECU), a starter, an air conditioner, and a starting power supply. The starting power supply includes a starting battery and a battery management system (BMS). At a low-temperature environment, when receiving an ignition request signal sent by the ECU, the BMS detects the temperature of the starting battery. When the temperature is less than a preset threshold, the starting battery is connected to the air conditioner for a preset time, so that the starting battery effectively raises the temperature of the starting battery by means of discharging at a high current temporarily. The start control system of a vehicle improves an ignition capability of a vehicle in a low-temperature environment, extends a temperature range and an area of using the vehicle, and improves competitiveness of the vehicle. The present invention further provides a vehicle having the start control system of a vehicle.

Abstract: A battery management component for passive battery cell discharge is disclosed. The battery management component may determine that a charging operation associated with a battery has ended. The battery management component may identify, based on the charging operation ending, that a first cell of the battery has a first state of charge. The battery management component may determine that a second cell of the battery has a second state of charge that is outside of a threshold range of the first state of charge. The battery management component may determine, based on the first and second states of charge, an amount of energy to be removed from the first cell to enable the first state of charge to be within the threshold range of the second state of charge. The battery management component may discharge energy from the first cell based on the determined amount of energy.

Abstract: A recording head comprises a write pole extending to an air-bearing surface. A near-field transducer is positioned proximate a first side of the write pole in a down-track direction. A heatsink structure is proximate the near-field transducer and positioned between the near-field transducer and the write pole. The heatsink structure extends beyond the near-field transducer in a cross-track direction and extends in a direction normal to the air-bearing surface.

Abstract: A carrier for an optoelectronic component includes a main body, wherein the main body includes a first electrically conductive heating layer arrangement, a first solder layer for soldering an optoelectronic component to the main body is arranged on a first side of the main body, the first electrically conductive heating layer arrangement is electrically insulated from the first solder layer and thermally connected to the first solder layer, and the first heating layer arrangement has an exposed portion on which molten solder of the first solder layer can flow to reduce an electrical resistance of the first heating layer arrangement.

Abstract: Described and shown is a process for preparing an emergency energy storage device, with at least one energy storage element for operation, whereby the emergency energy store is designed to provide emergency electrical energy for at least one energy consumer, whereby the energy (EL) which can be drawn from the emergency energy storage and/or the peak output (Pmax) which can be drawn from the emergency energy storage is determined and the operational readiness is established as soon as the energy (EL) which can be drawn from the emergency energy storage and/or the peak output (Pmax) which can be drawn from the emergency energy storage has reached a definable minimum energy value. A process for preparing an emergency energy storage device for operation in which the emergency energy storage is discharged via a discharging device and the heat occurring at the internal resistance (Ri) is used to heat the emergency energy storage device.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display device are provided. The liquid crystal display panel includes: a first substrate, a second substrate arranged opposite to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, in which a heating electrode is arranged on a side of the first substrate facing towards the liquid crystal layer. Heat generated by the heating electrode can directly act on liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer, so that the liquid crystal display panel can be quickly started and a response of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer can be accelerated in a low temperature environment, thereby guaranteeing the display quality of the liquid crystal display device in the low temperature environment.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a product includes a mating connector connected to solder pins to provide an electrical conducting path, the solder pins being aligned against solder pads so that each solder pin is thermally and electrically connected to its corresponding solder pad by a solder paste bead. The system also includes a controller to adjust electrical resistive heating of a solder paste bead during a soldering process according to a temperature of the solder paste bead. A method of manufacturing a product includes aligning the solder pins against the solder pads, connecting the mating connector to the solder pins, and heating a solder paste bead by an electrical resistive heating, the solder paste bead undergoing a soldering process, where a temperature of the solder paste bead is being evaluated and the electrical resistive heating is adjusted according to the temperature of the solder paste bead.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a printed circuit board assembly comprising a thermoelectric device at least partially embedded within the printed circuit board assembly are provided. The thermoelectric device is configured to adjust a temperature of the printed circuit board assembly based on the measurements of one or more sensors coupled to the printed circuit board assembly. Additionally, a control circuit is coupled to the at least one thermoelectric device and the one or more sensors, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the at least one thermoelectric device, and wherein the control circuit is configured to monitor a temperature set point at one or more target locations in the printed circuit board assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a voltage converting unit including: a voltage converter capable of bidirectionally supplying electrical power between a first power system and a second power system; and a bypass switch disposed in parallel to the voltage converter. The voltage converter includes: a detector detecting a difference in voltage between the first power system and the second power system; and a switch controller controlling switching of the bypass switch on the basis of the difference in voltage in accordance with a predetermined rule.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including: first conductive lines on a substrate and extending in a first direction; second conductive lines on the first conductive lines and extending in a second direction; data storage structures between the first and second conductive lines, wherein each of the data storage structures includes a lower data storage electrode, a data storage pattern, and an upper data storage electrode, wherein a width of an upper portion of the lower data storage electrode is smaller than a width of a lower portion of the lower data storage electrode, a width of an upper portion of the data storage pattern is greater than a width of a lower portion of the data storage pattern, and the width of the upper portion of the lower data storage electrode is different from the width of the lower portion of the data storage pattern.

Abstract: A power supply control device controls the supply of power via a switch circuit and a relay contact. If the semiconductor switches are on and the relay contact is off, when a switch temperature of the switch circuit is at least a relay ON-threshold, the relay contact is switched on, and the semiconductor switches are switched off. If the semiconductor switches are off and the relay contact is on, when a switch temperature of the switch circuit is lower than a relay OFF-threshold, the semiconductor switches are switched on, and the relay contact is switched off. The relay OFF-threshold is not more than the relay ON-threshold.

Abstract: A self-destructing device includes a frangible substrate having at least one pre-weakened area. A heater is thermally coupled to the frangible substrate proximate to or at the pre-weakened area. When activated, the heater generates heat sufficient to initiate self-destruction of the frangible substrate by fractures that propagate from the pre-weakened area and cause the frangible substrate to break into many pieces.

Abstract: An optical device includes a first transparent substrate having a first transparent electrode disposed on a surface of the first transparent substrate and a second substrate having a second electrode disposed on a surface of the second substrate and facing the first transparent electrode. A liquid-crystal (LC) material is sandwiched between the first and second electrodes such that a voltage applied between the first and second electrodes controls orientation of the liquid-crystal material. The device includes a control system that applies a current through at least one electrode of the first and second electrodes to resistively heat the LC material.

Abstract: A power control system includes: an ECU configured to control (i) charging from a power facility to a vehicle and (ii) discharging from the vehicle to the power facility; and a user terminal configured to allow a user to separately set a charging power setting value and a discharging power setting value. When the charging from the power facility to the vehicle is performed, the ECU is configured to control power charged to the vehicle per unit time to correspond to the charging power setting value set by the user using the user terminal. When the discharging from the vehicle to the power facility is performed, the ECU is configured to control power discharged from the vehicle per unit time to correspond to the discharging power setting value set by the user using the user terminal.

Abstract: A heating cooker system includes a first coil configured to produce a first high-frequency magnetic field by receiving supply of a first high-frequency current, a first inverter circuit configured to supply the first high-frequency current to the first coil, a first heating element positioned in reach of the first high-frequency magnetic field produced by the first coil to be inductively heated by the first coil, a second coil configured to produce a second high-frequency magnetic field by receiving supply of a second high-frequency current, a second inverter circuit configured to supply the second high-frequency current to the second coil, a power receiving coil positioned in reach of the second high-frequency magnetic field produced by the second coil to receive electric power from the second coil, and a second heating element configured to generate heat by the electric power received by the power receiving coil.

Abstract: A cooking engagement system and methods therefore are provided. The system includes a cooktop appliance and an interactive assembly positioned above the cooktop appliance. The interactive assembly includes an image monitor that presents various images and information to a user, e.g., recipes. The system includes an infrared sensor for detecting operation of the cooktop appliance. When the infrared sensor senses a temperature level that exceeds a threshold, a controller communicatively coupled thereto activates an air handler to move or motivate an airflow across or about the image monitor. In this way, the image monitor may be cooled and condensation is prevented from forming on the imaging surface of the image monitor.

Abstract: A wireless power transmitting device may transmit wireless power signals to a wireless power receiving electronic device. The electronic device may have a coil that receives the transmitted wireless power signals and may have a power receiving circuit that rectifies the received wireless power signals to produce a corresponding direct-current voltage signal. The direct-current signal may be used to power circuitry in the electronic device and may be used to charge a battery in the electronic device. Control circuitry in the electronic device may use a temperature sensor to make temperature measurements. In response to detecting that the device is below a given threshold temperature and based on other information such as information on which applications are running on a controller in device, the device may supply drive current signals to the coil to heat the battery and improve battery performance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of keeping an energy storage cell at or above a target temperature, includes receiving at a processing circuit, an analog voltage that is proportional to a temperature of the energy storage cell, converting, at the processing circuit, the analog voltage to a pulse-width-modulated signal having a duty cycle that is proportional to the analog voltage, and driving a switch, with the pulse-width-modulated signal, between conductive and non-conductive states to modulate a voltage passing across (or a current flowing through) a heating element in series with the switch, the heating element being in thermal communication with the energy storage cell, wherein the duty cycle of the pulse-width-modulated signal is adjusted to maintain the temperature of the energy storage cell at or above the target temperature.

Abstract: A device and method for a MEMS device with at least one sensor is disclosed. A thermal element is disposed in the MEMS device to selectively adjust a temperature of the MEMS device. A calibration operation is initiated for the sensor to determine a correction value to be applied to the sensor measurement based on the temperature. The correction value is stored.

Abstract: A vehicle traction battery assembly may include a traction battery cell, a case, and a thermal plate. The case may define a cavity to receive the traction battery cell and has a first side defining a first form feature. The thermal plate may be for positioning adjacent the traction battery cell and define a coolant channel sized for engagement with the case via the first form feature such that traction battery cell is in thermal communication with coolant flowing through the coolant channel. The first form feature may be serpentine-shaped or S-shaped. The first form feature may be castle-shaped from a cross-sectional plan view. The case may be multi-layered and include a first polymer layer, a second polymer layer, and an aluminum layer disposed between the polymer layers.

Abstract: Disclosed are an energy harvesting apparatus and a current control circuit which include: a current control unit; a first voltage control unit that controls the current control unit so that an input voltage to the current control unit becomes equal to or higher than a first voltage; and a second voltage control unit that controls the current control unit so that an output voltage from the current control unit becomes equal to or lower than a second voltage which is equal to or higher than the first voltage.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator system and control methods thereof are provided that include a shape memory actuator having a body made of shape memory material, with individual power conductors interfaced with a first portion of the body, and one or more individual ground conductors interfaced with a second portion of the body. A power source provides power to the individual power conductors. One or more controllers are provided for pulse controlling or regionally controlling a resistive heating current connection sufficient to impart shape memory to the body or regions of the body between the individual power conductors and the one or more individual ground conductors with the provision that the ground conductors are physically separated from the individual power conductors. Structures of shape memory actuators and methods of control are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a testing apparatus comprises: a modularized logic unit comprising circuitry for testing a plurality of devices under test (DUTs); a DUT interface board for physically and electrically interfacing with said modularized logic unit, said DUT interface board comprising: a loadboard comprising a plurality of sockets for receiving said plurality of DUTs; and a partial enclosure for partially enclosing said plurality of DUTs; a top fan disposed adjacent to a top of said partial enclosure; and a bottom fan disposed adjacent to a bottom of said partial enclosure, wherein the top fan and the bottom fan are operable to generate a vertical ambient air flow from the bottom fan to the top fan to cool said plurality of DUTs with exposed top and bottom sides, wherein the bottom fan is operable to draw ambient air from a surrounding environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a temperature sensing device that includes a base structure that is positioned in proximity to a cavity of an organic substrate, an input transducer coupled to the base structure, and an output transducer coupled to the base structure. The input transducer includes a first piezoelectric material to generate vibrations which are transmitted on the base structure in response to input signals being applied to the input transducer. The output transducer includes a second piezoelectric material to receive the vibrations and to generate output signals which are used to determine a change in ambient temperature.

Abstract: A battery support structure for a vehicle includes a first peripheral member configured to be supported by a longitudinal section of a vehicle frame. A second peripheral member has an end surface that selectively attaches at an inside surface of the first peripheral member to enclose a corner section of a battery containment area. Prior to fixed attachment of the first and second peripheral members, a slip plane is defined between the end surface and the inside surface to adjust the second peripheral member along the first peripheral member to a predefined dimension of the battery containment area.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a lower case having a plurality of cell fastening portions fastened to a plurality of cells, respectively, and a bracket to support the lower case to a floor panel of a vehicle. The bracket has a plurality of case fastening portions fastened to the lower case, and a body fastening portion to be fastened to the floor panel. The body fastening portion is disposed on the outer side of the vehicle relative to an outermost cell fastening portion disposed on the outermost side of the vehicle of the plurality of cell fastening portions. The case fastening portions are disposed on the inner side of the vehicle relative to the outermost cell fastening portion.

Abstract: A thermal management system includes an integrated circuit (IC). The IC includes a plurality of digitally addressable sectors. Each sector includes an on-die sensing element. The on-die sensing element includes an on-die temperature sensor configured to measure a sector temperature and provide an analog signal associated with the sector temperature; and an on-die digitizer configured to generate a digital sensed temperature signal based on the analog signal. The IC further includes a first output configured to output a plurality of digital sensed temperature signals from the plurality of sectors.

Abstract: An alert sensing stove assembly includes a stove that includes a plurality of burners. A plurality of valves is provided and each of the valves is in fluid communication with an associated one of the burners. A processor is coupled to the stove and the processor is electrically coupled to each of the valves. A sensor array is coupled to the stove to detect a variety of alert agents. The processor sends a shut down signal to each of the valves when the sensor array detects one of the alert agents. Thus, the sensor array enhances safety with respect to unattended operation of the stove. A communication unit is provided and the communication unit is coupled to the stove. The communication unit transmits an alert signal to an extrinsic communication network when the processor sends the shut off signal to alert a user to a potentially dangerous situation.

Abstract: A system and method for heating silicon carbide substrates is disclosed. The system includes a heating element that utilizes LEDs that emit light at wavelengths between 600 nm and 650 nm. This wavelength is better absorbed by silicon carbide. In certain embodiments, collimating optics are disposed between the LEDs and the silicon carbide substrate. The collimating optics may increase the allowable distance between the LEDs and the substrate. In other embodiments, a diffuser is disposed between the LEDs and the substrate. In addition, a method of heating a substrate is disclosed. The relationship between absorption coefficient and wavelength is determined for the substrate. Based on this relationship, an optimal wavelength or range of wavelengths is selected. The substrate is then heated using an LED emitting light at the optimal wavelengths.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming voids within semiconductor constructions. In some embodiments the voids may be utilized as microstructures for distributing coolant, for guiding electromagnetic radiation, or for separation and/or characterization of materials. Some embodiments include constructions having micro-structures therein which correspond to voids, conduits, insulative structures, semiconductor structures or conductive structures.

Abstract: A probe system includes a heater and a control circuit. The heater includes a resistive heating element routed through the probe system. An operational voltage is provided to the resistive heating element to provide heating for the probe system. The control circuit is configured to provide the operational voltage and monitor a capacitance between the resistive heating element and a metallic sheath of the heater over time. The control circuit is further configured to determine a remaining useful life of the probe system based on the capacitance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an X-ray detector comprises: an X-ray absorption layer configured to absorb X-ray photons; an electronics layer comprising an electronics system configured to process or interpret signals generated by the X-ray photons incident on the X-ray absorption layer; and a temperature driver in the X-ray absorption layer or the electronics layer.

Abstract: An oscillator includes a vibration element, an oscillation circuit configured to oscillate the vibration element and output an oscillation signal, a temperature sensor, a temperature compensation circuit configured to compensate for a frequency temperature characteristic of the vibration element based on an output signal of the temperature sensor. The vibration element is within a first case having a first atmosphere, and the oscillation circuit, the temperature sensor, and the first case are within a second case having a second atmosphere, whereby the first atmosphere has a higher thermal conductivity than the second atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the heat treatment of a product, comprising an enclosure, means of conveyance inside the enclosure, which comprise a screw mounted so as to rotate in the enclosure about a geometrical rotational axis and means for rotating the screw about said axis, and means for heating the screw by Joule effect. According to the invention, the screw comprises a strip which is made of an electrically insulating material and is applied to the screw so as to form an outer circumference of the screw.

Abstract: An electronic device that includes a first electronic component with a pin element and a second electronic component with a solder element. A joint is formed that provides an electrical and mechanical connection between the first electronic component and second electronic component when the pin element is heated, inserted into the solder element, and cooled.