Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a controller apparatus for regenerating a particulate matter sensor. The controller apparatus includes a sensing module configured to detect a soot loading on a particulate matter sensor and generate a regeneration request indicating a desired regeneration temperature and a heating module configured to receive the regeneration request and send a heating command signal to a heating element based on the regeneration request. The controller apparatus also includes an electrical resistance module configured to detect an electrical resistance in the heating element, a calibration module configured to determine an actual temperature of the heating element based on a resistance-to-temperature model, and a temperature feedback module configured to modify the heating command signal according to the difference between the desired regeneration temperature and the actual temperature.

Abstract: Electronic smoking articles, and methods are provided. An exemplary article comprises a control body portion having a first control component therein. A cartridge body portion is removably engaged with the control body portion. The cartridge body portion includes a consumable arrangement having an aerosol precursor composition, a heating element, and a second control component. The consumable arrangement is configured to communicate with the first control component upon engagement between the cartridge body and control body portions. The first control component is configured to send a challenge to the second control component, and to receive a response to the challenge therefrom. The first control component is further configured to authorize the consumable arrangement for use with the control body portion, if the response corresponds to the challenge.

Abstract: An energization control apparatus for a glow plug (21) includes temperature maintaining energization means (34), and intermediate temperature raising means 35 for resuming energization of the glow plug 1 during operation of an engine EN after energization by the temperature maintaining energization means (34). The intermediate temperature raising means (35) includes resistance acquisition means (32); difference calculation means (36) for calculating a difference between the resistance of the glow plug (1) and a target resistance; intermediate value setting means (37); and intermediate value update means (38) for gradually increasing an intermediate target resistance such that the intermediate target resistance finally coincides with the target resistance. The voltage applied to the glow plug (1) is controlled such that the resistance of the glow plug (1) coincides with the intermediate target resistance.

Abstract: An electrical socket for powering an electrical/electronic accessory device having an electrical plug that is received in the socket, comprising: an electrically conductive socket well for slidably receiving the electrical plug of the electrical/electronic device; an electrical connector portion disposed distally on the socket well and comprising an insulator fastened to the socket well at a distal end thereof and having at least two electrical terminals for connecting to a vehicle electrical power source; a plurality of first electrical contacts disposed at a distal end of said socket well and extending radially and proximally from the center of said well and being electrically connected to a first of said electrical terminals of said electrical connector portion; a second of said electrical terminals of said electrical connector portion being electrically connected to said socket well; and said plurality of first electrical contacts being adapted to electrically slidably engage with an inner periphery of a

Abstract: A method for controlling the surface temperature of a glow plug. A heating current flowing through the glow plug and a voltage applied to the glow plug are measured, a temperature-dependent control variable is calculated from measured values of the heating current and the voltage using a first calculation rule, a target value of the control variable is calculated from a target temperature using a second calculation rule, the control variable is compared with the target value and, to minimize any deviation, the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation is changed in accordance with this deviation. A value other than electrical resistance dependent on current and voltage is used as the control variable. The calculation rule in accordance with which this variable is calculated from measured values of current and voltage is provided to carry out the method and is established in each case for a series of glow plugs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an temperature control apparatus including: a resistance heater a resistance value of which changes dependently on a temperature thereof; a fixed resistance connected to the resistance heater in series; a signal generator to output a control signal which has two voltage levels of a first voltage and a second voltage; a switching section to flow a current through the resistance heater and the fixed resistance when the voltage level is the first voltage, and not to flow a current through the resistance heater and the fixed resistance when the voltage level is the second voltage; and a first voltage measuring instrument to measure a voltage value across the fixed resistance at the time when the current flows through the fixed resistance, wherein the signal generator controls the temperature of the resistance heater based on the measured voltage by the first voltage measuring instrument.

Abstract: A GCU (21) includes calibration means (33) which supplies electric current to a glow plug (1) when an internal combustion engine EN to which the glow plug (1) is attached is stopped, to thereby obtain a pre-correction target resistance of the glow plug (1). The calibration means (33) supplies a predetermined first electric power to the glow plug (1) in a predetermined first energization period, and supplies a predetermined second electric power to the glow plug (1) after the first energization period. The second electric power is set such that, when the second electric power is supplied to the glow plug (1) and the temperature of the glow plug (1) becomes saturated, the temperature of the glow plug (1) becomes equal to the target temperature. Further, the first electric power is greater than the second electric power.

Abstract: An energization control apparatus for a glow plug (21) includes temperature maintaining energization means (34), and intermediate temperature raising means 35 for resuming energization of the glow plug 1 during operation of an engine EN after energization by the temperature maintaining energization means (34). The intermediate temperature raising means (35) includes resistance acquisition means (32); difference calculation means (36) for calculating a difference between the resistance of the glow plug (1) and a target resistance; intermediate value setting means (37); and intermediate value update means (38) for gradually increasing an intermediate target resistance such that the intermediate target resistance finally coincides with the target resistance. The voltage applied to the glow plug (1) is controlled such that the resistance of the glow plug (1) coincides with the intermediate target resistance.

Abstract: The description discloses a glow plug system for a Diesel engine of a motor vehicle having a glow plug (RG1, RG2) which comprises a positive terminal for connecting a supply voltage (U1) and a ground terminal for connecting to a ground potential (GND), a controlling device (1) for controlling the electric power supplied to the glow plug (RG1, RG2) in operation, whereby the controlling device (1) comprises a measurement input (ADC1) and a ground input (ADC2) in order to determine, in operation, a measured value of the supply voltage (U1) in relation to a reference potential (GND?) applied to the ground input (ADC2).

Abstract: Systems and methods for energizing an electrical resistance igniter are disclosed. The systems and methods determine the line voltage into the system and control the voltage being applied to the electrical resistance igniters so a first voltage is applied initially and for a time period and thereafter a second voltage is applied, the second voltage being the operating voltage for the igniter. The systems and methods decrease the amount of time required to heat-up the electrical resistance igniter to a temperature sufficient to ignite the gas while regulating the output voltage being delivered to the igniters to prevent over voltage damage to the igniters.

Abstract: Disclosed is an temperature control apparatus including: a resistance heater a resistance value of which changes dependently on a temperature thereof; a fixed resistance connected to the resistance heater in series; a signal generator to output a control signal which has two voltage levels of a first voltage and a second voltage; a switching section to flow a current through the resistance heater and the fixed resistance when the voltage level is the first voltage, and not to flow a current through the resistance heater and the fixed resistance when the voltage level is the second voltage; and a first voltage measuring instrument to measure a voltage value across the fixed resistance at the time when the current flows through the fixed resistance, wherein the signal generator controls the temperature of the resistance heater based on the measured voltage by the first voltage measuring instrument.

Abstract: A controller is provided for controlling the operation of a gas-fired water heating appliance. In one embodiment of the present invention, a controller is provided that comprises a switching means for connecting an electrical power source to an igniter for igniting gas, a voltage sensing means for sensing the voltage value of the electrical power source, and a processor that is capable of determining whether the power source is of a first rated voltage level or a second rated voltage level. The processor is capable of responsively selecting an appropriate switching sequence from a look-up table having a plurality of switching sequences corresponding to a plurality of voltage values for either the first rated voltage or the second rated voltage, where the processor controls the switching means based on the selected switching sequence to effect switching of power to supply an average predetermined voltage to the igniter that will heat the igniter to a desired temperature.

Abstract: The description discloses a glow plug system for a Diesel engine of a motor vehicle having a glow plug (RG1, RG2) which comprises a positive terminal for connecting a supply voltage (U1) and a ground terminal for connecting to a ground potential (GND), a controlling device (1) for controlling the electric power supplied to the glow plug (RG1, RG2) in operation, whereby the controlling device (1) comprises a measurement input (ADC1) and a ground input (ADC2) in order to determine, in operation, a measured value of the supply voltage (U1) in relation to a reference potential (GND?) applied to the ground input (ADC2).

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus and method of determining the type of igniter for a burner at each stage of a boiler. The apparatus includes a controller operable to detect whether a first type of igniter or a second type of igniter is installed in the burner based on whether the first type of igniter or the second type of igniter transmits a response to the controller after receiving an activation signal from the controller.

Abstract: Ceramic igniter compositions are provided that contain components of conductive material and insulating material, where the insulating material component includes a relatively high concentration of metal oxide. Ceramic igniters of the invention are particularly effective for high voltage use, including throughout the range of from about 187 to 264 volts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for energizing an electrical resistance igniter include determining the line voltage into the system and controlling the voltage being applied to the electrical resistance igniters so a first voltage is applied initially and for a time period and thereafter a second voltage is applied, the second voltage being the operating voltage for the igniter. The systems and methods decrease the amount of time required to heat-up the electrical resistance igniter to a temperature sufficient to ignite the gas while regulating the output voltage being delivered to the igniters to prevent over voltage damage to the igniters.

Abstract: A heating system for a vehicle includes a heater (12) with a first electric heating device (24), which can be operated to ignite an air/fuel mixture present in a combustion chamber (16), and with a second electric heating device (22) for supporting the evaporation of the fuel. An actuating device (26) is provided for putting the heater (12) into operation after a start command has been generated. A first start command generating device (30, 36, 26) can be actuated by a user to generate a start command and a second start command generating device (32, 38, 26) generates a start command according to an operating program. The actuating device (26) operates the second heating device (22) at a lower heat output after a start command has been generated by means of the second start command generating device (32,38, 26).

Abstract: Inductive heating elements are provided with a specific configuration that results in a thermal wave that moves along a smoking device during a cleaning process, and control circuitry that maintains resonant conditions for maximum efficiency and power transfer during the thermal cleaning of the smoking device. A secondary can is positioned around electrical heater blades that contact the cigarette, and is configured to by preferentially heated by the induction of current within the can for the removal of condensates formed within the smoking device through extended periods of use.

Abstract: A system and method for universal control of an ignitor within a gas appliance is disclosed. The system includes an ignitor distinguishing circuit in communication with the ignitor and having a signal representative of the ignitor current through the ignitor output therefrom, and a controller in communication with the ignitor distinguishing circuit and adapted to determine the scope of the ignitor based on the signal received from the ignitor distinguishing circuit. Specifically, the controller stores a plurality of control programs for controlling a plurality of corresponding ignitor types and executes the control program corresponding to the type of ignitor determined thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lighter assembly for use in a receptacle. A rigid elongate body is frictionally retained in the receptacle and an engaging arm projects into an axial passage way. An item to be lit engages the engaging arm, which completes a switch and actuates a heating element to ignite the item. An insulator block supports the heating element and protects the heating element from damage during use. Vents allow smoke and ash to escape the lighter assembly, and a lens assembly actuated by the engaging arm lights up for easy location.

Abstract: An igniter controller for controlling an igniter, such as a silicon nitride hot surface igniter, provides high frequency switching of full wave rectified alternating current across the igniter using a switching transistor in combination with a filter and a full wave rectifier bridge. The igniter controller may be tuned based upon the particular igniter in connection with which control is provided to allow for precise control of switching of power to the igniter. The full wave rectifier bridge is provided in connection with the switching transistor to provide high frequency switching of AC power across the igniter.

Abstract: An igniter controller for controlling an igniter, such as a silicon nitride hot surface igniter, provides high frequency switching of full wave rectified alternating current across the igniter using a switching transistor in combination with a filter and a full wave rectifier bridge. The igniter controller may be tuned based upon the particular igniter in connection with which control is provided to allow for precise control of switching of power to the igniter. The full wave rectifier bridge is provided in connection with the switching transistor to provide high frequency switching of AC power across the igniter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for energizing an electrical resistance igniter are disclosed. The systems and methods determine the line voltage into the system and control the voltage being applied to the electrical resistance igniters so a first voltage is applied initially and for a time period and thereafter a second voltage is applied, the second voltage being the operating voltage for the igniter. The systems and methods decrease the amount of time required to heat-up the electrical resistance igniter to a temperature sufficient to ignite the gas while regulating the output voltage being delivered to the igniters to prevent over voltage damage to the igniters.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled triac switching circuit for an igniter, having line voltage and igniter current input signals to a microprocessor for determining power to the igniter. Upon determining the line voltage, the microprocessor selects from a look-up table a corresponding triac-switching sequence intended to drive the igniter to a power level proven to ignite gas. The igniter current resulting from the switching sequence is fed to the microprocessor, which determines the actual power and an offset value. The offset enables adjustment by shifting sequences, to achieve the pose level at which the igniter is proven to ignite gas.

Abstract: An automatic cigarette lighter comprises a thermal resistance element mounted in a sealed case and powered by a switch activated power supply. Operation of the thermal resistance element is controlled by a timer to heat for a predetermined time after activation of the switch and then to remain off for a predetermined period of time before reactivation is possible. The automatic cigarette lighter finds particular advantage in situations where naked flame is unsafe or undesirable. It is also useful in secure establishments, such as prisons.

Abstract: An electric cigar lighter includes a receptacle for receiving and energizing an igniting unit of an automatic electric cigar lighter, the receptacle having a pair of circuits having respectively a grounding contact and a polarizing contact both of which are engageable with the igniting unit to carry current thereto, and a heat-responsive device comprising a solid state positive temperature coefficient resistor disposed in series in one of the circuits, the resistor being adapted to receive heat from the igniting unit for limiting the current in the one circuit when the resistor attains a predetermined high temperature.

Abstract: An electrical power-operated accessory for automobiles and other vehicles, comprises an automatic electrical cigar lighter or power outlet device consisting of a holder structure which includes a socket having electrical contacts, and either an ignitor plug receivable in the socket for use with tobacco products, or else a power outlet plug to provide a source of power for operating other equipment. The ignitor plug has an electrical heating coil, and the socket has a base-mounted automatic switch to control the operating current. The socket also has safety overload protection in the form of a PTC wafer which functions to prevent overcurrent conditions. A glow ring on the holder or socket is illuminated concurrently with energization of the heating coil or the power outlet, or else separately controlled from an outside source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cigarette identifier system comprising a coil at a location along the cigarette-receiving receptacle of the lighter, an oscillation circuit in communication with the coil and a controller configured to activate or deactivate the lighter responsively to output of the oscillator circuit.

Abstract: In an ignition system for sensing a change in a resistance value during a combustion of a heating resistive element and detecting a fire extinction, a resistance value of the heating resistive element is sensed by a resistance value detecting circuit at a predetermined time interval set by an interval setting circuit, and a difference between the resistance value and that sensed before an elapse of the predetermined period of time is calculated by a resistance value calculating circuit. A comparing circuit compares a difference in the resistance values with a reference value stored in a reference value memory, and a extinction detecting circuit detects a fire extinction when the difference calculated by the resistance value difference calculating circuit had exceeded the reference value. Accordingly, there is attained an ignition system which reasonably determines a fire extinction without an additional complex structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring temperature and current in a gas ignition chamber by monitoring temperature in the gas ignition chamber, monitoring current flowing through first and second ignitors housed in the gas ignition chamber, comparing the temperature of the gas ignition chamber to a predetermined temperature, comparing the current flowing through the first ignitor to a first predetermined current, comparing the current flowing through the second ignitor to a second predetermined current, inactivating the first ignitor and activating the second ignitor whenever the current through the first ignitor becomes less than the first predetermined current, and sounding an audible alarm whenever the current through said second ignitor becomes less than the second predetermined current or whenever the temperature is below the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing lighted cigarettes is provided comprising a magazine open at its base and divided inwardly by vertical and parallel dividing walls into compartments such receiving a stack of cigarettes of a given brand, each compartment being provided with a selection device which, when it is actuated, lets the lowest cigarette in the compartment drop, a mobile floor passing under the magazine and having a cell parallel to the axis of the cigarette, a reversible motor for driving the mobile floor parallel to the base of the lighting device extending into the housing to light a cigarette therein of one of the selection devices, a housing parallel to the cell for receiving the selected cigarette and a lighting device mounted for sliding along said housing.

Abstract: A microcomputer-controlled fully automatic lighting unit has a transmission line including a motor and necessary driving mechanism which, when being started, is able to deliver cigarettes to a place where they will be lighted by an induced electric heatable wire. The unit further has another transmission line including a motor and necessary driving mechanism which may send the lighted cigarette out of the unit and thereby safely and automatically completes a cycle of cigarette lighting procedure.

Abstract: A cigar lighter, particularly for motor vehicles, comprising a plug body, which is insertable into a socket provided with current supply connections and in which an electrical heating element is mounted. An actuating device for switching current on, an indicator for indicating the operational state and a control device for automatically switching the heating process off is provided.

Abstract: The bimetallic clamping member of a cigar lighter socket is expanded and lengthened to completely disengage the burner cup when the cigar lighter is pressed fully into its socket. An insulating coating on a stop member ensures that no electrical circuit is established through the burner while the cigar lighter remains pressed.

Abstract: An automatic electric cigar lighter, particularly a cigar lighter igniting unit for automobiles and the like. The cigar lighter comprises a holder device presenting an outwardly facing socket, and a unique ignitor plug receivable in the socket. Disposed at the inner end of the plug is a heating element which is electrically connected in circuit with a heat-responsive switch that is also carried by the plug. The socket in addition to its grounding circuit has a "hot" contact which is engageable with a cooperable contact on the plug to effect the circuit through the heating element. The plug comprises a manually operable part by which the heat-responsive switch can be closed, thereby to complete the heating circuit through the element. A bimetallic member is also carried by the plug, engageable with one of the switch parts and normally lying in a circuit-opening position wherein it maintains the switch parts separated and from which it can be shifted to a closed-circuit position.

Abstract: An automatic electric cigar lighter, particularly a cigar lighter igniting unit for automobiles and the like. The cigar lighter comprises a holder device presenting an outwardly facing socket, and a unique ignitor plug receivable in the socket. Disposed at the inner end of the plug is a heating element which is electrically connected in circuit with a heat-responsive switch that is also carried by the plug. The socket in addition to its grounding circuit has a "hot" contact which is engageable with a cooperable contact on the plug to effect the circuit through the heating element. The plug comprises a manually operable part by which the heat-responsive switch can be closed, thereby to complete the heating circuit through the element. A bimetallic member is also carried by the plug, engageable with one of the switch parts and normally lying in a circuit-opening position wherein it maintains the switch parts separated and from which it can be shifted to a closed-circuit position.