With Power Supply And Voltage Or Current Regulation Or Current Control Means Patents (Class 219/482)
  • Publication number: 20130020311
    Abstract: In order to make a heating control system which allows a plurality of heaters to heat an object to be heated without depending on a variation in characteristics among a plurality of heater power sources, a heating control system of the present invention includes: a thermocouple (6M) which detects a temperature of an object to be heated; temperature control means (3M) and temperature control means (3S1); electric current and voltage detecting means (5M) for detecting an electric power value (Wm), and electric current and voltage detecting means (5S1) for detecting a current electric power (PVs1); and target electric power calculating means (1S1) for calculating a target electric power (SPs1). The temperature control means (3M) receives a target temperature (SPm) and a current temperature (PVm), and carries out electric power control so that the current temperature (PVm) matches the target temperature (SPm).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidekazu Sakagami, Toshinori Okada
  • Patent number: 8344292
    Abstract: A cooking appliance has a cooktop including a plurality of separately controlled cooking areas. A first heating element and a second heating element are positioned below one of the separately controlled cooking areas. A control switch is electrically coupled to the first heating element and the second heating element and is operable to selectively energize the first heating element with single-phase AC power and selectively energize the second heating element with two-phase AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Leopoldo H. Franca, Foad M. Kesheh, Moacyr C. Possan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8344293
    Abstract: A solar-powered heat tape system for gas well regulators and other remotely located equipment is herein disclosed. The system comprises a solar power panel mounted atop a mast which provides electrical power to a rechargeable battery system through a charge controller. The output power of the battery is then routed through an AC power inverter. The AC power is then routed to a length of electrical heat tape that is used the keep gas regulators and other equipment from freezing during cold weather. All major electrical components with the exception of the solar panel and the heat tape are contained in a weatherproof and lockable electrical cabinet. The system thus provides electrical power at remote locations to protect plumbing, miscellaneous equipment, testing equipment, telemetry equipment, and the like from freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Jared J. McCabe, Jason McCabe
  • Publication number: 20120325802
    Abstract: A control system and method for a thermal circuit that includes a control unit (1) and a valvular device which regulate the passage of a heat transfer fluid (6) through the inside of a thermal circuit, and a thermoelectric element (3) powering the control unit (1) from the heat of the heat transfer fluid (6). The control unit (1) and/or the valvular device are configured to regulate the circulation of the heat transfer fluid (6) through the inside of the thermal circuit, in order to always maintain a sufficient minimum flow to assure, at all times, the electric power supply of the control unit (1). The method includes using a control system to carry out regulation of the circulation of the heat transfer fluid which assures the electric power supply of part or the entire control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: GESTION ENERGETICA NAVARRA, S.L.
    Inventors: Jesús Carlos Castellano Aldave, Francisco Javier Tornaria Iguelz
  • Publication number: 20120325801
    Abstract: Oven and method for operating an oven, comprising an On/Off-key (4), at least one key (3, 5) for choosing a pre-defined oven function or for choosing a predefined oven program and/or for programming a not predefined oven program, at least one specific key (6), which enables the user to start a preferred oven function or a preferred oven program from an Off-mode or a Standby-mode of the oven, wherein a running oven function or a running oven program can be saved by a memory unit as a preferred oven function or as a preferred oven program, when the specific key (6) is actuated at least for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Volkmar Bunzel, Erhard Kaser, Stefan Danzer, Gülsüm Feuerlein, Jessica Constanze Baschke, Friedrich Horn
  • Publication number: 20120304528
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a packaged terminal device for killing pests in an affected area includes a housing configured to be positioned at least partially within an affected area, a fan positioned within the housing, and one or more heating elements positioned within the housing. The fan is operable to draw a flow of air from the affected area into the housing. The one or more heating elements are operable to generate heated air by transferring heat to the flow of air. The packaged terminal device further includes a control unit operable to control the operation of the one or more heating elements in order to cause the packaged terminal device to operate in either a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, the operation of the one or more heating elements is controlled such that sufficient heated air is generated to heat at least a portion of the affected area to a temperature less than or equal to a first predefined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Wayne J. Hosli, Sean M. Ebert
  • Patent number: 8319156
    Abstract: A vapor cell includes an interrogation cell in a substrate, the interrogation cell having an entrance window and an exit window, and a first transparent thin-film heater in thermal communication with the entrance window. The transparent thin-film heater has a first layer in communication with a first pole contact at a proximal end of the heater and a layer coupler contact at a distal end, a second layer in communication with a second pole contact at the proximal end, and the second layer electrically coupled to the layer coupler contact at the distal end. An insulating layer is sandwiched between the first and second layers. The insulating layer has an opening at the distal end to admit the layer coupler contact and to insulate the remainder of the second layer from the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Robert L. Borwick, III, Jeffrey F. DeNatale, Chialun Tsai, Philip A. Stupar, Ya-Chi Chen
  • Publication number: 20120292306
    Abstract: A floor-heating apparatus includes a basic board, a metal sheet and a heater. The basic board is provided on a concrete floor. The metal sheet includes a marking layer provided thereon. The heater is sandwiched between the basic board and the metal sheet so that the heater is located under and therefore marked by the marking layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Tso-Liang LAI
  • Publication number: 20120241434
    Abstract: An electrical power supply device (10) provided with electrically-conductive metal electrical connection means (12) secured to an electrical power supply wire (11), said connection means (12) comprising a first portion (13) connected to said power supply wire (11), followed by a second portion (14) that extends longitudinally and that is suitable for being permanently bonded to a resistor element (3) that is provided with a plurality of electrically-conductive layers (4). Said second portion (14) is tapering, presenting thickness (e) that decreases, starting from said first portion (13), said second portion (14) having at least one slot (15) passing through said second portion (14) in said direction in elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventors: André Amari, Daniel Brunner, Jacques Gaffiero, Cédric Lanouette
  • Patent number: 8274019
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to a connector for attaching an electrical power source to a conductive fiber tow comprising: a flat surface having an upper and a lower mating portion substantially opposing each other; said upper portion includes a plurality of parallel ribbed troughs and said lower portion includes plurality of parallel ribbed protrusions wherein the upper and lower portions of said surface engagingly fasten a portion of said fiber tow between the ribbed protrusions and the ribbed troughs to hold the said fiber in a fixed position; and at least one electrical contact integral to the flat surface to supply electrical energy to said fiber for producing heat energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Carbon Fibers Heating Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Philip K Morin, Stanley G Tomalesky
  • Patent number: 8269145
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a heating element in a motor vehicle by pulse width modulation, wherein fluctuations in the supply voltage are compensated for by adapting the duty cycle so as to achieve a desired heating output. According to the invention, during a voltage pulse the voltage that is present at the heating element and/or the current flowing through the heating element are measured at specified intervals, and the measured values or values determined therefrom are added to calculate a sum value, which rises with the energy that is fed into the heating element by the voltage pulse, and the voltage pulse is ended at the latest when the sum value has reached a target value. The invention furthermore relates to a glow plug controller for carrying out the method according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Blanc, Andreas Bleil
  • Patent number: 8269150
    Abstract: Disclosed is the electric heater including a base, and a heating unit having a plurality of unit heating elements disposed on a plate surface of the base and at least one of heating connection portions configured to heat and conductively connecting the unit heating elements to each other and non-heating connection portions configured not to heat and conductively connecting the unit heating elements to each other, thereby preventing a thermal stress concentration, thus to prevent damage to the heating unit and to enhance its output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Je-Hoon Kim, Hyoung-Jun Kim, Byeong-Wook Park
  • Publication number: 20120228283
    Abstract: The defrosting apparatus of the present invention uses ohmic heating as operating principle, circulating an electric current through blocks of food. In the particular case of foods, electric current conduction capacity is low, which means that energy is dissipated into the material in the form of heat, thereby heating same. In this case, the block of frozen food acts as a resistor in the electrical circuit which opposes the passage of the current. The defrosting apparatus of the present invention generally comprises a plurality of compartments for receiving blocks of frozen food and for connecting said blocks to an electrical circuit by means of electrodes. In addition, the apparatus includes a plurality of heating modules, a module for controlling and monitoring variables, a plurality of power modules for supplying the necessary electrical energy, and a plurality of pneumatic modules for guaranteeing contact between the blocks of food and the electrodes of the power system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Oscar Alberto Ochoa Gonzalez, Hader Norvey Gomez Gomez, Carlos Fernando Diosa Quintero, Juan Guillermo Puerta
  • Publication number: 20120230744
    Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a switching circuit configured to switch on/off current-feeding from an AC power source to the heater, a temperature detector configured to detect a temperature of the heater, and a current-feed controller configured to execute a first current-feed mode of changing a current-feed ratio of current-feeding time to unit time by controlling switching of the switching circuit so that the temperature detected by the temperature detector falls within a target range. The current-feed controller executes a second current-feed mode of fixing the current-feed ratio to almost 100% or almost 0% during execution of the first current-feed mode in place of the first current-feed mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi MARUYAMA, Katsumi INUKAI
  • Publication number: 20120230661
    Abstract: Controllers and methods for activating a switching device to apply electrical power to a heating element are provided. One example controller includes a temperature sensor disposed within the fluid and configured to sense an ambient temperature of the fluid, a switching device configured to apply electrical power to a heating element, and a processor coupled to the temperature sensor and the switching device. The processor is configured to determine a temperature delta value based on the sensed ambient temperature from the temperature sensor and a set point temperature, to determine an offset based on an average duty cycle of a switching device for a predetermined number of historical time intervals, and to calculate a duty cycle based on the temperature delta value and the offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventor: Esan A. Alhilo
  • Patent number: 8263912
    Abstract: A PWM driver for driving an electric device by a PWM signal includes an ECU that provides a command signal, first circuit that provides a carrier signal of a triangular shape having a preset frequency, a second circuit that forms a PWM signal having a duty ratio formed based on the carrier signal and the command signal and an output circuit that drives an output device. The second circuit includes a duty ratio limiting circuit that limits the duty ratio of the PWM signal to a range between a first duty ratio and a second duty ratio to prevent the wave shape of the PWM signal from becoming a shape of an impulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8263911
    Abstract: This invention discloses an electronic device with a heating protection circuit and a heating protection method thereof. The electronic device includes a control module, a heating protection circuit, a heating switch module, and a heating module. The control module provides a first control signal and a second control signal via a plurality of control pins, respectively. The heating protection circuit generates a third control signal according to the first control signal and the second control signal. The heating switch module controls the heating module whether to heat according to the third control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Pegatron Corporation
    Inventor: Hung-Wei Yen
  • Patent number: 8257578
    Abstract: An anomaly diagnosing apparatus and method for a gas sensor which includes a heater control section; a measurement section which outputs a detection signal for detecting an internal resistance of the gas sensor through a solid electrolyte via connection terminals and the electrodes within the gas sensor and which measures the internal resistance of the gas sensor based on a response signal input via the connection terminals in response to the output of the detection signal; and a diagnosing section which heats the solid electrolyte by use of the heater control section, obtains, after the start of heating, a first time required to reach a first resistance and a second time required to reach a second resistance different from the first resistance, and determines whether or not the gas sensor is anomalous by comparing a predetermined threshold value and a ratio of the first to second times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Teramoto, Shigeki Mori, Hiroki Inouchi
  • Patent number: 8258439
    Abstract: A portable heating and cooling apparatus and method of using the same wherein a temperature-set material is secured in a housing with both rigid and expandable sides. The housing is placed within a container which is so configured such that there is little or no disruption of the contact between the rigid surface and an object to be heated or cooled, whether such contact is direct or via some thermal conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Top Creation (Asia) Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory Mak, Per Johan Maurits Persson
  • Patent number: 8253077
    Abstract: A processing temperature of thermal processing is corrected based on measurement of a first dimension of a resist pattern on a substrate from a previously obtained relation between a dimension of a resist pattern and a temperature of thermal processing, a second dimension of the resist pattern after thermal processing is performed at the corrected processing temperature is measured, a distribution within the substrate of the second dimension is classified into a linear component expressed by an approximated curved surface and a nonlinear component, a processing condition of exposure processing is corrected based on the linear component from a previously obtained relation between a dimension of a resist pattern and a processing condition of exposure processing, and thermal processing at the processing temperature corrected in a temperature correcting step and exposure processing under the processing condition corrected in an exposure condition correcting step are performed to form a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Kunie Ogata, Masahide Tadokoro, Tsuyoshi Shibata, Shinichi Shinozuka
  • Publication number: 20120205363
    Abstract: A canned product heating apparatus includes: a non-contact type temperature detecting element which is not in contact with a surface of a can container; a directional microphone oriented to a closure of the can container; an interrupting circuit which interrupts an electrical supply to a high-frequency induction heating coil based on a signal transmitted from the directional microphone. The electrical supply to the high-frequency induction heating coil is stopped by the interrupting circuit in case the directional microphone captures sonic waves within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: DAIWA CAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Tetsuya Takatomi, Shigeki Matsuura, Taichi Ijuin, Tomio Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8237093
    Abstract: A power supply device having function of heating includes a body, a circuit board, and a heating plate. An accommodation space is defined in the body. The circuit board is disposed in the accommodation space. An input connector and an output connector are disposed on the circuit board. The circuit board receives an external power via the input connector, selectively transforms the external power into a first output power or a second output power, and outputs the first output power via the output connector. The heating plate is disposed on a bottom side of the body and electrically connected to the circuit board to receive the second output power to generate heat for increasing the temperature thereof. The thermal insulator is disposed between the circuit board and the heating plate for isolating heat transferred from the heating plate to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Hannspree, Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Hung Huang
  • Publication number: 20120193347
    Abstract: An apparatus for warming a container, the apparatus including a holder having an inner wall, an outer wall, and an insulation layer between the inner and outer walls, wherein the inner wall defines a first volume having a size and shape for receiving at least a portion of the container, and wherein the holder defines a second volume. The apparatus can also include a solution and an activation disk positioned within the second volume and in contact with the solution, wherein the solution and activation disk are made from materials such that a force applied to the activation disk causes the solution to undergo a chemical reaction that generates heat for warming the container in the first volume. Furthermore, the apparatus can include a disk actuator for applying the force to the activation disk, and elastic bands to increase thermal contact between the container and the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Eric D. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20120175361
    Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor ceramic composition in which a portion of Ba of BaTiO3 is substituted by Bi—Na, which exhibits an excellent jump characteristic while reducing room temperature resistivity and which also reduces room temperature resistivity and exhibits small change with time. A semiconductor ceramic composition which is represented by a composition formula of [(Bi?—Na?)x(Ba1-yRy)1-x]TiO3 (where R is at least one kind of rare earth elements), in which x, y, ? and ? satisfy 0<x?0.3, 0<y?0.02, 0.46<??0.62 and 0.45???0.60 and a molar ratio Bi/Na of Bi to Na in a sintered body is more than 1.02 but 1.20 or less, is provided. Also, a method for producing a semiconductor ceramic composition containing a means for performing weighing such a manner that the molar ratio Bi/Na of Bi to Na is 1.05 to 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Kentaro Ino, Takeshi Shimada, Toshiki Kida
  • Patent number: 8217319
    Abstract: This heating cartridge (1) includes a thermally conductive tube (2) to be immersed in a thermo-expandable substance of the thermostatic element, electric heating element (3), arranged inside the tube and provided with wires for conducting an electric current supplied by an external current source, and connection element between the wires and ports (7) powered by the external current source, these connection element comprising a support base (4) integral with the tube. In order to facilitate the electric connection between the wires and the ports and make it more reliable, the connection element comprise coupling pieces (6), supported by the support base and designed to pinch each port against the corresponding wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Vernet
    Inventors: Nicolas Pottie, Thierry Maraux
  • Patent number: 8217318
    Abstract: The invention is a submersible hand warmer apparatus for warming a diver's gloved hands. The apparatus includes a sleeve having a center portion with an elongate chamber with a right access port and a left access port; and right and left sleeve portions with elastic cuffs. The cuffs can be stretched allowing the diver's gloved hands access to the chamber, and then retract, forming a seal against the diver's arms. The chamber is sized for enough heat transfer fluid, such as water, so that the temperature of the diver's hands is raised to at least 54° F. upon immersion of his hands in the water. The apparatus also includes a heating component; an energy source, such as a battery; a housing which provides structural support; an insulation that slows the loss of heat to the cold ambient water; and a controller that controls the rate that energy is consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jody Wood-Putnam, Marshall L Nuckols, Kenneth Price
  • Publication number: 20120168418
    Abstract: Provided is a heat control device of a heat generating glass, which supplies a sine wave signal for controlling temperature of the heat generating glass according to a size of the heat generating glass, so that the sine wave signal is input at a point of time when the current of the sine wave signal is zero and also the supply of the sine wave signal is stopped at the point of time when the current of the sine wave signal is zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Dong Il Lee, Beom Goo Son, Il Joon Bae
  • Publication number: 20120168425
    Abstract: A hob includes at least one heating zone, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a cookware element placed on the heating zone, and a control unit for operating the heating zone. The control unit is constructed to heat up the cookware element in a heat-up phase and to control the temperature of the cookware element to a target temperature in a holding phase in at least one operating mode. In order to enable an energy-saving simmer operation, the control unit detects a boiling point of the liquid contained in the cookware element during the heat-up phase and determines the target temperature as a function of the boiling point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Oscar Luis Aldana Arjol, Sergio Llorente Gil, David Paesa Garcia, Carlos Sagues Blazquiz
  • Patent number: 8183503
    Abstract: A reversible, submersible, encapsulated PTC heater is disclosed having: a disc-shaped sealable housing; a central disc comprised of a sheet mineral disposed within the sealable housing; cavities disposed within the central disc; PTC heating elements disposed within the cavities; an upper electrode disc disposed upon a top side of the central disc and PTC heater elements; a lower electrode disc disposed upon a bottom side of the central disc and PTC heater elements; an upper polyimide film disc disposed upon a top side of the upper electrode disc; and a lower polyimide film disc disposed upon a bottom side of the lower electrode disc. The electrode discs are configured to make an intimate contact with the PTC heating elements and for connectivity to an electrical power source. The PTC heater is configured to electrically heat a medium to a predetermined temperature and to maintain the temperature of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Bosonto K. Gupta
  • Patent number: 8158908
    Abstract: A device includes an electrically heatable honeycomb body, particularly for treating an exhaust gas flow of a mobile internal combustion machine. The device includes sheet metal foils forming channels and being in electrical contact with a housing. The housing has a terminal for connection to a voltage source, a plurality of contact points disposed remotely from the terminal for contacting the sheet metal foils and a respective contact conductor between the terminal and each contact point. The contact conductors have the same electrical resistance. A motor vehicle having at least one such device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissiontechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Jörg-Roman Konieczny, Rolf Brück, Jan Hodgson
  • Publication number: 20120080420
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power control circuit connectable to a load adapted to receive a power supply, the power control circuit adapted to absorb power from the power supply and adapted to deliver power to the power supply to stabilize at least one electrical parameter of the power supply. The present invention also provides an associated method of stabilizing at least one electrical parameter of a power supply connectable to a load, the method including absorbing power from the power supply or delivering power to the power supply. The at least one electrical parameter of the power supply includes parameters such as voltage and frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicants: VERSITECH LIMITED, CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventors: Shu Yuen Ron HUI, Chi Kwan LEE, Felix Fulih WU
  • Publication number: 20120067867
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a polymer thick film encapsulant composition comprising thermoplastic fluoropolymer resin and acrylic resin dissolved in organic solvents. The deposited encapsulant composition is processed at a time and energy sufficient to remove all solvent and form an encapsulant. The invention is further directed to using the encapsulant composition to form an encapsulant in PTC heater circuitry and , in particular, in PTC heater circuitry in mirror heater and seat heater applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Vince Arancio, Jay Robert Dorfman
  • Publication number: 20120067866
    Abstract: A thermally zoned substrate holder including a substantially cylindrical base having top and bottom surfaces configured to support a substrate. A plurality of temperature control elements are disposed within the base. An insulator thermally separates the temperature control elements. The insulator is made from an insulting material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the base (e.g., a gas- or vacuum-filled chamber).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Steven T. FINK, Eric J. Strang
  • Publication number: 20120018418
    Abstract: A temperature controllable shoe has a shoe portion with a plurality of peltier chips disposed along an inner portion of the shoe to control the temperature inside the shoe. The user selects a desired temperature. The peltier chips are placed against a heat sink in thermal contact to dissipate any unwanted heat. In one embodiment, a wireless control unit is provided to wirelessly control the temperature of the shoes. Because of the thermal properties of the peltier chips, they can be used to either provide heating or cooling depending on the current flow. In another embodiment, the user wears a battery pack that is connected with a wire to the shoe. In another embodiment, the battery is placed within the shoe. In one embodiment, indicator lights are provided to allow a user to visually ascertain the status of the shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Todata R. SHANTHA, Krishna V. SRINVASA, Shaam P. Sundhar
  • Publication number: 20120018417
    Abstract: A multiple-in-one heating unit is provided with a means to set a power capacity level from one of multiple choices at which a circuit board draws input power thereby establishing an output power level from the circuit board to generate a prescribed heat capacity. For example, for a 3-in-1 heating unit, the power capacity level is set by a 3-in-1 DIP Switch which can furnish one of three different signals (e.g., PA0, PA1, and PA2) to a control chip. The control chip will manage a relay group or another type component signaling for generating one of three different capacity outputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: AMERICAN HOMETEC, INC.
    Inventors: Shu Chen, Shimin Luo
  • Publication number: 20120000901
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrothermal converter, which has at least one cold side and one warm side. Provision is made that all the components of the converter cope with the thermal loads appearing when the converter is operated and/or in particular maintains its mechanical stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: W.E.T. AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Goran Bajic, Syed Iqbal, Dmitri Axakov, Tim Normand
  • Publication number: 20110309212
    Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopedic wrist rest where accessories and extensions are reversibly attached, to provide heat, vibration, or structural aspects as light, fans or ionizers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Salvatore Guerrieri, Christopher C. Papadopoullos
  • Publication number: 20110284518
    Abstract: A method of controlling a cooking appliance is disclosed which includes receiving an input corresponding to a staged cooking function, retrieving a preselected parameter set from a data library, the preselected parameter set defining the staged cooking function and including a first heating element behavior parameter and a first temperature parameter, selecting a first heating element behavior from a control library based upon the first heating element behavior parameter, and operating one or more heating elements according to the first heating element behavior and the first temperature parameter. An oven and a tangible, machine-readable medium are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: WALLACE J. ELSTON, III, ANTHONY E. JENKINS, PATRICK J. MARCINIAK
  • Publication number: 20110278280
    Abstract: A pellet warming system includes a charging unit capable of warming a plurality of pellets contemporaneously. Each of the plurality of pellets comprise an internal heating element which resistively heats the body of the pellet from a regulated electrical current that is provided from the charging unit. The charging unit also comprises a controller board with means to control the duration of electric current supplied to each of the pellets as well as means for cycling electrical current to each of the pellets in order to maintain the resistively generated heat. Once heated, each pellet may have comestible goods disposed indirectly thereon through a plate, the pellet maintaining the comestible goods at an elevated temperature for an extended period of time. The charging unit further comprises means for a user to connect their PC to the controller board in order to alter its internal programming and view its operational history.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: CAMBRO MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Pietro Brattoli, Jorge Baez, Charles W. Jarvis, Jeff Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20110278281
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for processing a hypodermic needle (2), comprising: means for softening the needle; and means (120) for providing a compressive force to the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: NEEDLESMART HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Clifford Ian Kirby, Norman Trevor Douce
  • Publication number: 20110272575
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for droplet manipulation includes a substrate, a plurality of electrically addressable thin-film electrodes disposed on the substrate, at least one of the plurality of electrodes comprising a heating element in the form of a patterned electrode. A hydrophilic region is disposed in or above a portion of the heating element. The hydrophilic region may be permanent or electronically actuable. The thin-film electrodes have multi-function capabilities including, for instance, heating, temperature sensing, and/or sample actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chang-Jin Kim, Wyatt C. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110262650
    Abstract: A vaporizing apparatus includes a chamber, a nozzle for dispersing a liquid into droplets, an electrode electrically isolated from the nozzle, and a heater for generating a vapor by applying heat to the droplets. The voltage source applies charges to the droplets by applying a voltage between the nozzle and the electrode. The vaporizing apparatus may be used to devices that deposit organic or inorganic thin films by chemical vapor deposition and/or atomic layer deposition processes, devices for supplying precursor materials that are deposited to form a thin film in organic light emitting diodes, devices that supply organic or inorganic precursor materials for encapsulation, and devices for supplying organic or inorganic polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: SYNOS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Sang In LEE
  • Publication number: 20110253701
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to a connector for attaching an electrical power source to a conductive fiber tow comprising: a flat surface having an upper and a lower mating portion substantially opposing each other; said upper portion includes a plurality of parallel ribbed troughs and said lower portion includes plurality of parallel ribbed protrusions wherein the upper and lower portions of said surface engagingly fasten a portion of said fiber tow between the ribbed protrusions and the ribbed troughs to hold the said fiber in a fixed position; and at least one electrical contact integral to the flat surface to supply electrical energy to said fiber for producing heat energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Philip K. Morin, Stanley G. Tomalesky
  • Publication number: 20110253699
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to a portable food warmer including a cavity having an insulated chafing pan installed therein, said pan including one or more walls or panels embedding a plurality of carbon fiber tow heating elements, the heating elements electrically connecting to a controllable power source utilizing a connector having an upper and lower portion that engagingly fastens a portion of said tow between ribbed protrusions and ribbed troughs to hold said fiber in position, such that the power source enables the heating of food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Philip K. Morin, Stanley G. Tomalesky, Herbert Kleinegger
  • Publication number: 20110253702
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating a pipe prior to performing a welding operation, an interpass welding operation, a hydrogen bake-out operation of a weld joint or for post heat-treating of a weld joint is provided. The heating apparatus can include at least one heating collar placed around a pipe or weld joint, and a controller unit for controlling the thermal heat energy transferred from the heating collar to the pipe or weld joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Colin Regan
  • Publication number: 20110240630
    Abstract: A heating system for a vehicular fluid tank (100), said heating system comprising at least one resistive element (110) and a control unit (120) adapted to direct an electric current through said at least one resistive element (110), wherein said control unit (120) is adapted to vary said current according to a pulse width modulation scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Laurent ETORRE, Florent BARZIC, François-Régis LAVENIER, Volodia NAYDENOV, Guillaume ZELLER, Ignacio GARCIA-LORENZANA
  • Publication number: 20110233188
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for remotely detonating explosives. According to the present disclosure, the device includes: a heat source in the form of an electric generator for generating a thermal infrared signal, capable of producing two heating zones and mounted in a casing; and a mobile supporting structure bearing the casing at the front and connected to a vehicle at the rear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Dominique Hembise
  • Publication number: 20110220633
    Abstract: A portable heating and cooling apparatus and method of using the same wherein a temperature-set material is secured in a housing with both rigid and expandable sides. The housing is placed within a container which is so configured such that there is little or no disruption of the contact between the rigid surface and an object to be heated or cooled, whether such contact is direct or via some thermal conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory Mak, Persson Per Johan Maurits
  • Publication number: 20110220634
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wirelessly-chargeable heating pad, which is coupled to an article in a removable manner and is used in combination with a charging device to perform wireless electrical charging. The wirelessly-chargeable heating pad includes a receiver circuit, a heating element, and a pad body. The receiver circuit includes a rechargeable battery. The heating element is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery. The heating element and the receiver circuit are both mounted to the pad body. The article includes a removable mounting structure, so that the wirelessly-chargeable heating pad is removably coupled to the article through the removable mounting structure. The charging device, after receiving electrical power, converts the electrical power into an alternate current signal that is transmitted to the receiver circuit. The receiver circuit receives and converts the alternate current signal into electrical power that is then stored in the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Winharbor Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiang Yeh
  • Publication number: 20110202034
    Abstract: A controller and a plurality of concatenated heating modules in electrical communication with the controller. The controller controls the flow of current to the plurality of heating modules in response to temperature measurements from at least one of the plurality of heating modules. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of heating modules concatenated with another heating module is connected by Luer-Lok™ connectors. In another embodiment, the modular medical fluid heating system further includes an auxiliary heating unit in electrical communication with the controller and in physical juxtaposition with the plurality of heating modules. The invention also relates to a heating module for a modular medical fluid heating system including a fluid input port; a fluid output port; and serpentine tubing through which fluid passes from the fluid input port to the fluid output port. In one embodiment, the heating module can be concatenated with other heating modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: ESTILL MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: James T. Lopez