Abstract: A closed-loop heater control circuit for use with integrated circuit thermal sensing devices, such as thermal accelerometers, is disclosed. The heater control circuit includes a switched-capacitor integrating circuit and a controller or modulator. The switched-capacitor integrating unit integrates a common-mode voltage signal from an instrument amplifier with respect to an analog common reference voltage. In operation, the switched-capacitor integrating unit is adapted so that the closed-loop is opened briefly at the beginning of every new cycle, e.g., using an enable signal, during fast start-up or power-down.

Abstract: A curd preparation vat provided with a sealing construction for a shaft passing through a wall of the vat, which sealing construction has at least one receiving space and a sealing ring included therein in operation, surrounding the shaft, wherein the sealing ring has an annular body which is provided with a sealing lip which cooperates with a radially extending surface of the sealing construction, and wherein the annular body furthermore has an axially inner surface abutting against first positioning means of the sealing construction, wherein the sealing lip of the at least one sealing ring extends both radially and axially obliquely outwards from a both radially and axially outer edge area of the annular body, and wherein between the sealing lip and the inner surface of the annular body that abuts against the shaft, an axially outer surface of the annular body is situated, which cooperates directly with second positioning means, which leave the lip clear, for fixing the at least one sealing ring between the

Abstract: A multi-stage cooking method for a counter-top electric oven is provided. The oven may include at least one cooking element and at least one control system coupled to the cooking element, the control system including a processor, a storage device, and an input interface. The multi-stage cooking method may include: receiving the multi-stage cooking recipe for the counter-top electric oven; storing the multi-stage cooking recipe in the storage device of the counter-top electric oven; and executing the multi-stage cooking recipe with the counter-top electric oven.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is a way to automatically combine a recipe with an automated recipe composer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a current supply device for a surface resistance heater, a heating system and to a method for supplying a surface resistance heater with current. The resistance of the surface resistance heater is measured in a continuous manner in order to detect short-circuits. In the event of a short-circuit, the current is limited or cut-off. Said current supply device is, preferably, embodied as a skirting board or as a cover strip.

Abstract: The adaptive temperature controller includes an ambient temperature sensor, a device for measuring resistance, an electrically-conductive material, a power supply, and a device for controlling power. In operation, the controller determines the resistance of material at or near ambient temperature. Based on such determination so long as voltage and power are known, the resistance of the material, and therefore its instant temperature is known. Additionally, the adaptive temperature controller determines the responsiveness of the electrically-conductive material to determine the predicted increase in temperature and rate of increase in temperature relative to increases in voltage, current or power. As a result the voltage or power may be instantly varied to produce near infinite control over material temperature.

Abstract: A substrate undergoes a semiconductor fabrication process at different temperatures in a reactor without changing the temperature of the reactor. The substrate is held suspended by flowing gas between two heated surfaces of the reactor. Moving the two heated surfaces in close proximity with the substrate for a particular time duration heats the substrate to a desired temperature. The desired temperature is then maintained by distancing the heated surfaces from the substrate and holding the heated surface at the increased distance to minimize further substrate heating.

Abstract: A cooktop has a metal support plate upon which heating equipment can be mounted and a control casing for housing or attaching a control unit or electronics. Fasteners allow for detachable connection of the metal support plate and the control casing to each other, and comprise fastenings formed on the metal support plate and corresponding slots on the control casing, whereby the fastenings are designed for attachment into the slots in an attachment orientation whereby movement of the two parts relative to each other results in the final assembled state. There is a moveable protrusion on the control casing and a recess or catch on the metal support plate that mates with the protrusion. During movement of the support plate and control casing into the final assembled position, the protrusion interacts with the catch or recess to lock the metal support plate relative to the control casing.

Abstract: In the present invention, a thermal plate of a heating unit is divided into a plurality of thermal plate regions, and a temperature can be set for each of the thermal plate regions. A temperature correction value for adjusting a temperature within the thermal plate can be set for each of the thermal plate regions of the thermal plate. The line widths within the substrate which has been subjected to a photolithography process are measured, and, from an in-plane tendency of the measured line widths, an in-plane tendency improvable by temperature correction and an unimprovable in-plane tendency are calculated using a Zernike polynomial. An average remaining tendency of the improvable in-plane tendency after improvement obtained in advance is added to the unimprovable in-plane tendency to estimate an in-plane tendency of the line widths within the substrate after change of temperature setting.

Abstract: A food cooking/warming appliance includes a housing, a top panel covering the housing and having an aperture, a shroud depending from the top panel through the aperture, a food vessel located within the shroud, a heating element located within the housing beneath the shroud, and control knob for controlling energy to the heating element.

Abstract: In apparatus and a method for providing electronic control of an electric heating assembly, a radiant electric heater (10, 110) is arranged at a lower surface (22, 124) of a glass-ceramic cooking plate (12, 112), the plate having an upper surface (40, 138) for receiving a cooking vessel (42, 136A, 136B). A temperature sensor (24, 140) monitors temperature at or adjacent to the cooking plate (12, 112) and provides an electrical output as a function of temperature. Control means (30, 142) connected to the temperature sensor (24, 140) and to the heater (10, 110) controls energising of the heater from a power supply (28, 134) for energising the heater at a plurality of user selectable power levels including a full power level.

Abstract: Semiconductor wafers are processed in conjunction with a manufacturing execution system using a run-to-run controller and a fault detection system. A recipe is received from the manufacturing execution system by the run-to-run controller for controlling a tool. The recipe includes a setpoint for obtaining one or more target wafer properties. Processing of the wafers is monitored by measuring processing attributes including fault conditions and wafer properties using the fault detection system and one or more sensors. Setpoints of the recipe may be modified at the run-to-run controller according to the processing attributes to maintain the target wafer properties, except in cases when a fault condition is detected by the fault detection system. Thus, data acquired in the presence of tool or wafer fault conditions are not used for feedback purposes. In addition, fault detection models may be used to define a range of conditions indicative of a fault condition.

Abstract: A relay apparatus for relaying communication between a water heater main body and a radio remote control unit, comprising: a switch section for setting an address of the radio remote control unit; a control section for establishing communication with the water heater main body and commanding and controlling to read out maintenance information stored in the water heater main body assuming that input information at the switch section is a request from the radio remote control unit having an address which was set by operation of the switch section; and a display section for displaying the maintenance information received from the water heater main body.

Abstract: A controller for an electric article includes a voltage-stabilizing circuit for supplying voltage stable DC power, a microprocessor, a temperature-detecting circuit, a protecting circuit, a control circuit, and a switch circuit. The temperature-detecting circuit includes several comparators commonly connected to a temperature range switch. The protecting circuit includes a comparator that detects a pre-set highest heating temperature and that is connected to the voltage stable DC power and a voltage-detecting circuit of the voltage stable DC power. The comparator of the protecting circuit is further connected to a voltage-dividing end of a thermistor connected to a temperature-detecting wire. The control circuit is connected to the microprocessor and an output of the comparator of the protecting circuit. The switch circuit is connected to an output of the voltage stable DC power and the control circuit, thereby controlling conduction or cutting off DC power supply to the electric article.

Abstract: An electrically heated water kettle comprises a vessel for holding a liquid for extraction of tea, coffee or other food material. The vessel includes a partially open immersible container sized to allow the passage of water between the walls of the vessel. The container is capable of holding the material while an opening in the container allows the entrance of water into the container upon immersion of the container in the water. The heated kettle incorporates structure to hold the container out of the water until the water reaches an appropriate extraction temperature and to immerse or withdraw the container into or from the water as is necessary to accomplish the extraction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.

Abstract: A method of making a flexible sheet heater includes the steps of (i) bonding an electrically conductive fabric and an support member formed of a PET film and a layer of acrylic together, ii) stamp-cutting the electrically conductive fabric to form a heating element having a predetermined loop, iii) attaching two electrical terminals to two distal ends of the heating element respectively, iv) bonding a first flexible protective sheet member to one side of the heating element opposite to the PET film, v) removing the PET film from the heating element; and vi) bonding a second flexible protective sheet member to the other side of the heating element opposite to the first flexible protective sheet member so that the heating element is sandwiched between the first and second flexible protective sheet members.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for controlling temperature. The method has particular utility in connection with controlling temperature in a deposition process, e.g., in depositing a heat-reflective material via CVD. One exemplary embodiment provides a method that involves monitoring a first temperature outside the deposition chamber and a second temperature inside the deposition chamber. An internal temperature in the deposition chamber can be increased in accordance with a ramp profile by (a) comparing a control temperature to a target temperature, and (b) selectively delivering heat to the deposition chamber in response to a result of the comparison. The target temperature may be determined in accordance with the ramp profile, but the control temperature in one implementation alternates between the first temperature and the second temperature.

Abstract: A heat sink that is disposed on a heating element and absorbs the heat generated by the heating element includes: a contact surface to which recessed grooves are formed and the region of which excluding the recessed grooves is in contact with the heating element; insertion members having a thickness, which permits them to fill the recessed grooves, and come into contact with the heating element by being inserted into the recessed grooves; and a turning mechanism that separates the contact surface from the heating element by turning the insertion members in response to a manipulation while abutting the extreme ends of the insertion members against the heating element. With such arrangement, there can be provided the heat sink that can reduce time and effort for removing the heat sink from the heating element while suppressing deterioration of heat absorption capability and an information processing device including the heat sink.

Abstract: The switching apparatus and method are provided for varying the impedance of a phase line of a segment of an electrical power line. The phase line includes n conductors electrically insulated from each other and short-circuited among each other at two ends of the segment. The apparatus comprises, for each of at least one of the n conductors, a passive component and a pair of electromechanical and electronic switches, the pair of switches being able to connect and disconnect in a selective manner the passive component in series with the corresponding conductor, the switches of each pair being controllable independently. The apparatus also comprises a detecting device for detecting the current operating conditions of the phase line, and a control device for controlling each pair of switches according to the current operating conditions.

Abstract: A heating element CVD system wherein one or a plurality of connection terminal holders is placed in the processing container, and each of the connection terminal holders holds a plurality of connection terminals. Each of the connection terminals connects the heating element to the electric power supply mechanism electrically such that a connection region of the heating element connected to the connection terminal is not exposed to a space in the processing container.

Abstract: A method of cooking food with steam in an automatic household oven comprises receiving a user inputted cooking temperature, receiving a user inputted steam level, and implementing a preprogrammed steam cooking cycle based on the user inputted cooking temperature and the user inputted steam level.

Abstract: A heat sealer having a heated platen, a cylinder for reciprocating the platen, a die positioned to be engaged by the platen and a shuttle supporting the die to move the die from a platen-engaging position to a non-engaging position, and a control for controlling the temperature of the platen and the force applied to the platen against the die by the cylinder. The invention also includes a temperature sensor for sensing the surface temperature of the platen and a load sensor for sensing the force applied by the platen to the die. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor is an infrared temperature sensor that reads the surface temperature of the platen and the load sensor is a load cell positioned beneath the die and supporting the die so that the load sensors can measure the direct force applied by the platen against the die. Also, in one embodiment, the infrared sensor is positioned beneath the die so that it can read the platen temperature when the die is displaced to the non-engaging position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling electrical heating of an element to maintain a constant electrical resistance, by adjusting electrical power supplied to such element according to an adaptive feedback control algorithm, in which all the parameters are (1) arbitrarily selected; (2) pre-determined by the physical properties of the controlled element; or (3) measured in real time. Unlike the conventional proportion-integral-derivative (PID) control mechanism, the system and method of the present invention do not require re-tuning of proportionality constants when used in connection with a different controlled element or under different operating conditions, and are therefore adaptive to changes in the controlled element and the operating conditions.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an appliance at a predetermined temperature. The control system comprises a sensor capable of providing a temperature signal representative of a temperature in the appliance and a controller capable of receiving the temperature signal and determining an amount of time to apply power based on the temperature signal. The amount of time to apply power is a percentage of time to apply power of a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A system for heating a vehicle battery and a method for using the same. The system and method enable energy flow from the battery to a heater to heat the battery after determining a shut-down condition.

Abstract: An overheating protection system for a control unit includes an interrupter element, which, in its initial position defined with respect to a circuit board, electrically connects the opposite facing ends of at least one track on the circuit board, and an actuating element which is activated with the overheating of the transistor, and which on actuation against the interrupter element takes effect and releases it at least so far from the tract that the electrical connection is interrupted. A preassembled actuating unit for the interrupter element of the overheating protection is comprises an accommodation housing, in which an actuating element is accommodated and which can be brought into interaction with the interrupter element and which is held releasably by a one-piece latching element formed on the accommodation housing under pretension. An electrical heating device with a control unit protected against overheating is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling a process from run-to-run for semiconductor manufacturing. The method of control utilizes a process model to establish a relationship between process control input data and process control output data. The method of control involves minimizing the difference between target process control output data and process control output data predicted by applying the process model to the new process control input data.

Abstract: The invention concerns a controlling and monitoring device for avoiding damage through overheating in the case of flexible, textile surface heating elements which include at least two opposed contact conductors (3.1, 3.2) made of electrically conducting, non-insulated fibers or wires between which there extends a plurality of heating conductors (8) which are electrically connected to the contact conductors (3.1, 3.2) and to a current-voltage source. At least one additional conductor (1) is guided along at least one contact conductor over the heating conductors (8), wherein the additional conductor (1) is electrically insulated by a covering material and is connected to an electric or electronic evaluation switch (11).

Abstract: A method for controlling the level of a drum in a drum-type boiler includes adjusting a gain of a drum level PID (such as a Proportional Integral Derivative control) in accordance with a signal representative of a set of tuning constants, a signal representative of drum level, and a signal representative of a drum level setpoint. The method also includes utilizing a flow control PID to adjust a drum level control valve, wherein the flow control PID adjusts the drum level control valve in accordance with an output of the drum level PID, a signal representative of steam flow, and a signal representative of drum feedwater flow.

Abstract: A control device for an electric blanket includes a voltage drop rectifier circuit connected to an AC power source, a control gate circuit, a zero-across detecting circuit connected to the AC power source, a central processing circuit connected to the zero-across detecting circuit, an activating circuit, and a button circuit. The control gate circuit includes a triac electrically connected in series to the AC power source. The activating circuit includes an input connected to the central processing unit and an output connected to the gate of the triac of the control gate circuit. The central processing circuit includes a central processor and outputs signals to control the activating circuit, the control gate circuit, and the heating element such that the heating element is activated when the zero-across detecting circuit detects that a voltage of the AC power source approximates zero and thus sends a signal to the central processing circuit.

Abstract: An electric clothes dryer heater system including a heater element and a controller operationally coupled to the heater is provided. The controller is configured to provide an AC sine wave to a heater element of an electric clothes dryer, stop providing at a zero crossing of the AC sine wave, monitor the AC sine wave for a subsequent zero crossing and reprovide the AC sine wave to the heater element at the subsequent zero crossing.

Abstract: A control unit for a household appliance, preferably a cooking device, containing a control device and regulating devices. The control device has a removable control element and a blocking device. The regulating devices have a change-over regulating device that allows the cooking device to be used in an alternative operating mode should the control element be removed from the cooking device.

Abstract: An electric cooking apparatus and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. The electric cooking apparatus includes heating units, a switching unit, a current detecting unit and a control unit. The heating units each having a heating element and electrodes connected to the heating element. The switching unit switches power to be applied to the electrodes. The current detecting unit detects values of current output from the heating units. The control unit operates a predetermined number of the heating units, which are determined according to the values of current detected from the current detecting unit after operating the heating units.

Abstract: A vacuum-processing method carries out, in a vacuum-processing vessel (4), a process wherein a condition of an interior of the vacuum processing vessel (4) changes as the number of processed objects (W) increases, such as a film-forming process for forming a thin film on a semiconductor wafer (W) by using a process gas in the vacuum processing vessel (4). The vacuum-processing method controls a controlled parameter directly affecting an effect of the process, such as film thickness, so that the controlled parameter is maintained at a target value (rt). The vacuum-processing method determines a model function obeying a change of the condition of the interior of the processing vessel (4), and calculates the target value (rt) of the controlled parameter every time one or a plurality of objects (W) are processed on the basis of a set value (Dt) of a set parameter representing the effect of the process, and the model function.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatically warming a grip surface, such as handlebars, of a vehicle in which the grip surface and a rider's hand are exposed to outdoor environmental conditions. The system has an electrical power source; a resistive heating element mounted to the grip surface for warming the grip surface; an automatic temperature controller having a switch electrically connected in series between the power source and the heating element for switching power on and off to the heating element in response to a temperature feedback signal; and, a temperature sensor electrically connected to the temperature controller for providing the temperature feedback signal and mounted on the grip surface at an interface between the grip surface and the hand, the grip surface and the hand being exposed to outdoor environmental conditions. The system is particularly useful for vehicles such as snowmobiles, snow throwers, ATV's and motorcycles.

Abstract: An airfoil temperature control arrangement includes a resistive heater element. A plurality of detectors allow a controller to gather resistance information at various intervals along the resistive heater element. Determining the resistance of the corresponding portions of the heater element allows the controller to utilize a known relationship between resistance and temperature for the material selected to make the resistive heater element. In one example, a nickel alloy or other material having a high coefficient of resistance is chosen to provide the controller with the ability to determine a temperature for each portion of the heater element. The determined temperature information is used, for example, to monitor whether any portion of the heater element has become delaminated from the airfoil surface.

Abstract: A combination for preparing a food product and method of using the combination are disclosed. The combination includes a housing supporting a cooking chamber, which communicates with a flavor enhancement chamber. The cooking chamber and the flavor enhancement chamber are selectively and independently controlled by an automated controller. In using the combination, a user provides the food product, places a flavor enhancement substance within the flavor enhancement chamber, arranges the food product on a preparation rack, and position the rack with the food within the cooking chamber. With the food positioned within the combination, the user programs parameters for a food preparation cycle into an operating code resident in the automated controller. Upon activation by the user, the controller executes the operating code. In response, the flavor enhancement chamber releases a flavor enhancement for impregnation into the food product, and the cooking chamber completes preparation of the food product.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a method of controlling a medical fluid heater is provided. The method includes the steps of determining a first heater control output based on a number of measured inputs for the heater and at least one mathematical relationship between at least two of the measured inputs, determining a second heater control output based on at least one fuzzy logic membership function and at least one fuzzy logic rule, and determining a third heater control output based on the first and second outputs and using the third heater control output to control the heater.

Abstract: A method for driving appliances and a household appliance for operating two household appliances includes connecting a first household appliance to an electrical wall outlet and disposing an appliance plug receptacle inside the first household appliance, for example, an ironing dummy. The second household appliance, for example, a pressing iron is plugged into the plug receptacle. To prevent an overloading of the electrical mains, a regulating unit disposed inside the first household appliance regulates the current consumption of at least one of these household appliances.

Abstract: Emissivity of a substrate is measured at least before the substrate is heated, heating operation of the substrate is controlled under a heating condition corresponding to the emissivity, and the substrate is processed.

Abstract: When left and right feed switches are pressed simultaneously for three seconds at the step S1, a special mode selection screen 1 is changed such that the name of each operating mode is displayed at a display portion corresponding to the position of each of switches <1> to <4>. Thus, pressing any of the corresponding switches <1> to <4> under each display makes it possible to select each operating mode. In this way, an operation mode can be easily and reliably selected.

Abstract: A control unit for a household appliance, preferably a cooking device, containing a control device and regulating devices. The control device has a removable control element and a blocking device. The regulating devices have a change-over regulating device that allows the cooking device to be used in an alternative operating mode should the control element be removed from the cooking device.

Abstract: A method and system for the processing of one or more wafers in a process tool is provided, the method comprising subjecting the one or more wafer in a reaction chamber to a process, generating an inhibit next load flag on predefined conditions, the inhibit next load flag not effecting already started processing of a wafer. Prior to the start of the processing of a wafer, a check is performed to see if an inhibit next load flag has been set. When upon checking it has been found that an inhibit next load has been set, the start of the process in the reaction chamber is prohibited. The method further includes providing pre-programmed recovery procedures, such that after execution of a pre-programmed recovery procedure the to be processed wafer of which the start of the processing is prohibited ends in a defined state such that the tool can be used for further processing.

Abstract: A multiple-zone power control system for controlling electric heating elements, including a power control unit having multiple control zones, a touch-sensitive fuinction key, and a touch-sensitive on/off key for activating and deactivating one of the control zones. When all of the control zones are deactivated, the touch-sensitive key must be touched for at least a cold start duration in order to activate the designated control zone. Alternatively, the designated control zone is prevented from being activated if the touch-sensitive fuinction key is touched while the touch-sensitive on/off key is being touched. The control system also includes two power controllers connected by a communication bus. When one of the power controllers initiates a lockout condition, the other power controller initiates a corresponding lockout condition. Multiple heating elements can be controlled together using a single set of control keys. A element size key toggles between different combinations of heating elements to control.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor wafer heat treatment apparatus and method, which can carry out a heat treatment to suppress variations in line widths within surface on a semiconductor wafer and the like, which includes: a heating plate for heating a semiconductor wafer to a predetermined temperature; a temperature measuring unit for measuring temperatures when heating the semiconductor wafer or a semiconductor wafer equivalent placed on the heating plate, at portions divided into a plurality of regions; and a controller for controlling the temperatures of the semiconductor wafer, and based on the temperature measurement result of the temperature measuring unit, the controller controls the temperature in heating the semiconductor wafer, for each of the plurality of regions. In cooling after the heating process, based on the temperature measurement result, the controller controls the temperature in cooling the semiconductor wafer, for each of the plurality of regions.

Abstract: In order to refine a method for electric heating of furnaces for heat treating metallic workpieces, especially vacuum furnaces usable for plasma carburizing or nitriding, in which the heater elements of a furnace are supplied with a heating voltage that is generated in the secondary circuit of a three phase transformer connected to the three phase power network such that a comparatively small reactive power component can be obtained in a simple and economical manner, it is proposed that the primary coil windings of the three phase transformer be switched in the delta connection during a first heating phase and in the star connection during a second heating phase, whereby the switchover time from the delta connection to the star connection is determined as a function of operating parameters characteristic for the heating process.

Abstract: A generic, self-tuning control system deployable in a wide variety of systems is achieved from a digital system effectuating a matrix chain. Each matrix in the chain yields an output based upon two or more inputs. The outputs of the various matrices making up the chain are used as inputs to other matrices in the chain. Measured inputs are state variables of the system under control. Some inputs that are generated by other matrices are state variables. Consequently, the set of values generated by the matrices results from the state variables describing the system at a given point in time. Initially, the matrices exhibit a quality referred to as symmetry. This quality serves to cause the system under control to transition to desired state. In addition to the controlling force exerted by virtue of the symmetry of the matrices, a learning algorithm may be introduced to the matrix chain.

Abstract: A detachable temperature sensor has two parts, a switch to control a temperature and a magnetic socket to connect the sensor to a power source. The switch has a plug to connect with an electrical appliance and electrical contacts and an iron sheet to connect with the magnetic socket. The magnetic socket has a housing and is connected to the power cord to a wall socket. The magnetic socket includes power inlet contact blades and a permanent magnetic iron sheet. When the switch and the socket are connected, a magnetic circle connects the permanent magnetic iron sheet with the iron sheet of the switch to connect the switch to the power. While in use, if the magnetic socket is pulled, the magnetic socket separates from the sensor switch, cutting power to the electrical appliance.

Abstract: A hot water tank monitoring system is designed to shut off the water supply to the hot water tank and to shut off either the electrical supply or the gas supply to the heating unit of the hot water tank in response to sensing of malfunction of one or more of a number of different sensed parameters. These parameters include a water leak detector located beneath the water tank, a water level float sensor, a temperature sensor to sense excess temperature, and a pressure sensor located in the line between the pressure relief valve and the blow-out outlet of the water tank. Signals from the various sensors are supplied to a controller, which provides signals to a LED status indicator, and also operates to provide alarm signals through a modem over telephone lines to remote locations and to operate an alarm.