Abstract: A system and method is provided. In one aspect, the system and method may calculate a time period for each mode of a plurality of modes. The system and method may index through each mode for the corresponding time period to provide power to the plurality of thermal elements according to the mode. In another aspect the system and method may index sequentially through each mode of a plurality of modes and apply power to an indexed mode while measuring an electrical characteristic of the thermal elements for the indexed mode.

Abstract: System and method for incrementally varying input levels and recording respective output temperatures at the varied levels, storing, in a training table, first correlations between the varied levels of the input parameter and defined temperature ranges, detecting an input parameter level during operation and re-recording the output temperature at the detected level, generating a second correlation between the detected level and a second temperature range, determining whether the second temperature range is different from a first temperature range from among the defined temperature ranges, the first temperature range correlating to the level of the input parameter corresponding to the detected level, updating the training table when the second temperature range is different from the first temperature range, predicting an expected temperature range, and dynamically scaling, based on the expected temperature range, the detected level of the input parameter to control the output temperature in real-time.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a wire grid polarizer in which a stable color coordinate can be implemented. According to the present invention, in a process where a second grid pattern of metal pattern is formed over a first grid pattern made of resin material, metal layer is deposited in a concave portion formed between adjacent first grid patterns to form void portion and a width and a height of the second grid pattern are adjusted depending on adjustment of a width of the voids, and thereby improving a process efficiency.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a light emitting unit having at least one first light emitting element and at least one second light emitting element connected in series with each other. Further, the illumination apparatus includes a keying circuit for electrically closing a first power supply path which passes through both the first and the second light emitting element from the power supply circuit or the capacitive element or a second power supply path which passes through the first light emitting element without passing through the second light emitting element from the capacitive element. The keying circuit is set in a state in which the first power supply path is electrically closed during a power supply, and is set in a state in which the second power supply path is electrically closed when a reduction in quantity of charges of the capacitive element is detected after the power supply is stopped.

Abstract: A switch control unit detects a power supply voltage of a heater detected by a voltage detection unit, and switch is performed on a load state of the heater in a range from a first load state to a fourth load state when the detected power supply voltage falls into a predetermined first domain. On the other hand, the switch is performed on the load state that ranges from the first load state to the third load state when the detected power supply voltage falls into a predetermined second domain that is higher in voltage than the first domain. That is, when the power supply voltage is in the second domain that is higher in voltage than the first domain, a limitation is imposed on the switch to the fourth load state where a combined resistance value is the lowest among the first and fourth load states.

Abstract: An apparatus to package an electronic device. The apparatus includes a composite plastic package that is durable to environmental conditions. In particular, a mold process to produce a plastic composite material package and support an electronic component inserted therein. At least one injection nozzle supplies a specified level of plastic composite material into the mold to produce a substantially hermetically sealed package. A multi-patch antenna provides increased receiver sensitivity. An inductive battery power option provides a user flexibility to charge a tracking device and communicate near-field signals and energy with a tracking monitoring station.

Abstract: A block copolymer for manufacturing a nanowire and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The block copolymer and the method of manufacturing a nanowire using the same are used to fabricate a nanowire having a diameter of less than or equal to 30 nm and a porous nanowire having a diameter within the same range and pores with a diameter of less than or equal to 10 nm.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a first temperature control unit and a second temperature control unit. Each control unit has power-input terminals for receiving power from a vehicle electrical power system and power-output terminals. The first control unit has a logic part for comparing received temperature selection and temperature measurement values along with a first pulse generator connected to a first output terminal of the logic part and a second pulse generator connected to a second output terminal of the logic part as well as a first switch unit coupled to the first pulse generator. The second temperature control unit includes a second switch unit coupled to the second pulse generator. First and second heating elements are coupled to the temperate control units. An occupant switch is coupled to the first temperate control unit. A first temperature sensor monitors the thermal output of the first heating element.

Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) that reduces a burden on a battery resulting from energization of a heater and a decrease in time during which an NOx concentration cannot be detected. The SCR system includes: an SCR device; a dosing valve; NOx sensors; an urea solution injection control unit; electric heaters for raising respective temperatures of the NOx sensors to a sensor operating temperature; and an energization permission unit that prohibits energization of the heaters at the time of a start of an engine and permits energization of the heaters when engine revolutions become equal to or exceed a preset energization permission threshold value and such state lasts for a period of time equal to or exceeding a preset stabilization wait time.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a nanostructuring process for an ingot surface prior to the slicing operation. A surface treatment step is performed for at least one surface of the ingot in forming a nanostructure layer thereon. The nanostructure layer is capable of enhancing the mechanical strength of the ingot surface to reduce the chipping ratio of the wafer during slicing.

Abstract: An electronic circuit control arrangement to sustain water discharging from an instantaneous hot water heater at a set temperature or range having a proportional water temperature signal derived from a sensing arrangement in communication with water inlet and outlet ports so as to sense the respective temperatures at each port to provide a comparatively measurable proportional difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures set against referenced parameters, including a comparator that acts as an operable control of a switch adapted to couple and de-couple an alternating current power source to the heating element through a duty cycle of highs and lows to provide a rate to generate and maintain the appropriate coupling and/or de-coupling of the alternating current power source to and from the heating element to achieve the desired referenced temperature and/or range.

Abstract: A heater control unit controls electric power supplied to a heater provided in a seat. The heater control unit includes an outside air temperature measuring portion that measures an outside air temperature, a seat surface temperature measuring portion that measures a surface temperature of the seat, and a control portion. The control portion controls a time for which an initial electric power larger than an electric power in a steady state after the initial state is output to the heater, according to the measured outside air temperature and the measured seat surface temperature in an initial state immediately after the heater is activated.

Abstract: A combined seat heater and capacitive occupancy sensor comprises a heating element (10) connected between a first (21) and a second (22) node, and a capacitive sensing network connected to the heating element to apply an oscillating voltage thereto and to derive the capacitive load of the heating element. A common mode choke (16) connects the first and second node to a third (23) and fourth (24) node, respectively. The capacitive sensing network comprises an oscillator (28), AC-coupled to the third and/or the fourth node to drive oscillating voltage into that node, and a transimpedance amplifier (32), which has a first input to receive the oscillating voltage as reference voltage and a second input operatively connected to the heating element. The transimpedance amplifier maintains a voltage on its second input equal to the reference voltage by driving a current into the second input. An output signal (44) indicates the AC component of the current driven into the second input.

Abstract: A method for implementing a touch screen on a display panel and associated apparatus is provided. Cross locations of source lines and gate lines of the display panel are arranged for sensing a user touch control. In a sensing phase for sensing touch control, capacitance changes due to the touch control are sensed via the source lines. In a display phase, driving electricity is transmitted via the source lines for driving the display panel to display.

Abstract: A method of detecting a fault in a de-icer probe for measuring a physical parameter on an airplane engine, the method including: prior to starting an engine, measuring a first value of the physical parameter with help of the probe; activating the probe de-icer; at an end of a determined duration from a start of de-icing, measuring a second value of the parameter with help of the probe; and comparing the first and second values and generating a fault signal if the difference between the first and second values is less than a determined threshold.

Abstract: A control system for an electric water heater having an upper heating element and a lower heating element is disclosed. The control system includes a control module that controls operation of the electric water heater by selectively toggling the upper and lower heating elements between an ON state and an OFF state and a consumer interface module that allows a consumer to input a set point temperature and select an energy savings mode for the electric water heater. The control module regularly monitors hot water usage and adjusts the set point temperature by a predetermined setback amount until a capacity of the water heater matches consumer usage.

Abstract: A temperature control circuit of oven-controlled crystal oscillator includes a heater resistor, a first resistor, a thermistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, a differential amplifier, a PNP-type power transistor, and a PNP-type current-limiting transistor. The thermistor outputs a voltage depending on a temperature. The differential amplifier amplifies a difference between the voltage received by the one input terminal and the voltage received by the other and output as a control voltage. The PNP-type power transistor includes an emitter where the other end of the heater resistor is connected, a base that receives an output of the differential amplifier, and a grounded collector. The PNP-type current-limiting transistor has an emitter where a power voltage is supplied, a base that receives a voltage between the other end of the heater resistor and the emitter of the power transistor, and a collector connected to the base of the power transistor.

Abstract: An electrical system responsive to overheating and/or electric arcing of an electrically conductive member, e.g. a heating member of an aircraft windshield, includes a first switch in a first current path, and a second switch in a second current path. The first current path is from an electrical power supply through the first switch, through an arc sensor to the heating member to the power supply. The second current path is from a temperature sensor monitoring the temperature of the heating member through the second switch to a temperature controller. When the temperature of the heating member is at or above a predetermined value, the temperature controller causes the first switch to open. When there is arcing, the second switch is moved to the open position. The temperature controller senses that the second switch is open and causes the first switch to open.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature of a glow plug (1), wherein a setpoint temperature (Tset) is used to determine a setpoint value (Rset) of a temperature-dependent electric variable and an effective voltage (Ueff) which is generated by pulse width modulation is applied to the glow plug (1) and is used as correcting variable.

Abstract: A dual resistance heater for a phase change material region is formed by depositing a resistive material. The heater material is then exposed to an implantation or plasma which increases the resistance of the surface of the heater material relative to the remainder of the heater material. As a result, the portion of the heater material approximate to the phase change material region is a highly effective heater because of its high resistance, but the bulk of the heater material is not as resistive and, thus, does not increase the voltage drop and the current usage of the device.

Abstract: In a power supply system for a three-phase arc furnace (1), comprising at least one furnace transformer (4), the furnace transformer (4) is connected on the secondary side to the three-phase arc furnace (1). On the primary side, the furnace transformer (4) is connected to a three-phase supply mains (3) through an indirect converter (5). The indirect converter (5) comprises at least one rectifier (6) on the mains side, at least one inverter (7) on the transformer side, and an intermediate circuit (8) between the rectifier (6) and the inverter (7). Each phase of the three-phase supply mains (3) is connected to the intermediate circuit (8) through two converter elements (11) of the rectifier (6) in each case. Each primary-side phase of the furnace transformer (4) is connected to the intermediate circuit (8) through two converter elements (2) of the inverter (7) in each case.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is provided having an active circuit. A heating element is adjacent to the active circuit and configured to heat the active circuit. A temperature sensor is also adjacent to the active circuit and configured to measure a temperature of the active circuit. A temperature controller is coupled to the active circuit and configured to receive a temperature signal from the temperature sensor. The temperature controller operates the heating element to heat the active circuit to maintain the temperature of the active circuit in a selected temperature range.

Abstract: A toaster cover control device with fireproofing function comprises a cover sliding-frame or a cover opening-closing mechanism and a power switch (K), a cover switch (K1) and a control circuit that are provided in the toaster. The said control circuit is provided with a microprocessor. An output terminal of the control circuit is connected with a transistor (Q1). The said control circuit is connected with a sensor (S). The sensor detects the temperature of the toaster. The control circuit provides a control signal when the detected temperature exceeds the set temperature value, so that a circuit controlling cover action keeps the cover closed. The cover can be opened normally when the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature value. It is also provided with an application method of the said control device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the power delivered to cookware by a power control system that comprises a heating control user interface that is set by the user to a particular heating control user interface set point within an operating range. A controller derives from the heating control user interface set point a desired cookware temperature set point, and, over at least a first portion of the operating range that encompasses the boiling range, also derives from the heating control user interface set point a maximum limit of power that can be delivered to the cookware to maintain the cookware at the desired cookware temperature set point. The maximum power limit varies monotonically over the first portion of the operating range.

Abstract: Provided is a thermal processing method including a first process comprising changing a set temperature of the heating plate from a first temperature to a second temperature; initiating a thermal processing for a first substrate before the temperature of the heating plate reaches the second temperature; obtaining temperature data of the heating plate after the thermal processing is initiated; changing the set temperature of the heating plate from the second temperature when the set temperature reaches the second temperature; and thermal processing of the first substrate using the heating plate for which the set temperature has been changed. The method further includes a second process comprising reinstating the temperature of the heating plate to the second temperature after the thermal processing of the first substrate; and thermal processing of a next substrate using the heating plate while the temperature of the heating plate is maintained at the second temperature.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a glow plug in a combustion engine, where a state of aging A of the glow plug is ascertained, and the control of the glow plug is influenced as a function of the state of aging A of the plug.

Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting a single electrical heating element of a hot water heater to first and second AC electrical power sources. Typically, these first and second AC electrical power sources include a utility provided electrical power source and a renewable power source that generates AC power from DC power. The method includes operating a controller that selectively connects and disconnects the first and second power sources. If sufficient electrical power is available from the renewable power source, the utility provided electrical power source may be disconnected to preferentially utilize renewable energy.

Abstract: A heating control system which allows a plurality of heaters to heat an object without depending on a variation in characteristics among a plurality of heater power sources includes: a thermocouple which detects a temperature of an object to be heated; temperature control means that receives a target temperature and a current temperature, and carries out electric power control so that these temperatures match; electric current and voltage detecting means for detecting an electric power value and a current electric power; and target electric power calculating means that receives the electric power value, and calculates the target electric power by multiplying the electric power value by a given ratio. The temperature control means receives the target electric power and the current electric power, and carries out electric power control so that the current electric power matches the target electric power.

Abstract: Methods to control power to a cooking appliance are provided. The methods include monitoring a power signal to the portion of the cooking appliance, including monitoring a current and/or voltage of the power signal. The methods also include selectively interrupting power to the portion of the cooking appliance in response to: determining that the current fails to exceed a current threshold within a time threshold, determining that the voltage fails to exceed a voltage threshold within a time threshold, determining that the current exceeds a current threshold for a first time threshold but fails to exceed the current threshold for a second time threshold, and determining that the voltage exceeds a voltage threshold for a first time threshold but fails to exceed the voltage threshold for a second time threshold. The methods also include temperature sensing and controlling the power signal based thereupon.

Abstract: A line voltage device with an auxiliary power connection for a bathing installation. An exemplary embodiment of the device includes a housing structure, and a primary electrical power connection connected to the housing structure and including a primary wiring cable for connection to a line voltage source. A load system is disposed within or adjacent the housing and configured for powered operation by electrical power from the primary electrical power connection. An auxiliary power connection is provided for electrical connection to a separate bathing installation device to provide power to the separate device. A wiring circuit is disposed within or adjacent the housing structure and electrically couples the primary electrical power connection and the auxiliary power connection so that line voltage power is shared between the load system and the separate bathing installation device.

Abstract: A display device includes: a display element for displaying an image on a screen; and driving means for driving the display element so that a scan mode for carrying out scanning and a pause mode for pausing the scanning are alternately repeated. The driving means drives, by transmitting a pause and drive control signal to the display element, the display element so that scanning of a single frame is carried out by going through the scan mode twice and the pause mode twice. During the pause mode, the driving means outputs, to a touch panel, a detection command signal which commands that detection be carried out.

Abstract: The heating apparatus includes a first detection part which detects whether or not the power supplied to the heat generation member is in an overpower state by detecting a positive phase of a half wave in an alternating voltage of a commercial power supply applied to the first or the second current path of the heat generation member, a second detection part which detects whether the power supplied to the heat generation member is in an overpower state or not by detecting a negative phase of a half wave in an alternating voltage the commercial power supply applied to the first current path or the second current path of the heat generation member, and a control part which controls itself to stop supplying power from the commercial power supply to the heat generation member in a case where an overpower state is detected by the first or second detection part.

Abstract: An oven includes an oven liner defined by front, top, bottom, back and side panels, a heating element thermally coupled to the oven liner, a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of a panel of the oven cavity, and a controller operatively coupled to the temperature sensor and the heating element. The controller is configured to energize the heating element as a function of the detected temperature.

Abstract: The image heating apparatus includes first and heat generation member, a connection state switching section switching the first and second heat generation members between a serial connection state and a parallel connection state, the connection state switching section having a first make-or-break-contact relay and a second transfer-contact relay, a drive element provided used for controlling power supplied to the first and second heat generation members, and a capacitor between a power supply path closer to the side of the first and second heat generation members rather than the first relay and a power supply path closer to the commercial power supply side rather than the drive element. The image heating apparatus can suppress an increase in noise level of a noise terminal voltage by performing power control on the heater.

Abstract: A control method is provided for controlling a heating of a thermal optical element, the thermal optical element having a matrix of heater elements. The method includes stabilizing a nominal temperature of the thermal optical element with a feedback loop to control the heating of heater elements; providing a desired temperature profile of the thermal optical element by a set point signal; determining a feedforward control of the heater elements from the set point signal; and forwardly feeding an output of the feedforward control into the feedback loop.

Abstract: A heater control device comprising: a storage unit that stores therein a turn-on pattern of a heater specified in units of a predetermined control cycle including a plurality of half-wavelengths of an alternating-current voltage supplied to the heater so as to prevent flickering; a color temperature detecting unit that detects a color temperature of light emitted from a filament of the heater; and a heater control unit that, while operating in a standby mode in which power supplied to the heater is reduced, causes the heater to be fully turned ON at every first period, and then turns ON the heater in the turn-on pattern when the color temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold after the heater is fully turned ON.

Abstract: A method for operating a glow plug by means of pulse-width-modulated voltage pulses which are generated by controlling a load transistor, wherein a heating current flowing through the glow plug is measured and the duty cycle of the pulse-width-modulated voltage pulses is changed in accordance with values of the heating current. The heating current can be measured by means of a current measurement circuit, through which a sense current flows parallel to the load transistor, and the value of the heating current is calculated by multiplying a measured value of the sense current by a kILIS factor, wherein the temperature of the current measurement circuit is measured and the kILIS factor is defined in accordance with the measured circuit temperature. A glow plug control device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature control system includes a temperature control circuit having a plurality of predetermined temperature values, a switch control circuit and a heating control circuit. The temperature control circuit outputs control signals according to the plurality of predetermined temperature values. The switch control circuit turns on according to the control signals and outputs the DC voltage to the heating control circuit which begins to get hot. The temperature control circuit detects a temperature of the heating control circuit from time to time and turns off the switch control circuit when the temperature of the heating control circuit is equal to a selected predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A current-supply control unit for controlling current supply to a heating element includes a voltage detector and a heating element control unit. The voltage detector detects voltage at both ends of the heating element. The heating element control unit controls a duty cycle of current supply for the heating element based on the voltages detected by the voltage detector when current is supplied to the heating element.

Abstract: A method of operating a heating plate for a substrate support assembly used to support a semiconductor substrate in a semiconductor processing apparatus, wherein the heating plate comprises power supply lines and power return lines and respective heater zone connected between every pair of power supply line and power return line. The method reduces maximum currents carried by the power supply lines and power return lines by temporally spreading current pulses for powering the heater zones.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a system for reducing peak power usage of an electromechanically controlled cooking appliance is provided. The system includes at least one infinite switch, one or more heating units, at least one of which comprising at least two separately controllable resistive heating elements, a control operatively coupled to the one or more heating units, the control being configured to receive and process a utility state signal indicative of the current state of an associated utility, wherein the one or more heating units include at least one relay switch configured to selectively enable and disable energization of one of the elements in response to the utility state signal.

Abstract: A staining device for staining samples has a heating device including a first heating element and a second heating element. A switch arrangement allows the two heating elements to be connected in parallel or in series. A power connection supplies power to the heating elements. A sensor is designed and located to detect a current supplied to the heating elements. A switching unit is coupled to the sensor and determines a voltage causing the current. Depending on the voltage, the switching unit connects the heating elements in parallel or in series.

Abstract: A radio-frequency heating apparatus includes a radio-frequency power generation unit (120), variable phase shift units (142a to 142d) that change a phase of a radio-frequency power generated by the radio-frequency power generation unit (120), radio-frequency power units (140a to 140d), and a control unit (110) that sets a frequency for the radio-frequency power generation unit (120) and a phase shift amount for the variable phase shift units (142a to 142d). Backward power detection units in the radio-frequency power units (140a to 140d) individually detect a reflected power and a through power at the frequency set for the radio-frequency power generation unit (120) by the control unit (110), and the control unit (110) determines a frequency for the radio-frequency power generation unit (120) and a phase shift amount for the variable phase shift units (142a to 142d) for heating the object, on the basis of the detected amplitude and phase of the reflected wave and the through wave.

Abstract: A heating control system for controlling heating of a fluid within an associated fluid vessel includes a first sensor responsive to a low fluid level in the fluid vessel and a second sensor responsive to a temperature of the fluid within the fluid vessel. The heating control system also includes a control circuit electrically connected with the first sensor and the second sensor to control electrical power to a heating unit for heating the fluid within the fluid vessel. The control circuit allows electrical power to be connected to the heating unit upon a first predetermined condition of the first sensor and a first predetermined condition of the second sensor. The control circuit disconnects power to the heating unit upon either a second predetermined condition of the first sensor or a second predetermined condition of the second sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently extending the operating temperature range of high power components within a system/device. An embedded monitor measures local temperatures such as junction temperatures of components. When the measured temperature is less than the lowest operational temperature threshold of the component, temperature control logic initiates pre-heating to raise the component's temperature to an operational level, utilizing a heating source. The component (or device) is made operational only when the temperature is at or above the operational level. The temperature control logic maintains the operational temperature of the component using the high power dissipated by components within the operating system/device as a self heating source.

Abstract: A boiler regulation system for diverting energy from a boiler to hot water production having a housing with a thermostat dial, a sensor connection, and a plurality of connections on the housing; a step down transformer, a first general-purpose relay coil, a close-on-rise thermostat, and a first normally closed contact relay corresponding to a heating zone valve/pump each in the housing; wherein when the close-on-rise thermostat senses a rise in temperature when hot water is in demand the close-on-rise thermostat closes sending a first signal to the first general-purpose relay coil and the first general-purpose relay coil energizes causing the first normally closed contact relay to open, discontinuing power to the heating zone valve/pump thereby enabling boiler energy to be used for hot water.

Abstract: Electrical resistance of a heated component is determined for temperature control and monitoring. A voltage-representation signal, which is proportional to a voltage across a heater component, is received. A magnified voltage-representation signal is generated by determining a difference between a voltage baseline offset, which represents a minimum operating voltage of the heater component, and the voltage-representation signal. A current-representation signal, which is proportional to an electrical current passing through the heater component is received. A magnified current-representation signal is generated by determining a difference between a current baseline offset, which represents a minimum operating current of the heater component, and the current-representation signal.

Abstract: The adaptive temperature controller system includes 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 one or more temperatures and therefore determines the resistance of the material through a range of operating temperature. Based on such determination so long as voltage and power are known, the resistance of the material, and therefore its temperature, are known. As a result the voltage or power may be instantly varied to produce near infinite control over material temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for low voltage detection for a heat pump water heater are disclosed. A current sensor can be used to monitor current supplied to a inductive load, such as a compressor or evaporator fan, of the heat pump water heater. The current sensor can be coupled to a controller which receives and processes information from the current sensor to determine whether a low voltage condition of the heat pump water heater has occurred. An alert can be provided to an installer/user of the heat pump water heater that a low voltage condition has occurred. The controller can also disconnect the heat pump water heater from the power source to prevent damage to the heat pump water heater.

Abstract: A resistance heating system is provided which includes a resistance heater, a source of alternating current electricity connected by conductors to the resistance heater, and a controller comprising a timer arranged to connect the source of alternating current electricity to the resistance heater for a selected time period and to disconnect the source from the resistance following the selected time period. In an embodiment, the resistance heating system is provided with a controller configured to be connected to a source of alternating current electricity and having a plurality of cable plug receptacles arranged to receive electricity. An electricity conducting cable having a cable plug at one end is configured to be received in the receptacles and has a resistance heater provided at an opposite end. A master timer may be connected with a communication arrangement to the controller. The master timer is arranged to control an electric output of a plurality of the receptacles.