Comprising Voltage And/or Current Measuring And Comparing Or Combining Means Patents (Class 219/497)
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Patent number: 8378271Abstract: A method and system for inducing augmented levels of heat dissipation by exploiting quiescent IC leakage currents to control the temperature in high power devices. A heat control and temperature monitoring system (HCTMS) utilizes a thermal sensor to sense the junction temperature of a component, which becomes self-heated due to the quiescent leakage current inherent to the component upon the application of power to the component. By increasing the voltage level of the power source, this quiescent self-heating property is augmented, which serves to accelerate the preheating of the device, until the temperature rises above the minimum specified operating temperature of the component. The system is then reliably initialized by applying full system power and triggering a defined initialization sequence/procedure.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gary E. O'Neil, Michael E. Stopford, James B. Tate
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Patent number: 8367975Abstract: A temperature adjustment method is provided to improve operating efficiency and reduce costs. Control of a heating unit in a thermal processing system including a heating control section is performed based on a first output control pattern obtained by subjecting a detection temperature provided by a first temperature detecting unit to an integral operation, a differential operation, and a proportional operation under a condition of a first set of temperature-setting conditions, a second output control pattern obtained by determining a first heat quantity in a period from the start of an increase in temperature detected by a second temperature detecting unit until the temperature inside the processing chamber reaches a maximum temperature, and using a second heat quantity obtained by subtracting the part of the output provided by the proportional operation from the first heat quantity.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.Inventors: Masashi Sugishita, Masaaki Ueno
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Patent number: 8367980Abstract: A method for controlling the humidity level in a cavity of a cooking oven provided with a steam generator comprises the monitoring of the power delivered to the steam generator in order to maintain the power to a predetermined value that is correlated to a choice made by the user among a plurality of predetermined values corresponding to different values of at least one cooking parameter, particularly the degree of browning of the food.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paolo Crosta, Tamara Distaso
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Patent number: 8362405Abstract: A reference heater energization delay time is established according to an engine conditions (shift range, cooling water temperature, intake-air temperature, ambient temperature, and oil temperature) during starting period. An extension delay time is established according to an engine condition after starting period. A final heater energization delay time is established by adding the extension delay time to the reference heater energization delay time. Until an elapsed time after starting period of engine reaches the final heater energization delay time, an energization of a heater of an exhaust gas sensor is inhibited. When the elapsed time after starting period of engine reaches the final heater energization delay time, the energization of the heater is started to heat a sensor element.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Jun Hasegawa
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Patent number: 8344294Abstract: A method for the cooking of a cooking product in a cooking appliance with a cooking chamber that comprises at least one heating device, a computer device, a memory device and at least one sensor device, is carried out, in dependence on a degree of cooking of a cooking product and/or of a cooking duration, in particular determined by the core temperature, the browning, the pH value and/or the cooking value, from values measured by the sensor device with consideration of the at least occasionally deposited values in the memory device via the computer device, wherein at least two steps separated from one another in time, comprising a pre-cooking step, which is interrupted when a determined intermediate value of the degree of cooking and/or of the duration of cooking, in particular a determined remaining time for reaching the cooking duration is reached, and a finishing cooking step, in particular a finishing step that is recalled at a later time point in order to end the cooking of the cooking product with consiType: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Rational AGInventors: Michael Greiner, Manfred Breunig
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Publication number: 20120318783Abstract: A warm-up control device for a vehicle includes a battery supplying electricity to a motor that drives a vehicle and can be charged with a current supplied from the exterior of the vehicle, and a heater generating heat that warms up the vehicle by the above current. The warm-up control device further includes a temperature acquisition unit acquiring a temperature of the battery, and a current distribution control unit increasing a heater supply current supplied to the heater as the temperature of the battery decreases. This can effectively utilize energy from an external power source for the charging and warming-up, thus improving the energy saving performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Makoto KAMACHI
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Patent number: 8309892Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive System, LtdInventors: Lucas Fernandez, Konstantin Majarov
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Patent number: 8309889Abstract: An indicating lamp is provided on the exterior of a vent port to indicate failure of a heater within the vent port. An electrical circuit is provided to energize the indicating lamp in response to failure of one or the other of a pair of heaters within the vent port.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Component Hardware Group, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Graham
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Patent number: 8309893Abstract: A heating appliance includes an electric heating element, and a relay for selectively connecting the heating element to a power supply that supplies an alternating electric current to the electric heating element to generate heat. The relay includes an inductive actuator that controls a switching state of the relay, and a switch can interrupt a supply of electric current from a power source to the inductive actuator to adjust the switching state. A flyback path for conducting a decaying electric current includes a selective conductor and a voltage regulator that maintains a flyback voltage across the inductive actuator above a minimum flyback voltage. And a controller transmits a control signal that adjusts the switching state of the relay to cause interruption of the alternating electric current being supplied to the heating element after the alternating electric current being conducted through the relay falls below a peak value.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Harris
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Patent number: 8304699Abstract: A proximity switch flow sensor detects movement of a faucet handle of a faucet of a hot water container in order to detect flow from the hot water container. The proximity switch flow sensor includes an emitter paired with a detector, which can be mounted in association with the faucet handle to detect open and closed positions of the faucet handle, to provide electronic logic information regarding the status of the faucet handle position, as an indication of a flow condition, to a control unit that controls heating of water in the hot water container. An electro-mechanical switch and a mechanism to transfer movement of the faucet handle to the switch may also be used to detect open and closed positions of the faucet handle as an indication of a flow condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Winston S. Fliess, Anitha Kalla
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Patent number: 8304698Abstract: Whether a temperature of a portion of a die of an integrated circuit device having a central processing device and one or more peripheral components has exceeded a first temperature threshold is determined. In response to determining that the temperature of the portion of the die has exceeded the first temperature threshold, a first thermal reduction process for a first peripheral component of the one or more peripheral components is selected and the first thermal reduction process for the first peripheral component is implemented.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Inventor: Brett A. Tischler
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Patent number: 8299406Abstract: An electronic temperature-sensing probe comprises a shell, a control base plate, a probe and a key group, wherein the control base plate is placed inside the shell; the probe with one end extending outside of the shell and the other end connected to the control base plate electrically is mounted in the shell; the key group with their inner ends connected to control contacts of the control base plate are depressibly mounted on the surface of the shell; the key group comprises a power switch key, temperature-adjusting keys and a high temperature switch key; the control base plate controls the power on/off of the heating element based on the temperature control signals provided by the temperature-adjusting keys and the high temperature switch key and the temperature signal provided by the probe and the switch control signal provided by the power switch key.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Tsann Kuen (China) Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shaohui Zhou, I.V. Junxiao
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Publication number: 20120266850Abstract: A handheld work apparatus has a drive motor which drives a work tool and a generator. The work apparatus has a first electrical load and a connectable second electrical load. The generator provides the electrical power for the simultaneous operation of the two loads. The work apparatus has a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the first electrical load. In order to supply approximately the same power independent of voltage fluctuations, a voltage monitoring circuit is provided which, in a first operating state, sets a first signal sequence for operating the first load and, in a second operating state, sets a different second signal sequence for operating the first load. The mean power of the first signal sequence and that of the other second signal sequence are approximately equal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Heinrich Leufen, Jörg Präger, David Fallscheer
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Patent number: 8283609Abstract: An on die thermal sensor in a semiconductor memory device includes: a reference voltage generating unit for generating a band gap voltage and generating a reference voltage by using the base band gap voltage; a voltage amplifying unit for outputting a temperature voltage by amplifying the band gap voltage; and a temperature information code generating unit for generating a temperature information code corresponding to a voltage level of the temperature voltage, wherein voltage variation of the temperature voltage is amplified as much as a preset amplifying value and a maximum voltage level of the temperature voltage is maintained lower than that of a power supply voltage used in the semiconductor memory device.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.Inventor: Chun-Seok Jeong
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Patent number: 8278602Abstract: A heating element includes a base material and a heater disposed on the base material, which can be deformed to accommodate a part of the heater. A steering wheel equipped with the heating element is free from surface protrusions caused by the heater. Employment of a linear heater reduces connections between the heater and power supply lines, and a high connecting reliability is obtained. The steering wheel includes the heating element and the power lines, and connections between the heating element and the power lines are disposed in the boss portion of the steering wheel. The steering wheel is further provided with a temperature detector, a temperature detector heater and a temperature controller, and the detector and the detector heater are disposed in the boss portion. Thus, a steering wheel with a good grip and a good appearance can be provided at a low cost.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Mitsuru Yoneyama, Naohito Asami, Akira Shiratake, Norio Abe, Kazumi Nagayama
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Patent number: 8274021Abstract: The invention is an integrated temperature regulator that can be fabricated using conventional semiconductor processing technology. The integrated temperature regulator can include a reaction chamber, for example fabricated from PDMS, in which chemical or biochemical reactions of interest can be carried out. The temperature regular can also be used to regulate the temperature of some circuits, e.g. an effective-inductance-change based magnetic particle sensor, to achieve a stable operation performance, such as an improved sensitivity. The integrated temperature regulator includes as subcomponents a temperature sensing circuit that receives a thermal signal from the vicinity of the reaction chamber, a temperature reference circuit, and a temperature control circuit that controls a heater based at least in part on the difference between the sensed temperature and the reference temperature. The various subcomponents can be programmable.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hua Wang, Seyed Ali Hajimiri
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Publication number: 20120237248Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Toshimasa Aoki
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Patent number: 8269145Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbHInventors: Martin Blanc, Andreas Bleil
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Patent number: 8263911Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Pegatron CorporationInventor: Hung-Wei Yen
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Patent number: 8258442Abstract: A control for an electric water heater detects a condition of a heating element when the heating element is not being energized. A switching module is operable to interrupt power to the heating element, which de-energizes the heating element. A detector module detects the condition of the heating element when the heating element is de-energized. The detector module senses current flowing through the heating element and generates a detection signal that is indicative of the current.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: William E. Miller, Lawrence J. Brazis
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Patent number: 8258441Abstract: Small, low-cost wireless temperature sensors (120) are provided for sensing the temperature of servingware (121). Each temperature sensor preferably includes a substrate (124); at least one sensor element (122) positioned on the substrate; and an adhesive (126) for securing the sensor element to the substrate and for securing the temperature sensor to the servingware so that the sensor element may sense a temperature of the servingware. The temperature sensors may be used in conjunction with a reader/detector (136) operable to generate a magnetic field of magnitude sufficient to cause re-magnetization responses of the temperature sensor element and optional data elements to detect such responses, and to use the detected responses to determine the temperature of the servingware by means of a decoding algorithm. The temperature sensors can be used in closed-loop heating systems capable of controlling the heating of the servingware.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: TSI Technologies LLCInventor: Brian L. Clothier
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Patent number: 8260165Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a halogen heater in a fixing unit; an AC source applying an alternating voltage to the halogen heater; a half-wave control unit that performs the heater half-wave control to control the halogen heater on the half-wavelength basis, according to a heater-on/off pattern set for each control cycle having a predetermined length; a heater-off-time measuring unit that measures heater-off period of time; a phase-control-execution determining unit that determines, based on the measured heater-off period of time, whether the heater phase control is to be performed on the alternating voltage, the phase control being performed by shifting phase of the alternating voltage; and a phase control unit that performs, when the phase control is determined to be performed, the phase control only for a period of time depending on the measured heater-off period of time after switch-on of the heater and before execution of the half-wave control.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Kiriko Chosokabe, Eiji Nemoto, Norikazu Okada, Takuma Kasai
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Patent number: 8242417Abstract: In the present invention, temperature drop amounts of heating plate regions when the substrate is mounted on a heating plate are detected to detect a warped state of the substrate. From the temperature drop amounts of the heating plate regions, correction values for set temperatures of the heating plate regions are calculated. The calculation of the correction values for the set temperatures of the heating plate regions is performed by estimating steady temperatures within the substrate to be heat-processed on the heating plate from the temperature drop amounts of the heating plate regions using a correlation obtained in advance. From the estimated steady temperatures within the substrate and the temperature drop amounts of the heating regions, the correction values for the set temperatures of the heating plate regions are calculated. Based on the correction values for the set temperatures, the set temperatures of the heating plate regions are changed.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Masahide Tadokoro, Ryoichi Uemura, Mitsuteru Yano, Shinichi Shinozuka
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Patent number: 8227002Abstract: A toasting appliance includes a toasting chamber, a heating element arranged to heat a foodstuff located within the toasting chamber, and an optical system for optically illuminating the foodstuff and detecting light reflected from the foodstuff. Before the foodstuff begins to change color as a result due to the heating thereof by the heating element, a controller varies the illumination of the foodstuff by the optical system so that the intensity of the light reflected from the foodstuff is at or around a set value. The controller subsequently terminates the toasting operation when the intensity of the light reflected from the foodstuff has reduced, due to toasting thereof, from the set value by an amount depending on a desired degree of toasting of the foodstuff.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Dyson Technology LimitedInventors: Paul Graham Douglas, Kevin Paul Byrne, Adrian Anthony Parsons
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Patent number: 8217320Abstract: A thermal type flow sensor measures a flow rate of a fluid by means of a heat resistive element having a temperature dependency. The sensor is comprised of: plural heat resistive elements used for a flow rate measurement; and a driver circuit for controlling a current applied to these heat resistive elements to cause their heating. The driver circuit is configured to sense a resistance change of a lower-temperature side heat resistive element among the plural heat resistive elements and to control the current to be applied to the plural heat resistive elements in accordance with a sensed value of the lower-resistance's variation.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Nakano, Masamichi Yamada, Masahiro Matsumoto, Izumi Watanabe
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Patent number: 8217321Abstract: According to the invention, an improved analysis method for temperature monitoring of a hotplate (11) as a cooker with a temperature sensor (S) may be achieved by means of differentiating once over time and inverting the electronically interrogated temperature signal (T). The result of the inversion is raised to the power of ? to give an output value (A). This output value is used in further processing wherein, in the second processing, the output value is compared with stored values for an output value for defined events. The recording of the output value (A) occurs for a maximum time of up to 300 seconds after starting a cooking process, advantageously 60 to 120 seconds, and then said recording and analysis is terminated.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Thimm, Wolfgang Wittenhagen
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Patent number: 8217322Abstract: The present invention provides a thermostatic biasing controller for use with an integrated circuit. In one embodiment, the thermostatic biasing controller includes a temperature sensing unit configured to determine an operating temperature of the integrated circuit. Additionally, the thermostatic biasing controller also includes a voltage controlling unit coupled to the temperature sensing unit and configured to provide a back-bias voltage corresponding to the operating temperature based on reducing a quiescent current of the integrated circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Theodore W. Houston, Andrew Marshall
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Publication number: 20120168426Abstract: A medical device having a heater with at least one heating element which has mains voltage applied to it by a heating control unit. The heating control unit includes a monitoring arrangement and a switching arrangement. The monitoring arrangement can recognize the zero crossings of the mains voltage, and the switching arrangement can switch the at least one heating element on or off in the zero crossing. The heating control unit controls the power of the heating by switching on and off of one or more half cycles of the mains AC voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Frank Hedmann, Sven Sebesta, Ulrich Wernicke
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Patent number: 8212189Abstract: A temperature control interface for a stove top is provided. The temperature control interface includes a numerical temperature setting to which a temperature of an object heated on the stovetop will be regulated. A method of cooking on a stovetop is provided in which a recipe includes a numerical temperature to which a cookware object should be regulated during cooking.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Inventor: Mamoru Imura
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Patent number: 8207477Abstract: A method of operating a household oven to cook vegetables using steam during a cooking cycle.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Karen M. Embury, Joel M. Sells, Jason R. Savage
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Patent number: 8198568Abstract: A device may include a thermo-sensitive, tactile-responsive user interface that may be used in activating and/or deactivating a key lock function to control operation of the user interface.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Sony Mobile Communications ABInventor: Gunnar Klinghult
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Patent number: 8173938Abstract: A controller for a heating cable. The heating cable includes first and second conductors and a separation layer interposed between the conductors. The conductors and the separation layer extend along the length of the cable and electrical resistance provided by the separation layer between adjacent portions of the conductors has a negative temperature coefficient. The controller includes a first switch, arranged for connecting the first and second conductors in series at one end of the cable such that if the first and second conductors are connected at the other end of the cable to respective poles of a power supply currents flow in opposite directions through adjacent portions of the conductors. The controller further includes a second switch and voltage measurement functionality. The controller is arranged to control power to the cable as a function of measured voltage across the first resistor when both switches are open.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Thermocable (Flexible Elements) LimitedInventor: Thomas Robst
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Patent number: 8164033Abstract: A stage onto which is electrostatically attracted a substrate to be processed in a substrate processing apparatus, which enables the semiconductor device yield to be improved. A temperature measuring apparatus 200 measures a temperature of the substrate to be processed. A temperature control unit 400 carries out temperature adjustment on the substrate to be processed such as to become equal to a target temperature based on a preset parameter. A temperature control unit 400 controls the temperature of the substrate to be processed by controlling the temperature adjustment by the temperature control unit 400 based on a measured temperature measured by the temperature measuring apparatus 200.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Chishio Koshimizu, Tomohiro Suzuki
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Patent number: 8164032Abstract: A cooktop has a plurality of reflection-sensitive infrared sensors. A plurality of IR receiving elements is arranged along an operating line having a density such that an operator's finger placed on the operating line necessarily covers at least one of the IR receiving elements. A smaller number of IR transmitter diodes is arranged in correspondingly lower density next to the operating line. In the setting process, two effects are used on the operating line, specifically both the radiation of the optical transmitter reflected by the finger and also the radiation of the ambient light that is thrown into shadow by the finger. The resultant signal distribution on the optical receivers can be used for reliable evaluation of the finger's position in nearly all environmental conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Frank Schaffer, Thomas Kraus
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Patent number: 8162232Abstract: A dry-fire protection system and method. The dry-fire protection system includes a tank, a heating element, a powered electrode, a sensor, and a microcircuit. The heating element and the powered electrode are positioned in the tank, the powered electrode being positioned above the heating element. The powered electrode includes an electrode wire and a connector having an electrical connector coupled to the electrode wire, but electrically isolated from the tank, and a fastener for coupling the powered electrode to the tank. The sensor detects an electrical characteristic of a circuit formed by the tank, the powered electrode, and water in the tank. The microcircuit determines if a possible dry-fire condition exists based on a signal received from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: AOS Holding CompanyInventors: Ray Oliver Knoeppel, Thomas Gerard Van Sistine, Mark Allan Murphy
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Patent number: 8143559Abstract: A heating pad is provided. The heating pad includes a heating element and a control circuit operatively connected to the heating element for providing a predetermined level of power thereto. An isolation device interconnects a power source to the control circuit. The isolation device has a first open configuration preventing transmission of electrical power therethrough and a second closed configuration allowing transmission of electrical power therethrough. The control circuit terminates power to the heating element in response to the heating element exceeding a first temperature limit. The isolation device moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to the heating element exceeding a second temperature limit.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Advance Thermo Control, Ltd.Inventor: Kwok Wai Chow
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Patent number: 8136356Abstract: A resistance feedback circuit has a storage section which stores a feedback gain calculated in advance, a resistance value obtained from a detection section, and a time at which the resistance value is obtained. A computing section has a gain setting section which calculates an amount of change in a resistance value in a predetermined time from the resistance value and the time stored in the storage section, and calculates the feedback gain based on the change in the resistance value calculated, and replaces the feedback gain which is calculated in advance.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Masaya Takahashi
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Patent number: 8138456Abstract: In the present invention, a plurality of suction ports are provided in a heating plate of a heat processing apparatus. The suction ports are provided at a central portion, an intermediate portion, and a peripheral portion of a substrate mounting surface of the heating plate, respectively. The warped state of the substrate before heat-processed is measured, so that when the substrate warps protruding downward, the suction start timing via a suction port corresponding to the outer peripheral portion of the substrate is set to be relatively early as compared to the suction start timings via the other suction ports, and when the substrate warps protruding upward, the suction start timing via the suction port corresponding to the central portion of the substrate is set to be relatively early as compared to the suction start timings via the other suction ports.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Yoshiteru Fukuda, Kenichi Shigetomi, Shouken Moro
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Publication number: 20120048844Abstract: In order to make heat with a wind turbine you must have a heating element with the capacity to withstand prolonged use at high wind speed. With an element of that size at slow wind speeds the wind turbine will not turn or stay in a overloaded or locked position. The present invention a resistive heating control for a wind turbine or any permanent magnetic generator which comprises a control to read the voltage output of the wind turbine and change the resistance of the heating element to match the output of the wind turbine. This is done by putting two equal sized heating elements in series for low wind speed thereby giving us high resistance and low current usage. At mid wind speed one heating element is removed thereby giving us lower resistance and higher current usage. At high wind or maximum output level the second heating element is put back into use in parallel thereby giving us the correct resistance to use all available energy produced by the wind turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventor: Edward E. Paparelli
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Patent number: 8124918Abstract: An apparatus includes a light source, a substrate, a temperature-based controller and an insulator. The light source is mounted to the substrate. The temperature-based controller is electrically coupled to the light source and causes the light source to provide a relatively constant light output. The insulator is positioned proximate the temperature based controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventor: Peter F Hoffman
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Patent number: 8119953Abstract: A heating control system for controlling heating of a fluid contained in a fluid vessel using a fluid level sensor as a heating control element. The system includes a control circuit coupled with an electrical power system of a heating unit. The control circuit includes switching elements that are selectively activated or deactivated responsive to a low fluid level in a corresponding fluid vessel such that heating of the fluid is terminated as the level of fluid becomes less than a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Oshkosh Truck CorporationInventors: Daniel John Worden, Karl James Bauer
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Patent number: 8115144Abstract: A method is provided that includes, but is not limited to estimating the temperature (TGP,est) of the glow-plug (GP) in accordance with a first model of the glow-plug (GP) as a function of the detected values of the glow-plug voltage and current (VGP, IGP) and the sensed values of some input variables, such as the engine speed (?E) and the engine temperature (TE), determining, in accordance with a second predetermined model of the glow-plug (GP), a desired value of the voltage (VGP,des) or power (PGP,des) to be supplied to the glow-plug (GP), as a function of a desired value of the glow-plug temperature (TGP,des), the estimated glow-plug temperature (TGP,est), and the sensed values of the input variables, and varying the duty-cycle of a pulse-width-modulated voltage (VPWM) applied to the glow-plug (GP), as a function of the calculated value of said desired voltage (VGP,des) or power (PGP,des).Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Stefano Cassani, Andrei Kanev
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Patent number: 8110781Abstract: The present invention provides a golf club head cover which provides conventional protection to golf clubs and in addition provides a heating function for a hitting surface of the golf club in order to keep the temperature within a optimized range for hitting. The golf club head cover has a main housing having an opening side for inserting a top portion of the golf club and a heating side for disposing a temperature controlling device for heating. The temperature controlling device has a power source, a circuit board, and a heating plate which couples with the hitting surface of the top portion of the golf club to apply heat to control the temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: KuangHung Kuo
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Patent number: 8110782Abstract: Heated architectural panel temperature control systems and methods are provided for heating windows that are formed from heated architectural panels. The control system comprises the heated architectural panel that produces heat when connected to external AC power, a panel frame disposed around the panel periphery, and a temperature control circuit that is electrically connected to the window. The temperature control circuit, which may be disposed in the panel frame, controls the temperature of the panel by utilizing a Hall effect sensor and the panel temperature coefficient of resistance ?. The panel may comprise insulated glass panels, laminated structures, or combinations thereof, where the window is disposed in an opening of a building.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Engineered Glass Products, LLCInventors: Dillon R. Ashton, Peter F. Gerhardinger
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Patent number: 8101892Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring conditions that affect the quality of food being served. Conditions such as temperature and elapsed time affect the quality of food and the safety of food consumers. Various embodiments of monitoring systems can be incorporated with different types of food containers. Sensors such as temperature probes can provide temperature information about the container and/or the food being served. The monitoring system can use such information in conjunction with elapsed time information in various ways. The monitored information can be displayed generally “real-time,” or it can be stored for subsequent analysis. The monitored information can also be used to trigger an alarm or similar indicator when a condition detrimental to food-serving is present. Various embodiments of the monitoring system having such features can be packaged in various embodiments, including a self-contained unit and an assembly of modular components linked by wire and/or wireless connections.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Inventor: Lawrence Kates
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Patent number: 8097836Abstract: A system manages the temperature of thermoplastic material by initiating a default heating cycle in response to a sensor failure. The system may thus continue to heat the thermoplastic material according to the default heating cycle until the sensor can be repaired or replaced. A system controller implements the default heating cycle using a stored profile. That is, the controller causes a heating element to generate heat according to a default heating profile retrieved from a memory. The profile may be determined using historical heating data, user input and/or a factory setting.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventor: John M. Raterman
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Patent number: 8093529Abstract: A method of stably controlling the temperature of a sample placed on a sample stage to a desired temperature by estimating a sample temperature accurately, the sample stage including a refrigerant flow path to cool the sample stage, a heater to heat the sample stage, and a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the sample stage. This method comprises the steps of: measuring in advance the variation-with-time of supply electric power to the heater, temperature of the sample, and temperature of the temperature sensor, without plasma processing; approximating the relation among the measured values using a simultaneous linear differential equation; estimating a sample temperature from the variation-with-time of sensor temperature y1, heater electric power u1, and plasma heat input by means of the Luenberger's states observer based on the simultaneous linear differential equation used for the approximation; and performing a feedback control of sample temperature using the estimated sample temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Naoyuki Kofuji, Tsunehiko Tsubone
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Patent number: 8093535Abstract: A circuit is disclosed, integrated in a semiconductor material, for measuring signals of a sensor assigned to the integrated circuit. In at least one embodiment, the circuit includes an active component; a temperature sensor; and a circuit to control the temperature of the semiconductor material. The active component is provided to treat the measuring signals produced by the sensor and the active component is drivable by the circuit to control the temperature in such a way that the temperature of the semiconductor material is variable. Further, the circuit includes at least one of a PI and PID controller to control the temperature. A method for controlling the temperature of a semiconductor material that has an integrated circuit is further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Björn Heismann, Helmut Winkelmann
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Patent number: 8093536Abstract: Provided is a drying system capable of determining if the number of on/off switching unitings of a heating mechanism exceeds a preset number over a preset duration, and reducing the amount of heat that the heating mechanism radiates, in order to extend the service life of the heating mechanism and a switching uniting mechanismType: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sang Doo Kim
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Patent number: 8093533Abstract: A modular pizza oven kit, pizza oven finger assembly support, and a method of operating a pizza oven at different speeds and a control arrangement for performing the method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Inventors: Michael French, Mark A. Bielstein