Including Semiconductor Means (e.g., Transistor) Patents (Class 219/501)
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Temperature control device of electric heater using thermo-sensitive resin and safety device thereof
Patent number: 8383993Abstract: A temperature control device is disclosed that includes a heating wire being connected to an alternating current power source though a SCR, a sensing wire being disposed parallel to the heating wire, a thermo-sensitive resin insulating the heating wire and the sensing wire from each other and changing its impedance according to a change in temperature, and a temperature sensing unit outputting a temperature control signal to turn the SCR on or off according to a change in electric current flowing through the thermo-sensitive resin, in which the SCR is turned on or off by a sensing unit diode. The heating wire is heated by a heating current that flows in a heating cycle only, in which a forward voltage is formed in the SCR, and the sensing wire conducts a sensing current that flows in a sensing cycle only, in which a reverse voltage is formed in the SCR.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Bokuk ElectronicsInventors: Min-Ja Kim, Byung-Dong Kim, Chang-kyu Moon, Jung-Moo Kim -
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: 8330084Abstract: A temperature-control circuit of a heating line and a temperature-control method thereof are disclosed. The method comprises steps of: outputting a forward square-wave signal by a first forward square-wave signal generation circuit; outputting a reverse square-wave signal by a reverse square-wave signal generation circuit; and outputting a varied forward square-wave signal by a second forward square-wave signal generation circuit. Above square-wave signal generation circuits are respectively connected with an AND gate. When the input square-wave signals are simultaneously logic high, a switch is triggered by a trigger circuit to heat the heating wire.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Inventor: Ching-Chuan Wang
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Patent number: 8286369Abstract: A device for determining the conductance of laundry in a drier. The device comprises at least two electrodes and means for dissipating heat from at least one part of at least one of said electrodes. The invention further relates to a drier comprising at least one area for receiving laundry and at least two electrodes for measuring the conductance of the laundry, at least one of the electrodes at least partly bordering said receiving area. Means for cooling at least one part of at least one of the electrodes are also provided inside the drier. Also disclosed is a method for preventing the formation of layers on electrodes used for measuring conductance in a drier.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Lothar Dittmer, Harald Moschütz, Thomas Nawrot, Andreas Ziemann
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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: 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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Patent number: 8263912Abstract: A PWM driver for driving an electric device by a PWM signal includes an ECU that provides a command signal, first circuit that provides a carrier signal of a triangular shape having a preset frequency, a second circuit that forms a PWM signal having a duty ratio formed based on the carrier signal and the command signal and an output circuit that drives an output device. The second circuit includes a duty ratio limiting circuit that limits the duty ratio of the PWM signal to a range between a first duty ratio and a second duty ratio to prevent the wave shape of the PWM signal from becoming a shape of an impulse.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Hideo Watanabe
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Patent number: 8253079Abstract: A temperature-control circuit of a heating line and a temperature-control method thereof are disclosed. The method comprises steps of: outputting a forward square-wave signal by a first forward square-wave signal generation circuit; outputting a reverse square-wave signal by a reverse square-wave signal generation circuit; and outputting a varied forward square-wave signal by a second forward square-wave signal generation circuit. Above square-wave signal generation circuits are respectively connected with an AND gate. When the input square-wave signals are simultaneously logic high, a switch is triggered by a trigger circuit to heat the heating wire.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Inventor: Ching-Chuan Wang
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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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Patent number: 8203102Abstract: 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: March 15, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Nakano, Masamichi Yamada, Masahiro Matsumoto, Izumi Watanabe
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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: 8115145Abstract: A technique for climate control of, for example, base station circuitry within an enclosure involves placing base station circuitry within the enclosure and controlling the climate therein. A system according to this technique includes an enclosure suitable for use outside in a wide range of extreme weather conditions. A controller may, for example, control a fan tray with a heater to pull ambient air through a filtration unit, through the fan tray where the air is heated, and through cold start recirculation dampers.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Sanmina-SCI CorporationInventors: Zia Shariff, Andrew Hudz, Anthony Cormick Sharp
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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: 8067718Abstract: A probe comprises a small “consumable” probe substrate permanently mounted to a circuit-under-test. The probe substrate includes a high-fidelity signal pathway, which is inserted into a conductor of the circuit-under-test, and a high-bandwidth sensing circuit which senses the signal-under-test as it propagates along the signal pathway. The probe substrate further includes a probe socket for receiving a detachable interconnect to a measurement instrument. Power is alternatively supplied to the probe by the circuit-under-test or the interconnect. When the interconnect is attached, control signals from the measurement instrument are supplied to the sensing circuit and the output of the sensing circuit is supplied to the measurement instrument. In one embodiment, the sensing circuit uses high-breakdown transistors in order to avoid the use of passive attenuation. In a further embodiment, the sensing circuit includes broadband directional sensing circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Nordstrom, William Q. Law, Mark W. Nightingale, Einar O. Traa, Ira G. Pollock
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Patent number: 8053709Abstract: A portable heating or lighting unit may comprise a housing, a handle, a shield or grid, a source of electric energy, a rectifier, an electrical device adapted to use electrical energy from the source of electric energy, and a control system comprising control hardware and embedded software, where the control system may be adapted to automatically control the electric heating element. A source of electric energy may comprise a battery adapted to store energy and to output stored energy as electrical energy, a fuel cell, a thermoelectric component, or a plug adapted to draw electrical energy from a wall outlet or other source of electrical energy. A battery may be at least partially enclosed by the housing. A thermoelectric component may comprise a thermoelectric material or a thermoelectric generator. An electrical device may comprise a resistive heating element adapted to emit thermal energy.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Enerco Group, Inc.Inventors: Brian S. Vandrak, Donald C. Haney
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Patent number: 8049145Abstract: A semiconductor device that may include temperature sensing circuits is disclosed. The temperature sensing circuits may be used to control various parameters, such as internal regulated supply voltages, internal refresh frequency, a word line low voltage, or the like. In this way, operating specifications of a semiconductor device at worst case temperatures may be met without compromising performance at normal operating temperatures. Each temperature sensing circuit may include a selectable temperature threshold value as well as a selectable temperature hysteresis value. In this way, temperature performance characteristics may be finely tuned. Furthermore, a method of testing the temperature sensing circuits is disclosed in which a current value may be monitored and temperature threshold values and temperature hysteresis values may be thereby determined.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Agerson Rall Group, L.L.C.Inventor: Darryl Walker
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Patent number: 8039774Abstract: A heating system in the form of a multi-layer, yet relatively thin and flexible panel. The panel contains a number of layers including first, second and third electrically insulating layers. A first electrically conductive resistive layer (heater layer) is sandwiched between the first and second insulating layers. A second electrically conductive resistive layer (resistive neutral plane layer) is sandwiched between the second and third insulating layers. The heater layer has a neutral electrical connection and a live electrical connection. The neutral and live electrical connections are electrically connected to each other at the panel only by electrically resistive material of the heater layer extending between the neutral and live electrical connections. The resistive neutral plane layer has a neutral electrical connection electrically connected with the neutral connection of the heater layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: United States Gypsum CompanyInventor: Ashish Dubey
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Patent number: 8035063Abstract: A power control system for an electric cooktop. The power level is set by a knob connected to a potentiometer. Potentiometer information is digitally communicated by a controller over a serial communication bus to a power unit. The power unit communicates power level display information back to the controller over the same serial communication bus. The display information is displayed as numbers on a digital display by the controller. The power unit controls a heating element of the cooktop according to the potentiometer information. A second potentiometer can be added to control a second heating element by operating as a slave to the first controller. Further, multiple heating elements can be controlled by a single potentiometer by dividing the angular rotation into multiple segments or ranges.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc,.Inventors: Sanjay Shukla, James E. Pryor
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Patent number: 8035060Abstract: The invention provides for an inkjet printhead having a plurality of micro-electromechanical vapor bubble generators. Each bubble generator includes a nozzle in fluid communication with an ink chamber, and a heater positioned in thermal contact with ink in the chamber. Each generator also includes drive circuitry configured to provide a modulated pulse to the heater to generate a vapor bubble in the ink in said chamber, the pulse comprising a pre-heat series of a predetermined number of pulses separated by a predetermined period, followed by a trigger pulse of a period twice that of said predetermined period.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Angus John North, Samuel James Myers, Kia Silverbrook
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Publication number: 20110204040Abstract: A temperature-control circuit of a heating line and a temperature-control method thereof are disclosed. The method comprises steps of: outputting a forward square-wave signal by a first forward square-wave signal generation circuit; outputting a reverse square-wave signal by a reverse square-wave signal generation circuit; and outputting a varied forward square-wave signal by a second forward square-wave signal generation circuit. Above square-wave signal generation circuits are respectively connected with an AND gate. When the input square-wave signals are simultaneously logic high, a switch is triggered by a trigger circuit to heat the heating wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventor: Ching-Chuan Wang
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Patent number: 7975400Abstract: A device for determining the conductance of laundry in a drier. The device comprises at least two electrodes (2) and means for dissipating heat from at least one part of at least one of said electrodes (2). The invention further relates to a drier comprising at least one area (5) for receiving laundry and at least two electrodes (2) for measuring the conductance of the laundry, at least one of the electrodes (2) at least partly bordering said receiving area (5). Means for cooling at least one part of at least one of the electrodes (2) are also provided inside the drier. Also disclosed is a method for preventing the formation of layers on electrodes (2) used for measuring conductance in a drier.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Lothar Dittmer, Harald Moschuetz, Thomas Nawrot, Andreas Ziemann
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Patent number: 7928345Abstract: In an aircraft windshield defogging/deicing system, a pair of transparent sheets maintained in spaced facing relation by a transparent interlayer have a resistive coating positioned between the transparent sheets. An inverter is provided for applying to the resistive coating a square wave or quasi-square wave AC signal. In response to receiving this AC signal, the resistive coating generates heat, which reduces or avoids the accumulation of moisture or ice on the aircraft windshield.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventor: Michael D. Briggs
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Patent number: 7923665Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a wafer-type thermometer capable of adapting itself to automation and improving the heat resistance to measure temperature distribution of a wafer and a method for manufacturing the wafer-type thermometer. A plurality of temperature sensors are arranged in regions formed by segmenting the upper surface of a wafer into a plurality of regions. Output signals from the plurality of temperature sensors are converted into temperature data by a conversion processing circuit where further processes the temperature data. The conversion processing circuit is housed in a storage room surrounded by a heat insulating member made of a nanocrystalline silicon layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Toshiyuki Matsumoto, Tomohide Minami
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Patent number: 7885557Abstract: An electrically isolated temperature sensor for use with a printer, copier, or all-in-one fuser. The fuser includes an AC driven heater to which a thermistor is mounted for sensing the temperature of the fuser heater. A resistance of the thermistor controls the period of a periodic signal generated by an astable multivibrator. An optical isolator isolates the printer fuser from down line processing circuits, and transfers the periodic signal to such processing circuits. The printer fuser employs a separate floating ground that is not connected to other DC circuits of the printer. With this arrangement, any AC power that is inadvertently coupled from the heater to the DC circuits of the fuser is isolated thereto. The AC power is isolated to the fuser and cannot be propagated through the fuser to other down line circuits of the printer.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventor: Steven Jeffrey Harris
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Patent number: 7829822Abstract: An electric blanket has a woven web of warp and weft fibers. At least a portion of the warp fibers are electrically conductive. At least a portion of the weft fibers are electrically conductive and interweave with the electrically conductive warp fibers at a first area of the web. A power source in electrical communication with the web applies a voltage to the web that produces a wide area electrical distribution at the first area.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Inotec IncorporatedInventor: Barry P. Keane
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Patent number: 7830151Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a voltage in an information handling system. A modulated voltage signal output circuit linked to an amplitude control element. The amplitude control element linked to a voltage output circuit, the output circuit including one or more electrical energy-storage elements to receive an electrical current. The voltage output circuit having one or more electronic switches to alter the current passing to the energy-storage element(s) to provide a modulated voltage output.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Leszek Brukwicz, Ayedin Nikazm
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Patent number: 7812287Abstract: A method for controlling a pyrolysis cleaning process in an oven includes the steps: a) heating an oven cavity of the oven by switching on a heat source; b) measuring, using an oxygen sensor, an oxygen concentration in the oven cavity or in an exhaust-air conduit configured to discharge fumes from the oven cavity; c) comparing, in an evaluation circuitry of an electrical control unit, the measured oxygen concentration to a predefined limit value stored in a memory; d) operating, if the measured oxygen concentration drops below the limit value, the oven for a predefined first time interval with the heat source switched off, a duration of the first time interval being stored in the memory; and e) repeating steps b) through d) after the first time interval has ended; or f) repeating steps a) through d) if the measured oxygen concentration is equal to or greater than the limit value.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Miele & Cie. KGInventors: Thomas Kruempelmann, Juergen Scharmann, Ulrich Sillmen
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Patent number: 7745759Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Edgecraft CorporationInventors: Tom Long, Daniel D. Friel, Sr., Daniel D. Friel, Jr., James M. Fitzgerald, H. William Busch, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100122976Abstract: Provided are a thermistor with 3 terminals, a thermistor-transistor including the thermistor, a circuit for controlling heat of a power transistor using the thermistor-transistor, and a power system including the circuit. The circuit includes: a thermistor-transistor which comprises a thermistor having a resistance decreasing with an increase in temperature and a control transistor connected to the thermistor; and at least one power transistor which is connected to a driving device to control a supply of power to the driving device, wherein the thermistor-transistor is adhered to one of a surface and a heat-emitting part of the at least one power transistor and is connected to one of a base, a gate, a collector, and a drain of the at least one power transistor to decrease or block a current flowing in the at least one power transistor when the temperature of the at least one power transistor rises, so as to prevent the power transistor from heating up.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Bongjun KIM, Giwan Seo, Hyun Tak Kim
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Publication number: 20100089895Abstract: Apparatus for housing electronic components comprising a heated enclosure comprising a bottom, a top, three sides, a substantially open front and a heating element for transmitting heat to enclosure surfaces. Perforations are located in the heated enclosure to facilitate the passage of air from one side of the heated enclosure to the other. A plenum is connected to the perforations, the plenum being configured to transmit air between the outside and inside of the heated enclosure. Completing the apparatus as control electronics comprising a power source and temperature monitoring and feedback circuitry, and insulation covering a heated portion of the heated enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Myles E. Brown, John C. Pizzichemi, Florence L. Lopez, Robert B. Stevenson
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Patent number: 7675006Abstract: A temperature sensing circuit and a method of automatically controlling the temperature sensing circuit in a cooking apparatus for more accuracy are provided. In the method, the low temperature table and the high temperature table are selectively used based on a current temperature of a cooking chamber, when cooking is ended. The low temperature table and the high temperature table are selectively used based on preset cooking temperatures for different types of cooking together with a current temperature of the cooking chamber, while cooking is performed.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Shin Jae Jeong
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Patent number: 7671305Abstract: Systems and methods for energizing an electrical resistance igniter are disclosed. The systems and methods determine the line voltage into the system and control the voltage being applied to the electrical resistance igniters so a first voltage is applied initially and for a time period and thereafter a second voltage is applied, the second voltage being the operating voltage for the igniter. The systems and methods decrease the amount of time required to heat-up the electrical resistance igniter to a temperature sufficient to ignite the gas while regulating the output voltage being delivered to the igniters to prevent over voltage damage to the igniters.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Chodacki, Kevin C. Solofra, James M. Ralson
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Patent number: 7671304Abstract: A multiple zone temperature controller for a hot runner injection molding system. The temperature controller includes inputs for signals from two or more thermocouples corresponding to two or more heating zones. The thermocouple inputs are time-division multiplexed and the output is amplified and input to a microcontroller. The microcontroller manages and controls operation of power switching stages for controlling the power supplied to heating elements corresponding to each of the heating zones. The multiplexer is a low impedance switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Mold-Masters (2007) LimitedInventor: James Nguyen
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Patent number: 7659493Abstract: A fluid heating system includes a fluid receptacle having a fluid reservoir, and a heating control system configured to heat fluid retained within the fluid reservoir. The heating control system includes a processing unit, at least one fluid temperature sensor positioned on or within the fluid receptacle, a heating element configured to heat fluid within the fluid reservoir, and a power switch disposed within an electrical path between the heating element and the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to selectively activate and deactivate the heating element through the power switch based on the fluid temperature detected by the fluid temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
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Patent number: 7659492Abstract: A method for operating a device in which typically a very high current is generated when the device is turned on compared to the rated current, e.g. an analogue operated PTC heating device for a mobile device, such as a vehicle, is disclosed. In this method, the power on the device is increased in a defined limited manner or in a ramp-like manner in the connection phase to avoid a high current when the device is switched on.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Beru AGInventors: Hans Peter Etzkorn, Juergen Paul, Rolf Merte
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Patent number: 7635829Abstract: A road finisher has a terminal box from which an electric supply circuit originates to supply electric current to at least one electric heating element for heating work components. A device for supervising the function of the at least one electric heating element includes an induction coil at the terminal box to sense current in the supply circuit and an indicator circuit, preferably of a light emitting diode, is connected to the induction coil for detecting and indicating a voltage induced in the induction coil by the current flowing in the supply circuit of a heating element. In a preferred embodiment, a cable gland is attached to the control box through which a current supply wire of the electric supply circuit passes, and an induction coil is located in the cable gland to sense the current in the supply wire.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2006Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Joseph Voegele AGInventor: Martin Buschmann
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Patent number: 7612311Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a heater to drive a load temperature to approximate a setpoint. At the beginning of each ½ AC cycle, a sigma delta modulation algorithm is computed to determine whether the AC cycle should be turned on or off. The running estimate of the past actual duty cycle is compared to the desired output duty cycle, and the difference between the two is used to adjust the next ½ cycle's output. This results in a pseudo-random pulse sequence output which does not contain significant periodic components that could cause undesirable small periodic thermal ‘ripples’ on the element being heated.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Peter Norton, John Distinti
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Patent number: 7608805Abstract: A control system and method of controlling a battery powered heating device such as a soldering or desoldering tool that includes a control circuit to control the delivery of power to a cartridge heating tip and to cycle the power to the cartridge heating tip during times of no use so as to minimize the amount of power expended to maintain the device in a ready or usable state.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Hakko CorporationInventors: Mitsuhiko Miyazaki, Toshinobu Ishihara, Hitoshi Takeuchi
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Patent number: 7598476Abstract: A fusing apparatus in an image forming apparatus that heats a fusing unit by applying an induced current is provided. The flicker characteristics of the fusing apparatus are improved by gradually increasing the amount of induced current applied to the fusing unit for a predetermined amount of time so that the amount of induced current applied to the fusing unit is prevented from severely varying. The fusing apparatus comprises a fusing unit which is resistance-heated or induction-heated by applying an induced current and fuses toner onto paper using the heat. The fusing apparatus further comprises a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generation unit which generates a PWM signal in response to the ON signal so that the amount of induced current input to the fusing unit gradually increases to a reference current.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young-Min Chae, Hwan-Guem Kim, Durk-Hyun Cho, Su-Kyoung Chae, Sang-Yong Han
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Patent number: 7593789Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for a bathing unit that comprises a heating module, a temperature sensing entity and a heating module controller. The heating module includes a body that defines a passage through which water can flow, that has an inner surface and an outer surface. The heating module further includes a heating device that is operative for heating the water that flows through the body. The temperature sensing entity is mounted to the outer surface of the body such that the temperature sensing entity is in thermally conductive communication with water flowing through the body. The heating module controller is operative for obtaining temperature information associated with the temperature sensing entity for detecting at least in part on the basis of the temperature information the sufficiency of water flow through the body.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.Inventors: Florent Gougerot, Daniel Gaudreau, Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu, Jean Bizouard
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Patent number: 7586064Abstract: A method for providing thermostatic temperature control in an integrated circuit is provided that includes internally heating the integrated circuit until the integrated circuit reaches an elevated temperature and holding the integrated circuit at the elevated temperature. For a particular embodiment, a temperature-dependent parameter of a temperature-sensitive block is tested while the integrated circuit is held at the elevated temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Gregory J. Smith
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Patent number: 7573005Abstract: A method, computer program, and cooking device for detecting boiling of liquids. The invention is implemented with a computer program executed by a processor or other computing device of a cooking unit such as an induction range. The computer program comprises a code segment for receiving an indication of successive temperatures of the vessel and for calculating a slope of a curve representing the successive temperatures versus time; a code segment for detecting boiling of the liquid based on the slope of the curve; and a code segment for providing an output which may be used to indicate the boiling. The computer program may also include a code segment for receiving variables relating to parameters and/or characteristics of the cooking vessel to refine the boiling detection.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Thermal Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Brian L. Clothier
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Patent number: 7566845Abstract: In an overheat protection circuit for power supply devices in the present invention, overheat protection is provided by using a Schottky barrier diode (SBD) in place of a dedicated thermosensor. The overheat protection circuit is designed to flow reverse leakage current Ir resulting from temperatures of the SBD thermally coupled with a rectifier diode to a photocoupler inside an output-voltage detecting circuit in a direct-current power supply device. Thereby, where the reverse leakage current of the SBD is increased (where temperatures of the rectifier diode are elevated due to overload), a feedback signal of the output-voltage detecting circuit is increased to decrease the output voltage, thereby the direct-current power supply device is protected from overheat.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Sanken Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Usui, Yoichi Kyono
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Publication number: 20090166351Abstract: A device for heating a substrate with light from a flash lamp having a semiconductor switch connected in series to the flash lamp. After triggering of a trigger electrode of the flash lamp, a first drive signal and a second drive signal are output from a gate circuit. The time period when the semiconductor switch is on due to the second drive signal is longer than the time period that the semiconductor switch is on by the first drive signal. Then, the semiconductor switch is switched on and off by the first drive signal and the substrate temperature is increased to a temperature, which is lower than the desired temperature to be achieved, and is maintained a that temperature for a short time, after which the surface temperature of the substrate is increased to the desired target temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: Ushiodenki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takehiko Yokomori
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Patent number: 7534979Abstract: An objective is to provide a pressure-contact type rectifier in which solder that increases the environmental load is not used, and neither burning nor breakage of a rectifying device occurs, even if temperature of the rectifying device increases due to current flowing or force towards outside the rectifying device is applied to a lead end, etc. By providing an electrically conductive friction reducer on at least one electrode face of the rectifying device, the temperature increase can be prevented, and the friction at the contact face can be reduced. Moreover, by providing a flexible portion on the lead end outside a cap, and fixing the flexible portion to the cap, the contact area between the lead and the rectifying device can be kept constant. As a result, a pressure-contact type rectifier in which neither burning nor breakage of the rectifying device occurs can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinichi Ito, Shigeki Maekawa, Hiroya Ikuta, Shigeharu Nagai, Toshiaki Kashihara, Shinji Iwamoto, Takahiro Sonoda
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Patent number: 7495194Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a plurality of heating means that heat a heated object, a temperature measuring means that measures temperatures of some of the plurality of heating means, a heated object information storing means that stores, in a coordinate manner, heated object identification names, target heating temperatures at the heating means, and sets of heating ratios respectively assigned to the heating means, a heating information storage means that defines a relationship between temperatures during heating of the heating means up to the target heating temperatures and heating intensities at the temperatures, a heated object identification name obtaining means that obtains one of the heated object identification names, a heated object information reading-out means that reads out one of the target heating temperatures and one of the sets of heating ratios respectively assigned to the plurality of heating means, corresponding to the heated object identification name from the heated object information stType: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Asano Laboratories Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshihiro Takai, Yasuyoshi Ohashi, Kazushi Hayashi
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Patent number: 7491911Abstract: A MEMS vapour bubble generator that uses a heater in thermal contact with a liquid to generate a bubble. The heater is energized by an electrical pulse that is shaped to have a relatively low power, sub-nucleating portion and a high power portion that nucleates the bubble. The thermal energy transferred to the liquid by the sub-nucleating portion speeds up the nucleation of the bubble across the surface of the heater during the nucleating portion. This produces larger, more stable bubble having a regular shape.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Angus John North, Samuel James Myers, Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7488921Abstract: A controlled start up technique may eliminate the excessive peak junction temperature by controlling the speed of the electric device. Lower speed may result in reduced power to the load. Reduced power may result in reduced losses to maintain reliable operating junction temperatures. Once the junction reaches the predetermined temperature limit, speed may be controlled to hold the junction temperature constant. As time elapses, the coolant temperature may reduce, thereby allowing a higher power level without an increase in IGBT temperature. Unlike conventional methods which may allow for full power continuously upon start up, thereby either potentially causing a high temperature shut-down condition or requiring additional thermal inertia to handle a high heat load due to a continuous full-power start up, the controlled start up eliminates the design penalties for extensive thermal enhancements to accommodate the occasional extreme hot start up.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Evgeni Ganev, Dennis M. Morita, Michael A. Quan
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Patent number: 7485832Abstract: A method and a circuit for preventing over-heat of heat-generating device which are provided with a trigger circuit and a microprocessor on a heater circuit. And the trigger circuit is connected with a power source and a heat-generating device for heating the heat-generating device. The above-mentioned heater circuit is connected with a thermo fuse, a resistor and a reactive trigger circuit. Another end of the reactive trigger circuit is connected with the microprocessor for advancedly detecting whether the microprocessor is in abnormal condition. Once the microprocessor is damaged, the power source, the thermo fuse and the resistor make a loop and the resistor is heated to ruin the thermo fuse for terminating heating. Also, when the microprocessor works normally, the heater circuit and a switch for controlling temperature on reactive trigger circuit are detected to determine whether to terminate the heater circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Inventor: Ching-Chuan Wang
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Patent number: 7454308Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting the occurrence and extent of waterlogging in steam heating coils which consists of a series of two or more sensors disposed to measure temperature at strategic locations on the heating coils of a steam heat coil panel, a recording device which logs and stores the temperature measurement data at pre-defined incremental intervals over a significant length of the steam heating cycle, and a method for displaying and interpreting the data to accurately identify the existence and extent of waterlogging within the steam heating system. The temperature sensors preferably are attached to the outside wall of the steam heating coils and transmit data to an electronic recording device. In a preferred embodiment the data is displayed as a series of line graphs which can be analyzed by the use of described techniques to identify the occurrence and location of waterlogging within a steam heating coil.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Inventor: Steven Wayne Carroll