Abstract: A CVD processing reactor employs a pyrometer to control temperature ramping. The pyrometer is calibrated between wafer processing by using a thermocouple that senses temperature during a steady state portion of a processing operation.

Abstract: A low noise solid-state thermostat is provided designed to operate on AC power over a wide range of frequencies (e.g., from 0 Hertz (Hz) to 1000 Hz). The thermostat incorporates a soft start turn ON/OFF feature which reduces electromagnetic emissions (e.g., EMI). In addition, the thermostat is designed to provide common mode noise cancellation. Moreover, the thermostat uses state of the art complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) technology which improves reliability over conventional mechanical relays and thermostats. Custom temperature set points and custom temperature hysteresis can be selected at the time of production and/or subsequent to production.

Abstract: In the power supply control circuit, interposed between the power lines 1a and 1b is a serial circuit 21 constructed by connecting in series a radio interference suppression capacitor 2 for suppressing radio interference and a power supply holding switch 4. A node of the radio interference suppression capacitor 2 and the power supply holding switch 4 is connected via an auxiliary power line 1d to a primary side terminal 7a of a stepdown transformer 7, and another primary side terminal 7b of the stepdown transformer 7 is connected to a power line 1b. With the power supply control circuit, reduction of electric power consumption can be realized using a power supply holding switch with a small capacity.

Abstract: A heater controller for an oxygen sensor associated with a vehicle engine. The controller includes a start detect section, a restart determination section, and a heater delay control section. The start detect section detects whether the engine is started. The restart determination section determines whether the engine is restarted. The heater delay control section operates the heater to activate after a predetermined delay time, delayed from startup of the engine, that is set according to an engine water temperature. The operation of the heater is executed when the start detect section detects that the engine is started and the restart determination section determines that the engine is not restarted.

Abstract: A sanitary device includes a microcomputer for controlling a temperature of a cleansing water in a heating water tank to a target value, a control substrate installing the microcomputer and a non-volatile memory memorizing a correction value for the target value. The microcomputer corrects the correction value based on the variation of a circuit constant of the control substrate. The microcomputer of the sanitary device further controls a temperature of a toilet seat or a temperature of a drying air to each target value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that heats food quickly by using more than one power level during a heating cycle.

Abstract: In the power supply control circuit, interposed between the power lines 1a and 1b is a serial circuit 21 constructed by connecting in series a radio interference suppression capacitor 2 for suppressing radio interference and a power supply holding switch 4. A node of the radio interference suppression capacitor 2 and the power supply holding switch 4 is connected via an auxiliary power line 1d to a primary side terminal 7a of a stepdown transformer 7, and another primary side terminal 7b of the stepdown transformer 7 is connected to a power line 1b. With the power supply control circuit, reduction of electric power consumption can be realized using a power supply holding switch with a small capacity.

Abstract: A heat sensing device manager system and method for processing signals from heat sensing devices used to monitor the semiconductor processing environment. The system includes a circuit for determining if a heat sensing device has failed. Where a heat sensing device has failed the system can switch control of the system such that it relies on signals generated by operational heat sensing devices. The system also provides the user with an intuitive LED interface that provides the user with information regarding the operation of the heat sensing elements of the system, and where a heat sensing device has failed the user interface can convey information regarding the nature of a particular heat sensing device failure.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for controlling the speed at which an electric motor drives a conveyor to move products through a conveyor oven. The system includes a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the conveyor oven and a speed adjustment input for selecting a speed setting corresponding to a desired amount of heat to be transferred to the products that move through the conveyor oven. The system also includes a controller having temperature data storage capacity and programmable logic capability.

Abstract: A wafer temperature estimator calibrates contact-type temperature sensor measurements that are used by a temperature controller to control substrate temperature in a high temperature processing chamber. Wafer temperature estimator parameters provide an estimated wafer temperature from contact-type temperature sensor measurements. The estimator parameters are refined using non-contact-type temperature sensor measurements during periods when the substrate temperature is decreasing or the heaters are off. A corresponding temperature control system includes a heater, a contact-type temperature sensor in close proximity to the substrate, and an optical pyrometer placed to read temperature directly from the substrate. A wafer temperature estimator uses the estimator parameters and measurements from the contact-type sensor to determine an estimated wafer temperature. A temperature controller reads the estimated wafer temperature and makes changes to the heater power accordingly.

Abstract: There is provided a control apparatus for a light radiation-type rapid heating and processing device in which a power factor can be improved, the influence of a higher harmonics strain can be eliminated and a rapid temperature increase of a heated substrate can be performed without any delay in control. Lamps are arranged within a lamp chamber of the light radiation-type rapid heating and processing device, and the workpiece heated and processed is arranged in a processing chamber. The region where the lamps are arranged is divided into a plurality of zones corresponding to a distance from the center of the region, and at least one lamp is arranged in each of the zones. A power control unit is provided for each of the zones. The control parts generate a PWM signal in response to a control pattern stored in advance and send it to each of the power control units.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention related to a warmer and cooler for a container that is programmably timed to engage a heating and/or cooling unit. The invention may be adapted for use with a baby bottle to facilitate nighttime feedings by programming when the unit should be turned on to heat the bottle or cool the bottle.

Abstract: When controlling operation of heaters or coolers provided in a plurality of thermal control objects, the priority for turning on the heaters or the coolers set based on temperature and speed of temperature response of the thermal control objects is used to turn on a heater or cooler with higher priority and turn off a heater or cooler with lower priority, such that the sum of energy required for operating the heaters and the coolers does not exceed a predetermined value. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the peak energy (maximum energy) generated when a plurality of heaters and coolers are simultaneously turned on, thereby decreasing an affect on an energy supply system.

Abstract: An electric heating blanket control circuit assembly is constructed to include an electric heater, a sensor adapted for detecting the temperature level of the electric heater, a controller, the controller having a monitoring circuit adapted for monitoring normal functioning of the sensor and the electric heater and a main control circuit adapted controlling the operation of the electric heater subject to the detection result of the sensor to keep the temperature of the electric heater to be maintained within a limited range, and a power adapter adapted for providing low voltage DC to the electric heater, the sensor, and the controller for working.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a power controller for an AC load comprises: a user interface adapted to interact with a user to produce at least one user interface signal; and a control module adapted to electrically couple a line voltage supply, electrically couple the AC load, and provide electrical power to the AC load as a function of the at least one user interface signal by implementing a low-flicker, cycle-skipping control algorithm, the control algorithm comprising a plurality of cycle patterns, the cycle patterns comprising a plurality of main power levels.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for controlling a temperature of a thermal load comprises: a dynamic compensator for calculating a heater command as a function of a user input signal without using a temperature measurement; and a heater for controlling said temperature of said thermal load by applying heat in response to said heater command.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention related to a warmer and cooler for a container that is programmably timed to engage a heating and/or cooling unit. The invention may be adapted for use with a baby bottle to facilitate nighttime feedings by programming when the unit should be turned on to heat the bottle or cool the bottle.

Abstract: A current-limiting resistor is connected between a power-supply line and a heater provided near the oxygen-detecting element of limiting-current type oxygen sensor. A power MOSFET is connected between the heater and a ground line. The resistor and the heater have such resistances that a current I2 flowing through the resistor and the heater when the heater has a resistance R2 is about I1{square root over ((R1/R2))}, where I1 is a current flowing through the resistor and the heater when the heater has a resistance R1.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for glass-ceramic cooktop appliances includes an optical detector having an reference component and an active component. The active component is arranged to receive radiation from the glass-ceramic plate, and the reference component is insulated from radiation from the glass-ceramic plate. The sensor assembly further includes a temperature sensor and a heater located adjacent to the reference component and a controller having a first input connected to the optical detector and a second input connected to the temperature sensor. The controller is responsive to the optical detector and the temperature sensor to calibrate the sensor assembly. Calibration is accomplished by noting the temperature reading of the temperature sensor after the burner assembly has not been used for a predetermined period of time to obtain a first calibration point. Then, the burner assembly is activated so that the temperature of the glass-ceramic plate is raised, and the output of the optical detector is noted.

Abstract: An electric blanket remote control system according to the present invention includes a remote control device and a base unit. The remote control device includes a case, a digital display, an RF transmitter, electronic circuitry, a microprocessor and a power supply connection. The base unit may include a container, an RF receiver, a variable current control circuit, a safety detection circuit, blanket connection circuitry, electronic circuitry, a microprocessor, and power supply connection circuitry. The remote control device transmits command controls to the base unit, and the base unit modulates an electric current flowing through the electric blanket in accordance with the command controls.

Abstract: A heater control apparatus is provided for controlling a plurality of heaters used for fixing operations of an image forming apparatus, wherein each of the heaters is incorporated inside one of a plurality of rollers. The heater control apparatus includes: a plurality of switching elements to switch flowing paths of electronic currents supplied to the heaters from a common power source; a switching control section to control the switching elements so that a connecting mode of the heaters is changeable between a serial connection mode and a parallel connection mode; and a plurality of temperature detecting devices to detect temperatures of the rollers heated by the heaters, each of the temperature detecting devices corresponding to each of the rollers. The switching control section controls the switching elements so as to change the connecting mode of the heaters according to temperature conditions of the rollers.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing system and method. The system includes an assembly of radiant energy sources and a programmable switch array configured to selectively deliver power to each radiant energy source based on a plurality of control signals. The method includes measuring the temperature at a plurality of regions on a substrate and controlling a plurality of radiant energy sources to correct any non-radial temperature discontinuities.

Abstract: An electrical heater control system with reduced flicker comprising: an electrical heating system; an AC (alternating current) power source for supplying AC current to said electrical heating system; an AC power control device connected between said electrical heating system and said AC power source for controlling the supply of AC current to said electrical heating system; and a controller unit coupled to said AC power control device for activating said device at zero crossings of said AC power to minimize flicker in AC current supplied to said electrical heating system from said AC power source.

Abstract: A CVD processing reactor employs a pyrometer to control temperature ramping. The pyrometer is calibrated between wafer processing by using a thermocouple that senses temperature during a steady state portion of a processing operation.

Abstract: A temperature controlling protection system for a heater of the wet etching device has a temperature controlling protection circuit and a heating ON/OFF controller, in which the temperature controlling circuit has an OR gate, an AND gate and a NOT gate. When the temperature controlling protection circuit receives signals from the wet etching device, such as a level signal for a level sensor, an overheated signal for a temperature sensor, a ON/OFF signal for an acid discharging switch, a protection signal and a caution signal for the heater 28 and output signal for a constant temperature controller, it is determined whether the heater of the wet etching device is actuated to provide heat to the reaction gas in the wet etching device.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that automatically controls the selection, start-up and operation of primary and secondary heating towers chosen from an array of heating towers having varying physical and thermal sizes. The automatic control is implemented via a programmable logic controllers (PLC). The PLC provides independent control for each heating tower irrespective of the tower being a primary or secondary heating source. Should the demand for heated water upon the primary heating tower increase to a rate that the primary tower cannot satisfy, the PLC maintains the operation of the primary tower and at the same time starts the secondary heating tower to meet the increased hot water demand. Once the demand has dropped to rates that the primary heating tower can once again maintain, the secondary tower is disabled.

Abstract: A semiconductor producing apparatus is capable of quickly and accurately changing a controlled variable to a target value to thereby make the controlled variable quickly follow the target value. Moreover, the controlled variable and target value can be adjusted automatically, thus improving the productivity of a process. The semiconductor producing apparatus includes a PID adjustment section to which a target value and a detected control value are inputted through an adder, a pattern generation section having an approximate function for calculating a pattern output and making it possible to change the pattern output in accordance wit parameter values of the approximate function, and a switcher for switching between an output including at least an output of the pattern generation section and an output of the PID adjustment section to thereby generate an output.

Abstract: This invention is a method of determining set temperature trajectories for a heat treatment system that conducts a first heat treatment process and a second heat treatment process to an object to be processed. The method comprises the steps of: conducting the first heat treatment process to a first test object to be processed, by using a temporary first set temperature trajectory; measuring a result of the first heat treatment process produced on the first test object to be processed; and determining a first set temperature trajectory for the first heat treatment process by correcting the temporary first set temperature trajectory on the basis of the measured result of the first heat treatment process.

Abstract: When powering up a xerographic fusing apparatus with two parallel lamps, power is applied to each lamp in a stair-step fashion, in which incremental increases in applied power for each lamp are staggered in time. This feature contributes to desirable anti-flicker effects of the whole apparatus.

Abstract: Power flow management is achieved in an electrical power transmission network using serial impedance modulation distributed throughout the transmission lines of the network. Switching units are mounted to insulated portions of transmission line towers in proximity to phase lines for modulating power flowing in at least one phase line conductor of at least one bundle conductor phase line in an electric power transmission line at a plurality of segments in the network. Power flow is managed in at the segments by changing the series impedance of the line by controlling the switching units. Enhanced insulation between phase line conductors is added. The power flow in a plurality of electric power lines of the network is analyzed, a desired change in impedance for the electric power lines is determined, and at least some of the switching units are controlled to implement the desired change in impedance.

Abstract: A temperature control system and method for integrated circuits, particularly those having a plurality of channels or power devices. The temperature control system for an integrated circuit includes at least a heat generating device; a sensor element providing a signal correlated to the working conditions of said the heat generating device such as a signal proportional to the dissipated power of the heat generating device; an elaboration circuit of the signal correlated to the working conditions of the heat generating device; and a turning off circuit of said at least a heat generating device responsively to a signal of said elaboration circuit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for contact-less temperature regulation, in which the temperature is measured in a contact-less mode with a temperature measurement device and detected as an analog value and then digitized, wherein moreover there is provided a digital regulator which outputs a control value in dependence on the detected temperature and predetermined regulating parameters and a corresponding apparatus.

Abstract: A control system for a humidifier includes a variable resistor with an on/off switch function and a DC fan for dispersing heat in order to lower the cost of a humidifier. The control system includes an AC input terminal, a transformer to lower AC, a bridge rectifier to rectifying AC into DC supplied to the control system circuit. Further, an adjusting terminal of the variable resistor is connected between two resistors, and another terminal thereof is connected respectively to a power lamp and a heat dispersing fan and an ultrasonic oscillator. Thus, provision of the variable resistor with an on/off switch function for turning on and off the ultrasonic oscillator can lower the cost of a humidifier.

Abstract: A sanitary device includes a microcomputer for controlling a temperature of a cleansing water in a heating water tank to a target value, a control substrate installing the microcomputer and a non-volatile memory memorizing a correction value for the target value. The microcomputer corrects the correction value based on the variation of a circuit constant of the control substrate. The microcomputer of the sanitary device further controls a temperature of a toilet seat or a temperature of a drying air to each target value.

Abstract: A vaporizer that adjusts to the conductivity of the water used in the vaporizer, and that also adjusts to changes in the conductivity of the water while in operation, thereby decreasing warm-up time and maintaining a relatively constant boiling rate and rate of steam production. The vaporizer includes hardware circuitry or other logic that maintains constant power supplied to the electrodes of the vaporizer to decrease warm-up time, and adjusts the current supplied to the electrodes while the vaporizer is in operation and after the warm-up period to maintain a relatively constant boiling rate and rate of steam production.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for electric heating equipment which can keep the temperature of the load of various heating equipment in substantially constant, and the electric power for heating consumed in vein can be eliminated to save the energy therefor.

Abstract: This reflow soldering apparatus comprises a heater tip 10 for soldering sites to be soldered of a workpiece W by reflow method, a power supply unit for supplying an electric power for heat generation or heating to the heater tip, a control unit for providing a control of the supplied current in the power supply unit, and a pressing unit 16 for pressing the heater tip against the sites to be soldered of the workpiece W. An inverter of the power supply unit has four transistor switching elements. By the control unit by way of a driving circuit, the first set of switching elements and are simultaneously switching (ON/OFF) controlled at a predetermined inverter frequency (e.g., 10 kHz) in response to in-phase inverter control signals G1 and G3, whereas the second set of switching elements are simultaneously switching controlled at the inverter frequency in response to in-phase inverter control signals G2 and G4.

Abstract: A control system for reducing flicker in an electrical resistance heater comprising: a source of AC (alternating current) current for supplying AC current to an electrical resistance heater; a bidirectional solid state switching device connected between said source and said electrical resistance heater, and a control circuit for controlling the bidirectional solid state switching device to supply a varying, phase controlled duty cycle of current to said heater which effectively ramps heater power up and down in response to a binary control signal which randomly turns on said switching device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating a microwave oven using a deterministic chaotic signal. The microwave oven includes a heating compartment, a magnetron for generating microwaves, a waveguide for directing the microwaves into the heating compartment and a chaotic signal generator for driving the magnetron. The characteristics of the chaotic signal are adjusted to tend to vary the output energy of the magnetron and increase the uniformity of the microwaves in the heating compartment.

Abstract: A temperature and flow rate controlled capillary aerosol generator includes two heating zones optionally separated by a region in which a pressure drop is induced. Power is metered or applied to the downstream, second zone to achieve a target resistance, and therefore a target temperature, while power is metered or applied to the upstream, first zone to achieve a target mass flow rate exiting the second zone. A target temperature is achieved in the second zone to generate an aerosol from the liquid flowing through the generator at the desired mass flow rate.

Abstract: A control system for reducing flicker in an electrical resistance heater comprising: a source of AC (alternating current) current for supplying AC current to an electrical resistance heater; a bidirectional solid state switching device connected between said source and said electrical resistance heater; and a control circuit for controlling the bidirectional solid state switching device to supply a varying, phase controlled duty cycle of current to said heater which effectively ramps heater power up and down in response to a binary control signal which randomly turns on said switching device.

Abstract: A vaporizer that adjusts to the conductivity of the water used in the vaporizer, and that also adjusts to changes in the conductivity of the water while in operation, thereby decreasing warm-up time and maintaining a relatively constant boiling rate and rate of steam production. The vaporizer includes hardware circuitry or other logic that maintains constant power supplied to the electrodes of the vaporizer to decrease warm-up time, and adjusts the current supplied to the electrodes while the vaporizer is in operation and after the warm-up period to maintain a relatively constant boiling rate and rate of steam production.

Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus includes a liquid processing unit 30 for supplying objects to be processes, such as wafers W, with a processing liquid for liquid processing, a processing-liquid supplying unit 100 for supplying heated processing liquids 12a, 12b to the liquid processing unit 30 and a heating unit 200 for heating the liquids 12a, 12b up to a predetermined temperature. The heating unit 200 has a heater 16 for heating the liquids 12a, 12b, a power supply circuit for supplying the heater 16 with electricity, a temperature sensor 14 and a temperature regulator 13 both forming an output control unit for controlling an output from a power source 20 to the heater 16, a solid state relay 19 for switching on/off the operation of the power supply circuit by signals from the temperature regulator 13, and failure detecting units.

Abstract: The switching apparatus is intended to be used with a segment of an electric power line having several phase lines. Each of the phase lines has several conductors electrically insulated one from the other and connected in parallel. The conductors of each phase line are short-circuited among them at two extremities of the segment. The apparatus comprises pairs of switches connected in parallel, for selectively opening and closing the conductors of each phase line, a detecting device for detecting current operating conditions of the segment, and a controlling device for controlling the pairs of switches according to the current operating conditions of the segment. The present invention also relates to a switching method.

Abstract: An oven temperature control circuit utilizes one or more light emitting diodes to establish a clamping voltage that limits the voltage at the input of a circuit component, such as an analog-to-digital converter, when a sensor, such as a thermistor, is connected to the input of the circuit component and the sensor is subjected to an EMI pulse. A method is provided for continued execution of a heating process after an unavoidable and unintentional interruption.

Abstract: The component, located inside a corresponding package, is associated with a first heat sensor, located in proximity to the component inside the package, together with a second heat sensor. A thermal conditioning element is controlled in such a way as to keep the temperature of the first sensor at a level identified by a reference signal (rifv). The second sensor is associated with the package in such a way as to generate a second temperature signal indicating the external temperature, and the aforesaid reference signal (rifv;) is modified as a function of the said second temperature signal, providing effective temperature control of the component.

Abstract: A control system for bathers includes an electronic controller which controls operation of an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water. The heater assembly includes a heater housing and electric heater element. A solid state water temperature sensor apparatus provides electrical temperature signals to the controller indicative of water temperature at separated first and second locations on or within the heater housing. The presence of water in the heater housing is detected electronically, by turning on the heater, and monitoring the temperature sensors for unusual temperature rises or other faults for a period of time thereafter. A solid state water presence sensor apparatus can also be used to determine the presence of water within the heater housing, providing electrical water presence signals to the controller indicative of the presence or absence of a body of water within the heater housing.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for measuring the welding voltage at the heating coil of a heating coil fitting a welding current supply unit is connected to the connecting elements of the heating coil fitting by way of connecting lines and junction elements, and the welding voltage is detected by means of a voltage measurement unit. The welding voltage is detected at a respective contact of each of the two connecting elements of the heating coil fitting in electrically insulated relationship with respect to the connecting lines and the junction elements.

Abstract: An open forklift truck is provided having an elongated windshield that protects the operator from wind chills experienced when operating the truck in a cold storage environment. The windshield is a laminate having a plurality of heating elements disposed therein that are electrically connected to a control and are energized when the windshield falls below a predetermined temperature to prevent condensation from accumulating on the windshield when the truck is moved into a warmer environment. Accordingly, both sides of the windshield are maintained at a temperature greater than the dew point of the warmer environment.

Abstract: A control system for delivering a constant fuser temperature despite variations in the line voltage is effected by a control circuit which employs closed loop feedback control to control the rms voltage across the load. This is accomplished by a circuit and method which functionally provides a continuous solution to the equation which describes the relationship between the temperature of the fuser and the temperature of a desired control setpoint. Briefly, the solution of this equation is obtained by monitoring, i.e. sampling, the temperature of the fuser, subtracting the desired control temperature, and then integrating the difference over time. The resultant time integral is used to control the operating point of a pulse width modulated power controller. The integrator has a time constant sufficiently long and the power controller operates at a frequency sufficiently high so as to render lighting flicker imperceptible.