Thermally Responsive Patents (Class 219/510)
  • Patent number: 10368689
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine is provided and includes a heater (1) for heating up a supply of liquid from a supply temperature to a beverage preparation temperature, in particular an in-line heater and/or a heat accumulation structure such as a thermoblock; and a control unit (2) for controlling the supply of liquid and the heater so that the heater is energized to reach and be maintained at an operative temperature (“RUN”) for heating up the supply of liquid to the beverage preparation temperature during beverage preparation. The control unit is further arranged so that the heater is energized to reach and be maintained at a reduced temperature (“ECO”) out of beverage preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Blaise Rithener, Youcef Ait Bouziad, Alexandre Perentes
  • Patent number: 10260776
    Abstract: A method of controlling a heating system includes: providing a heater bundle comprising a plurality of heater assemblies, each heater assembly comprising a plurality of heater units, each heater unit defining at least one independently controlled heating zone; supplying power to each of the heater units through power conductors electrically connected to each of the independently controlled heating zones in each of the heater units; and modulating power supplied to each of the heater units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark Everly, Louis P. Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 10116351
    Abstract: A pollution detection circuit and a pollution detection method for data lines are provided. The pollution detection circuit and the method detect an impedance of at least one data terminal for detecting the pollution occurring at the data terminal or the data lines. The pollution occurring at the data terminal or the data lines is confirmed when the impedance is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eui-Soo Kim, Ju-Hyun Kim, Yung-I Chang, Jian-Ming Fu, Zhi-Bo Tao, Jung-Sheng Chen, Young-Bae Park, David Jay Kunst
  • Patent number: 9664411
    Abstract: A water heater appliance includes a tank with a sidewall. A boss is mounted to the sidewall of the tank, and an anode is mounted to the boss. The anode extends through the tank into an interior volume of the tank at an angle such that the anode avoids internal tank components of the water heater appliance. A related heat pump water heater appliance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Patent number: 9640341
    Abstract: An on-load tap changer has a load changeover switch insert having a switching tube rotatable about an axis, at least one switching module associated with the switching insert and having at least one switching segment fastened to the switching tube, an oil tank, and a resistor subassembly having a plurality of separate and identical resistors. An actuating arrangement associated with the switching module at an inner wall of the oil tank has a plurality of identical actuators associated with the switching module at the inner wall of the oil tank. The on-load tap changer is a load selector or a load changeover switch depending on the arrangement of the at least one identical switching segment, the resistor subassembly, and the mounting of the plurality of identical actuators at the inner wall of the oil tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: MASCHINENFABRIK REINHAUSEN GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus Hoepfl, Silke Wrede, Dieter Dohnal, Christian Kotz
  • Patent number: 9640340
    Abstract: A load selector for tapped transformers has an oil tank and a preselector having a first preselector contact and a second preselector contact for each phase to be switched by the load selector. The first preselector contact and the second preselector contact are mounted on a wall of the oil tank and extending through the wall of the oil tank. A first zero contact and a second zero contact separate from the first zero contact are provided for each phase to be switched by the preselector. The first zero contact and the second zero contact are each mounted on the wall of the oil tank and extend through the wall of the oil tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: MASCHINENFABRIK REINHAUSEN GMBH
    Inventors: Hurbert Zwirglmaier, Silke Wrede, Thomas Schuster, Ulli Laubereau, Gerhard Baeuml
  • Publication number: 20150131980
    Abstract: A heating device includes a heater (2) having a heating portion (6) which generates heat by energization; a housing (4) which contains the heating portion and forms a passage (18) for a heating medium between the housing and the heating portion; a temperature detection means (26) for detecting the temperature of the heating medium in the passage; and an energization interrupting means for interrupting the carrying of current to the heater depending on the temperature of the heating medium detected by the temperature detection means. The temperature detection means is pressed into contact with the heating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Maemura
  • Publication number: 20150122798
    Abstract: A heating device includes a heater (2) having a heating portion (6) which generates heat by energization; a housing (4) which contains the heating portion and forms a passage (18) for a heating medium between the housing and the heating portion; a temperature detection means (26) for detecting the temperature of the heating medium in the passage; and an energization interrupting means for interrupting the carrying of current to the heater depending on the temperature of the heating medium detected by the temperature detection means. The temperature detection means is brought into contact with the heating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Maemura
  • Publication number: 20150104160
    Abstract: Direct current solar electric heating elements can be powered by an array of photovoltaic panels. The direct current voltage can be low or high with proper electrocution protection. Insertable immersion heating elements can be placed into any existing, gas, propane or electric hot water tank, cooking pot or hot tub. Heating elements in air can also be used for heating ovens, range cook tops and sauna heaters. The output of the photovoltaic panel is interfaced to the electric heater element via either direct connection or using a load-matching controller which maximizes the power delivered to the heater under all sun conditions. The maximum heater temperature is regulated by a thermostat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Barry Lynn Butler
  • Publication number: 20150044131
    Abstract: In aspects of the disclosure, a fuel cartridge wherein the fuel is in a powdered form is admixed with inert materials such as alumina or other ceramics to improve thermal conductivity. Said cartridge having fuel zones, heating zones, and controllers to selectively heat fuel zones and thereby generate hydrogen via decomposition of fuel is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Peter David Hood, Henri Winand
  • Patent number: 8933377
    Abstract: A control device for an electrical heating device for a cooking field with a cooking field plate comprises an electro-mechanical switching device for adjusting a power of said heating device with different power levels and comprises two different heating element. The switching device is configured so that starting from a zero-position and rotating in a first rotation direction, a power level for a first heating element is adjusted in a cooking-mode. Rotation in the other direction activates a second heating element in a warm-keeping mode with significantly lower power. A relay is closed by a thermomechanical temperature sensing device below a defined switching temperature of 60° C. to 100° C. and opened above the switching temperature. When closed, the relay connects the two heating elements to an operating voltage for common operation. When opened, the first heating element is switched off for exclusive operation of the second heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH
    Inventor: Eugen Wilde
  • Patent number: 8822889
    Abstract: A temperature control system includes a temperature control circuit having a plurality of predetermined temperature values, a switch control circuit and a heating control circuit. The temperature control circuit outputs control signals according to the plurality of predetermined temperature values. The switch control circuit turns on according to the control signals and outputs the DC voltage to the heating control circuit which begins to get hot. The temperature control circuit detects a temperature of the heating control circuit from time to time and turns off the switch control circuit when the temperature of the heating control circuit is equal to a selected predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ling-Yu Xie, Xing-Ping Xie
  • Patent number: 8803042
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for use in a hazardous environment requiring a surface temperature of the valve to not exceed a cutoff temperature, the valve comprising coil configured to physically move an armature using an field generated by the coil; a thermal cutoff device having a fusing temperature above the cutoff temperature; and a heating resistor sized and configured to raise thermal cutoff device's temperature to the fusing temperature before the surface temperature exceeds the cutoff temperature. A method of constructing a solenoid valve for use in a hazardous environment requiring a surface temperature of the valve to not exceed a cutoff temperature, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a thermal cutoff device having a fusing temperature above the cutoff temperature; and selecting and configuring a heating resistor to raise thermal cutoff device's temperature to the fusing temperature before the surface temperature exceeds the cutoff temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Automatic Switch Company
    Inventors: Nicholas F. Buccheri, John J. Haller
  • Publication number: 20140027435
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating electronic components on a printed circuit board in low temperature environment includes a printed circuit board, a heating unit, a switch unit, a temperature-sensing unit, an electric power unit, and a control unit. The heating unit, the switch unit, the temperature-sensing unit, and the control unit are fixed connected to the printed circuit board and are electrically connected with the metal lines on the printed circuit board. The heat source is sent to the heat-conducting layer on the printed circuit board through the heat-conducting terminal after the switch unit is conducted by the control unit and the power is sent from the electric power unit to the heating unit. Then, the electronic components are heated with the heat source through the heat-conducting layer, so that the electronic components are in the working temperatures for starting up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Chih-Sheng CHOU
  • Patent number: 8637796
    Abstract: An electrical heating device includes at least one heat generating element and at least one heat emitting element having opposed surfaces that abut the heat generating element. The heat generating element includes at least one PTC heating element having strip conductors on both sides of it for the electrical supply of the PTC heating element At least one of the strip conductor is provided with at least one contact projection which protrudes beyond a PTC heating element locating face formed on the strip conductor. Also disclosed is a heat generating element having at least one strip conductor provided with at least one contact projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Eberspacher Catem GmbH & KG
    Inventor: Franz Bohlender
  • Patent number: 8581153
    Abstract: A method of detecting an abnormal placement of a substrate W, which is carried out when a substrate W placed on a substrate table 3, in which a heater 6a, 6b is disposed, is processed by heating. The method of detecting an abnormal placement of the substrate comprises the steps of: during processing of the substrate W, based on information about an electric output to the heater 6a, 6b or information about a measured temperature of the substrate table 3, detecting of a maximum value and a minimum value of the electric output or the measured temperature, or an integrated value of the electric output or the measured temperature; and judging of the abnormal placement of the substrate based on the maximum value and the minimum value detected, or the integrated value detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Chino, Satoshi Gomi, Koichi Miyashita, Minoru Nagasawa, Yoshie Eda
  • Publication number: 20130248511
    Abstract: A system for detecting and controlling temperature of a layered heater is provided that includes a layered heater having in one form a substrate, a first dielectric layer disposed on the substrate, a sensor layer disposed on the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer disposed on the sensor layer, a resistive heating layer disposed on the second dielectric layer, and a third dielectric layer disposed on the resistive heating layer. An overtemperature detection circuit is provided in one form that is operatively connected to the resistive heating layer. The circuit includes a resistor, the sensor layer, and an electromechanical relay in parallel with the sensor layer. The sensor layer defines a material having a relatively high TCR and the resistive heating layer defines a material having a relatively low TCR such that a response time of the control system is relatively fast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Martin Wallinger
  • Patent number: 8530795
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a portable cooking apparatus are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a portable cooking system is provided comprising a cooking plate having a continuous cooking surface, a heating element assembly disposed beneath the cooking surface, a temperature controller for varying the temperature of the cooking surface, and a base that supports the cooking plate on an underlying surface. The base comprises an integrally formed drip pan located beneath the cooking surface, the integrally formed drip pan comprising a recessed portion formed in a top surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Evo, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Shingler
  • Publication number: 20130168379
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of an electrical heating element and a heat dissipater to be heated thereby; the heating element comprises a substrate, an insulating layer located on the substrate and a thick film conductor located on the insulating layer, wherein the second side of the metallic substrate is in contact with the heat dissipater, comprising a layer of metallic material on its face towards the heater and wherein the substrate is brazed to the heat dissipater and the surface of the heating element over which the thick film conductor extends, is substantially equal to the surface of the heat dissipater. The brazing leads to a permanent contact between the heating element and the heat dissipater, so that the possible tendency for warping as caused by the heating and cooling cycles will be withstood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: OTTER CONTROLS LIMITED
    Inventors: Reinardus Hermanus Bernardus Deenen, Willem Antoon Bernard Nijman, Johannes Gerardus Maria Gelinck, Martijn Van Dongen, Gradus Johannes Kloppers, Robert Henry Hadfield
  • Patent number: 8450659
    Abstract: A load control system and method of time multiplexing power to a plurality of holding shelves in a food holding cabinet to allow total cabinet power to be limited to electrical distribution capabilities. This method allows for individual shelf heaters to be utilized normally to maintain food temperatures during normal use and modulates power when multiple shelves demand heating that would normally exceed branch circuit capabilities thus tripping the breaker. The system monitors temperature of each shelf and based upon demand executes a logical demand schedule for each shelf heater output (time multiplexing or modulating AC power to each) such that total system demand does not exceed available power to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Andrew Theodos, Steven Matthew Takata, Charles D. Grant
  • Publication number: 20130128915
    Abstract: A temperature control element for a measuring device for controlling the temperature of a measurement sample, comprising first and second heating elements delivering thermal energy to the measurement sample, and control means for controlling the heating of the measurement sample, wherein the first and second heating elements heat the measurement sample until a limit temperature has been reached, and wherein thermal resistivity between the first and second heating elements is increased starting at the limit temperature, and the control means disconnects the contact between the first and second heating elements when the limit temperature is reached. A cooling element withdraws thermal energy, and the control means controls cooling of the measurement sample, wherein thermal energy is withdrawn from measurement sample by bringing the cooling element closer to the shut-off of the first heating element, and interrupting the contact between the cooling element and the shut-off of the first heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Roland Aschauer, Ernst Hamann, Philipp Jordan, Andreas Schwarzmann
  • Patent number: 8410401
    Abstract: A powertrain/driveline warm-up system includes a vehicle controller, an electrical power source interfacing with the vehicle controller, at least one heater interfacing with the vehicle controller and at least a portion of a vehicle powertrain provided in thermal contact with the at least one heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Thomas, John Edward Brevick
  • Publication number: 20130048626
    Abstract: Embodiments may relate to a home appliance, more specifically, to a washing apparatus having a steam generator and a controlling method of the same and embodiments may relate to a home appliance including a steam generator. according to one embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance includes a steam generator configured to generate steam to supply the generated steam to an object accommodation part where an object is accommodated, wherein the steam generator includes a housing configured to accommodate water supplied thereto; a heater configured to heat the water accommodated in the housing by heating the housing to generate steam; and a control unit configured to cut off or apply an electric power of the heater based on the temperature of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Bosung Seo, Myunghun Im, Sooyoung Oh, Changoh Kim
  • Patent number: 8367984
    Abstract: A water heater comprises a body defining a chamber for holding water to be heated, an inlet opening and an outlet opening in communication with the chamber for flowing water therethrough and one or more power consuming features/functions including a heater for heating the water within the chamber. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the water heater in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode, in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the water heater in the energy savings mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John K. Besore, Jeff Donald Drake, Michael F. Finch, Darin Franks, John Joseph Roetker, Steven Keith Root, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Eric K. Watson
  • Patent number: 8367986
    Abstract: A positive temperature coefficient (PTC) superimposed impedance polymeric (SIP) compound including an electrically insulating matrix essentially consisting of a siloxane polymer in addition to first and second electrically conductive particles having different properties with respect to surface energies and electrical conductivities. A multi-layered, ZPZ, foil including a PTC SIP compound of the invention present between two metal foils, thereby forming a conductive composite body. A multi-layered device, including an essentially flat composite body made up from a PTC SIP compound according to the invention, two electrode layers adhering to the surfaces of the composite body, the electrode layers being metal foils prepared to connect to electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Conflux AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Von Wachenfeldt, Per-Göran Mikael Mortenson, Gunnar Nyberg, Lars-Ove Nilsson, Joachim Sjöstrand
  • Publication number: 20130020310
    Abstract: A monitoring and control system for monitoring and controlling at least one thermal regulation system (TRS), where the monitoring and control system includes a thermal sensor for sensing temperature in the TRS; a controller, operatively associated with the TRS and the thermal sensor, where the controller receives data from the thermal sensor including temperature measurements thereof and analyzes the data for allowing disconnecting TRS from its power supply once the temperature in the TRS, sensed by the sensor, reaches at least one predefined threshold; and a breaking mechanism, operatively associated with the controller, including at least one circuit breaker for allowing disconnecting the TRS from its power supply when identifying an electrical overload or once disconnected by the controller operatively associated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Sasson Yuval Hacham
  • Patent number: 8330084
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan Wang
  • Publication number: 20120273475
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic mattress heating apparatus which automatically heats a mattress selectively or completely. An automatic mattress heating apparatus which automatically heats a part or the entirety of a heated area of a mattress according to the number of sleeping persons or the positions of the sleeping persons. The automatic mattress heating apparatus is safely and conveniently used while properly providing heat according to the number of sleeping persons or the positions of the sleeping persons without waste of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Jung Ho An
  • Patent number: 8299405
    Abstract: Household electrical appliance for heating liquid including a tank, a heating element having at least one resistive track screen-printed on an electrically insulating plate secured to part of said tank, and a device controlling the electrical supply of said heating element. The control device includes several electronic components among which are at least one thermometric component, a switching component capable of opening and closing the electrical power supply circuit for said heating element, and a control component for controlling said switching component according to signals output from said thermometric component. At least said thermometric, switching and control components are located on said insulating plate within a single area free of resistive track, said area being surrounded by a peripheral region free of resistive track and of electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Peter Ireman, Lionnel Durand, Christian Diore
  • Patent number: 8283605
    Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the heating/cooking of a food item in a cooking oven having a door, heaters and an oven temperature acquisition system, comprising the steps of measuring the total electrical power (Pin) absorbed by the oven, measuring the oven temperature, and assessing the actual power (Pload) transferred to the food item by automatically compensating disturbance factors. A cooking oven is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ettore Arione, Alessandro Boer, Paolo Crosta, Francesco Del Bello, Davide Parachini, Gianpiero Santacatterina
  • Patent number: 8253079
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan Wang
  • Publication number: 20120160824
    Abstract: A temperature control system includes a temperature control circuit having a plurality of predetermined temperature values, a switch control circuit and a heating control circuit. The temperature control circuit outputs control signals according to the plurality of predetermined temperature values. The switch control circuit turns on according to the control signals and outputs the DC voltage to the heating control circuit which begins to get hot. The temperature control circuit detects a temperature of the heating control circuit from time to time and turns off the switch control circuit when the temperature of the heating control circuit is equal to a selected predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD .
    Inventors: LING-YU XIE, XING-PING XIE
  • Patent number: 8110779
    Abstract: There is provided a door lock control device in a heating cooker that prevents a door from being accidentally unlocked when the door is locked and a temperature inside the heating cooker is a predetermined temperature or more such as during self-cleaning. When the temperature inside the cooker is low and a thermal switch 8 of a lock detection and thermal switch portion 6 is closed, the lock detection and thermal switch portion 6 can be energized, and a power supply line 2 can supply power to a drive motor 5 to lock and unlock the door. In the case of self-cleaning or the like, the door is locked and a detection switch 7 is on a door lock side 7a, but the temperature inside the cooker is high and thus the thermal switch 8 is opened, and the power supply line 2 is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masamitsu Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 7919733
    Abstract: A heat trace assembly is provided that includes a heat trace section, an insulation jacket surrounding the heat trace section, and a plurality of standoffs disposed between the heat trace section and the insulation jacket. A corresponding plurality of passageways are formed between the heat trace section and the insulation jacket and between the plurality of standoffs. The standoffs can be a part of the insulation jacket and/or the heat trace section, and the standoffs can furthermore be integrally formed with or separately attached to the insulation jacket and/or the heat trace section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Eric E. Ellis, Shawn L. Leininger, Peggy Gruenloh, Steve Brncic, Louis P. Steinhauser, Allen Boldt
  • Publication number: 20110017720
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vaporization enhancer for fuel gas cylinder comprising a warmer capable of warming the fuel gas cylinder, a temperature control switch that is automatically turned on when the temperature is too low, a flow-sensitive switch that is turned on when the fuel gas flows out through the gas outlet pipe of the fuel gas cylinder, and a fuel gas residual amount sensing unit that is turned on when the amount of fuel gas stored in the fuel gas cylinder is too small. Only when the fuel gas residual amount sensing unit, the temperature control switch, and the flow-sensitive switch are simultaneously turned on, the warmer warms the fuel gas cylinder thereby enhancing the safety in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Kao Hsung Tsung
  • Patent number: 7791004
    Abstract: A fluid heating system configured to regulate a temperature of a fluid within a fluid receptacle having a fluid reservoir includes a processing unit, at least one fluid temperature sensor in electrical communication with the processing unit, and a heating element in electrical communication with the processing unit. The at least one fluid temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of one or both of the fluid receptacle and/or fluid retained within the fluid receptacle. The processing unit selectively activates and deactivates the heating element to regulate the temperature of the fluid within the fluid receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 7786410
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electric kettle for “dry” burn prevention during heating process, including the steps of: providing a temperature sensor, a microprocessor, and a control circuit; detecting the water temperature; determining the temperature rate change and comparing the temperature rate change with the rate change threshold; and when the temperature rate change is larger than the preset rate change threshold, sending a control signal to the control circuit. The microprocessor determines the temperature rate change and the acceleration rate change that when the temperature rate change and acceleration rate change are larger than the corresponding thresholds respectively, the microprocessor sends the control signal to the control circuit to stop the heating process. Therefore, the present invention accurately determines the increasing temperature of the water and simultaneously cuts off the heating power to prevent the electric kettle from being burnt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventors: Mohan Zhang, Yaolun Wang
  • Patent number: 7615724
    Abstract: An electrical water heater includes a housing, a filling opening delimited by a rim, heating elements, a pouring member, a lid, a tongue mobile between an extended position wherein it seals the pouring member and a pouring position wherein it is retracted, and a pouring control connected to the tongue through an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a first mechanism arranged in the housing and having one end connected to the pouring control and one end mobile through a window of the rim, and a second mechanism arranged in the lid and having one end mobile through a window of the lid and one end connected to the tongue, the windows of the rim and of the lid being urged into mutual correspondence when the lid seals the opening, and the corresponding ends of the mechanisms being adapted to co-operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Guy Labelle, Jean-Pierre Binot
  • Patent number: 7569797
    Abstract: An electric liquid-heating appliance includes a housing, an upper fill hole which is defined by a rim (9), heating elements, a spout and a lid. The lid includes: a lock which can engage with a retaining element; a locking control element which is connected to the lock and which can move between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a tongue which can move between a retracted position, in which the tongue is housed in the lid, and a deployed position, in which the tongue seals the spout. The tongue is connected to the locking control element by an actuating mechanism which is designed to position the tongue either in the deployed position when the locking control element is in the locked position or in the retracted position when the locking control element is in the unlocked position, the unlocked position being stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Guy Labelle, Jean-Pierre Binot
  • Publication number: 20080154159
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of system thermal energy generated by equipment, such as an ultrasound sensing device, to transfer heat to the peripherals/sensors/probes under user control. This is accomplished by recycling the heat generated by the system and used that to keep the peripheral/sensor/probe warm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Wah Yiu Kwong, Hong W. Wong
  • Publication number: 20070284357
    Abstract: A heater device includes a heating unit which includes a heating element that generates heat using an induction-heating method. A power supply part supplies a driving current to the heating unit. A first high-frequency component cutoff unit is connected to the power supply part. A switching unit controls the supply of the driving current from the power supply part to the heating unit. A second high-frequency component cutoff unit is connected to the switching unit. And a connection unit connects the first high-frequency component cutoff unit and the second high-frequency component cutoff unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Tohru Nagatsuma, Yuji Matsuda, Atsuki Iwata, Eiji Nemoto, Manabu Kodama
  • Patent number: 7301468
    Abstract: Heating coils used in an electric furnace used to process semiconductor wafers are monitored on a real time basis by sensing the AC current in a power line delivering electrical power to the furnace. The AC current is sensed by a coil positioned around and magnetically coupled with the power line. The sensed AC current induces an AC voltage in the coil which is converted by an electrical circuit into a DC voltage. The DC voltage is used to control a solid state relay that generates an alarm signal when the value of the DC voltage is less than a preselected value indicating that an open circuit is present in the heating coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiun-Rong Pai
  • Patent number: 7293914
    Abstract: A temperature detecting heater with an indicating structure for an aquarium, the temperature detecting heater mainly has an indicating structure including a control circuit and a two-color LED indicating lamp in its circuitry. After the temperature detecting heater is turned on, temperature detectors of the control circuit detects a voltage to compare it with a reference voltage at a set point; when the temperature at the detected point is lower than that of the set point, a heating element of the temperature detecting heater is controlled to work normally and makes the LED indicating lamp show a first color, for instance, red; but when the temperature at the detected point is higher than that of the set point, the heating element of the temperature detecting heater is controlled to stop working and makes the LED indicating lamp show a second color, for instance, green.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Eiko Electric Products Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 7148453
    Abstract: An overheating protection system for a control unit includes an interrupter element, which, in its initial position defined with respect to a circuit board, electrically connects the opposite facing ends of at least one track on the circuit board, and an actuating element which is activated with the overheating of the transistor, and which on actuation against the interrupter element takes effect and releases it at least so far from the tract that the electrical connection is interrupted. A preassembled actuating unit for the interrupter element of the overheating protection is comprises an accommodation housing, in which an actuating element is accommodated and which can be brought into interaction with the interrupter element and which is held releasably by a one-piece latching element formed on the accommodation housing under pretension. An electrical heating device with a control unit protected against overheating is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Catem GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Bohlender, Michael Zeyen, Michael Niederer, Günter Uhl
  • Patent number: 7122766
    Abstract: A method and safety control are provided for a free standing kitchen range which reduces the likelihood that the range will tip due to a child climbing onto the oven door. The safety control is configured to cause the oven door to be heated whenever a cooktop burner or element is on or is hot. The oven door heating can be achieved by turning on the oven burner or by energizing a door heating element that can be provided for that purpose. If the oven is in use or otherwise hot, any additional heating by the safety control is disabled. The safety control can be disabled manually for energy conservation when there are no children to protect. Electric and gas ranges can be provided with the feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Bruce Whitford Main
  • Patent number: 7085482
    Abstract: An aquarium water heater includes a hollow heat-conducting internal tube with an electric resistance heater element and electrical connections disposed adjacent an outer surface of the hollow heat-conducting internal tube, a temperature thermal cut-out switch electrically connected to the heater element for overheat protection, and a heat-conducting, electrically insulating polymeric filler spaced between the internal tube and an external tube that circumscribes the internal tube and the heater element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Philippe François Renoud-Grappin
  • Patent number: 7019270
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing electrical noise in an electrical signal from a temperature feedback device to an induction heating system. The induction heating system has an electrical connector that is adapted to electrically couple a temperature feedback device to a system controller and to ground via a capacitor circuit. The capacitor circuit shunts electrical noise to ground but allows a temperature signal from the temperature feedback device to be received by the system controller. A shielded extension cable to electrically couple the temperature feedback device to an induction heating system may be used. The shielding of the extension cable is electrically coupled to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Verhagen
  • Patent number: 6936343
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a ceramic substrate that is superior in temperature rising/dropping characteristics and breakdown voltage at a high temperature, has a small warp amount, and is best as a substrate for semiconductor-producing/examining devices. The ceramic substrate of the present invention is a ceramic substrate having a conductor formed on the surface thereof or inside thereof, characterized in that said ceramic substrate is having 15×1011 or less pores which have a diameter of 0.5 ?m or more per m2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuji Hiramatsu, Yasutaka Ito
  • Patent number: 6914514
    Abstract: A steam-responsive switch for use in an electrical water boiling appliance comprises a main body (12) from which extends a tubular portion (13) having at or near its leading end a heat responsive bimetal (16) extending across the mouth thereof which changes shape above a predetermined temperature defining a chamber behind the member and at the opposite face of the main body (12) an electrical contact pair, the bimetal (16) engaging on its rear face a slidable pushrod (20) which extends through the main body (12) in a sealed manner to act on the electrical contact pair, the tubular portion having a steam/air vent (64) at one side thereof adjacent the rear face of the bimetal (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Kettle Solutions Limited
    Inventor: Martin J. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6909862
    Abstract: Disclosed is a printer apparatus that ensures temperature control of a heat-up roller in a fixing unit thereof. An image-forming unit forms an image to be transferred onto a recording material. The fixing unit fixes the image onto the recording material. The fixing unit includes a heat-up roller, a heating section for heating the heat-up roller, a power supply section for supplying power to the heating section, and a heat controller for controlling the power supply section. The heat controller is disposed in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the heat-up roller. When heated to temperatures above a predetermined value, the heat controller is thermally deformed and leaves the inner circumferential surface of said heat-up roller to interrupt the power supply of the power supply section to the heating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Samei, Tomoyuki Noguchi