Condition Responsive Patents (Class 219/663)
  • Patent number: 7442907
    Abstract: An induction heating cooking device has an inverter including a resonant circuit, and a heating output control part. The resonant circuit has a resonant capacitor and a heating coil that is magnetically coupled to a load. The inverter has first and second switching elements. The heating output control part performs control by inverting the rate values of the driving periods of the first and second switching elements. The driving of the inverter is thus controlled so that substantially the same heating output is obtained to average the losses of the first and second switching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Miyauchi, Shinji Kondo
  • Patent number: 7420828
    Abstract: The present invention provides an induction heating apparatus that can detect that a power factor correction circuit is in operation or in non-operation. The induction heating apparatus includes a power factor correction circuit that corrects a power factor of an inputted direct-current power supply by turning on and off a switching element connected to a choke coil, a booster circuit that boosts an output voltage of the power factor correction circuit by turning on and off a switching element connected to a choke coil, an inverter circuit that inputs the output voltage of the booster circuit to generate a high-frequency current in a heating coil by turning on and off a switching element, and an inverter circuit drive control unit that, in driving the power factor correction circuit, controls output of the inverter circuit such that an input current reaches a target value and detects the voltage in the booster circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ishio, Hiroshi Tominaga, Hideki Sadakata, Izuo Hirota
  • Patent number: 7358467
    Abstract: A converter (311) converts an AC electric power (e) to the DC electric power with a DC voltage value corresponding to a setting. An inverter (312) is controlled by a frequency electric power control circuit (330) to convert the DC electric power to a dual frequency AC electric power for alternately outputting low and high frequencies at a frequency ratio (duty) corresponding to the setting. A matching transformer (321) having a tap (321C) at which the resonance impedance corresponds to the output impedance of a generator (310) receives the dual frequency AC electric power. A low-frequency series resonance circuit (325) or a high-frequency series resonance circuit (326) is caused to provide a series resonance, thereby causing an induction heating coil (200) to induction heat a workpiece-to-be-heated (201). In this way, the single generator (310) and the single induction heating coil (200) are used to effectively induction heat the workpiece-to-be-heated (201) by means of the dual frequency resonance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Neturen Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yue Yang, Fumiaki Ikuta, Shinichi Takase, Gorou Atsuta
  • Patent number: 7355150
    Abstract: A food preparation system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a cooking appliance. The food preparation system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a food appliance and the system. The appliance transmits an identifier to the system. If the appliance does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of appliance from a characterization of the power consumption by the appliance. If the appliance cannot be characterized, the food preparation system can be operated manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, John J. Lord, Nathan P. Stien, Wesley J. Bachman
  • Patent number: 7326894
    Abstract: A heating element for an inside surface of a front-end module/bumper for a motor vehicle. The heating element is operatively connected to a radar transmitting/receiving unit. The heating element includes a heating film formed of a polymer, an array of conductor strips integrated into the heating film, and an electronic control element that controls the conductor strips. The array of conductor strips is divided into an inner region through which a radar beam from the radar transmitting/receiving unit is transmitted, and an outer region through which the radar beam is not transmitted. The conductor strips in the inner region are inclined by angles of about 45° to about 90° relative to a polarization plane of the radar beam. The conductor strips in the outer region are arranged in a meandering pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Rehau AG & Co.
    Inventors: Matthias Meiler, Edgar Quandt, Marcel Auer, Ernst Opel
  • Patent number: 7268327
    Abstract: A heating apparatus has an induction heat generation member for electromagnetic induction heat generation by the magnetic flux at a heating portion, wherein a material to be heated is introduced to the heating portion and is fed in direct contact with the induction heat generation member or in contact to a heat transfer material for receiving heat from the induction heat generation member; a magnetic flux adjusting unit for changing a distribution of a density of an effective magnetic flux actable on the induction heat generation member with respect to a widthwise direction perpendicular to a feeding direction of the material to be heated; wherein magnetic flux adjusting unit has a plurality of steps which extend in the feeding direction and are selectable to change the distribution of the magnetic flux density in response to a width of the material measured in the widthwise direction, wherein a step of the steps for a largest magnetic flux adjustment region measured in the widthwise direction is largest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoyuki Yamamoto, Takahiro Nakase, Hitoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7265325
    Abstract: An induction foil cap sealer which includes a visual display device that shows power consumption in a bar graph format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Herzog
  • Patent number: 7208708
    Abstract: An image heating apparatus for heating an image on a recording material by heat generation of a heating member includes a coil configured to generate a magnetic flux by energization a heat generation member having an electroconductive layer that generates heat by magnetic flux for heating an image on a recording material and, a frequency switching device for switching a frequency of a current supplied to the coil. The electroconductive layer includes a first electroconductive member at a central portion thereof and a second electroconductive member at an end portion thereof. The first electroconductive member has a resistence characteristic, with respect to the frequency of the current supplied to the coil, different from that of the second electroconductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Joji Nagahira, Masanori Akita
  • Patent number: 7170037
    Abstract: The invention relates to an identification system for insert elements for tempering food accommodated in containers. Advantageously, the invention can be used in particular for short-term, economic and high-quality heating of prefabricated food wherein heating can be preferably carried out in induction ovens. According to the object, the respective configuration and if possible also the equipment with containers of such an insert element shall be allowed to be recognized and taken into consideration for tempering. At the same time, the insert elements have definitely arranged containers which can be fixed in receiving means. An appropriately equipped insert element can be introduced into an induction oven or a cooling device wherein the containers of a horizontal plane are positioned at the same time. According to the invention, at least one electromagnetically or magnetically detectable element is mounted on the insert elements each in a predeterminable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Hubert Eric Walter
  • Patent number: 7119311
    Abstract: An induction circuit for a contactless power supply apparatus including an induction coil for inducing a current in response to a high frequency current flowing through a primary induction circuit and supplying the current to a load. The induction circuit includes a resonant capacitor, a full-wave rectifier, two short-circuited units, a current-limiting coil, and a smoothing capacitor. The current is rectified by the full-wave rectifier via the current-limiting coil to supply the load. The output voltage level and the voltage levels of the short-circuited units are monitored to control the resonance of resonant circuit which is formed by induction coil and resonant capacitor to stop by turning on any of the short-circuited units. Hence, an impulse current is prevented from entering the load and damaging the induction circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nunoya Makoto
  • Patent number: 7102108
    Abstract: An excitation coil and/or a core member, which has a characteristic frequency other than frequencies used, is employed. Thereby, resonance is prevented between adjacent coils or between a coil and an adjacent component such as a core member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kikuchi, Kazushige Morihara, Satoshi Kinouchi, Osamu Takagi, Shin Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 7094997
    Abstract: A CPU detects a temperature of a central part of a heating roller. If the detected temperature does not exceed 180° C., the CPU drives a central coil or a side-end coil for 0.4 second in accordance with a temperature difference between the central part of the heating roller and a side-end part of the heating roller. Then, the CPU drives the side-end coil or central coil for 0.2 second. Thereafter, the CPU detects the temperature of the central part and repeats the driving control until the detected temperature reaches 180° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Kinouchi, Osamu Takagi
  • Patent number: 7049764
    Abstract: An electrodeless lighting apparatus using microwave and a method for controlling its power can lengthen lifetimes of the magnetron by constantly maintaining power applied to a magnetron of the electrodeless lighting apparatus using microwave. Therefore, when inputted AC voltage is changed, and thus oscillation current applied to a filament of the magnetron is changed, a rate of variability of voltage of the inputted AC power is compensated so that voltage and current applied to the magnetron is constantly maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chang-Sin Park
  • Patent number: 7041946
    Abstract: An induction heat treating process with a remote sensor for monitoring the duration of energization of an induction heating coil each time the induction heating coil is consecutively cycled. An identifying tag is preferably attached to, embedded within the induction heating coil or within the surrounding area of the induction coil and transmits a signal to a remote counting sensor that is preferably triggered by and responds to the change in voltage generated as the coil is energized. Alternative means of measuring a cycle may be implemented. The output data from the sensor provides useful information for determining the lifespan of an induction heating coil. Predicting the lifespan of a coil optimizes production by anticipating failure and replacement of a coil during a predetermined down time, limiting on-site inventory, and revolutionizing the billing cycle based on a per cycle cost while decreasing overall production costs and improving inductor coil quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Kathleen M. Bartz
  • Patent number: 7015438
    Abstract: An induction heater having a safety function of lowering or stopping the heating power when an object to be heated moves, the safety function hardly interfering with the cooking activities of a user is provided. The induction heater includes an inverter circuit, an output detection section for detecting the magnitude of the inverter circuit, a first movement detection section, and a storage section for storing a control value before the first movement detection section detects a movement of the object. In a reach control mode, the output of the inverter circuit is gradually increased to a target. In a stable control mode, the output of the inverter circuit is maintained at the target. When the first movement detection section detects a movement of the object, a control section shifts to a first output mode in which a control value derived from the stored control value is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Izuo Hirota, Yuji Fujii, Koji Niiyama, Takahiro Miyauchi, Atsushi Fujita, Manabu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7015439
    Abstract: A workpiece heating system having an induction heating power source and a controller. The controller is operable to control the operation of the power source according to programming instructions received from a user. The controller enables a user to establish a sequence of inductive heating operations to be performed automatically by the induction heating system from among a selection of inductive heating operations. A temperature feedback device may be included to provide the controller with the workpiece temperature. A data recorder may be provided to receive and record the workpiece temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Thomas, Randall G. Baxter, Mark A. Ulrich, Paul D. Verhagen
  • Patent number: 6969833
    Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a magnetic field generator for generating an AC magnetic field; a heat generation member for generating heat by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator, the heat generation member being effective to heat a material to be heated; a magnetic field suppressing member for suppressing the magnetic field from the magnetic field generator; a moving unit for moving the magnetic field suppressing member into a gap between the magnetic field generator and a heat generating portion where the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator substantially acts on the heat generation member; a magnetic field controller for controlling an effective magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator, wherein the magnetic field controller changes the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator in accordance with a moving operation of the magnetic field suppressing member, and wherein the effective magnetic field in a heating operation for the materia
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6965098
    Abstract: An induction heat treating process with a sensor for monitoring the duration of energization of an induction heating coil each time the induction heating coil is consecutively cycled. The sensor is preferably a counting mechanism attached to or embedded within the induction heating coil and is preferably triggered by and responds to the change in voltage generated as the coil is energized. Alternative means of measuring a cycle may be implemented. The output data from the sensor provides useful information for determining the lifespan of an induction heating coil. Predicting the lifespan of a coil optimizes production by anticipating failure and replacement of a coil during a predetermined down time, limiting on-site inventory, and revolutionizing the billing cycle based on a per cycle cost while decreasing overall production costs and improving inductor coil quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Kathleen M. Bartz
  • Patent number: 6936800
    Abstract: A CPU detects a temperature of a central part of a heating roller. If the detected temperature does not exceed 180° C., the CPU drives a central coil or a side-end coil for 0.4 second in accordance with a temperature difference between the central part of the heating roller and a side-end part of the heating roller. Then, the CPU drives the side-end coil or central coil for 0.2 second. Thereafter, the CPU detects the temperature of the central part and repeats the driving control until the detected temperature reaches 180° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Kinouchi, Osamu Takagi
  • Patent number: 6936799
    Abstract: An induction heating cooker capable of accurately discriminating whether the material of a cooking container placed in the induction heating cooker is magnetic or non-magnetic, using a phase change in a resonant capacitor voltage of an inverter circuit and a switching pulse signal of the inverter circuit, irrespective of the load of the cooking container, and a method for operating the induction heating cooker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Eui Sung Kim, Seung Hee Ryu, Byeong Wook Park, Dong Myung Shin
  • Patent number: 6903315
    Abstract: In a method for wrapping an article in a sheet of thermoplastic wrapping material, the temperature of an at least partly metal belt (5) looped and induction heated to seal wrapping material (4) is detected by detecting a first signal (S1) to the voltage (V) applied to the belt (5), and a second signal (S2) related to the current (I) circulating along the belt (5); and by calculating the electric resistance (R) of the belt (5) as a function of the first and second signal (S1, S2); the electric resistance (R) of the belt (5) being related to the temperature (T) of the belt (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: G. D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Mario Spatafora, Bruno Tommasini
  • Patent number: 6872925
    Abstract: An image heating device includes a heat generating member that heats a body to be heated that is allowed to travel while carrying an image, an excitation unit that is provided close to the heat generating member and generates magnetic flux so as to cause the heat generating member to generate heat by electromagnetic induction, and a heat generation suppressing unit that suppresses an amount of heat generated in the heat generating member by regulating magnetic flux generated by the excitation unit. The heat generation suppressing unit suppresses heat generation of the heat generating member in a region corresponding to a region including at least a center portion of the body to be heated in a width direction. Thus, an amount of heat generated in the width direction can be regulated using a simple configuration at a reduced cost. Further, when the heat generation suppressing unit is operated, diffusion of magnetic flux into a wide area can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Asakura, Noboru Katakabe, Keisuke Fujimoto, Masaru Imai
  • Patent number: 6870144
    Abstract: An inverter circuit of an induction heating rice cooker which controls a switching frequency of an inverter in a variable manner according to a variation in an input voltage and drives the inverter at the controlled switching frequency. The inverter circuit comprises a power supply circuit for rectifying and filtering a commercial alternating current (AC) voltage to supply the input voltage to the induction heating rice cooker. The inverter performs a switching operation based on the input voltage from the power supply circuit to heat the rice cooker. The inverter circuit further comprises an inverter driving circuit for outputting a drive pulse to control the switching frequency of the inverter in the variable manner according to the input voltage from the power supply circuit and drive the inverter at the controlled switching frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seung Hee Ryu, Byeong Wook Park
  • Patent number: 6822204
    Abstract: An RFID-based induction heating/vending system for quickly and efficiently heating, vending, and recollecting stadium seats (10) or other objects. The system includes a plurality of objects each including an induction-heatable body (22), a charging/vending station (12) for heating and vending the objects; a self-serve warming station (14) that may be used by consumers to reheat their objects; and a check-out station (16) that automatically collects objects from consumers after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Thermal Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian L. Clothier
  • Patent number: 6815650
    Abstract: An induction heat treating process with a sensor for counting the amount of cycles attributable to an inductor coil. The sensor is preferably a counting mechanism attached to or embedded within the induction coil and is preferably triggered by and responds to the change in voltage generated as the coil is energized. Alternative means of measuring a cycle may be implemented. The output data from the sensor provides useful information for determining the lifespan of an induction coil. Predicting the lifespan of a coil optimizes production by anticipating failure and replacement of a coil during a predetermined down time, limiting on-site inventory, and revolutionizing the billing cycle based on a per cycle cost while decreasing overall production costs and improving inductor coil quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Kathleen M. Bartz
  • Patent number: 6812440
    Abstract: An induction heating device prevents an object to be heated from being displaced and buoyed from a mounting surface due to an mutual action of repulsive forces between the object to be heated and an induction heating coil. The induction heating device includes a source-current detector for detecting a source current input to a high-frequency inverter including the induction heating coil and an inverter circuit, a source-current change detector for measuring a change against time of a magnitude of the source current to detect a displacement and buoying of the object to be heated, such as a cooking pot, and a change examining unit. The controller controls an output of the high-frequency inverter in response to a detection result of the change examining unit. The induction heating device prevents the cooking pot from being displaced and buoyed even if the pot is not touched by a user at startup of heating or during the heating operation, and is inexpensive and safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Izuo Hirota, Atsushi Fujita, Takahiro Miyauchi, Yuji Fujii, Akira Kataoka, Koji Niiyama
  • Publication number: 20040188426
    Abstract: An induction heating device prevents an object to be heated from being displaced and buoyed from a mounting surface due to an mutual action of repulsive forces between the object to be heated and an induction heating coil. The induction heating device includes a source-current detector for detecting a source current input to a high-frequency inverter including the induction heating coil and an inverter circuit, a source-current change detector for measuring a change against time of a magnitude of the source current to detect a displacement and buoying of the object to be heated, such as a cooking pot, and a change examining unit. The controller controls an output of the high-frequency inverter in response to a detection result of the change examining unit. The induction heating device prevents the cooking pot from being displaced and buoyed even if the pot is not touched by a user at startup of heating or during the heating operation, and is inexpensive and safe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Izuo Hirota, Atsushi Fujita, Takahiro Miyauchi, Yuji Fujii, Akira Kataoka, Koji Niiyama
  • Patent number: 6794622
    Abstract: A method and a device for the removal of rust and paint from a metal surface, wherein induction heat is used for heating the metal surface. The device includes an electrical power supply coupled to an induction coil. A wheel and a tachometer on the device measure the velocity of the device as the wheel rotates on the metal surface. A control unit regulates the power output of the electrical power supply based upon the measured velocity of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Jak. J. Alveberg AS
    Inventors: Bjorn Erik Alveberg, Tom Arne Baann
  • Patent number: 6770857
    Abstract: An induction heating apparatus can heat aluminum pot etc. with pot vibration noise being suppressed. During a turn-on time of second switching device 57, an energy is accumulated at choke coil 54, and at the same time a resonant current with a shorter period than the turn-on time of second switching device 57 or a driving time of first switching device 55 is generated at heating coil 59, so that during turn-off of second switching device 57, i.e., during on-time of first switching device 55, the energy accumulated at choke coil 54 is transferred to second smoothing capacitor 62. And then the output power is supplied from smoothing capacitor 62 to heating coil 59, thereby reducing the pot vibration noise, which is caused by pulsating current of input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Izuo Hirota, Atsushi Fujita, Takahiro Miyauchi, Takeshi Kitaizumi, Yuji Fujii, Kouji Niiyama, Hideki Omori
  • Publication number: 20040118832
    Abstract: An inverter circuit of an induction heating rice cooker which controls a switching frequency of an inverter in a variable manner according to a variation in an input voltage and drives the inverter at the controlled switching frequency. The inverter circuit comprises a power supply circuit for rectifying and filtering a commercial alternating current (AC) voltage to supply the input voltage to the induction heating rice cooker. The inverter performs a switching operation based on the input voltage from the power supply circuit to heat the rice cooker. The inverter circuit further comprises an inverter driving circuit for outputting a drive pulse to control the switching frequency of the inverter in the variable manner according to the input voltage from the power supply circuit and drive the inverter at the controlled switching frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Seung Hee Ryu, Byeong Wook Park
  • Patent number: 6730894
    Abstract: An RF power supply that is capable of tracking rapid changes in the resonant frequency of a load and capable of quickly responding to varying load conditions so as to deliver the desired amount of power. The present invention also provides an RF power supply capable of delivering a wide range of power over a broad frequency range to a load that is remotely located from the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Ameritherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie L. Thompson, Gary A. Schwenck, Daniel J. Lincoln
  • Patent number: 6727482
    Abstract: An induction heating method and device comprise an inductive heat source (120) having a controller (130), a resonant converter (125) and an induction coil (80). The controller (130) generates a variable frequency variable duty cycle control voltage in response to a power setting. The variable duty cycle of the control voltage decreases in response to an increase in the variable frequency of the control voltage. In response to the control voltage, the resonant power converter (125) generates an output between a first node (126) and a second node (128). Coupled between the first and second nodes (126, 128), the induction coil (80) varies the amount of heat it produces in response to the output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventors: Nicholas Bassill, Jih-Sheng Lai
  • Patent number: 6710314
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for using magnetic fields to heat magnetically susceptible materials within and/or adjacent to adhesives, resins, or composites so as to reversibly or irreversibly bond, bind, or fasten opaque or non-opaque solid materials to one another. The system makes use of the effect that alternating magnetic fields induce eddy currents and generate heat within susceptors, and the effect that alternating magnetic fields additionally induce magnetic hysteresis that occurs in magnetic materials and thereby generate heat. An induction heating tool is used to emit the magnetic field at its work coil, and an electronic controller measures the energy being used by a power converter that generates the alternating current driving the work coil which creates the magnetic field. The distance between the susceptor and work coil is repeatedly analyzed based upon the power converter's input energy, and the work coil is driven at a repeatedly corrected power level during the heating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Nexicor LLC
    Inventors: Edward A. Reiss, Adam G. Malofsky, John P. Barber, Gary L. Claypoole, Robert Carl Cravens, II, David R. Pacholok, Charles A. Kuecker
  • Patent number: 6700105
    Abstract: A compact induction heating system that is at least partially powered by a source of substantially clean DC current. The induction heating system includes a high frequency inverter with an input connected to a substantially clean DC current source, a first current conductive path including a first capacitor and a first switch closed to cause one half cycle of AC current to flow in the first path by discharging the first capacitor, a second current conductive path including a second capacitor and a second switch closed to cause a second half cycle of AC current to flow in the second path by discharging the second capacitor, a single load inductor in both of the paths with AC current flowing in a first direction through the inductor when the first switch is closed and in a second opposite direction through the inductor when the second switch is closed, and a gating circuit to alternately close the switches at a driven frequency to control heating by the load inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Tocco, Inc.
    Inventor: William Adam Morrison
  • Patent number: 6696675
    Abstract: A compact induction heating system for use on an internal combustion engine driven implement having an engine driven alternator to generate DC current for storage in a battery used as a source of clean DC current of less than 50 volts for ignition of fuel in the engine, the system comprises a high frequency inverter with an input connected to the clean DC current source, a first current conductive path including a first capacitor and a first switch closed to cause DC current to flow in the first path and across the first capacitor, a second current conductive path including a second capacitor and a second switch closed to cause DC current to flow in the second path and across the second capacitor, a single load inductor in both of the paths with DC current flowing in a first direction through the inductor when the first switch is closed and in a second opposite direction through the inductor when the second switch is closed and a gating circuit to alternately close the switches at a driven frequency to contro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Tocco, Inc.
    Inventor: William Adam Morrison
  • Patent number: 6664520
    Abstract: An RFID-based induction heating/vending system for quickly and efficiently heating, vending, and recollecting stadium seats (10) or other objects. The system includes a plurality of objects each including an induction-heatable body (22), a charging/vending station (12) for heating and vending the objects; a self-serve warming station (14) that may be used by consumers to reheat their objects; and a check-out station (16) that automatically collects objects from consumers after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Thermal Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian L. Clothier
  • Patent number: 6660981
    Abstract: An induction-heating cooking device includes: an insulating plate which is partially or entirely light-transmissive, and on which an object to be heated is placed; a heating coil provided under the insulating plate, for heating the object to be heated; a display section for indicating a portion to be heated by the heating coil through the insulating plate; and an output control section for controlling electrical conduction to the heating coil, wherein the display section includes a light emitting section which is provided in the vicinity of a magnetic flux generated by the heating coil, and the light emitting section is laid and connected radially along a radial direction of the heating coil for indicating a portion to be heated by the heating coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taizo Ogata, Kenji Hattori, Yuuji Fujii
  • Patent number: 6639198
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for using magnetic fields to heat magnetically susceptible materials within and/or adjacent to adhesives, resins, or composites so as to reversibly or irreversibly bond, bind, or fasten opaque or non-opaque solid materials to one another. The system makes use of the effect that alternating magnetic fields induce eddy currents and generate heat within susceptors, and the effect that alternating magnetic fields additionally induce magnetic hysteresis that occurs in magnetic materials and thereby generate heat. An induction heating tool is used to emit the magnetic field at its work coil, and an electronic controller measures the energy being used by a power converter that generates the alternating current driving the work coil which creates the magnetic field. The distance between the susceptor and work coil is repeatedly analyzed based upon the power converter's input energy, and the work coil is driven at a repeatedly corrected power level during the heating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Nexicor LLC
    Inventors: Edward A. Riess, Adam G. Malofsky, John P. Barber, Gary L. Claypoole, Robert Carl Cravens, II
  • Patent number: 6608291
    Abstract: A portable induction heating system which utilizes a broadband high frequency high-power, low output impedance power generator formed from switching MOSFET devices. A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) or microprocessor-controlled signal generator drives a power output stage under feedback control so as to effectuate resonance at a high frequency in an induction coil assembly connected to the power generator. The power generator is operable with a switching regulator that can supply a fixed DC voltage, e.g., 12 to 48 V or a variable setpoint. The induction coil assembly includes a capacitive circuit portion connected to a conductive coil that can couple magnetic field to a susceptor. A microcontroller is provided for inputting operating parameters such as power, frequency, duty cycle and duration, and is operable to auto-tune the VCO output under feedback control by sweeping frequency at startup as well as by controlling drift during operation under a changing load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventors: Roberto A. Collins, James B. Colvin
  • Patent number: 6590190
    Abstract: The invention concerns an induction system for heating, re-heating and keeping warm a food container combining an armature beneath the container, an induction device supporting the container optimised for the safety of the user, the electromagnetic compatibility, and preserving the induction device since the induction is activated only in the presence of an appropriate armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Biotronics S.A.
    Inventor: Jannick Simeray
  • Patent number: 6566636
    Abstract: A method and system for providing real-time, closed-loop control of the induction hardening process. A miniature magnetic sensor located near the outer surface of the workpiece measures changes in the surface magnetic field caused by changes in the magnetic properties of the workpiece as it heats up during induction heating (or cools down during quenching). A passive miniature magnetic sensor detects a distinct magnetic spike that appears when the saturation field, Bsat, of the workpiece has been exceeded. This distinct magnetic spike disappears when the workpiece's surface temperature exceeds its Curie temperature, due to the sudden decrease in its magnetic permeability. Alternatively, an active magnetic sensor can measure changes in the resonance response of the monitor coil when the excitation coil is linearly swept over 0-10 MHz, due to changes in the magnetic permeability and electrical resistivity of the workpiece as its temperature increases (or decreases).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony E. Bentley, John Bruce Kelley, Fred J. Zutavern
  • Patent number: 6566634
    Abstract: An induction heating system having an induction source, a heating element heated from the induction source and a circuit energized by the induction source. The circuit can be a controller which includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the heating element, and a feedback loop formed between the temperature sensor and the induction source. The heating element can be mounted within a housing to form an induction heated container for holding items to be heated. Such a container can be used in commercial food warming and holding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Wilmington Research and Development Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen B. Boyd, Douglas A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6534753
    Abstract: An induction heating system having an induction source, a heating element heated from the induction source, a power supply energized by the induction source and a circuit powered by the power supply. The circuit can be a controller which includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the heating element, and a feedback loop formed between the temperature sensor and the induction source. The heating element can be mounted within a housing to form an induction heated container for holding items to be heated. Such a container can be used in commercial food warming and holding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Wilmington Research and Development Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen B. Boyd, Douglas A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6521874
    Abstract: An RF power supply that is capable of tracking rapid changes in the resonant frequency of a load and capable of quickly responding to varying load conditions so as to deliver the desired amount of power. The present invention also provides an RF power supply capable of delivering a wide range of power over a broad frequency range to a load that is remotely located from the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ameritherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie L. Thompson, Gary A. Schwenck, Daniel J. Lincoln
  • Patent number: 6509555
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for using magnetic fields to heat magnetically susceptible materials within and/or adjacent to adhesives, resins, or composites so as to reversibly or irreversibly bond, bind, or fasten opaque or non-opaque solid materials to one another. The system makes use of the effect that alternating magnetic fields induce eddy currents and generate heat within susceptors, and the effect that alternating magnetic fields additionally induce magnetic hysteresis that occurs in magnetic materials and thereby generate heat. An induction heating tool is used to emit the magnetic field at its work coil, and an electronic controller measures the energy being used by a power converter that generates the alternating current driving the work coil which creates the magnetic field. The distance between the susceptor and work coil is repeatedly analyzed based upon the power converter's input energy, and the work coil is driven at a repeatedly corrected power level during the heating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Nexicor LLC
    Inventors: Edward A. Riess, Adam G. Malofsky, Bernard M. Malofsky, John P. Barber, Gary L. Claypoole, Robert Carl Cravens, II, David R. Pacholok, Charles A. Kuecker
  • Patent number: 6498324
    Abstract: An induction heating device is disclosed for heating a rolling roller by induction heating so as to equalize the diameter of the rolling roller. The device includes an induction heater and a means for moving the induction heater to a portion of the roller surface to be heated, while the distance from the induction heater to the surface is maintained constant. An electric power supply means supplies electric power to the induction heater, and a means is provided for adjusting the quantity of heat to be produced by the induction heater according to the quantity of heat that is required by the portion of the roller to be heated. The heat quantity adjusting means includes a frequency control means for controlling the frequency of electric power supplied to the induction heater, wherein the frequency control means adjusts the frequency of electric power within a predetermined frequency range to a frequency which is suitable to produce the quantity of heat required by the portion of the rolling roller to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Yamamoto, Tatsufumi Aoi, Keiji Mizuta
  • Patent number: 6492630
    Abstract: An induction heating apparatus for heating an image formed on a recording material that has heating device for heating the image on the recording material, the heating device including a heating member and an excitation coil for generating a magnetic flux to induce an eddy current in the heating member, an input impedance of the heating device being variable, a temperature detecting element for detecting a temperature of the heating member, and control device for controlling a frequency of an electrical supply to the excitation coil so that the temperature detected by the temperature detecting element is maintained at a set temperature. In the induction heating apparatus, the control device controls the frequency in accordance with the temperature detected by the temperature detecting element and information regarding the input impedance of the heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Joji Nagahira
  • Patent number: 6476367
    Abstract: Described is a system designed to warm the transfer chamber used in vacuum equipment in the manufacture of integrated circuits during maintenance. The system detects when the transfer chamber lid is opened and the chamber is exposed to the atmosphere. This activates the heater normally used to bake out the chamber. A temperature sensor is used to keep the temperature below a set point. By warming the chamber, moisture build-up on the inside of the chamber during maintenance is minimized, thereby reducing out gassing and time required to bring the chamber back to its base vacuum pressure when returned to production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Myo Myint Maung
  • Publication number: 20020113065
    Abstract: Described is a system designed to warm the transfer chamber used in vacuum equipment in the manufacture of integrated circuits during maintenance. The system detects when the transfer chamber lid is opened and the chamber is exposed to the atmosphere. This activates the heater normally used to bake out the chamber. A temperature sensor is used to keep the temperature below a set point. By warming the chamber, moisture build-up on the inside of the chamber during maintenance is minimized, thereby reducing out gassing and time required to bring the chamber back to its base vacuum pressure when returned to production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Myo Myint Maung
  • Patent number: 6437302
    Abstract: A load matching circuit is disclosed for use with a frequency controlled power supply. The load matching circuit includes an input connectable to the frequency controlled power supply and an output connectable to the load, such as an induction heating coil. A load matching section is connected between the input and the output to provide enough resonance to allow the power supply to operate at or below the maximum frequency when the load is connected to the power supply and at or above the minimum frequency when the load is disconnected from the power supply. In this manner, a solid-state variable frequency power supply can continue to run even when the external load is disconnected from the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Pillar Industries
    Inventor: Thomas J. Bowers