Responsive To Thermal Conditions Patents (Class 318/471)
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Publication number: 20080211443Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a timer member that clocks time on the basis of the power supplied from a power source. A power supply member supplies the power to an electric motor of the electronic apparatus and to the timer member from the power source and interrupts the power supply thereto. A heat storage calculating member calculates heat storage of the electric motor and calculates heat storage of the electric motor after stop of the drive on the basis of the time clocked by the timer member. A controller controls the electric motor and controls the power supply member by initiating power-on and power-off operations. This is performed so as to maintain the power supply to the timer member and the heat storage calculating member during a predetermined time, even after the power-off operation of the operation member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Yasutaka Shibagaki, Tomoyoshi Kakegawa, Toshihiko Katayama
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Patent number: 7417398Abstract: A vacuum pump includes at least one magnetic body located on a circle about a rotor rotational axis and having a Curie temperature within a rotor temperature monitoring range; an inductance detecting portion facing the circle so as to establish a gap between the circle and the inductance detecting portion, for detecting a change of magnetic permeability of the magnetic body as an inductance change when the magnetic body rotates; and a carrier generation device generating a carrier signal for providing in the inductance detecting portion. An A/D conversion device samples a detection signal of the inductance detecting portion synchronously with a carrier generation by the carrier generation device, and converts the detection signal to a digital signal. A determination device determines whether or not a temperature of the rotor exceeds a predetermined temperature, based on the change of the magnetic permeability of the magnetic body.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Junichiro Kozaki, Yoshio Tsunazawa, Akira Arakawa, Masaki Ohfuji
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Patent number: 7414375Abstract: A fan voltage regulation control device includes a voltage regulation control unit for providing the power to a heat-dispersing fan, wherein the voltage regulation control unit is connected to a temperature detecting element and a voltage detecting unit. The temperature detecting element may influence the output power from the control unit to the fan, and through the voltage detecting unit, an input current to the fan can be maintained for providing overload and overheated protections.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.Inventor: Tsung-Te Lee
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Patent number: 7415625Abstract: A system and method for selecting a computer hardware component of a computing system to throttle based on a selection policy is disclosed. A co-thermal control system may receive a first signal indicating a first condition for a plurality of computer hardware components has occurred. The co-thermal control system may choose a course of action at least partially based upon the first signal using a table-based rule generator. The co-thermal control system may output instructions to participating components for the course of action.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: David Wyatt, Bradley N. Saunders
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Publication number: 20080180050Abstract: A movable barrier operator having a motor controller (10) and motor (11) that control selective movement of a movable barrier (12) also has an obstacle detector (14) that utilizes an automatically determined excess force threshold value to permit reliable detection of an obstacle under a wide variety of operational circumstances, including changing physical circumstances, aging components, temperature variations, and motor runtime. In a preferred embodiment, a characteristic force value for the system is frequently updated as a function of actual measured force requirements (and further compensated, pursuant to various embodiments, with respect to other conditions such as temperature and motor runtime). This characteristic force value is then utilized to determine the excess force threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: THE CHAMBERLAIN GROUP, INC.Inventors: Eric M. Gregori, James J. Fitzgibbon, Carlos Jurado, Robert R. Keller, Matthew C. Stephan, Colin Willmott
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Patent number: 7405530Abstract: A movable barrier controller 41 has a force control 44 having a corresponding setting range. As operating conditions change, the barrier controller 41 can execute a learning mode 51. During this mode, the barrier controller 41 operates the barrier movement motor 42 and measures 53 at least one parameter that corresponds to operation of the motor 42. This measured parameter is used to determine 54 a control value which control value is then assigned 55 to a specific location within the setting range of the force control 44.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventor: Robert R. Keller, Jr.
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Patent number: 7400107Abstract: To improve a surgical machine with an electric motor comprising a rotor and a plurality of motor windings, and with a motor controller for controlling and/or regulating the electric motor so that, in particular, the efficiency of the electric motor can be optimized essentially over the entire rotational speed range, it is proposed that the entire rotational speed range of the surgical machine be divided into at least one lower rotational speed range for low rotational speeds and at least one upper rotational speed range for higher rotational speeds than those in the at least one lower rotational speed range, that the motor controller be so designed that a first controlling and/or regulating method for controlling and/or regulating the electric motor is performable in the at least one lower rotational speed range, and that a second controlling and/or regulating method for controlling and/or regulating the electric motor is performable in the at least one upper rotational speed range.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: AESCULAP AG & Co. KGInventors: Juergen Schneider, Roland Alois Hoegerle, Harald Konrath
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Patent number: 7394215Abstract: A thermal control variable-speed circuit without switching noise is connected with a driving circuit, which controls the rotation speed of a fan motor using a driving voltage. The thermal control variable-speed circuit includes a reference voltage output circuit and a driving voltage control circuit. The reference voltage output circuit outputs a corresponding reference voltage signal according to ambient temperature changes. The reference voltage output circuit has one end connected to a first resistor in series and to a second resistor in parallel. The driving voltage control circuit outputs a corresponding driving voltage according to the magnitude of the reference voltage signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Ming-Shi Tsai, Yueh-Lung Huang, Ming-Lung Liu
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Patent number: 7394217Abstract: A control signal value, such as a duty cycle value for a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) generator output, for controlling and/or powering a fan may be calculated using an autofan function configured with dynamic hysteresis control (DHC). As part of the DHC, the PWM duty cycle value may be determined by applying a hysteresis component at every point of the autofan function relating the PWM duty cycle to temperature. The PWM duty cycle value may be computed based on two functions, each function relating the PWM duty cycle to temperature, the first function applied when the temperature is increasing, and the second function applied when the temperature is decreasing. When a newly computed PWM duty cycle value falls within a range of duty cycle values defined by the hysteresis value, the current duty cycle of the PWM generator output may remain unchanged, minimizing noise resulting from the fan changing speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Standard Microsystems CorporationInventor: Eileen M. Marando
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Publication number: 20080150462Abstract: Method and arrangement in connection with a motor fed with a frequency converter provided with an intermediate voltage circuit. The method comprises steps of feeding motor voltage to the motor along a motor cable with a frequency converter for controlling the motor, rectifying the voltage of the motor cable and restricting the magnitude of the voltage of the motor cable at the end of the motor cable on the side of the motor with a clipper circuit coupled in parallel with the motor, using the rectified voltage for rotating one or more cooling fans of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: ABB OYInventor: Erkki Miettinen
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Publication number: 20080143281Abstract: When it is determined that a battery temperature is lower than a threshold value, an inverter control circuit alternately switches an operation point of an AC motor between an optimum operation point and a motor loss increase point. At the motor loss increase point, an increase in the amplitude of the motor current increases copper loss occurring in the three-phase coil of the AC motor. On the other hand, at the optimum operation point, a reduction in the amplitude of the motor current reduces copper loss. Corresponding to the cyclical increase/reduction in the copper loss, the battery is cyclically charged/discharged by the electric power corresponding to the copper loss. The change in the battery current occurred by the charge/discharge causes the internal resistance to generate heat, whereby the temperature of the battery is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideaki Yaguchi
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Publication number: 20080136358Abstract: A system includes a controller and a sensor. The controller transmits a panel control signal to a motor for the motor to move a movable panel of a vehicle along a path between opened and closed positions while the motor receives power from a power source. The motor receives power from the power source upon receiving the panel control signal. The sensor detects objects in the path without monitoring the motor. The sensor generates an object signal indicative of an object being detected in the path of the panel. When the panel is moving in a closing direction, the controller transmits a panel control signal to the motor to reverse movement of the panel to an opening direction upon receiving the object signal in order to prevent the panel from entrapping an object. The controller communicates with vehicle modules over an in-vehicle local area network (LAN).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2008Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Nartron CorporationInventors: Todd R. Newman, John M. Washeleski
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Patent number: 7385368Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an operation of a reciprocating compressor includes a inductance increasing device connected to a motor of the reciprocating compressor, so that a surge current generated when power is applied to the reciprocating compressor at an initial stage is reduced and thus an initial stroke of the reciprocating compressor is reduced. Accordingly, operational efficiency of the reciprocating compressor is improved.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Eon-Pyo Hong, Kyeong-Bae Park, Tae-Hee Kwak, Ki-Chul Choi, Sung-Hyun Ki
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Patent number: 7385366Abstract: The method for controlling the hydraulic brushless motor operates the hydraulic brushless motor by switching the conduction timing to a plurality of switching elements. The method for controlling the hydraulic brushless motor includes detecting the oil temperature and advancing the conduction start timing when the oil temperature is lower than or equal to a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventor: Yasuhiro Yukitake
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Publication number: 20080115997Abstract: A driving mode switching apparatus for a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which switches driving modes of the four-wheel drive vehicle, includes a motor, a reduction mechanism being transmitted with a rotational force of the motor, an output rod connected to the reduction mechanism and switching the driving modes by being displaced, a housing housing the motor and the reduction mechanism, a temperature sensor arranged at a position away from the motor within the housing and detecting ambient temperature in the housing, and a controller varying an output property of the motor in response to a detected temperature by the temperature sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Koji Banno, Kensaku Honda
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Patent number: 7375486Abstract: A method of controlling a rotational speed of a fan motor for a heat generating electronic component includes the following steps: (1) obtaining an original PWM pulse in response to an internal die temperature of the electronic component, the original PWM pulse having a first duty cycle which corresponds to a first rotational speed for the fan motor; (2) obtaining an ambient temperature surrounding the electronic component; (3) generating a new PWM pulse based on the original PWM pulse and the ambient temperature, the new PWM pulse having a second duty cycle which corresponds to a second rotational speed for the fan motor; and (4) controlling the fan motor to operate at the second rotational speed. In this method, both the internal die temperature of the electronic component and the ambient temperature surrounding the electronic component are taken into consideration in determining the rotational speed of the fan motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chin-Long Ku, Chin-Wen Yeh
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Patent number: 7375481Abstract: The invention relates to motor vehicles which are equipped with an electric power steering system. Using a known method, the value of the maximum current that is allowed to travel through the electric assist motor is calculated at each instant (t), and a threshold value is determined for said maximum calculated current. Once the value of the maximum calculated current at each instant reaches the threshold value, a gradually-decreasing percentage is applied to the assist current calculated as a function of the torque (C) applied to the steering wheel. In this way, the assist current is reduced before the assist motor thermal protection procedure is activated, such that the driver is not surprised by a sudden lack of power assistance.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: JTEKT EuropeInventors: Jean-Marc Kasbarian, Virginie Perichon, Bertrand Rousseau
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Patent number: 7352147Abstract: A power supply to provide operation power for cooling fans includes a non-stop power system to provide DC power in normal conditions to a remote switch control circuit to set a computer in an ON or OFF condition. The non-stop power system also outputs the DC power to a fan actuation control circuit to drive a rear end cooling fan. The fan actuation control circuit and the remote switch control circuit are bridged by a cooling delay unit. The cooling delay unit receives a computer ON/OFF signal from the remote switch control circuit and outputs another signal to enable the cooling fan to operate for a period of time before stopping.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.Inventor: Chin-Wen Chou
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Patent number: 7348741Abstract: A vehicle which uses an internal combustion engine and a motor generator as drive sources is provided with a battery disposed under a seat and a fan for cooling the battery. Power is exchanged between the motor generator and battery via an inverter. An electronic control unit estimates the level of background noise which is noise other than the operating sound of the fan in the passenger compartment based on the vehicle speed and rotation speed, etc., of the internal combustion engine. Then, the electronic control unit calculates an operation command value for the fan based on the estimated background noise level and temperature level of the battery and controls the rotation speed of the fan through the operation command value. As a result, it is possible to effectively cool the battery while reducing sensible noise caused by the operating sound of the fan.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideto Minekawa, Teruo Ishishita, Yoshiaki Kikuchi
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Patent number: 7347167Abstract: A method for controlling a cooling system for an internal combustion engine having first and second cooling fans is provided, comprising operating the first cooling fan at a first rotational frequency which is greater than a combustion frequency of the internal combustion engine and operating the second cooling fan at a second rotational frequency which is less than the combustive vibration frequency of the internal combustion engine. Since the rotational frequencies of the first and second cooling fans are different from the combustion frequency of the internal combustion engine, the resonance between the rotational vibration of the cooling fans and the combustive vibration of the internal combustion engine may be prevented. Also, since the rotational frequencies of the first and second cooling fans are different from each other so that the resonance between their rotational vibrations may be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kazuya Sugiyama, Eiji Kosaka, Shinichi Ohshima, Tatsunori Iwasaki
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Patent number: 7342373Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a controller, an object sensor, and a motor. The motor receives power from a power source upon receiving a panel control signal. The motor moves a movable panel of the vehicle along a path between opened and closed positions when the motor receives power from the power source. The object sensor is operable for detecting objects in the path of the panel without monitoring the motor. The object sensor generates an object signal indicative of an object being detected in the panel path. The controller is operable for transmitting a panel control signal to the motor to move the panel. When the panel is moving in a closing direction the controller transmits a panel control signal to the motor to reverse movement of the panel to an opening direction upon receiving the object signal to prevent the panel from entrapping an object.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Nartron CorporationInventors: Todd R. Newman, John M. Washeleski
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Patent number: 7339336Abstract: A method is provided for use with a movable barrier operator that has no user-initiable dedicated learning mode of operation. At least one parameter is monitored that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move between at least a first position and a second position. An excess force threshold value is automatically changed in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value. Both the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter are used to determine when excess force is being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator. A predetermined action is taken when excess force is being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventor: Eric M. Gregori
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Patent number: 7336048Abstract: In a method for operating a power tool with an energy accumulator, in particular a rechargeable energy accumulator, which supplies power to an electric drive motor, a clock frequency is generated by an electronic unit, with which a gate of a MOSFET—which supplies operating voltage to the drive motor—is switched on with each cycle, and a switching-off of the MOSFET is carried out within one cycle using different signals, as a function of operating parameters.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Guenter Lohr
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Patent number: 7331532Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for acoustic noise reduction using fan speed control. The acoustic noise reduction using fan speed control includes a plurality of temperature detectors disposed at a plurality of locations within an electronics equipment enclosure, each detector having an associated setpoint temperature. An error value is determined for each temperature detector, the error consisting of the difference between the detected temperature and the associated setpoint temperature. The maximum error among all error values is then identified and the operating speed of a cooling fan in is set in response to this maximum error. Advantages include providing a fan speed directly related to electronics temperature which inherently accounts for higher ambient temperatures, enclosure altitude, electronics power consumption, and air filter clogging.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Nortel Networks LimitedInventors: Thomas Currie, John Clayton Atkinson, Marko Nicolici, Amrish Patel, Ken McFarlane
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Patent number: 7327115Abstract: There are included a control circuit to control sequence of excitation of a stepping motor, a switching circuit to switch electric power to be supplied to the stepping motor based on an instruction from the control circuit, and a stop circuit to stop an operation of the switching circuit in a case where temperature of the switching circuit becomes a specified temperature or higher, and the control circuit controls the switching circuit in a mode where the stop circuit operates before the stepping motor is damaged by heat.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Yasuhiko Yoshihisa
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Patent number: 7323837Abstract: A fan speed controlling system for a power supply comprises a fan having two pins and a voltage comparator connected to the fan. The voltage comparator comprises a first input terminal for receiving a first reference voltage controlled by an external temperature of the power supply and a second input terminal for receiving a second reference voltage controlled by an interior temperature of the power supply. The voltage comparator outputs a higher voltage of the first and second reference voltage to the fan via the two pins.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ning-Yu Wang
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Patent number: 7321213Abstract: A motor controller is provided with: an estimated temperature calculating means that calculates an estimated temperature of a motor; and a control unit that can perform a driving control of the motor only when the estimated temperature is not larger than a predetermined value. A mode switching means switches the control unit and the estimated temperature calculating means between in a normal operation mode in which they can drive the motor and in a sleep mode in which electric power consumption thereof is smaller than in the normal operation mode in accordance with a predetermined condition while the motor is stationary. An activating means activates the estimated temperature calculating means in the sleep mode for a predetermined active time every time a predetermined sleep time is elapsed.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Kobayashi, Seiichi Watanabe, Seiichi Tanaka
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Patent number: 7321214Abstract: A controller is operable in one of a plurality of operational modes, which include an estimated temperature computation performing mode for performing computing of an estimated temperature of the motor and an estimated temperature computation non-performing mode for stopping the computing of the estimated temperature of the motor. An operational mode of the controller is changed from the estimated temperature computation performing mode to the estimated temperature computation non-performing mode according to a predetermined condition in a stopped state of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Kobayashi, Keizo Ishizu
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Publication number: 20080007192Abstract: A device includes a transmitter, at least one temperature sensor; and a controller. The controller is responsive to the at least one temperature sensor indicating that a temperature has risen above a first threshold to control the transmitter to reduce transmit power from a first power level to a second power level, wherein the second power level is a non-zero power level.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventors: Richard Williams, Pauli Heikkinen, Jeff Brownlee, Debbie Richardson, Ilkka Savimaki, Gairn Kalla
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Patent number: 7317296Abstract: The electric motor is equipped with an electronic control, for example in the form of a frequency converter (2) and comprises at least one Seebeck element (6) whose one side is connected to the motor (1) in a heat-conducting manner and whose other side is in heat-conducting connection with a cooling medium. The electrical output power of the Seebeck element (6) is led to the electronic control (2) of the motor (1).Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Grundfos A/SInventor: Pierre Vadstrup
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Patent number: 7307396Abstract: A protection system for an electrical device may include at least one temperature sensitive element located in a region adjacent to a component of the electrical device and configured to provide an output related to an actual temperature in the region. The system may also include a controller configured to determine the actual temperature in the region based on the output of the at least one temperature sensitive element and to determine a predicted temperature of the component based on the actual temperature in the region and on a predetermined heat dissipation characteristic of the electrical device.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Sychra, Daniel F. Stanek, William J. Tate
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Patent number: 7305316Abstract: A method of controlling a motor speed for a fan assembly includes receiving a duty cycle value at a microcontroller. The microcontroller receives a measured fan speed from a speed sensor. An expected fan speed is determined, where the expected fan speed corresponds to the duty cycle value. The measured fan speed is compared with the expected fan speed. A duty cycle of a motor driving signal is reduced if the measured fan speed is less than a predetermined fraction of the expected fan speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.Inventors: Scott Frankel, Eric Hardt, Nigel D. Strike
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Patent number: 7304447Abstract: A motor controller includes: a motor control part for driving and controlling a motor; an estimated temperature computing part for computing an estimated temperature of a winding of the motor; and a motor protecting part for protecting the motor from being burned when the estimated temperature becomes larger than a predetermined temperature. A temperature rise value of the estimated temperature is computed according to operating conditions of the motor at the time of passing electric current through the winding. This temperature rise value is added to an estimated temperature stored in the estimated temperature storing part to update the estimate temperature. To compute the temperature rise value, an optimum temperature rise value is computed by the use of a plurality of temperature-rise value computing expressions.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyuki Hirai, Tatsuya Suzuki, Shinji Shimoie, Seiichi Watanabe
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Patent number: 7295897Abstract: A fan control system in which a sensor selection block having a number of sensor inputs may be combined with an autofan block having a number of zone inputs, where the number of sensor inputs is greater than the number of zone inputs. Each one of the sensor inputs of the sensor selection block may have a corresponding sensor parameter input. The sensor selection block may be configured to map a subset of the sensor inputs with corresponding sensor parameter inputs to the autofan block. Each zone input and corresponding zone parameter input of the autofan block may receive a corresponding one of the subset of the sensor inputs with corresponding sensor parameter inputs, respectively. The autofan block may have a number of pulse width modulated (PWM) outputs that may be calculated according to the autofan block zone inputs and zone parameter inputs.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Standard Microsystems CorporationInventors: Eileen M. Marando, Robert W. Schoepflin
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Patent number: 7291995Abstract: An air fan rotation speed control method and a structure thereof aim to provide an automatic control mode and a manual control mode at the same time to control rotation speed regulation of an air fan to achieve instant heat dissipation for an environment and reduce temperature rising of the environment efficiently. The present invention has a rotation speed determination mechanism that adopts the higher rotation speed request at a higher priority to regulate the rotation speed of the air fan in either control mode. Hence the temperature of the environment can be reduced at the higher rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.Inventor: Tsung-Chun Chen
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Patent number: 7282881Abstract: A circuit and method of reducing the occurrence of overheating of a power fold vehicle mirror. The circuit controls the operation of the power fold mirror such that when a portion of the circuit reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, the vehicle mirror is prevented from at least folding in. In practice, the vehicle mirror will be allowed to fold out even when the predetermined temperature threshold has been reached or exceeded, to allow the vehicle door to be opened and the car to be driven. The vehicle mirror may be allowed to be folded in when the temperature of the circuit falls to or below a second predetermined temperature threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.Inventor: Donald Kay
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Patent number: 7275380Abstract: A method for determining a fan speed for a fan used to cool a payload is disclosed. The method includes, according to various embodiments, receiving a first signal indicative of a first fan speed and receiving a second signal indicative of a system temperature. The method further includes selecting a temperature setpoint based on the first fan speed and, based on a comparison of the system temperature and the selected temperature setpoint, computing a first fan speed output. A thermal management system and method for determining a speed-setpoint droop characteristic are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Artesyn Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dan Durant, Jeff Sorge, Richard Garcia
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Publication number: 20070210736Abstract: A power supply unit includes an input-side rectifying circuit (4), an inverter (8) and an output-side rectifying circuit (12), which include power semiconductor devices. The power supply unit is powered during a powering period, and the powering is interrupted during a pausing period. The powering and pausing periods alternate. A fan (18) is driven during each powering period to cool the power semiconductor devices. A temperature detector (30) measures the temperature of the power semiconductor devices and develops a measured-temperature representative signal. A setter (38) produces a reference value, which decreases over the pausing period from the measured-temperature representative signal at the beginning of the pausing period to an intended-temperature representative signal representing the temperature to be attained by the power semiconductor devices at the end of the pausing period.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: September 13, 2007Inventors: Hideo Ishii, Toru Arai
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Patent number: 7265954Abstract: Resistance of the coil of a DC motor is calculated by using the motor current and the motor voltage, and the coil temperature is estimated by using the resistance-temperature characteristics of the coil.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Hikawa, Satoshi Ishikawa, Yasuto Yanagida
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Patent number: 7262571Abstract: A braking module includes a braking load, an input terminal, an output terminal, and control logic. The input terminal is adapted to receive a motor drive signal. The control logic is adapted to receive a motor enable signal, couple the output terminal to the input terminal responsive to the motor enable signal being asserted, couple the output terminal to the braking load responsive to the motor enable signal being deasserted, and prevent the coupling of the output terminal to the input terminal responsive to a temperature of the braking module exceeding a predetermined disable set point. A method for controlling a motor includes coupling a drive lead carrying a motor drive signal to a motor lead of the motor responsive to a motor enable signal being asserted. The motor lead is coupled to a braking load responsive to the motor enable signal being deasserted.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael John Nelson, Nathaniel D. Herman, Edward Joseph Arguello, Jr.
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Patent number: 7258648Abstract: A power transmission device equipped with a torque biasing system and control system for controlling the torque biasing system is operable to determine a torque command and calculate a torque error based on the torque command and a model-based torque. A control signal is generated based on the torque error and the torque biasing system is operated based on the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: William E. Smith, Eric A. Bansbach
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Patent number: 7256562Abstract: A control circuit for a cooling fan is provided that adjusts input power and drive a cooling fan. The control circuit comprises a temperature detector for detecting temperature; a power controller for controlling driving power to the cooling fan based on the input power and supplying the driving power; a proportional electric power block supplying control power proportional to temperature variation of the detected; and a fixed electric power block supplying control power at a fixed level when the detected temperature is lower than a predetermined level. The control circuit for a cooling fan is configured to detect temperature variation and to operate with less noise by controlling rotational velocity of the cooling fan in proportion to variation in temperature variation to reduce noise generated when operating the cooling fan.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Byong-Jeon Lee
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Patent number: 7245099Abstract: A voltage for driving a cooling fan is usually output from a fan voltage control circuit. Whether to cause the fan voltage control circuit to output the drive voltage or not is controlled by a system management utility (software) and a bridge controller (hardware) on the basis of temperature data from a temperature sensor. To provide for the occurrence of a failure in the system management utility or the bridge controller, a temperature comparator monitors the temperature data from the temperature sensor and instructs a fan voltage control circuit to output a drive voltage for the cooling fan in the case where the temperature rises above a given value.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takehiko Yamamoto, Akira Suzuki
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Patent number: 7245095Abstract: A control circuit of rotational speed of a fan is provided, wherein by a switching of a switch unit, a PWM (Pulse Wide Modulation) unit can output a sampling pulse whose period is changing. A voltage is also changing following the period after taking a sample to an AC voltage by the control unit. The voltage after sampling serves as a working voltage of a load unit, so as to enable a fan device and a lamp device of the load unit to achieve effects of adjusting speed and brightness.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Inventor: Nien-Fu Hsu
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Patent number: 7245094Abstract: In the vehicle of the invention, when the temperature of an inverter 42 for driving a motor MG2 linked to front wheels 62a and 62b reaches or exceeds a preset restriction start temperature, the drive control of the invention controls the inverters 42 and 43 to gradually decrease the output torque of the motor MG2 simultaneously with a gradual increase in output torque of a motor MG3, which is linked to rear wheels 64a and 64b. Such torque control ensures output of a torque demand required for the vehicle. When the temperature of the inverter 42 reaches or exceeds a preset frequency switchover temperature, which is higher than the restriction start temperature, the drive control of the invention controls the inverters 42 and 43 to lower a switching frequency of transistors T1 to T6 in the inverter 42 and to ensure output of the torque demand. Such drive control effectively relieves the load of the inverter 42, while decreasing the frequency of lowering the switching frequency of the inverter 42.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.Inventors: Osamu Shinmura, Tatsuyuki Uechi
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Publication number: 20070145929Abstract: A vacuum pump includes at least one magnetic body located on a circle about a rotor rotational axis and having a Curie temperature within a rotor temperature monitoring range; an inductance detecting portion facing the circle so as to establish a gap between the circle and the inductance detecting portion, for detecting a change of magnetic permeability of the magnetic body as an inductance change when the magnetic body rotates; and a carrier generation device generating a carrier signal for providing in the inductance detecting portion. An A/D conversion device samples a detection signal of the inductance detecting portion synchronously with a carrier generation by the carrier generation device, and converts the detection signal to a digital signal. A determination device determines whether or not a temperature of the rotor exceeds a predetermined temperature, based on the change of the magnetic permeability of the magnetic body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATIONInventors: Junichiro Kozaki, Yoshio Tsunazawa, Akira Arakawa, Masaki Ohfuji
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Patent number: 7235943Abstract: A method for controlling the rotating speed of a fan is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: reading a standard temperature Tc of a central processing unit (CPU); reading a thermal diode's temperature Td and a system ambient temperature Ta; comparing Td with a minimum temperature Tl, such that the fan begins processing the heat of the CPU begins; if Td>Tl, increasing pulse-width modulation (PWM) duty cycle of the fan to 100%; if Td<=Tl, comparing a critical temperature T0 with Ta; if Ta>T0, increasing PWM fan duty cycle to 100%; if Ta<=T0, setting the fan duty cycle at 40%; sending the PWM fan duty cycle to a fan speed controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung-Jen Hsiang, Yuh-Ching Chang, Chien-Yi Lo, Puh-Yun Lee
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Patent number: 7211977Abstract: In one embodiment, a fan control system includes a temperature-sensing device that is adapted to sense a temperature of a component and output a temperature feedback signal, and a pulse width modulation control circuit that is configured to receive the temperature feedback signal output from the temperature-sensing device and a separate fan command signal and, relative to those signals, generate a pulse width modulation signal that is sent to a pulse width modulation controlled fan.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: George Farris Squibb
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Patent number: 7205733Abstract: A self-startup circuit for a DC fan includes a voltage sampling device receiving a first control signal, a comparator, and a self-startup device. The comparator includes two input terminals and an output terminal. One input terminal is connected to an output terminal of the voltage sampling device. The self-startup device has a switching device and a diode connected in parallel. The self-startup device has an input terminal connected to the output terminal of the comparator, and outputs a second control signal for keeping the DC fan rotating even when the first control signal has a very low duty cycle.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jin-Liang Xiong, Feng-Long He, Yong-Xing You
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Patent number: 7196903Abstract: An electronic system may comprise a variable speed fan, a first source coupled to the fan, and a second source coupled to the fan. Either of the first or second sources may control the speed of the fan.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Vinh T. Vuong, Stephen M. Zaudtke, Raghavan V. Venugopal