Abstract: The invention relates to an operator control unit having at least one operator control element, in particular for setting the air quantity or the temperature or the air distribution of an automatic air-conditioning system, an automatic function and a manual setting function being provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operator control unit having at least one operator control for setting a setpoint value, in particular a temperature, an air quantity and/or an air distribution, an automatic function being provided for the air quantity, air distribution and temperature which is activated by actuating the operator control.

Abstract: When a preset protection temperature is exceeded, an air conditioning device for a vehicle equipped with air conditioner inverter protection means works to lower the output of the air conditioner inverter. This lowers the output of the air conditioner inverter, whereby heat is released in decreased amounts from the coolant through a first heat exchanger suppressing a rise in the temperature of the EV cooling water.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, a front air conditioning unit and a seat air conditioning unit are automatically controlled by an air conditioner ECU. If a seat air conditioner switch is operated by a user during an automatic control, the setting (e.g. air volume of a seat blower) of the seat air conditioning switch is learned. Based on the learning, a seat blower characteristic diagram, which is stored in a ROM, is changed. Therefore, from this time onward, under the same environmental condition, the seat blower air volume is determined based on the changed seat blower characteristic diagram. Accordingly, a seat air conditioning is provided as desired.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner has a standby RAM having a map memorizing many regions of, for example, preset temperature, each of which is determined by environmental conditions such as the inside/outside air temperatures and the sunlight amount. The air conditioner automatically controls the air conditioning of the passenger compartment of the vehicle based on the information stored in the region of the map determined by the environmental conditions that is regarded as a control preset temperature used for calculating a target blowing temperature in a control flow repeating cyclically. When the preset temperatures read at the previous cycle and the current cycle are different from each other, the control preset temperature is regarded as the preset temperature which changes gradually from the previous one to the current one, whereby the temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment gradually changes.

Abstract: An air conditioner including a compressor compressing a refrigerant to produce a high temperature gaseous refrigerant, a hot water producing device producing hot water by performing a heat exchanging process whereby heat is transferred from the high temperature refrigerant fed from the compressor to water, an outdoor heat exchanger performing a heat exchanging process whereby heat is transferred between the refrigerant and outside air, and a hot/cold water producing device producing hot water by performing a heat exchanging process whereby heat is transferred from the refrigerant fed from the hot water producing device to water, or producing cold water by performing a heat exchanging process whereby heat is transferred from water to the refrigerant fed from the outdoor heat exchanger.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-compartment type refrigerator and method for controlling the same. The refrigerator includes a plurality of storage compartments. A plurality of evaporators are each positioned in each of the storage compartments, respectively. A compressor supplies refrigerant to the evaporators through a branched refrigerant conduit. A plurality of opening/closing valves are each positioned on a refrigerant conduit upstream of each of the evaporators for selectively controlling supply of refrigerant to the evaporators. Reference compartment defining means defines as a reference storage compartment one of the storage compartments that has a relatively great load. Control means controls starting of the compressor depending on a change of a temperature of the reference storage compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for the real-time monitoring and control of a wafer temperature in a semiconductor process chamber, such as a plasma assisted deposition chamber or etch chamber, is provided. The apparatus is constructed by a wafer platform, a heat exchanger for flowing a heat exchanging medium into the wafer platform, an optical sensor for sensing the temperature of a wafer positioned on the wafer platform, and a controller for receiving a signal from the optical sensor, comparing to a pre-stored value and sending a signal to the heat exchanger to increase or decrease a flow of the heat exchanging medium. In another embodiment, a plurality of thermoelectric cooling modules is utilized for enhancing the temperature control capability of the heat exchanger by embedding the modules in the wafer platform, such as an electrostatic chuck.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner with an automatic control having a learning function of manual operation, when a passenger manually sets an air blowing amount in the automatic control, it is determined whether or not an air blowing amount after the manual operation is in a readily sensible area. When a change of the air amount due to the manual operation is in the readily sensible area, a reflecting degree of the manual operation reflected in an air amount control pattern is increased. For example, 100% of the manual operation is reflected in the air amount control pattern in the readily sensible area, while about tens % of manual operations is generally reflected in the air amount control pattern totally.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner has a standby RAM having a map memorizing many regions of, for example, preset temperature, each of which is determined by environmental conditions such as the inside/outside air temperatures and the sunlight amount. The air conditioner automatically controls the air conditioning of the passenger compartment of the vehicle based on the information stored in the region of the map determined by the environmental conditions that is regarded as a control preset temperature used for calculating a target blowing temperature in a control flow repeating cyclically. When the preset temperatures read at the previous cycle and the current cycle are different from each other, the control preset temperature is regarded as the preset temperature which changes gradually from the previous one to the current one, whereby the temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment gradually changes.

Abstract: In a control system of a vehicle air conditioner, when a temperature difference between a previous target air temperature at the previous manual operation and a present target air temperature at the present manual operation is smaller than a predetermined value, that is, when it is estimated that a passenger's desired air amount is not set by the previous manual operation, a blower voltage control characteristic for controlling an air amount of a blower is corrected so that a set value at the previous manual operation is not affected to the present learning. Accordingly, it can prevent air-conditioning feeling from being deteriorated due to mis-learning.

Abstract: A compressor includes a motor protector which stops the compressor's motor when it senses an out of specification condition. A diagnostic system monitors the status of the motor protector. The diagnostic system includes logic circuitry that diagnoses the type of problem the compressor is having based upon the running times and status of the motor in conjunction with the times and status of the motor protector.

Abstract: A temperature controller is in a position at a height of 130 cm or more from a base surface settling, of which the refrigerator is settled, on a door of the refrigerator, which position is on an upper side of a handle for opening and closing the door. Further, a minute control depending on a preserving condition of foods, the seasons, a quantity of the foods, and so on is made possible.

Abstract: There are provided a refrigerator and method for controlling the same in which a data error generated in a main controller of the refrigerator can be repaired with an easy key operation. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator controller for controlling configurations related with refrigerating functions according to an algorithm previously set, a main controller for controlling the refrigerator controller or configurations related with additional functions other than the refrigerating functions to correspond to a command of a user, and for returning to an initial setup state according to a request of the user when there is generated a data error therein, and a restoration switch, set at a predetermined outer portion of the main controller, for inputting a restoration command of the user when the data error is generated in the main controller.

Abstract: A supplemental heat source in a pool heating system consisting of a heat reserve element, a contactor, a switch/relay, a light and an accessory switch. The contactor engages the supplemental heat reserve element when the ambient temperature drops to the middle forty degree range. The supplemental heat source replaces the compressor as the heat source and allows the compressor to defrost.

Abstract: An process and method for monitoring and selectively implementing an operator selected economy mode in a transport refrigeration system is disclosed. The system includes a microprocessor control which, in response to operator selection of the economy mode, increases the base superheat setting, lowers the engine speed, limits the system current, and reduces the compressor capacity in order to optimize the fuel consumption of the system. The controller further monitors for the presence of an out of range alarm, and issues override commands reversing the superheat, compressor, current limit and engine speed economy mode settings at least until the out of range condition no longer exists.

Abstract: A room air conditioner is operable to perform heating or cooling operations in a room. Furthermore, it is possible to direct warm or cool air to selected regions of the room. For example, it is possible to carry out a distant mode of operation wherein warm or cool air is supplied to a distant region of the room, or a wide mode wherein the warm or cool air is directed across the entire width of the room. When either the distant mode or the wide mode is selected, a control mechanism of the air conditioner automatically resets the set temperature by either raising or lowering a fixed reference temperature (pre-programmed into the air conditioner controller). If a heating operation has been selected, the reference temperature is automatically increased by a predetermined amount, and during a cooling operation, the reference temperature is automatically reduced by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A dry operation is performed during a room-cooling mode of an air conditioner by performing a pattern of heating, cooling, and blowing-only steps. The pattern of steps is controlled as a function of sensed room temperature to ensure that the room temperature is kept within a predetermined comfort range.

Abstract: A home appliance such as an air conditioner, refrigerator, television, or tape recorder, includes a drive element, a controller for controlling the drive element, and a manual input panel for enabling a user to input a drive signal for driving the drive element. A counter counts a time interval following the inputting of a drive signal to delay driving of the drive element until a predetermined time period has elapsed. If no counter signal is input driving the predetermined time period, the drive element is driven.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an inlet for receiving room air, a heat exchanger for heating or cooling the air, an outlet for discharging the heated or cooled air back into the room, a fan for circulating the air through the air conditioner, inlet and outlet doors for opening/closing the inlet and outlet, a motor for driving the doors, and a controller for automatically actuating the motor to open the doors when the air conditioner is activated, and close the doors when the air conditioner is deactivated. A control by-pass is provided in a remote controller which is relatively inaccessible to a normal user but which can be actuated by an air conditioner tester or shipper for maintaining the doors open even when the air conditioner is deactivated (e.g., during testing or shipping) to prevent the doors from being damaged.

Abstract: A semi-automatic temperature control (SATC) device for controlling a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a microprocessor operative to receive a plurality of inputs, and control air discharge temperature and blower speed based on the plurality of inputs. The SATC device further includes a switch for controlling the direction of air flow in the cabin of an automotive vehicle independent of the control provided by the microprocessor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a quick cooling function of a refrigerator. When both compartments are at an abnormal temperature state in a refrigerator the method independently controls a freezer compartment and a refrigerating compartment. The user selects a quick cooling function for any compartment. This method preferentially controls only selected compartment temperature, reducing the time needed to quickly cool the selected compartment, and thus reducing power-consumption.

Abstract: An automatic air recirculation system is provided. The system activates an air recirculation door for recirculating the air within the vehicle passenger compartment by sensing the temperature of the engine coolant. The system also activates the air recirculation door by sensing the pressure or temperature in the compressor discharge line.

Abstract: An energy efficient HVAC system for motorized vehicles includes an HVAC selector switch for activating and deactivating one or more of the group consisting of an air conditioning mode, a venting mode, a heating mode, a bi-level mode and a defrosting mode; a temperature control switch for regulating an amount of hot or cold air produced by the HVAC system including an air conditioning compressor a device for activating the air conditioning compressor during the air conditioning mode, and a device for intermittently activating the air conditioning compressor during the defrosting mode.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioning system is provided to be able to minutely control the air blow temperature independently of the ambient temperature to maintain the compartment always pleasant. The difference between the revolution speed of a compressor with a temperature setting lever for setting the revolution speed of the compressor set in the left end position and the revolution speed of the compressor with the temperature setting lever set in the left end position is increased in the mid summer or mid winter and reduced in the spring or autumn, whereby the air blow temperature can be minutely controlled to make the inside of the compartment always pleasant.

Abstract: An air conditioner for vehicles includes a damper for switching among an outside-air inlet mode, an inside-air inlet mode and an outside/inside-air inlet mode, a manual switch for selecting any one of the respective inlet modes, an automatic switch for automatically selecting one of the respective inlet modes, a heating and cooling operation unit, an inside-air temperature sensor, an outside-air temperature sensor and a control unit for selectively controlling the respective inlet modes based on the condition of the heating and cooling operation unit, the condition of the respective switches and the difference between the temperatures detected by the respective temperature sensors. In the air conditioner, an optimum air conditioning in correspondence to the load required for air conditioning can be realized from the viewpoint of saving of energy and efficient operation.

Abstract: A car air conditioner is free from the problem of insufficient and frustrating defrosting effect of a conventional air conditioner that becomes apparent when wet air is blown onto the misted front window pane of the car in a rainy season by selecting a defroster position on the outlet vent selection switch of the air conditioner. In the control circuit of the air conditioner, the defroster contact 2a of the outlet vent selection switch 2 is connected to a pulse shaping circuit 9 for generating a pulse whenever selected and the pulse shaping circuit 9 is by turn connected to the reset terminal PR of a D flip-flop circuit 8, while the inverted output terminal Q2 of the D flip-flop circuit 8 is connected to an AC relay 5 by way of a NOR-gate 10 that calculates the logical sum of the logical value "L" generated when the compressor contact 3a of flow rate control switch 3 is closed.

Abstract: A combination air conditioner and pool heater.

Abstract: The present invention involves an inductively activated silicon switch for a control and protection circuit for motors and compressors. The circuit includes a logic gate for combining both motor control and protection functions. The logic gate has inputs from a thermostat, a compressor shell temperature circuit, a fan overheat detection circuit, a motor start relay circuit, and motor load sensing circuits. The logic gate output is connected to an oscillator for inductively activating the power output stage, as well as a start relay, a compressor shell temperature hysteresis circuit, and a fan timer circuit connected to the fan control circuit. The control circuitry further includes an over-ride circuit for manually allowing a limited number of immediate restart attempts.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for variably controlling the temperature at which the clutch of an air conditioner compressor is engaged and disengaged. The temperature at which the compressor clutch is engaged and disengaged is based on an average minimum temperature at the evaporator over a clutch cycle, wherein the clutch disengage temperature is increased if the average minimum temperature is below a first predetermined temperature and is decreased if the average minimum temperature is above a second predetermined temperature, thus maintaining the average minimum temperature within a temperature range. Further, the clutch disengage temperature is adjusted based on user operated air conditioner control settings. The clutch disengage temperature is adjusted to a higher temperature if a low blower speed is selected by the user and is adjusted to a lower temperature if a high blower speed is selected.

Abstract: A substrate cooling apparatus is provided with a cooling plate disposed in a treating chamber and Peltier elements for supporting and cooling a substrate. A target temperature setter is operable to set a target temperature to which the substrate is to be cooled and a drive device drives the Peltier elements to cool the cooling plate below the target temperature. When the substrate is found to have reached the target temperature, the substrate is raised to a position free from the thermal influence of the cooling plate, to complete a cooling treatment. Consequently, the substrate is cooled at high speed to achieve a reduced cooling time. Where predetermined process modules are used, processing efficiency is improved with a reduced number of substrate cooling elements.

Abstract: In order to provide a control apparatus for an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle which achieves smooth switching of operating modes, a decision is made as to whether or not the operating mode set by a means for air conditioning mode setting has been maintained for a specific length of time and also, a decision is made by a means for compressor rotation rate decision making as to whether or not the actual rotation rate of the compressor is at the minimum rotation rate.

Abstract: An air conditioner apparatus wherein the range of fluctuation of the difference between the room temperature and the desired preset temperature is divided into a plurality of zones, a variable capacity compressor being driven at frequencies respectively corresponding to these zones, and a heater is provided in an internal unit when a drying operation mode is selected and the room temperature is in a zone lower than the desired preset temperatures. The apparatus is further equipped with a switch that shifts the frequencies corresponding to the zones in the drying operation mode in the direction of an increasing dehumidification capacity.

Abstract: A heat-pump type air-conditioner includes a potentiometer provided to output a voltage corresponding to a position of a slidable terminal movable on a register element. Based on the magnitude of the output voltage, one of a cooling mode, a stop mode and a heating mode is set, as is the speed of the compressor consequently, both the modes selection and the temperature control can be performed with one switch operation.

Abstract: A temperature control method for use in a refrigerator comprises a normal operation step for controlling a compressor and a fan to maintain a temperature inside a refrigerating compartment between a positive limit temperature and a negative limit temperature, both derived from a set temperature input by a user; a door-open control step for stopping the fan when a door-open is detected; a reset temperature setting step for setting a reset temperature based on said door-opening time; and a reset temperature operation step for executing a cooling operating by driving a compressor and a fan until the temperature inside the refrigerating compartment decreases to the reset temperature, lower than the set temperature, if it is detected during the normal operating that the reset temperature has been reset.

Abstract: A method of refrigerator control for operating a refrigerator which may experience an abnormal temperature condition due to operation in low ambient temperatures includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of a portion of a refrigerator compartment in order to detect an abnormally low temperature in another portion of the compartment. If the compartment temperature at the end of a predetermined length of time since cooling was last supplied to the compartment is below a predetermined value, then an abnormal condition is assumed to exist and corrective action is taken to eliminate the abnormal condition. A preferred form of corrective action is to prevent compressor re-energization until the compartment temperature reaches a second predetermined value.

Abstract: The position where an indoor unit is actually installed is manually instructed by an installation position confirmation element. A temperature correction value selector selects and outputs, from a Table prepared in advance, a temperature correction value (.DELTA.T.sub.s) in dependency upon the installation position confirmed by the installation position confirmation element in order to compensate a temperature difference which can exist between a temperature at a position to be mainly air-conditioned of a room and a temperature at the position where the indoor unit is installed, i.e., at the position where a room temperature is sensed. Thus, a set temperature (T.sub.s), a room temperature (T.sub.a), or a difference (T.sub.s -T.sub.a) therebetween is corrected by the temperature correction value (.DELTA.T.sub.s).

Abstract: An automobile air conditioner system including a refrigerant circuit having a condenser, expansion element, evaporator and wobble plate type compressor with a variable displacement mechanism. Two passages communicate between the crank chamber and the suction chamber in the cylinder block. A bellows is disposed in a first passage and controls the communication between the crank chamber and the suction chamber response to crank chamber pressure. A control valve is disposed in the second passage and controls communication between the crank chamber and the suction chamber in the second passage in response to a signal representing the temperature of the air immediately leaving from the evaporator. An electric clutch is mounted on the compressor in order to intermittently transmit the rotational motion of an automobile engine to the drive shaft of the compressor in response to the signal.

Abstract: An automotive air tempering apparatus for use in an automotive vehicle having a duct through which air is directed into a passenger compartment. The apparatus comprises an air chilling unit including an evaporator provided in the duct and a compressor having a displacement variable for supplying a controlled amount of refrigerant to the evaporator for chilling the air in the duct. A control unit controls the displacement of the compressor to bring the refrigerant temperature to a target value when air is introduced into the duct from the atmosphere. The control unit controls the displacement of the compressor to bring the chilled air temperature to a target value when air is introduced into the duct from the passenger compartment.

Abstract: There is provided a temperature control device for a refrigerated container having a plurality of temperature level determining switches for selecting a temperature level. Cut-out portions are provided on the refrigerated container for selectively controlling the temperature level determining switches. A selected temperature level is determined by the selective removal of the cut-out portions from the refrigerated container. A logic circuit coupled to the switches outputs a signal indicative of the selected temperature level. A voltage generating circuit generates a voltage corresponding to the selected temperature level. A comparator compares the selected temperature level with the actual temperature detected by a thermal element in the refrigerated container. A control element controls the operation of the refrigerating apparatus in accordance with an output signal from the comparator.

Abstract: There is disclosed an air-conditioner is provided with an indoor unit including a blower fan for a warm or cold wind to the interior of a room, a louver for adjusting the direction of blowing of warm or cold wind from the fan in a range from the ceiling to the floor, a controller for controlling a volume of wind blowing off from the fan, a temperature of a conditioned air, and an angular adjustment of the louver, respectively, and a console panel permitting switching between cooling and heating modes, setting of a temperature, and setting of various modes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for defrosting a refrigerator in an operator actuated vacation mode wherein, after the operator actuation, the next defrost cycle is executed in accordance with the previously existing schedule in the normal defrost mode. If the time duration to execute the next defrost cycle is greater than a predetermined time period, the controller continues to defrost in the normal mode. However, if the next of a subsequent defrost cycle is executed in a relatively short time duration, the interval between defrost is significantly increased to a fixed interval of compressor run time hours.

Abstract: A demist controller for an automobile air-conditioner includes a demist judgement unit for judging the need for a demist operation based on the relative humidity in the vicinity of the inside surface of a window glass of the automobile, and a correction unit for automatically correcting criteria for a judgement by the judgement unit in accordance with starting and stopping instructions manually given by the driver as occasion arises.

Abstract: An automatic air conditioning system for automotive vehicles with a variable displacement compressor comprises a sensor for detecting an intake air temperature of air flowing through the evaporator placed just behind the evaporator, a control valve for the compressor essentially changing the discharge of said compressor on the basis of the difference between the intake air temperature and its target value, and a CPU for changing the target value of the intake air temperature. When the CPU does not receive a signal indicative of a requirement for quick-cooling, the target value is set to a freezing start possible temperature defined by an intake air temperature such that the freezing of the evaporator starts, and when the CPU receives the signal indicative of a requirement for quick-cooling, the target value is set to a predetermined temperature lower than the freezing start possible temperature.

Abstract: A temperature control means which is suitable for use with small, transferable refrigerated containers is described. The temperature control means includes a plurality of switches which determine the desired temperature level in the container by switch contact portions provided by the container. The predetermined temperature for controlling the refrigeration in the container is determined by operation of switches which control the refrigerating apparatus by comparing the desired temperature level with the actual temperature in the container.

Abstract: A device for moving a door provided in an air conditioner upstream of an area in which cold air and hot air are mixed to produce a stream of air having an appropriate temperature includes an electric motor which is rotatable in either direction for rotating the door in either direction. An electric switch is connected to the motor for controlling its operation. The switch is reciprocatively slidable by a lever. A cam follower is connected to the motor reciprocatively slidably in parallel to the switch for changing an electrical circuit connection between the switch and the motor. The cam follower is connected to the motor by a wire and the door is also connected to the motor by a wire. The switch has a rotatable arm which is engageable with the cam follower. The arm has a neutral position in which it is engaged with the cam follower so that no electric current may be supplied to the motor. The arm is rotatable in two opposite directions from its neutral position.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for automotive vehicles equipped with a control device capable of controlling to different values a setting temperature above which a compressor should operate or a discharge capacity of same in response to an operating position of the blower set by an airflow rate setting switch. Further, the control device is capable of controlling the setting temperature or the discharge capacity in response also to load conditions of the engine of the vehicle. Furthermore, if the blower is in a high rate operating position, the setting temperature or the discharge capacity is controlled to such a value that enables the compressor to achieve sufficient cooling capacity, regardless of the position of the economy switch.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for automotive vehicles equipped with a control device capable of controlling to different values a setting temperature above which a compressor should operate or a discharge capacity of same in response to an operating position of the blower manually set by a manually operable airflow rate setting switch. Further, the control device is capable of controlling the setting temperature or the discharge capacity in response also to load conditions of the engine of the vehicle. Furthermore, if the blower is in a high rate operating position, the setting temperature or the discharge capacity is controlled to such a value that enables the compressor to achieve sufficient cooling capacity, regardless of the position of the economy switch.

Abstract: An intake air control device in an automotive air-conditioning apparatus includes an intake damper angularly movable selectively into a first position for circulating air in the passenger compartment of an automobile, a second position for introducing only ambient air into the passenger compartment, and a third position for introducing a smaller amount of ambient air into the passenger compartment than the amount of ambient air introduced by the intake damper in the second position. When air-conditioning control is commanded while only ambient air is being introduced, the intake damper is controlled to move to the third position for introducing a smaller amount of ambient air than the amount of ambient air introduced by the intake damper in the second position.

Abstract: In a compressor control unit for an automobile air conditioner, there are provided an economizer switch, an acceleration detector, an electromagnetic clutch, a discharge adjuster and a control circuit whereby, based on signals from both the economizer switch and the acceleration detector, the control circuit controls the electromagnetic clutch and the discharge adjuster so as to obtain an optimum condition relative to both an air conditioning feeling and a driving ability of the automobile.