For Heating Or Cooling Patents (Class 700/300)
  • Patent number: 8918226
    Abstract: A temperature measuring method accurately measures a sheet-like object even when the sheet-like object has an uneven temperature distribution throughout. In this method, temperature measurement is conducted in a measuring area where the sheet-like object is to be measured for its physical quantity or in the vicinity of the measuring area during determination of the physical quantity by a physical quantity measuring device. One or more temperature sensors are located at a position proximal to each sheet-like object that streams in a predetermined direction relative to the temperature sensors, and air is jetted out toward the sheet-like object for creating an air curtain that surrounds each temperature sensor so that a gauge workspace substantially confining the atmosphere therein is defined over one or both of the opposite surfaces of the sheet-like object. The temperature sensors detect the temperature in the measuring area or its vicinity within the gauge workspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Yamabun Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Tojo, Shunzo Hirakawa, Toshiyasu Toyoda, Masaru Iguchi, Katayama Yusuke
  • Patent number: 8918247
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an air conditioning device that heats a passenger compartment, using cooling water passing through an internal combustion engine as a heat source, and a seat heater, which heats a seat in the passenger compartment by using an electric power from a battery as a heat source. An electronic control device performs EV travel of the vehicle by driving a motor generator while setting the internal combustion engine to a stop state and restarts the internal combustion engine when a cooling water temperature becomes equal to or less than a predetermined temperature during the EV travel. When a heating request is output to make the air conditioning device heat the passenger compartment during vehicle travel, the electronic control device reduces the heating degree of the air conditioning device and increases the heating degree by the seat heater during EV travel in comparison with non-EV travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Miyuki Goto, Manabu Orihashi, Keiichi Uno
  • Publication number: 20140371946
    Abstract: A battery pack air cooling structure and method having a thermoelectric element are provided. The structure includes a housing having a cooling passageway through which a refrigerant passes and a plurality of cell module assemblies that are disposed inside the housing and each include a pair of unit cells stacked parallel to each other. A heat transfer plate is interposed between the pair of unit cells. A heat pipe has a first portion disposed in the heat transfer plate and protrudes second portion that protrudes out of the heat transfer plate. A heat-exchanging member formed at the second portion of the heat pipe and is configured to perform heat-exchange with air that passes through the cooling passageway; and a thermoelectric element is formed at an upstream side into which air of the cooling passageway is injected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jin Woo Kwak, Kyung Hwa Song, Jeong Hun Seo
  • Patent number: 8914155
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to control fluid flow in a data center are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein comprises sensing a condition of a fluid in a first contained aisle on a first side of data center equipment, the fluid in the first contained aisle substantially isolated from a second contained aisle on a second side of the data center equipment, and controlling a vent to alter the fluid flow between the first contained aisle and the second contained aisle based on the sensed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Amip J. Shah, Cullen E. Bash, Zhikui Wang
  • Patent number: 8909384
    Abstract: A computing apparatus is configured to operate under multiple operational policies. In a method for controlling the computing apparatus, a plurality of sensors are correlated with a plurality of actuators. An operational policy of the multiple operational policies is selected to implement and input from the plurality of sensors is received. The inputs are analyzed to identify at least one of the plurality of actuators to be manipulated based upon the correlation and the selected operational policy to implement. In addition, at least one of the identified plurality of actuators is manipulated based upon the selected operational policy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Abdlmonem H. Beitelmal, Chandrakant D. Patel, Mehrban Jam
  • Patent number: 8909383
    Abstract: A method to reduce large temperature over/undershoot in a computer system. Using workload data, the method proactively modifies controls of mechanical cooling system to anticipate power and take appropriate actions to maintain temperature. Workload control modifies workload and scheduling to reduce power transients and subsequent temperature deviations. In addition, workload control allows more even distribution of temp across chips, allowing for even wear and reduction of small/ripple/noise temp oscillations. A system and program product for carrying out the method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott J. Hadderman, Daniel J. Kearney, Wei Huang, K. Paul Muller, William J. Rooney, Guillermo J. Silva, Malcolm S. Ware, Emmanuel Yashchin, Peter B. Yocom
  • Patent number: 8909385
    Abstract: An infrared (IR) signature matching system comprises a heating and cooling device, a plurality of sensors configured to detect information related to the IR signature of the heating and cooling device and a background environment, a controller operably coupled with the heating and cooling device and the plurality of sensors. The controller is configured to receive the information from the plurality of sensors and adjust the temperature of the heating and cooling device until the IR signature of the heating and cooling device and the IR signature of the background environment are at least substantially matched in a selectable sub-region of the IR spectrum. Other systems, control circuits and related methods for matching IR signatures and cloaking objects in the IR spectrum are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Jared K. Olson, James Child, Roger Jackson, Jared S. Teter, Evan Crocker
  • Publication number: 20140358319
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and a method for controlling heat according to a use environment of a wireless communication terminal in the wireless communication terminal. The method includes measuring an internal temperature of the wireless communication terminal when the wireless communication terminal performs communication by using a predetermined channel or band. The method includes acquiring a heat control method matched to a currently-measured internal temperature from a heat control table having temperature ranges of heat generated within the wireless communication terminal, after the wireless communication terminal selects at least one of bands or channels and performs communication by using the selected at least one band or channel, and storing a heat control method in each temperature range. The method includes controlling the heat generated within the wireless communication terminal according to the acquired heat control method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Seunghui Sunwoo
  • Publication number: 20140358318
    Abstract: A thermal control method for a portable electronic device includes: providing at least one capacitive temperature sensor corresponding to at least one particular location of the outside surface of the portable electronic device, the capacitive temperature sensor having a thermal characteristic which is temperature sensitive; monitoring the change of the thermal characteristic of the at least one capacitive temperature sensor to estimate the temperature of the at least one particular location; and deciding whether to perform thermal throttling in the portable electronic device based on the estimated temperature of the particular location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Kang-Chih Lin, Chung-Jen Kuo
  • Patent number: 8903565
    Abstract: Improving the operating efficiency of a rear door heat exchanger, including: determining, by a ventilation management module, a temperature differential between two temperature sensors in the rear door heat exchanger, the temperature differential indicative of cooling efficiency in the rear door heat exchanger; determining, by the ventilation management module, whether the temperature differential is greater than a predetermined threshold; and responsive to determining that the temperature differential is greater than the predetermined threshold, taking corrective action by the ventilation management module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Howard V. Mahaney, Jr., William M. Megarity
  • Publication number: 20140350746
    Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for uniformly controlling the strip temperature of the rapid cooling section of a continuous annealing line. A plurality of sets of cooling nozzle blocks for controlling the strip temperature is installed at the front and back sides of the strip, and is divided into lengthwise flow control nozzle blocks and widthwise flow control nozzle blocks. Strip center temperature meters and widthwise direction temperature meters are installed at the intake and discharge sides of the rapid cooling section. Temperatures obtained using the strip center temperature meters and the width direction temperature meters are used to respectively control the spraying of mist for the lengthwise flow control nozzle blocks and the widthwise flow control nozzle blocks in order to uniformly control the strip temperature and minimize changes in the flatness of the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Gyoo Taek Lee, Jung Hun Park
  • Publication number: 20140343747
    Abstract: A smart heating system is described that generally comprises at least one heater element, optionally, at least one temperature sensor, a set of predetermined or predictable performance information used to control the heating system; and, optionally, an electronic conditioning module (ECU) capable of storing and processing the performance information. The performance information may be stored as written text, a bar code, a data matrix, or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The smart heating system heating system may further comprises a LIN or a CAN bus capable of providing a communication pathway between at least two of the system components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: David P. CULBERTSON, Magdi KHAIR, Julian TAN
  • Publication number: 20140343748
    Abstract: A cooling method for cooling an electronic device that is performed by a processor included in an information processing apparatus, the cooling method includes acquiring a temperature history of the electronic device during a guaranteed period of the electronic device; determining a remaining lifetime of the electronic device by using a prediction model based on the temperature history; determining a reference temperature corresponding to the remaining lifetime and a remainder of the guaranteed period, the remainder indicating a difference of the guaranteed period and a total operation time of the electric device; setting a target temperature to cool the electronic device based on a comparison between the reference temperature and a predetermined temperature indicating an upper limit of the target temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Takeshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8890357
    Abstract: A line voltage transformer device for a bathing installation includes a housing structure, with a line voltage electrical power connection including a line voltage wiring cable having an electrical connection at a distal end for connection to a line voltage AC supply outlet adjacent the bathing installation. A voltage transformer circuit is disposed within the housing and connected to the line voltage electrical power connection and is configured to transform AC line voltage electrical power from the line voltage electrical power connection to low voltage AC power at first and second low voltage AC terminals, wherein the low voltage AC power is delivered to the first and second low voltage AC terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Balboa Water Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Graham J. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20140330447
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a computer-implemented method for evaluating ceiling plenum airflow patterns and cooling performance of equipment in a data center. The method includes receiving data related to equipment in the data center, receiving data related to the ceiling plenum, determining first parameters related to airflow and to pressure in the ceiling plenum using a first airflow model, determining second parameters related to airflow through a plurality of equipment racks and to pressure across the plurality of equipment racks using a second airflow model distinct from the first airflow model, determining a coupling relationship between airflow through the equipment racks and airflow into the ceiling plenum, adjusting the first parameters based on at least the second parameters and the coupling relationship, determining a sufficiency of airflow through the equipment racks, and storing, on a storage device, an indication of the sufficiency of airflow through the equipment racks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: James William VanGilder, Xuanhang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8875691
    Abstract: A stove system featuring a stove component with a burner and an oven. The stove component has a stove microprocessor and a display. The stove microprocessor is adapted to calculate a temperature of the burner. The display has a temperature indicator which functions to display a relative temperature of the burner. When the burner is in a first temperature range the temperature indicator is illuminated in a first color, when the burner is in a second temperature range the temperature indicator is illuminated in a second color, when the burner is in a third temperature range the temperature indicator is illuminated in a third color, and when the burner is in a fourth temperature range the temperature indicator is illuminated in a fourth color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jean G. Saint Joy
  • Patent number: 8875664
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a water heater to limit the effects of stacking in a water heater tank are disclosed. In some cases, the water heater controller may determine a rate of change of the water temperature in the water heater tank. If the rate of change exceeds a threshold value, the controller may adjust the water heater temperature set point downward to help reduce stacking in the water heater. In some cases, the water heater temperature set point may be returned to the original water heater temperature set point when stacking is no longer likely to be of a concern. In one illustrative embodiment, the controller may track the time that the heater of the water heater is in the “on” state, or the time that the heater is in the “off” state, during subsequent heating cycles. The controller may then compare the “on” time or the “off” time to respective recovery threshold times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Rolf L. Strand
  • Patent number: 8880225
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for controlling data center cooling. In an example embodiment the method includes calculating, using a processor, an over-provisioning factor, where the over-provisioning factor is a function of a ratio of a rated cooling power to a calculated cooling power of a set of cooling units, the set of cooing units comprising at least one cooling unit. The method proceeds by adjusting the data-center cooling until the over-provisioning factor is substantially equal to a target over-provisioning factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Roger R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8874254
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to perform temperature setting of a heating plate so that a wafer is uniformly heated in an actual heat processing time. The temperature of a wafer is measured during a heat processing period from immediately after a temperature measuring wafer is mounted on the heating plate to the time when the actual heat processing time elapses. Whether the uniformity in temperature within the wafer is allowable or not is determined from the temperature of the wafer in the heat processing period, and if the determination result is negative, a correction value for a temperature setting parameter of the heating plate is calculated using a correction value calculation model from the measurement result, and the temperature setting parameter is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Shuji Iwanaga, Nobuyuki Sata
  • Publication number: 20140316606
    Abstract: A system for controlling the cooling fan within an electronic display based on the amount of ambient light present. An ambient light sensor is used to measure the amount of ambient light which is contacting the display. To anticipate a temperature rise and lower the thermal inertia of the display, the fan speed is increased when high ambient light levels are measured at the exterior of the display. The ambient light sensor data may be used to apply a temperature correction factor to a temperature sensor within the display. Alternatively, the ambient light sensor data may be used to apply a fan speed correction factor to a desired fan speed (calculated based on a temperature sensor within the display). Multiple systems or methods can be used simultaneously within the display to cool several components which may heat and cool at different rates relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: MANUFACTURING RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: John Schuch, Rick De Laet
  • Publication number: 20140316605
    Abstract: A cooling system controller, method, and computer program (or product) for an installation of heat generating machines having variable cooling requirements, the cooling system comprising two or more thermal components sharing a first cooling fluid circuit and first cooling fluid for cooling the installation, the cooling system controller comprising: a requirement discovery engine for recording the variable cooling requirements of the machines; a characterizing engine for measuring and recording outputs for each thermal component in response to a plurality of input control settings for generating a respective set of static set-points for each thermal component; a logic model generator for generating a logical model of the thermal components based on: relationships between the thermal components, operating fluid flow and around the thermal components, static set-points of each component; an optimizer for finding minimum energy consumption for the cooling system; and an interface for continuously adjusting contr
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Valentin Conan, Kevin Larue, Bernard Ludmann, Thierry Mottaz
  • Patent number: 8868892
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal management of components and functional subsystems of a handheld device, including for a peripheral device electrically coupled to thereto. A power source provides power to a plurality of functional subsystems of the handheld device and optionally the peripheral device. The components and functional subsystems comprise predetermined thermal signatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Psion Inc.
    Inventor: David Neil Ardron
  • Patent number: 8868250
    Abstract: In one implementation, an environmental controller operates a cooling system in an electronic device. The environmental controller includes a closed loop control system for operating a cooling fan at a target speed. The environmental controller may select the target speed based on one or more temperature sensors. The environmental controller may select the target speed based on the speeds of additional fans or the fans may be controlled in unison. The closed loop control system includes a proportional weight. When a measured cooling fan speed deviates from the target speed by more than a threshold error value, the proportional weight is constant. As the measured cooling fan speed approaches the target speed, and the threshold error value is crossed, the proportional weight is variable. The variance may be a function of time such as a periodic stair step function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels-Peder Mosegaard Jensen, Joseph Dean Jaoudi
  • Publication number: 20140303805
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors are described. The method generally allows the system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors, to maximize unit modulating capability. The method allows the use of a variable speed compressor that is relatively smaller, which can lead to cost savings, easier installation, manufacturing, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: John Qianghua Zhou, Roger Joseph Voorhis, Caleb Ryan Joiner, Benjamin Hayes, James Philip Crolius, William Hansen
  • Patent number: 8854809
    Abstract: A data center includes a modular building structure forming an enclosure having a bottom side. An external support system extends from the modular building structure. A series of heat sinks are each configured to extend from an interior to an exterior of the enclosure and protrude below the bottom side of the modular building structure into a fluid. Electronic components and devices are housed within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Matthew Daniel Neumann, Timothy Michael Rau
  • Patent number: 8852819
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for controlling fuel cell operating characteristics. In certain situations, the operating efficiency of fuel cells is degraded to external conditions. Providing a method and apparatus to control operating conditions for the fuel cell assists in improving the operating efficiency. This can be achieved by controlling certain environmental conditions, such as temperature and relatively humidity, in the area surrounding the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: David Gerard Rich, Lyall Winger, Chee-Ming Jimmy Wu
  • Patent number: 8855963
    Abstract: A system, and computer usable program product for discovering thermal relationships in a data processing environment are provided in the illustrative embodiments. An output temperature of a cooling unit operating in the data processing environment is changed from a previous output temperature to a new output temperature. The difference between the previous and the new output temperatures is a change in the output temperature. A change in an ambient temperature proximate to a data processing system is measured. The change in the ambient temperature is a difference between a previous ambient temperature and a new ambient temperature. An expression that represents a relationship between the change in the output temperature and corresponding change in the ambient temperature is determined. The expression is used to determine a cooling correspondence between the cooling unit and the data processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Dickson Gatts, Denilson Nastacio, Preethi C Mohan
  • Publication number: 20140297057
    Abstract: The refrigerant discharged from a compressor is distributed based on the priorities set by the user in advance and the remaining refrigerant is further distributed based on the priorities. Thus, setting the priorities for indoor units according, for example, to the usage of work spaces and the like in an office building, the user can operate a heat pump system efficiently in accordance with the intended use. Furthermore, the remaining capacity of the outdoor unit is distribute to the remaining indoor units according to their priorities so that the indoor units are operated efficiently within the range of the cooling capacity of the outdoor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kosuke Tanaka, Hirofumi Koge, Tomokazu Kawagoe
  • Publication number: 20140297056
    Abstract: A temperature controller for controlling a temperature of a heated body heated by a heater to a target temperature. The temperature controller includes a temperature detection unit, a difference computation unit, a controller, a comparison unit, an abnormal event detection unit, and a power feeding stopping unit. The abnormal event detection unit is configured to output a second signal that is an abnormal event detection signal when the first signal continues to be output for a period of time exceeding a pre-set period of time. The power feeding stopping unit is configured to stop power feeding to the heater when the second signal is output. The power feeding amount to the heater is controlled based on the manipulated variable computed by the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: KAZUO AKAIKE, TSUKASA KOBATA
  • Patent number: 8848362
    Abstract: A device may include multiple power supplies that are cooled by a system fan. The power supplies may be cross-connected to supply power to one another and the device may monitor temperatures of the power supplies. Based on the temperatures of the power supplies, the device may determine whether any of the power supplies are likely to be on fire. The device may shut off the fan when a power supply is determined to be likely to be on fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Thuan Che, Jaspal Gill, Frank Krippendorf
  • Patent number: 8843239
    Abstract: A thermostat management system facilitates an automatic pairing of a thermostat with a thermostat communication account. The thermostat management system receives a public network address associated with a computer device on a private network accessing the thermostat management account. The system retrieves the thermostat metadata including a public network address associated with a registration of the thermostat with the thermostat management system. The public network address registered with the thermostat metadata is provided by a router on the private network and therefore should match the public network address used by computer devices on the private network. The thermostat management account is paired with the thermostat if the thermostat has the same public network address as the computer device accessing the thermostat management account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Mighdoll, Anthony Michael Fadell, Oliver W. Steele
  • Patent number: 8843238
    Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting power consumption by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) subsystem of a building are shown and described. A feedback controller is used to generate a manipulated variable based on an energy use setpoint and a measured energy use. The manipulated variable may be used for adjusting the operation of an HVAC device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Wenzel, Kirk H. Drees
  • Patent number: 8843242
    Abstract: An electromechanically controlled cooking appliance is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ashley Wayne Burt
  • Publication number: 20140277817
    Abstract: A method, system or computer usable program product for managing a water heater utilized for heating stored hot water including utilizing an expected user schedule to determine an expected user load for storage in memory, utilizing ambient temperature data to determine a water heating load for storage in memory, utilizing a processor to analyze the expected user load and the water heating load stored in memory to determine a desired temperature for the stored hot water according to a predetermined policy, and utilizing the processor to instruct the water heater to heat the stored hot water to the desired temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark B. Stevens, John D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140277816
    Abstract: A water heater that includes a tank for holding water, a heat source, a temperature sensor, a communication module operable to communicate with an external controller remote from the water heater, and a controller including a processor and a computer readable memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to operate the water heater. The communication module receives commands from the external controller for further operating the water heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Brian T. Branecky
  • Publication number: 20140277818
    Abstract: Acoustics management at an information handling system provides reduced acoustic noise with limited performance impact by dynamically changing power dissipation as a function of cooling fan speed and ambient temperature so that preemptive power restrictions prevent excessive thermal conditions that lead to excessive cooling fan speeds and associated acoustics. A maximum cooling fan speed of less than an available maximum is set and maintained by reducing power dissipation unless power dissipation reaches a minimum, after which the minimum power dissipation is maintained and cooling fan speed is allowed to increase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Chris E. Peterson, Hasnain Shabbir, Paul T. Artman
  • Publication number: 20140277819
    Abstract: A rack management method and system is disclosed. The method includes detecting the presence of a computing device releasably mounted in a frame, the detecting based on an electrical connection established between a configuration bar disposed in a rear portion of the frame and the computing device, and determining a physical location of the computing device within the frame based on the electrical connection. The method also includes retrieving management information about the computing device from a profile storage disposed within the computing device via the electrical connection and storing the management information in a management table, the management table associating the computing device with the physical location within the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Rackspace US, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Mick, Dale Lee Bracey
  • Publication number: 20140277784
    Abstract: A rack management method and system is disclosed. The method includes detecting the presence of a computing device releasably mounted in a frame, the detecting based on an electrical connection established between a configuration bar disposed in a rear portion of the frame and the computing device, and determining a physical location of the computing device within the frame based on the electrical connection. The method also includes retrieving management information about the computing device from a profile storage disposed within the computing device via the electrical connection and storing the management information in a management table, the management table associating the computing device with the physical location within the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Rackspace US, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Mick, Dale Lee Bracey
  • Publication number: 20140277821
    Abstract: Indirect thermal fan control is described. In one or more implementations, a speed of a fan may be adjusted based on indirect measurements of temperature. For example, a temperature of air entering an enclosure and a current draw of an electrical component within the enclosure may be determined. A speed of a fan may then be adjusted based on the temperature of the air and the current draw of the component to change a flow of the air over the electrical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Brandon A. Rubenstein
  • Publication number: 20140277820
    Abstract: A wireless system for monitoring and control of the temperature of a product in transport includes a controller system wirelessly connected to a temperature system and a valve control system. The temperature system measures the current temperature of the product and wirelessly transmits the temperature information to the controller system. The valve control system controls the position of a valve allowing heated fluid to move through the product, heating the product. The controller system allows an operator to input a high temperature limit and low temperature limit and alarm, and using the current temperature of the product, wirelessly signals the valve control system to open or close the valve in order to keep the temperature of the product between the high temperature limit and low temperature limit. The controller system monitors and records the product temperature, high and low temperature limits and alarms, and provides a report of the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KNAPPCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Claude W. MIXON
  • Patent number: 8837728
    Abstract: A system and methods for location authentication are presented. An estimated server signal is estimated based on a generated known code signal, and a client received satellite signal is received from a client device. The client received satellite signal is compared to the estimated server signal to provide a comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Per K. Enge, David Lawrence, Michael L. O'Connor, Michael L. Eglington, Gregory M. Gutt, David A. Whelan
  • Patent number: 8838286
    Abstract: A modular rack-level server and storage framework is disclosed. The modular rack system includes a plurality of chassis placed in one or more racks and a plurality of sleds placed in each chassis. Each sled includes an information handling system, a shared fan module, a shared power module, and a shared management module. The shared fan module cools the plurality of sleds in each chassis and the shared power module supplies power to one or more sleds in one or more chassis. The shared management module manages the operation of the plurality of chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: German Florez-Larrahondo, Jimmy Pike, John Stuewe, Joseph Sekel, Richard Mills, Joe Vivio
  • Publication number: 20140257591
    Abstract: An enclosure design facilitates heat dissipation from a space-limited computer core device. An external computer platform is provided to connect the computer core device, the external computer platform including a fan that provides an air flow to the connected computer core device. The computer core device and the computing platform may be tightly connected by connectors located on their respective enclosure walls. Both the computer core device and the external computing platform are provided air inlets and outlets on their respective enclosures. When connected, an air inlet of the computer core device faces an air outlet of the external computing platform such that a single cooling air flow flows through the external computing platform and the computer core device. The external computing platform may include a built-in fan to blow air into or draw air from the matching air inlets and outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ICE Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Shang-Che Cheng, Wei-Han Wu, Chia-Ming Lin
  • Patent number: 8831791
    Abstract: Illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, a data processing system, and a computer program product for adjusting cooling settings. The computer implemented method comprises analyzing a set of instructions of an application to determine a number of degrees by which a set of instructions will raise a temperature of at least one processor core. The computer implemented method further calculates a cooling setting for at least one cooling system for the at least one processor core. The computer implemented method adjusts the at least one cooling system based on the cooling setting. The step of analyzing the set of instructions is performed before the set of instructions is executed on the at least one processor core. The step of adjusting the at least one cooling system is performed before the set of instructions is executed on the at least one processor core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Angell, David W. Cosby, Robert R. Friedlander, James R. Kraemer
  • Publication number: 20140249690
    Abstract: Some implementations provide a method for performing thermal management of an electronic device. The method determines a sensation value based on (i) a temperature of the electronic device, and (ii) a temperature rate change of the electronic device. The method associates a discomfort level from a plurality of discomfort levels, based on the determined sensation value, to the electronic device. At least one discomfort level is dynamically adjustable. The discomfort level specifies a maximum allowed activity for a processing unit of the electronic device. In some implementations, the discomfort level specifies how thermally uncomfortable the electronic device is for a user of the electronic device. In some implementations, each discomfort level from the several discomfort levels is associated with a particular range of sensation values. The sensation value is based on a user adjustable sensation model. The user adjustable sensation model is based on one of several thermal coefficient constants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Hee Jun Park
  • Patent number: 8825184
    Abstract: A method for operating a vapor compression system modifies each control signal of a set of control signals with a corresponding modification signal of a set of modification signals, wherein each modification signal includes a perturbation signal, and the pertubation signals haver different frequencies and determines a metric signal representing perturbations in the system caused by the set of modification signals. Next, the method adjusts a value of each modification signal based on a function of a phase between the modification signal and a corresponding frequency component of the metric signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan J. Burns
  • Patent number: 8812169
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a printed circuit board assembly comprises a printed circuit board including a processor, a heat sink mountable to the printed circuit board proximate the processor, and a memory module comprising logic instructions which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to initiate a processor load routine, collect temperature gradient data during the processor load routine, and verify operation of the heat sink using the temperature gradient data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Leech, Khaldoun Alzien, William R. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8812170
    Abstract: A container data center includes a cooling control system. The cooling control system reads a temperature of a container of the container data center and a direction of wind flowing across the container, and determines whether a first or a second cooling device of the container data center needs to be turned on according to the read temperature. The cooling control system further determines whether the read wind direction is the same to a direction of hot air expelled by the turned on cooling device. When the read wind direction is not the same as a direction of hot air expelled by the turned on cooling device, the cooling control system turns off the turned on cooling device, and turns on the other cooling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Chu Chen
  • Patent number: 8804338
    Abstract: To provide electronic equipment having a heat discharging function capable of achieving the maximum in the signal processing capability of a portable terminal by preventing the functional restriction of the portable terminal by effectively discharging exothermic heat from the portable terminal at the time of coupling the portable terminal whose function is restricted by heat generation to an external device, as well as a heat discharging system and a heat discharging method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Hideo Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 8805590
    Abstract: Computing devices have fan speeds governing airflows through the computing devices. The rack has a maximum airflow associated with a cooling component for the rack. The computing devices transmit their current airflows. A sum of the current airflows is determined. Where the sum is greater than the maximum airflow, the fan speeds of one or more selected computing devices are decreased. The fan speeds of lower priority computing devices may be reduced before the fan speeds higher priority computing devices are reduced. Fan speed reduction may be achieved in a centralized manner, by employing a centralized management component, or in a decentralized manner, without employing a centralized management component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sumanta K. Bahali, Vinod Kamath, Jimmy G. Foster, Sr.