1215results about "Electric heating" patented technology

In order to ensure that a vehicle seat, having a supporting face and incorporating microcapsules of phase-change material having a phase transition temperature between 15 and 37° C., is comfortable to use in terms of temperature, the support face is heated or cooled before the seat is used so that the phase-change material is at its transition temperature when a user subsequently sits on the seat.

The thermostat includes a housing having at least a portion thereof illuminated by a light that changes color via a manual input. The light illuminates the display for easy readability while the variable color of the light allows a user to match the appearance of the thermostat to best complement the surrounding décor. User input elements provide for the manual adjustment of one or more characteristics of the light, such as visible color of the light. The light source comprises at least one LED for displaying a plurality of colors. In this case, to change the color of the light illuminating the translucent portion of the housing or backlighting the display, electronics within the thermostat control the drive signals to the LED in order to operate the LED to provide the desired color. The invention also contemplates filtering the light and manually adjusting the filtering to provide the desired aesthetics.

Implementations described herein provide a method for processing a substrate on a substrate support assembly which enables both lateral and azimuthal tuning of the heat transfer between an electrostatic chuck and a substrate. The method includes processing a first substrate using a first temperature profile on the ESC having primary heaters and spatially tunable heaters. A deviation profile is determined from a result of processing the first substrate from a target result profile. The first temperature profile is adjusted to a second temperature profile on the ESC based on the deviation profile. Adjusting to the second temperature profile includes incrementing the power to one or more spatially tunable heaters in one or more discrete locations corresponding to the deviations profile. A second substrate is then processed on the ESC using the second temperature profile.

An intelligent controller of electronic cigarette includes a switch module, a voltage acquisition module coupled to a heating wire, a control module coupled to the switch module and the voltage acquisition module, respectively, a display module electrically connected to an output of the control module, and a battery electrically connected to the switch module, the voltage acquisition module, the control module and the display module, respectively. The control module sends a control signal to the voltage acquisition module to make the voltage acquisition module acquire a terminal voltage of the heating wire. After receiving a signal from the switch module, whether the heating wire of an atomizer is in a short-circuit condition, an open-circuit condition or a normal condition is detected based on the acquired signal, and a detection result is output such that these conditions of the heating wire are observed directly by users.

Provided herein are methods, devices, systems, and computer readable medium for delivering one or more compounds to a subject. Also described herein are methods, devices, systems, and computer readable medium for transitioning a smoker to an electronic nicotine delivery device and for smoking or nicotine urge relief.

A beverage container is disclosed for keeping liquid evenly heated. The beverage container includes a cup, a heating element, and a removable battery power source. The cup has an inner sidewall surface, an outer sidewall surface, an inner bottom surface, and an outer bottom surface. The inner sidewall surface and inner bottom surface are shaped to hold liquid. The heating element is completely enclosed between the inner sidewall surface and the outer sidewall surface. The heating element heats the inner sidewall surface which then heats the liquid. An insulating layer is included between the heating element and the outer sidewall surface to keep the outer sidewall surface cool while the inner sidewall surface is heated. The battery power source is capable of being temporarily secured to the outer bottom surface of the cup and is utilized to keep the heating element energized to a predetermined level while the battery power source is secured to the cup. When the battery power source is removed, the cup is capable of being submerged in water without damaging the cup. When the battery power source is attached, the beverage container is portable.

Embodiments of the invention describe thermostats that use model predictive controls and related methods. A method of controlling a thermostat using a model predictive control may involve determining a parameterized model. The parameterized model may be used to predicted ambient temperature values for an enclosure. A set of radiant heating system control strategies may be selected for evaluation to determine an optimal control strategy from the set of control strategies. To determine the optimal control strategy, a predictive algorithm may be executed, in which each control strategy is applied to the parameterized model to predict an ambient temperature trajectory and each ambient temperature trajectory is processed in view of a predetermined assessment function. Processing the ambient temperature trajectory in this manner may involve minimizing a cost value associated with the ambient temperature trajectory. The radiant heating system may subsequently be controlled according to the selected optimal control strategy.

A novel apparatus for producing combined presentation of light and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect. The includes a fragrance dispenser (31), a light source (42), an audio system (52), and a microprocessor (99). The fragrance dispenser (31) is refillable and controllable, so as to adjust the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses a fragrance. The light source (42) comprises a plurality of LEDs (40a-40c) of at least two different colors and is controllable so as to adjust the operation of the plurality of LEDs (40a-40c). The audio system (52) controls sounds to be emitted from the apparatus. The microprocessor (99) controls the rate at which the fragrance dispenser (31) dispenses fragrance and the operation of the light source (42) and audio system (52).

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices. The aerosol delivery devices may include multiple atomizers and an atomizer selector that provides for selection of one or more of the atomizers to which electrical current is directed. The atomizer selector may also alter a position of the atomizers relative to an airflow path through the aerosol delivery device. Another aerosol delivery device may include an atomizer and an additive selector that provides for selection of one or more additives added to vapor produced by the atomizer. Related methods are also provided.

The present invention provides an electronic vaporizing inhaler with an electrical storage device; a liquid reservoir for vaping liquid; a vaporizer with a substrate defined by a plurality of capillary apertures that provide fluid communication between the vaporizer and the liquid reservoir; a sponge; a wick; and a heating element; a microprocessor in electrical communication with the electrical storage device that directs current from the electrical storage device to the heating element in the vaporizer; a sensor configured to detect when a user draws on the electronic cigarette that activates the microprocessor when it detects that a user has drawn on the electronic cigarette; a housing having designed to contain the electrical storage device, vaporizer, microprocessor, sensor, and liquid reservoir and having a mouthpiece from which a user can inhale vapor from the vaporizer. The invention also provides a dosage control embodiment using a heat or diaphragm pump.

An electronic cigarette (100) and a connecting head (3) for an electronic cigarette are provided. The electronic cigarette (100) includes an inhalation rod (2), a battery rod (1), and a connecting head (3). The connecting head (3) of the electronic cigarette (100) makes the inhalation rod (2) and the battery rod (3) connected into an integral and formed a central airway in an internal thereof. The connecting head (3) includes an exposed step (31), a first connecting end (31) and a second connecting end (33) disposed at the two sides of the exposed step (31) respectively along a radial direction. The first connecting end (31) is used to connect with the battery rod (2) of the electronic cigarette (100), and the second connecting end (33) connects with the inhalation rod (2). A surface of the exposed step (31) disposes at least one air inlet (311). When assembling the electronic cigarette (100), the air inlet (311) is exposed on the surface of the electronic cigarette (100). When the air pressure inside the inhalation rod (2) is less than the outside air pressure, air is supplied into the internal of the inhalation rod (2) by the air inlet (311). The sensitivity of the air inlet (311) on the connecting head for sensing the ventilation volume is very high, then easy to control the ventilation volume, and then can effectively guarantee the stability of the electronic cigarette taste.

A catheter carries a plurality of electrodes, each with multiple thermal sensors attached and is used to position the electrodes proximal biological tissue. A processor responsive to each of the thermal sensors determines the temperature at the thermal-sensor/electrode junction. A display provides a graphic representation of the temperatures of the thermal-sensor/electrode junctions. An exemplary representation is a bar graph having the temperature of one thermal sensor at one end and the temperature of another thermal sensor at the other end. The length of the bar graph combined with the position of the bar graph relative to a temperature range region provides an indication of the position of the thermal-sensor/electrode junctions relative to the biological tissue. The processor also monitors the spread between the sensor temperatures and compares it to a threshold value. Base on the result of the comparison, the processor controls the power applied to the electrode.

The present invention is directed at methods and apparatus for controlling multi-source heating systems. The multi-source heating systems of the present invention may include two or more heat sources such as a heat pump, a furnace, an electric heating strip, or any other suitable heat source. An illustrative system includes a multi-zone, multi-source heating system. The illustrative system may determine which of the multiple sources to use depending on a number of factors. Some illustrative factors include information about zones calling for heat, external environment information, and information about the heat sources. One of the heat sources may be, for example, a heat pump, and a determination of whether to activate the heat pump may include determining the current heating capacity of the heat pump and comparing the heating capacity to the amount of heat needed to satisfy the current heat calls. Methods for determining which of at least two heat sources to use are also provided. Additional embodiments include methods for controlling multiple-source heating systems, and systems for providing heat with multiple sources.

A personal vaporizer including a pressure-induced liquid transport device that allows a user to draw liquid from a liquid reservoir through applying a suction force on the mouthpiece. The amount of liquid drawn is proportional to the pressure induced, and proportional to the amount of vaporization a user may desired.

An oven according to some embodiments includes an oven chamber in which food is cooked, a heating element, a fan, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the oven chamber, a remote input device, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the remote input device and to change the fan or heating element based at least in part upon the signal received from the remote input device. In a method of operating the oven according to some embodiments, the oven enters an operating mode from an energy-savings mode responsive to receiving an signal from a remote device.

Methods and apparatuses for discriminating between user blowing and drawing (sucking) in an electronic vaporization device. Described herein are electronic aerosol devices and methods of controlling or operating them which can accurately differentiate between blowing and drawing (sucking) through the mouthpiece and adjust the control of the vaporizer accordingly.

A travel mug has an outer case, an inner case, a film heater, a temperature control device, and a power source connector. The inner case is fitted into the outer case in conjunction with a spacer, thereby resulting in formation of an air space insulation between the inner case and the outer case. The film heater is fastened to the bottom end of the inner case and is connected to an electrical receptacle of the outer case by a wire which is also connected with the temperature control device located in proximity of the film heater. The receptacle is connected to a power source by the power source connector.

An atomizer is disclosed. The atomizer of the present invention comprises a main unit, a pipe, and a vaporizer. The vaporizer of the present invention comprises a pneumatic switch which is triggered by the airflow from the main unit. There is no conducting wire between the main unit and the vaporizer. The length of the pipe is determined according to the requirement of the user. In one embodiment of the present invention, the atomizer is remote controllable.

A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include a control system that can adjust the volume of fluid infused into the peritoneal cavity to prevent the intraperitoneal fluid volume from exceeding a pre-determined amount. The control system can adjust by adding one or more therapy cycles, allowing for fill volumes during each cycle to be reduced. The control system may continue to allow the fluid to drain from the peritoneal cavity as completely as possible before starting the next therapy cycle. The control system may also adjust the dwell time of fluid within the peritoneal cavity during therapy cycles in order to complete a therapy within a scheduled time period. The cycler may also be configured to have a heater control system that monitors both the temperature of a heating tray and the temperature of a bag of dialysis fluid in order to bring the temperature of the dialysis fluid rapidly to a specified temperature, with minimal temperature overshoot.

A controlled cooking system (CCS) that monitors, measures, and controls the internal temperature of foods placed in an oven having a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antenna(s), a transmitter/receiver/interrogator/reader/microprocessor (TRIRM) module and an RFID tag with built-in temperature sensor. The RFID tag is buried in the food being cooked and is energized and enabled by an RF signal of pre-determined frequency. The tag output is an RF “backscatter signal” having encoded temperature data indicative of the internal temperature of the food that the tag is buried in. The backscatter signal is received and decoded by the antenna(s) and the TRIRM module incorporating a programmed cooking/baking temperatures for various foods. If the decoded temperature is below a user-set temperature, the TRIRM module allows the oven to remain on. Conversely, if the decoded temperature is at or exceeds the user-set temperature, the TRIRM module shuts off the oven and produces a signal that activates an alarm indicating that the cooking has been terminated.

The invention concerns a window including a window pane with one or more glass panes, a window frame in which the window pane is provided, at least one temperature sensor arranged in or at the periphery of the window pane, and an electric circuit connected to the temperature sensor mounted on or in the window frame. The electric circuit is configured to be connected to an operation unit which is configured to regulate the incident light through the window pane. The invention furthermore concerns a method for controlling a window wherein the electric circuit controls the means configured to regulate the incident light through the window pane based on a set of parameters. The parameters are determined on the basis of the orientation and geographical position of the window whereby the supply of free energy is optimised and the amount of energy supplied from energy sources in the room is reduced. In an embodiment the window can be controlled by means of an application configured to run on a mobile communication unit.

An oven for transferring heat to food in trays and a method for using the oven. The oven includes a cabinet with partitions dividing the interior into a plurality of separate, thermally isolated holding compartments each adapted for removably receiving a tray of food. Heat sources above the tray emit radiant heat to warm the food in the trays. A control mechanism controls the duration of the total hold time for the food having a duration of heated holding time during which a respective heat source is activated. The oven also includes a forced air mechanism under the control of the control mechanism for delivering forced air into the compartments. The heat sources are activated and deactivated during successive duty cycles to thereby to maintain the food in a respective compartment at a selected holding temperature for a duration of heated holding time.

A smoking article is provided, having a component housing including a power source, and a tubular housing having a first end and a longitudinally-opposed second end, wherein the first or second end is configured to receive the component housing. The tubular housing includes an outer wall defining a cylindrical cavity. An aerosol-generating element is configured to be received within the cylindrical cavity, wherein the aerosol-generating element is configured to produce an aerosol in response to heat. An associated aerosol-generating element and related production methods are also provided.

A combination for preparing a food product and method of using the combination are disclosed. The combination includes a housing supporting a cooking chamber, which communicates with a flavor enhancement chamber. The cooking chamber and the flavor enhancement chamber are selectively and independently controlled by an automated controller. In using the combination, a user provides the food product, places a flavor enhancement substance within the flavor enhancement chamber, arranges the food product on a preparation rack, and position the rack with the food within the cooking chamber. With the food positioned within the combination, the user programs parameters for a food preparation cycle into an operating code resident in the automated controller. Upon activation by the user, the controller executes the operating code. In response, the flavor enhancement chamber releases a flavor enhancement for impregnation into the food product, and the cooking chamber completes preparation of the food product.

An improved heater and method of controlling the same is provided. The water heater has the combination of a tank for holding water, a heater for heating the water, a controller having logic to regulate the heater, and first and second sensors. Each of the sensors detects the water temperature at different areas within the water heater. The sensors also provide the controller with signals corresponding to the detected water temperature. In response to these signals, the controller regulates the heater when at least one of the signals of the first and second sensors satisfies at least one predetermined state condition.

A system and method directed to a countertop oven comprising a powerhead or power unit, a dome, and a base, which may include a stainless steel pan, and/or a plastic base, adaptable to receive a dehydrating adapter, base, and/or one or more dehydrator trays. According to exemplary embodiment, the powerhead may include a sensor to detect when the powerhead has been inserted in the dehydrator adapter, according to an exemplary embodiment. The power unit may be detachably connectable to the dehydrating enclosure and a cooking enclosure dome. The power unit and the cooking enclosure may collectively combine into a multi-stage counter-top electric oven. The power unit and the dehydrating enclosure may also collectively combine into a dehydrator. The dehydrating enclosure may include a plurality of stackable dehydrating trays through which dehydrating air is circulated from the power unit.

An electronic cigarette and a method for supplying a constant power therein, the electronic cigarette comprises an atomizer with a heating wire. The electronic cigarette also comprises a power supply module for supplying power to the heating wire to heat the heating wire, and further comprises a microprocessor, a detecting module connected to the microprocessor, and a voltage adjusting module. A preset constant power can supply to the heating wire of the atomizer in the electronic cigarette, so that a consistent heating power can be applied to each of the electronic cigarettes produced in batch production, and smoke amount and flavor of each of the electronic cigarettes are more consistent, thereby better meeting demands of consumers.

A dual-voltage electronic cigarette control assembly, comprising a casing (4) of the control assembly, a control circuit board (2), and a key switch (3), wherein the control circuit board (2) is fixed into the casing by a fixing unit, and the key switch is electrically connected to the control circuit board. The control circuit board (2) is provided with a power managing module configured for outputting a high preset voltage or a low preset voltage and the power managing module comprises a boost (step-up) unit, a buck (step-down) unit or a buck-boost unit. The dual-voltage electronic cigarette control assembly of the present invention can help users to enjoy different vapor amounts according to their personal preference and enhances the power efficiency.

Disclosed is an electronic cigarette, comprising a suction stem (10) and a power supply rod (20), wherein the suction stem (10) comprises a suction cylinder (11), and an end of the suction stem (10) is provided with a suction nozzle cover (13). The electronic cigarette further comprises a gas valve (16). By the means of the gas valve (16), the electronic cigarette will not be smoked once it is brought into the mouth of a person, effectively preventing children and infants from sucking the electronic cigarette as a toy.

Systems and methods for controlling a heat pump water heater (HPWH) are disclosed. The systems include an interface for accepting a user input and configured to indicate a mode of operation, and indicate at least one error condition when an error condition exists. The systems are operative to diagnose various failure conditions and as advise a user that maintenance may be needed and to adjust operation for varying environmental or other external conditions.