Method and apparatus for controlling a variable speed fan in an image forming device
US7012390B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 10, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G21/206
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved variable speed fan controller for use in devices such as laser printers. The controller automatically adjusts its output signal to fans such that a fan quickly settles into an appropriate operating speed, even if the fan has been newly installed into the equipment. The controller can store values in non-volatile memory, if desired, to keep track of recent changes in the fan's operating parameters and corresponding control signal values. The controller is able to control relatively inexpensive fans that don't necessarily operate at a predictable fan rotating speed under repeatable conditions and control signals, by controlling the fan to an initial or predetermined rotating speed; if the fan isn't running within a suitable range of rotational speeds, then determining whether a fine or coarse adjustment should be made to the fan's rotational speed. The controller makes appropriate adjustments until the fan's rotational speed is within acceptable operating tolerances.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.