User interface for configuring and controlling an array of heater elements
US7317175B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C51/46
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An oven control system and user interface are provided for setting a target temperature for different zones within an oven. A thermocouple is provided in each zone within the oven to monitor the realized temperature within the specific zone of the oven. A plurality of different heater elements are also provided within each zone of the oven. The control system enables a user to easily and efficiently select a target setpoint temperature for each zone within the oven, or for the chair rail, or the sag rails. For the case of the oven, the setpoint provides a virtual heat setpoint for the complete oven section which is then realized by controllably regulating operation of the various unique heating elements within that zone of the oven to realize the desired setpoint temperature within that specific zone of the oven. Such control is realized by way of proportional integral differential (PID) loops that are adjusted for each of the heater elements in order to realize the desired virtual heat setpoint for the specific zone of the oven.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.