US4920252A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Temperature control method for distributing power to a plurality of heating elements
Assignee: Fujifilm Holdings Corp
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Filing: 1988-11-14
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Granted: 1990-04-24
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Expires: 2008-11-14
Abstract
Abstract A temperature control method is provided which is capable of carrying out a more efficient temperature control through an impartial starting of a plurality of temperature control objects such as the respective heating elements in the liquid tank portion and the drying portion of a developing device for photosensitive material. According to the method of the present invention, a required actuating time is allocated for each of the heating elements within one cycle of a predetermined length of time. As a result, it is possible to supply the required energy for each of the heating elements in a well-balanced manner.
Inventors
- 👤 Tatsuo Yoshino
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:48
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D23/00; G05D23/19; G05D23/1927; G05D23/193; G05D23/1932; G05D23/1934
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
In a temperature control method using a heating means and a temperature detecting means for each of a plurality of objects which are temperature controlled according to sequential, predetermined intervals of time designated as heater switching control cycles, said method comprising the steps of: (a) controlling the heating of each of said heating means, for each cycle of said heater switching control cycles, by measuring and storing a temperature of each of said objects using said temperature detecting means, and in response thereto, allocating a specific length of actuating time and a specific cycle portion for controlling a heating means of each respective object, such that a total energy requirement for activating a subset of said heating means at any given time during said each cycle is maintained within a range of a predetermined rated capacity; and (b) actuating each of said heating means according to said specific length of actuating time and said specific cycle portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
In a temperature control method using a heating means and a temperature detecting means for each of a plurality of objects which are temperature controlled according to sequential, predetermined intervals of time designated as heater switching control cycles, said method comprising the steps of: (a) controlling the heating of each of said heating means, for each cycle of said heater switching control cycles, by measuring and storing a temperature of each of said objects using said temperature detecting means, and in response thereto, allocating a specific length of actuating time and a specific cycle portion for controlling a heating means of each respective object, such that a total energy requirement for activating a subset of said heating means at any given time during said each cycle is maintained within a range of a predetermined rated capacity; and (b) actuating each of said heating means according to said specific length of actuating time and said specific cycle portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A temperature control method according to claim 1, wherein said heating means of at least one of the temperature control objects is given an allocated actuating time based on a proportional plus integral plus derivative (PID) control operation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A temperature control method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said heater switching control cycles are set based on the detection of a zero crossing of an AC power supply signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
202 words
In a temperature control method for a developing device for carrying out a wet processing of a photosensitive material, said developing device including a heating means and a temperature detecting means for each of a plurality of liquid tanks of a liquid tank portion and a drying portion, said method for effecting temperature control according to sequential, predetermined intervals of time designated as heater switching control cycles, and comprising the steps of: (a) controlling the heating of said heating means for each of said liquid tanks and said drying portion, for each cycle of said heater switching control cycles, by measuring and storing a temperature of each of said liquid tanks and drying portion using said temperature detecting means, and in response thereto, allocating a specific length of actuating time and a specific cycle portion for controlling a heating means of each respective said liquid tanks and drying portion, such that a total energy requirement for activating a subset of said heating means at any given time during said each cycle is maintained within a range of a predetermined rated capacity; and (b) actuating each of said heating means according to said specific length of actuating time and said specific cycle portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
202 words
In a temperature control method for a developing device for carrying out a wet processing of a photosensitive material, said developing device including a heating means and a temperature detecting means for each of a plurality of liquid tanks of a liquid tank portion and a drying portion, said method for effecting temperature control according to sequential, predetermined intervals of time designated as heater switching control cycles, and comprising the steps of: (a) controlling the heating of said heating means for each of said liquid tanks and said drying portion, for each cycle of said heater switching control cycles, by measuring and storing a temperature of each of said liquid tanks and drying portion using said temperature detecting means, and in response thereto, allocating a specific length of actuating time and a specific cycle portion for controlling a heating means of each respective said liquid tanks and drying portion, such that a total energy requirement for activating a subset of said heating means at any given time during said each cycle is maintained within a range of a predetermined rated capacity; and (b) actuating each of said heating means according to said specific length of actuating time and said specific cycle portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A temperature control method according to claim 4, wherein said heating means of at least one of said liquid tanks or drying portion is given an allocated actuating time based on a proportional plus integral plus derivative (PID) control operation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A temperature control method according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said heater switching control cycles are set based on the detection of a zero crossing of an AC power supply signal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-04-23 | 1993-10-23 | 1994-04-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-04-23 | 1997-10-23 | 1998-04-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-04-23 | 2001-10-23 | 2002-04-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |