×

Apparatus for controlling the temperature of and a moveable, electrically heated object using two way on axis optical communication

  • US 5,580,478 A
  • Filed: 05/09/1994
  • Issued: 12/03/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/09/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A temperature controlled, electrically heated drum, comprising:

  • a cylindrical drum having a surface and being rotatable on an axis;

    an electrical heater thermally coupled to said surface of said cylindrical drum;

    temperature control means, rotatably mounted in conjunction with said cylindrical drum and electrically coupled to said electrical heater, for controlling the temperature by controlling the flow of electricity to said electrical heater in response to control signals;

    a temperature sensor thermally coupled to said surface of said cylindrical drum;

    temperature sensor means, rotatably mounted in conjunction with said cylindrical drum and electrically coupled to said temperature sensor, for sensing the temperature of said surface of said cylindrical drum and producing temperature signals indicative thereof;

    microprocessor means, non-rotatably mounted with respect to said cylindrical drum, for controlling said temperature of said electrically heated drum by generating said control signals in response to said temperature signals; and

    optical means, coupled to said temperature control means, said temperature sensor means and said microprocessor means, for continuously aligning and optically coupling said temperature signals from said rotating temperature sensor means to said non-rotating microprocessor means and for continuously optically coupling said control signals from said non-rotating microprocessor means to said rotating temperature control means;

    said optical means being mounted on said axis providing on-axis optical communication.

View all claims
  • 14 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×