Patents Assigned to Environmental Design, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11629878
    Abstract: An HVAC system for enhanced source-to-load matching without sacrificing airflow delivery in low load structures. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for an HVAC system for enhanced source-to-load matching in a low load environment, i.e. dwellings with a BTU/hour capacity of less than 18,000. Prior art HVAC equipment is oversized for dwellings with a BTU/hour capacity of less than 18,000 that are insulated to minimum code requirements. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for an HVAC system that separates the delivery of airflow (CFM) output from that of the BTU capacity output, thereby enabling a distributed delivery system for optimal source-to-load matching without sacrificing airflow delivery in low load environments. The source-to-load matching enabled by the present disclosure ensures optimal indoor air quality, enhanced comfort for occupants of the dwelling, and approximately a 60% reduction in heating and cooling costs when compared to prior art HVAC systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Scientific Environmental Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Boody
  • Patent number: 10801747
    Abstract: A self-contained, integrated, modular HVAC system includes a plurality of adaptive or interchangeable components or swappable modules interconnected to enable the modulation of total airflow and total cooling capacity (sensible plus latent) to meet variable loads, and adjust a sensible heat ratio (SHR) to meet a variable latent ratio of a conditioned space. The components comprise one or more air inlet, damper, inlet damper, air filtration module, air purification module, air freshener module, dehumidifying module, cooling module, air bypass module, blower module, air outlet, I/O panel, and a control cabinet. The components have sensors and actuators that allows a programmable control system to coordinate diagnostics and operations of internal and external components of a refrigeration/heating cycle using various feedback control logics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Scientific Environmental Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Glass Benefield, Justin Deshon Stabb
  • Patent number: 10710013
    Abstract: Systems are disclosed for separating and collecting liquid and particulate from a flowing gas stream. The systems may include a plurality of horizontally oriented helical separators positioned in a vessel between a gas stream inlet and a gas stream outlet. The helical separators form helical channels for the gas stream and may include an upstream conical portion. The vessel includes a first space upstream from the helical separators wherein the gas stream changes direction before entering the helical separators, such that the change in direction causes mechanical separation of liquids or solids from the gas stream. The vessel may also form a second space downstream from the helical separators for collecting liquid and particulate separated from the gas stream. The first and second spaces in the vessel may each include a drain which empties into a common sump, such that the first and second spaces are in fluid communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: MUELLER ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventor: Fred J. Mueller
  • Patent number: 10408486
    Abstract: A smart HVAC system includes a plurality of sensors that monitor the temperature and humidity of a conditioned space and the energy efficiency of the HVAC system. A system controller is operable to control one or more bypass dampers. The modulation of air volume allows the cooling coil to achieve an optimum BTU extraction rate, and regulate temperature and humidity levels of the conditioned space. Sensor data is interpreted by a controller to modulate positioning of the dampers, thereby regulating the volume of air moved across the cooling coil. The smart HVAC system regulates the amount of air moved over the coil according to the desired system output, which includes temperature humidity and energy efficiency while maintaining a constant movement of air and the optimal amount of air exchanges per hour throughout the conditioned space with enhanced dehumidification and mold free systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Scientific Environmental Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Boody
  • Publication number: 20180369731
    Abstract: Systems are disclosed for separating and collecting liquid and particulate from a flowing gas stream. The systems may include a plurality of horizontally oriented helical separators positioned in a vessel between a gas stream inlet and a gas stream outlet. The helical separators form helical channels for the gas stream and may include an upstream conical portion. The vessel includes a first space upstream from the helical separators wherein the gas stream changes direction before entering the helical separators, such that the change in direction causes mechanical separation of liquids or solids from the gas stream. The vessel may also form a second space downstream from the helical separators for collecting liquid and particulate separated from the gas stream. The first and second spaces in the vessel may each include a drain which empties into a common sump, such that the first and second spaces are in fluid communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Applicant: Mueller Environmental Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred J. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20180112886
    Abstract: A smart HVAC system includes a plurality of sensors that monitor the temperature and humidity of a conditioned space and the energy efficiency of the HVAC system. A system controller is operable to control one or more bypass dampers. The modulation of air volume allows the cooling coil to achieve an optimum BTU extraction rate, and regulate temperature and humidity levels of the conditioned space. Sensor data is interpreted by a controller to modulate positioning of the dampers, thereby regulating the volume of air moved across the cooling coil. The smart HVAC system regulates the amount of air moved over the coil according to the desired system output, which includes temperature humidity and energy efficiency while maintaining a constant movement of air and the optimal amount of air exchanges per hour throughout the conditioned space with enhanced dehumidification and mold free systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: Scientific Environmental Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Boody
  • Patent number: 9764265
    Abstract: A system and methods for separating liquids, aerosols, and solids from a flowing gas stream whereby gas flows through a helical path formed in a separator element. Partially separated gas exits the bottom of the separator element at a generally conical cavity. Clean gas exits through an inner tube that is axially aligned beneath the helical path. Separated materials exit through an annular space between the inner tube and an outer tube. Separation occurs in the helical channels which include radially diverging walls to provide an aerodynamically efficient flow, in a region of high swirl created in a generally conical cavity beneath the separator element. In higher liquid-loading or slug flow conditions, a passageway may be formed in the separator element for recirculating a portion of the gas flow exiting from the bottom of the outer tube, into an axial passage in the helical separator, and exiting from the bottom of the helical separator near the vertex of the conical cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: MUELLER ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventor: Fred J. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20150306528
    Abstract: A system and methods for separating liquids, aerosols, and solids from a flowing gas stream whereby gas flows through a helical path formed in a separator element. Partially separated gas exits the bottom of the separator element at a generally conical cavity. Clean gas exits through an inner tube that is axially aligned beneath the helical path. Separated materials exit through an annular space between the inner tube and an outer tube. Separation occurs in the helical channels which include radially diverging walls to provide an aerodynamically efficient flow, in a region of high swirl created in a generally conical cavity beneath the separator element. In higher liquid-loading or slug flow conditions, a passageway may be formed in the separator element for recirculating a portion of the gas flow exiting from the bottom of the outer tube, into an axial passage in the helical separator, and exiting from the bottom of the helical separator near the vertex of the conical cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: MUELLER ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventor: Fred J. Mueller
  • Patent number: 9101869
    Abstract: A system and methods for separating liquids, aerosols, and solids from a flowing gas stream whereby gas flows through a helical path formed in a separator element. Partially separated gas exits the bottom of the separator element at a generally conical cavity. Clean gas exits through an inner tube that is axially aligned beneath the helical path. Separated materials exit through an annular space between the inner tube and an outer tube. Separation occurs in the helical channels which include radially diverging walls to provide an aerodynamically efficient flow, in a region of high swirl created in a generally conical cavity beneath the separator element, and in a toroidal vortex ring created in the annular space. The area and geometry of the helical path, the conical cavity, and the inner and outer tubes is optimized to provide efficient separation at varying gas flow rates and at varying liquid loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller Environmental Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred J. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20150040762
    Abstract: A system and methods for separating liquids, aerosols, and solids from a flowing gas stream whereby gas flows through a helical path formed in a separator element. Partially separated gas exits the bottom of the separator element at a generally conical cavity. Clean gas exits through an inner tube that is axially aligned beneath the helical path. Separated materials exit through an annular space between the inner tube and an outer tube. Separation occurs in the helical channels which include radially diverging walls to provide an aerodynamically efficient flow, in a region of high swirl created in a generally conical cavity beneath the separator element, and in a toroidal vortex ring created in the annular space. The area and geometry of the helical path, the conical cavity, and the inner and outer tubes is optimized to provide efficient separation at varying gas flow rates and at varying liquid loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: MUELLER ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventor: Fred J. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8940067
    Abstract: A system and methods for separating liquids, aerosols, and solids from a flowing gas stream whereby gas flows through a helical path formed in a separator element. Partially separated gas exits the bottom of the separator element at a generally conical cavity. Clean gas exits through an inner tube that is axially aligned beneath the helical path. Separated materials exit through an annular space between the inner tube and an outer tube. Separation occurs in the helical channels which include radially diverging walls to provide an aerodynamically efficient flow, in a region of high swirl created in a generally conical cavity beneath the separator element, and in a toroidal vortex ring created in the annular space. The area and geometry of the helical path, the conical cavity, and the inner and outer tubes is optimized to provide efficient separation at varying gas flow rates and at varying liquid loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller Environmental Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred J. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20130081368
    Abstract: A system and methods for separating liquids, aerosols, and solids from a flowing gas stream whereby gas flows through a helical path formed in a separator element. Partially separated gas exits the bottom of the separator element at a generally conical cavity. Clean gas exits through an inner tube that is axially aligned beneath the helical path. Separated materials exit through an annular space between the inner tube and an outer tube. Separation occurs in the helical channels which include radially diverging walls to provide an aerodynamically efficient flow, in a region of high swirl created in a generally conical cavity beneath the separator element, and in a toroidal vortex ring created in the annular space. The area and geometry of the helical path, the conical cavity, and the inner and outer tubes is optimized to provide efficient separation at varying gas flow rates and at varying liquid loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: MUELLER ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventor: Fred J. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7875103
    Abstract: Systems and related methods for separating liquids and particulate from a flowing gas stream include a separation vessel containing a liquid injector, an impingement separator or a helical impingement separator, and a waste liquid recovery tank. Separated liquid and particulate collect in a sump, flow into a recovery tank, and may be filtered in a side stream duplex filter circuit for return into the recovery tank and re-injection into the separation vessel. The helical separator element has outwardly extending helical fins that form helical gas channels. The interior of the channels forms a rounded radius and opposing vertical edges of the channels include chamfers. The lower end of the helical separator element forms a concave, generally conical surface. The helical fins form a first impingement separator and the chamfers form a second vane-type impingement separator, such that particulate and liquids may be removed from the gas stream at varying flow rates and liquid/particulate densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Mueller Environmental Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Mueller
  • Publication number: 20070251383
    Abstract: Systems and related methods for separating liquids and particulate from a flowing gas stream include a separation vessel containing a liquid injector, an impingement separator or a helical impingement separator, and a waste liquid recovery tank. Separated liquid and particulate collect in a sump, flow into a recovery tank, and may be filtered in a side stream duplex filter circuit for return into the recovery tank and re-injection into the separation vessel. The helical separator element has outwardly extending helical fins that form helical gas channels. The interior of the channels forms a rounded radius and opposing vertical edges of the channels include chamfers. The lower end of the helical separator element forms a concave, generally conical surface. The helical fins form a first impingement separator and the chamfers form a second vane-type impingement separator, such that particulate and liquids may be removed from the gas stream at varying flow rates and liquid/particulate densities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: Mueller Environmental Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred J. Mueller
  • Patent number: 4624604
    Abstract: A groundwater protection system is provided for a surface impoundment or landfill wherein contaminated material is contained in a first compartment. A second compartment is located beneath the first compartment and contains a plurality of treatment materials for acting upon leakage from the first compartment. Treated leakage is collected by a drain system and is recovered therefrom for subsequent treatment and/or disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Environmental Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis E. Wagner, Harold F. Flannery, Randolph W. Rakoczynski
  • Patent number: 4543013
    Abstract: A groundwater protection system is provided for a surface impoundment or landfill wherein contaminated material is contained in a first compartment. A second compartment is located beneath the first compartment and contains a plurality of treatment materials for acting upon leakage from the first compartment. Treated leakage is collected by a drain system and is recovered therefrom for subsequent treatment and/or disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Environmental Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis E. Wagner, Harold F. Flannery, Randolph W. Rakoczynski