Patents Examined by Benjamin W Johnson
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Patent number: 11466935Abstract: Systems and methods for altering microstructures of materials are disclosed. The system may include at least one computing device in communication with a heating device and an electromagnetic device. The computing device(s) may be configured to alter a microstructure of a material forming a component by performing processes including heating the component using the heating device to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be below a first phase-transformation temperature based on the material forming the component, and a second phase-transformation temperature based on the material forming the component, where the second phase-transformation temperature greater than the first phase-transformation temperature. The computing device(s) may also perform processes including intermittently magnetizing the heated component using the electromagnetic device for a predetermined number of cycles, and cooling the component after intermittently magnetizing the heated component.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Junyoung Park, Ibrahim Ucok
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Patent number: 11448394Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovery of waste heat in a boiler system, wherein heat from the low pressure steam in the feed water tank, which otherwise would be lost through dissipation, is used for other applications. Particularly, the waste heat energy recovered in the form of low pressure steam can be used to heat make-up water for the boiler system.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Daniel Steam, Inc.Inventor: Yong K. Yoon
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Patent number: 11391489Abstract: A liquid heater may heat liquid using at least one of an electric heater or a hybrid heat pump. The liquid heater includes a tank to store liquid, an insulator at an outer surface of the tank, and a case surrounding the insulator. The case includes a first outer panel, a second outer panel, and a cover panel fastened between the first outer panel and the second outer panel. The cover panel is detachable from the liquid heater to access electronic devices such as a controller for the electric heater.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Kyucheol Kim, Jaewoo Kim, Yuheon Jung
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Patent number: 11378338Abstract: Furnace operation includes consecutive cycles of a heating step, a stopping step and a restarting step. The fuel and/or the oxidizing agent is preheated upstream of the furnace by indirect exchange with the discharged fumes through a medium passing through a chamber. A first wall separates the fumes from the medium in the chamber. The fuel and/or oxidizing agent is separated from the medium in the chamber by a second wall. During restarting, the medium's flow rate Dm is regulated to limit the heating rate of the first wall until it reaches the operational temperature at an end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Luc Jarry, Peter Van Kampen
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Patent number: 11377005Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning device includes: a sucking section provided at a seat that is disposed over a floor portion of a cabin, the sucking section configured to suck air via the seat from a vehicle front side relative to the seat, from a floor portion side relative to a vehicle vertical direction middle of the cabin; and a guiding section configured to guide air sucked by the sucking section toward the floor portion side at a vehicle rear side relative to the seat or toward a vehicle upper side.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Keita Iwasaki, Keiichi Kondo, Shuichi Ui
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Patent number: 11346580Abstract: High intensity combustion and low intensity combustion are carried out together, to stabilize flames and to hold down the emission of carbon monoxide. An air-fuel mixture outlet member (back plate) that includes a single or a plurality of outlet(s) (air-fuel mixture outlet(s)) out of which an air-fuel mixture (GA) flows is include, and a metal fiber knitting body (metal knit) that covers the air-fuel mixture outlet member is included. Therefor, the air-fuel mixture, which is made to flow out of the outlet(s), passes through the metal fiber knitting body (metal knit) and is combusted, a flame of low intensity (flame) is generated together with a flame of high intensity (flame) by combustion of the air-fuel mixture, and the flame of low intensity holds the flame of high intensity.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: PURPOSE CO., LTD.Inventors: Katsumi Naitoh, Yasunori Katoh, Jun Aiso, Kentaro Suzuki
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Patent number: 11340018Abstract: A refractory article having a support structure including a first plurality of posts coupled by a first member; and a second plurality of posts substantially parallel with the first plurality of posts, the second plurality of posts coupled by a second member, wherein the support structure has a height, H, and wherein the first and second members are positioned between 0.3H and 0.7H. In another aspect, the support structure has a height to width ratio of at least 1.5, a stiffness factor of no greater than 100 mm, and a solid to open volume ratio of no greater than 5%. In another aspect, the support structure has a weight of no greater than 1200 kg, a stiffness factor of no greater than 100 mm, and a solid to open volume ratio of no greater than 5%.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS, INC.Inventors: Evgeniy E. Esjunin, Hubert Müller
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Patent number: 11333397Abstract: A heat transfer fin (1) includes a plurality of heat-transfer-tube insertion holes (10) aligned in a single stage, a downstream cut portion (3) formed so as to be recessed toward an upstream side of a gas flow passage of combustion exhaust gas, a downstream flange (13) formed on a peripheral edge of the downstream cut portion (3) so as to protrude from one surface of the heat transfer fin (1), and a plurality of first protruding pieces (4a) (4b) (4c) formed between the heat-transfer-tube insertion hole (10) and the downstream flange (13) so as to protrude alternately from both surfaces of the heat transfer fin (1).Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: RINNAI CORPORATIONInventor: Ai Kimura
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Patent number: 11313586Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising: a burner for combusting a mixture of air and fuel; and a heat exchange unit in which heat is exchanged between combustion gas caused by the combustion of the burner and a heating medium, wherein the heat exchange unit includes a plurality of unit plates stacked on each other, and a sensible-heat exchange unit and a latent-heat exchange unit coaxially disposed around the burner are integrally formed with the unit plates.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2016Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Kyungdong Navien Co., Ltd.Inventor: Young Mo Kim
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Patent number: 11306837Abstract: A pressure actuated water shutoff valve is presented. The shutoff valve comprises an upper housing and a lower housing where the upper housing is coupled to the lower housing. The lower housing has a water inlet and a water outlet with a flow passage therebetween. The lower housing includes a plunger seat configured to receive a shutoff plunger. The upper housing includes an chamber having a piston bore in which reciprocates an piston, coupled to the shutoff plunger. In response to a first pressure condition, the piston lifts the shutoff plunger off its seat allowing water to flow through the lower housing. In response to a second pressure condition, a biasing spring seals the plunger against its seat, shutting off water flow through the valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: JDP W.H.A.T., Ltd.Inventors: Joel Thomas Powell, Daniel Steven Nielson
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Patent number: 11306944Abstract: A draft inducer blower assembly for use with a water heater has a housing, a motor, and a fan. The housing has an exhaust volute surrounding the fan and a base adapted to be mounted atop a water heater. The base has an inlet port adapted to receive exhaust gas from the water heater. The fan is connected to the motor for rotation about a rotation axis. The exhaust volute and the base are non-adjustably fixed relative to each other. The exhaust volute has a cut-off at a cut-off angle relative to the rotation axis. The exhaust volute has an exhaust outlet passageway that extends to an exhaust port. The exhaust port is lower than the top of the exhaust volute.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2016Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Steven W. Post, Jeffrey Jay Long, William S. Gatley, Jr.
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Patent number: 11300320Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an air conditioning indoor unit having suppressed change in size in a front view between before and after panel motion as well as having simplified and excellent appearance. An air conditioning indoor unit (1) includes a first panel (111) positioned in a lower side and configured to shift to open a front end of a front blow-in port (4B). The first panel (111) and the second panel (112) are positioned inside a product contour in a front view, or are exposed slightly even when being exposed from the product contour. This configuration has less mounting restriction and achieves excellent appearance.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Shiori Ishikawa
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Patent number: 11300285Abstract: A package water tube boiler having a novel radiant tube design which includes one or more additional tubes situated within the combustion section of the boiler. The novel tube design may be used in both hot water and steam applications.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: SUPERIOR BOILER, LLCInventors: Sundeep Bodapati, John R. English
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Patent number: 11300325Abstract: Methods and systems for water heater system receiving electrical power from an electrical grid. The system includes an electronic processor configured to monitor an average water temperature of the water within a water tank of the system based on a first and second signal from an upper and lower temperature sensor, operate an upper heating element heating an upper portion of the tank and a lower heating element heating a lower portion of the tank in a first operation mode, receiving, via a transceiver, either an add load command or a shed load command from a grid controller, operating the upper heating element and lower heating element in a second mode in response to receiving the add load command, and operating the upper heating element and lower heating element in a third mode in response to receiving the shed load command.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2018Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: A. O. SMITH CORPORATIONInventors: Brian Thomas Branecky, Yonggon Lee, Kedar D. Dimble
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Patent number: 11287160Abstract: An integrated valve and flow sensor for a water heater can have a valve body that includes a valve and a flow sensor for measuring the flow of water through the valve. The integrated valve and flow sensor can be disposed within a fitting that can be attached to a water heater. An actuator for opening and closing the valve can be attached to the fitting. A diffuser can also be attached to the fitting.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2018Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Timothy D. Scott, Michael C. Mitchell, Raheel A. Chaudhry, William T. McLemore, Hector J. Donastorg
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Patent number: 11280546Abstract: Process for calcining mineral rock in a regenerative parallel-flow vertical shaft furnace, containing at least two shafts (1, 2) interconnected by a gas transfer channel (3), each shaft operating alternately in firing mode and in preheating mode, the firing mode comprising a combustion of fuel in the presence of air so as to obtain a firing of the rock to give calcined rock, an emission of combustion gases, and a passage of these gases from one shaft to the other by means of said channel (3), the preheating mode comprising a heat exchange between said rock and said combustion gases from said channel (3), this process additionally comprising an injection of supplementary air into said channel (3) with oxidation of unburnt products contained in the combustion gases passing through this channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: S. A. Lhoist Recherche et DeveloppementInventors: Ziad Habib, Guilhem Padox
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Patent number: 11267046Abstract: Provided is a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) device that improves the heat uniformity of a hot zone during a pressurization process of an object being processed. This HIP device (100) is provided with: an outer casing (4) having an open outer opening part (4H); an inner casing (5) having an open inn opening part (5H); a heat-insulating body (R) disposed between the outer casing (4) and the inner casing (5); a gas flow generation part (30); and a plurality of first gas conduits (12), A hot zone (P) in which a pressurization process is performed is formed inside the inner casing (5).Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2018Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Tomomitsu Nakai, Katsumi Watanabe, Itaru Masuoka, Makoto Yoneda
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Patent number: 11261760Abstract: The disclosed apparatus and control system produces a single, on demand, energetic gaseous working fluid from any heat source. Working fluid in a liquid phase is released into a heat exchange tube in the form of very fine droplets or atomized mist, where it is rapidly heated to its gaseous phase. The gaseous working fluid can continue to absorb heat before exiting the heat exchange tube to perform work. The disclosed system controls the release of working fluid into the heat exchange tube and/or the heat energy to which the tube is exposed, resulting in a flow of energetic gaseous working fluid that can be quickly adjusted in response to changing conditions without a large pressure vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Enviro Power, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Cocuzza, Patrick J. Emerick, Daryl Biron
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Patent number: 11255575Abstract: A thermal conveyance system and process for absorbing, transporting, storing, and recovering thermal energy (both hot and cold energy) over a wide range of temperatures from up to 2,100° F., or higher, or cool energy at subzero temperatures in inert and stable particles without the need to maintain a minimum temperature or requiring high system pressures. The process involving the transferring thermal energy to a first transfer fluid and recovering thermal energy from a second transfer fluid wherein the first and the second transfer fluids comprise a two phase thermal media including a gaseous carrier containing a quantity of micron to millimeter sized solid particles.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2017Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTEInventors: Hamid Abbasi, David Cygan, S. B. Reddy Karri, John Findlay
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Patent number: 11247537Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a positive pressure vent for a vehicle. The vent includes an inlet chamber having an air intake port facing into an air stream generated by motion of the vehicle so as to collect air and form a positive pressure inside the inlet chamber. There is further provided a filter adapted to filter air from the inlet chamber of particulate matter. A filtered air path is further provided for allowing filtered air from the filter to travel to the interior of the vehicle under the urging of the positive pressure from the inlet chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2017Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Dometic Sweden ABInventor: Nicolas Christophe Gilles Chevalier