Patents Examined by Eric Gorman
  • Patent number: 9789745
    Abstract: An air intake of an air conditioning system a motor vehicle having a fresh air duct configured to receive fresh air, a recirculated air duct configured to receive air from a passenger area of the motor vehicle, and an air outlet configured to channel the fresh air or the air from a passenger area of the motor vehicle to a blower. The air intake also has a valve disposed in the housing and rotates about a rotational axis between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Gerald Richter, Martin Paul Nowak
  • Patent number: 9776645
    Abstract: An air-conditioning device has a duct that emits a flow of conditioned air and at least one circulation circuit intended for fitting out a carriage. The circulation circuit includes an air inlet through which passes an incoming airflow from the duct; at least one conduit for distributing air towards a compartment room, extending between an upstream end and a downstream end, both intended to be laid out in the carriage; a conduit for transferring conditioned air towards another adjacent air circulation circuit, which fits out a carriage adjacent to the first; and means for distributing conditioned air from the air inlet, and distributing the incoming airflow among the distribution and transfer conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Huu-Thi Do, Etienne Varin
  • Patent number: 9731893
    Abstract: In an oil storage tank having an interior oil storage chamber and a tank opening in one of the boundary walls, a heating assembly is supported to extend into the interior oil storage chamber from the tank opening. The assembly includes a casing of walls surrounding with a casing mounting flange mountable in sealing engagement relative to a tank mounting flange about the full perimeter of the tank opening such that the casing protrudes into the interior oil storage chamber of the oil storage tank. The heating chamber is suitable sized and configured to operably receive a catalytic heater therein. The heating chamber further accommodates entry of combustion air and combustion fuel into the heating chamber and exhaust of emissions therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: ENVIRO PRODUCTION SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Lester James Thiessen
  • Patent number: 9733008
    Abstract: Air flow designs for controlling the temperature in a temperature controlled compartment in a refrigerator are disclosed. One configuration includes a refrigerator with a cabinet having a freezer compartment and refrigerator compartment. The refrigerator may be configured with a first air return pathway between the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment for returning relatively warm air from the refrigerator compartment to the freezer compartment and a second air return pathway between the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. A fan may be associated with the first or second air return pathway, that when activated the first or second air return pathway acts as an air supply pathway to supply cold air from the freezer compartment to the refrigerator compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Brent Koppenhaver
  • Patent number: 9726395
    Abstract: The present invention supports an airflow register accessory comprising an accessory having an outer and an inner surface and defining vents, a fastening mechanism located on the inner surface of the accessory, and a scented component located on the inner surface adjacent and accessorizing the vents. In a preferred embodiment, the accessory may be easily attached to and detached from the room-facing surface of an airflow register. Upon air flow from an HVAC system through the airflow register and airflow register accessory, a pleasant scent may be imparted to the room via release of scent from the scented component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Scott David Hammer
  • Patent number: 9707821
    Abstract: A ventilation system for a power machine is disclosed. The ventilation system includes a first ductwork section and a second ductwork section. An intermediate unsealed cavity is positioned between the first ductwork section and the second ductwork section. A source of air having a primary fan is provided. The source moves air through the first ductwork section into an intermediate cavity. A secondary fan draws air from the intermediate cavity, re-pressurizes the air, and forces the air out of the second ductwork section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Aaron G. Hill
  • Patent number: 9713289
    Abstract: A modular pod may include two or more walls, a roof, and a base, an air plenum, an air inlet, and an air economizer. The two or more walls, the roof, and the base may define a substantially enclosed interior space. The return air plenum may be positioned within the interior space. The air inlet may be positioned proximate one of the walls. The air economizer may be positioned within the interior space. The air economizer may include a mixing zone and two or more air shafts. The mixing zone may be in communication with the air inlet. The two or more air shafts may be in communication with the air plenum and in communication with the mixing zone. Each air shaft may taper down from the top end to the bottom end of the air shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: CH2M Hill Engineers, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Rasmussen, Robert Kirkendall, Michael R. Monis, Aubrey A. Berliner, III, Judson W. Moore, Dale W. Heberling, Keith L. Kibbee, David W. Seger, Timothy G. Meier
  • Patent number: 9709260
    Abstract: A heat generating device including a heat generating element and an enclosing material entirely enclosing the heat generating element. The heat generating element includes a base sheet formed of a fibrous sheet containing superabsorbent polymer particles and hydrophilic fibers and a layer of a heat generative composition containing oxidizable metal particles on a side of the base sheet. The enclosing material includes a first cover sheet and a second cover sheet bonded together in their peripheral portions to provide a space therebetween in which the heat generating member is placed. The heat generating element in the space is in a non-fixed state to the enclosing material. The first cover sheet has air permeability in part and is disposed on the side of the layer of the heat generative composition. The heat generating device is capable of releasing steam from the side of the first cover sheet during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Ueno, Hideo Kobayashi, Kazutoshi Ootsuka
  • Patent number: 9696091
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a heating method and apparatus in which a plurality of heated regions is superimposed in order to improve energy density control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ADC Acquisition Company
    Inventor: David E. Hauber
  • Patent number: 9697919
    Abstract: A means of offsetting semi-circular tube support plates typically present in heat exchangers with cross flow baffles, such as axial flow economizers, utilizing the motive force of steam generator pressurization. The offset slightly flexes the tubes, thereby providing a preload which minimizes the potential for tube vibration and wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Wepfer, Padmanabha J. Prabhu
  • Patent number: 9671126
    Abstract: A system for maintaining thermal separation between first and second adjacent rooms or spaces. The system includes a vestibule with at least a first compartment, and other embodiments may include two or more compartments, such that the vestibule provides a passageway between the first and second rooms. At least one blower draws air from the first room through an air intake, and back into the first room through an exhaust. The system further includes an exhaust port from the first compartment in fluid communication with the exhaust, to exhaust air from the first compartment into the first room. During operation, a vacuum is formed within the first compartment that provides thermal separation between the first and second adjacent rooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: COLD CHAIN, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Mark Aragon, Peter James Wachtell
  • Patent number: 9669683
    Abstract: The invention is about a vehicle air conditioning system wherein an air stream can flow axially along a stream direction. The system has a filter held in a compartment in a substantially transversal plane. The filter compartment has an inlet opening and an outlet opening and is delimited by peripheral walls comprising a back wall, two lateral walls and a front wall. The filter compartment is provided with a removable service drawer comprising a front panel, and an adjacent floor portion extending backwards from the front panel. When the service drawer is closed the front panel is adjacent the front wall and, when opening the service drawer, a service opening opens in place of the front panel and in place of the floor portion leaving for the filter a passage allowing removal of the filter along a removal direction inclined relative to the transversal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Kemmerling, Anthony Auert
  • Patent number: 9663233
    Abstract: An aircraft comprises composite skin having an opening, and a ventilation conduit having an end portion that extends to the opening in the composite skin. The conduit is made of metal except for the end portion, which functions as an electrical insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Julie K. Plessner, Douglas D. Maben, Daniel F. Lewinski, George A. McEachen, Mark E. Smith, Michael L. Trent, Richard K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9664399
    Abstract: A roof-mounted ventilator comprising a plurality of blades is disclosed. Each blade comprises front and back blade faces and leading and trailing edges. When the ventilator is viewed in side profile, the blades are positioned and configured such that a line of sight into the interior of the ventilator is substantially restricted or obstructed. Restricting or obstructing the line of sight into the ventilator can reduce or prevent various particles, such as water droplets, debris, dust and light, from entering the ventilator interior. For example, rain is thereby forced to strike a face of the blades, thus preventing direct access into the ventilator interior. The blade itself may include additional features, such as a lip that extends along the length of the leading edge, to further prevent particles from entering the ventilator interior, or to redirect the particles away from the ventilator interior in a controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: CSR BUILDING PRODUCTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Tarek Alfakhrany, Colin Schwecke, Derek Munn
  • Patent number: 9657962
    Abstract: A free standing tower floor register that replaces the standard in-floor register. The tower floor register's bottom extremity is inserted into the floor opening, does not require screws to bolt it to the floor, and can be relocated to other areas in a room with ease. The stackable tower sections create a vertical duct for channeling airflow upward from the floor and out into a room. The tower can be stacked to the height required to clear the vertical dimensions of obstructing furniture. Rotatable and adjustable directional vent stacks, which can be inserted into the tower directional vent stack manifold, are used to aim the airflow in the direction that provides the desired comfort level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Keith Andre Mosley
  • Patent number: 9657639
    Abstract: Ventilation systems for enclosing turbomachine assembly components and methods for monitoring air flow in ventilation systems are provided. A ventilation system includes an enclosure defining an interior, an air inlet circuit in fluid communication with the interior for flowing air into the interior, and an air outlet circuit in fluid communication with the interior for flowing air from the interior. The ventilation system further includes a fan disposed within one of the air outlet circuit or the air inlet circuit, and a motor in operable communication with the fan for driving the fan. The ventilation system further includes an electrical measurement device, the electrical measurement device in communication with the motor and operable to measure an electrical characteristic of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Denis Dupont
  • Patent number: 9651244
    Abstract: A method of operating an oxycombustion circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler that includes a furnace having a grid at its bottom section, a solid material separator connected to an upper part of the furnace, and an external solid material handling system. Oxidant gas is introduced into the CFB boiler through the grid as fluidizing gas, the fluidizing gas including recirculating flue gas. Fuel material is introduced into the circulating fluidized bed. A sulfur reducing agent including CaCO3 is introduced into the circulating fluidized bed. Solid material is circulated out of the furnace and provides an external circulation of solid material via the external solid material handling system. The solid material is fluidized in the external solid material handling system by introducing a fluidizing medium including recirculating flue gas into the handling system. A predetermined amount of steam is introduced into the handling system as a component of the fluidizing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: AMEC FOSTER WHEELER ENERGIA OY
    Inventors: Reijo Kuivalainen, Timo Eriksson, Arto Hotta
  • Patent number: 9651275
    Abstract: Examples described herein relate to adiabatic cooling units. For example, a method for mixing gases within an adiabatic cooling unit includes allowing a first gas at a first temperature to enter a mixing chamber on a non-exposed side of an adiabatic cooling media and utilizing a first baffle to direct the first gas in a direction away from the adiabatic cooling media. The method includes allowing a second gas at a second temperature to enter the mixing chamber on an exposed side of the adiabatic cooling media and allowing the first gas and the second gas to mix in the mixing chamber creating a mixed gas. The method also includes creating an inlet with the first baffle and a second baffle to direct the mixed gas away from the adiabatic cooling media and allowing the mixed gas to enter through the exposed side of the adiabatic cooling media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Tahir Cader, Ernesto Ferrer, Matthew R Slaby, Wade D Vinson
  • Patent number: 9644854
    Abstract: A rotor ventilator comprising a ventilator stator for mounting to a structure and a ventilator rotor for mounting and rotation with respect to the ventilator stator is disclosed. The ventilator further comprises a cover for positioning over the ventilator rotor and mounting to the ventilator stator. The cover comprises a central portion surrounded by an outer substantially concave portion. The outer concave portion of the cover may protect the ventilator from environmental conditions/elements, such as by redirecting particles, water droplets, debris and dust, etc away from the interior of the ventilator. The outer concave portion may act as a trough, from which the particles can then be directed off the cover. The trough may also act to prevent the particles from escaping over the sides of the cover, and into the ventilator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: CSR Building Products Limited
    Inventors: Tarek Alfakhrany, Colin Schwecke, Derek Munn
  • Patent number: 9636722
    Abstract: An exhaust fan assembly is provided for expelling contaminated air from a building. The assembly includes a plenum, a fan assembly attached to the plenum, and a windband mounted on top of the fan assembly. The fan assembly is constructed of cylindrical outer and inner walls which define a bearing chamber and surrounding annular space. A fan driven by a shaft extending downward from the bearing chamber draws exhaust air from the plenum and blows it up through the annular space to a nozzle at the top of the fan assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Greenheck Fan Corporation
    Inventors: John William Enzenroth, Terry Lee Hrdina, Kishor Kashinath Khankari, Scott James Koeppel, Edward G. Legner, Timothy Ronald Mathson, Anthony J. Rossi, Michael Glenn Seliger