Patents Examined by Hans Weiland
  • Patent number: 10203166
    Abstract: A grey water heat recovery apparatus has first and second passes arranged in counter-flow orientation. The heat recovery apparatus is made from commonly available materials. It has a hot side for grey water, and a cold side for fresh water under pressure. The heat recovery apparatus extracts heat from grey water to pre-heat water for a water heater. The fresh water is carried in passes in series, each pass being immersed in a grey water sump in a plastic pipe. The water level in the sump is high enough to immerse the dominant portion of the fresh water pass in grey water. Both ends of the fresh water coil are carried out through the same upper end pipe closure, without a penetration in the pipe wall. The entire assembly may be enclosed in a unitary external housing with easily accessible connection fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: 2078095 Ontario Limited
    Inventors: Vicente Gil, John Gil, Camilo Gil, Adelino Ribeiro, David Ribeiro
  • Patent number: 10197346
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning a plate heat exchanger, in which method the plate pack (2) of the plate heat exchanger is removed from the outer casing, the plate pack (2) is stretched in its longitudinal direction so that the spaces between the plates of the plate pack increase, and then the plate spaces of the plate pack are cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: VAHTERUS OY
    Inventor: Ville Kesälä
  • Patent number: 10179637
    Abstract: A keel cooler assembly comprising a coolant tube including a plurality of turbulence enhancers for improving the heat transfer of the coolant without substantially increasing pressure drop of the coolant. In one embodiment, the turbulence enhancers are provided for generating turbulent wakes in the coolant for disrupting laminar boundary layers for improving heat transfer. In another embodiment, the turbulence enhancers are provided for generating and propagating turbulent vortexes in the coolant to enhance mixing of the bulk coolant for improving heat transfer. In other embodiments, turbulators, including inserts or impediments, are provided having various configurations and being arranged in predetermined patterns for enhancing turbulence of the coolant for improving keel cooler heat transfer efficiency without substantially increasing pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Duramax Marine, LLC
    Inventors: P. Charles Miller, Jr., Frank E. Horvat
  • Patent number: 10161651
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan. An airflow rate setting of the indoor fan can be manually instructed. An indoor airflow rate limitation control useable to forcibly limit the airflow rate setting of the indoor fan to be nearer to a low airflow rate in accordance with an outside air temperature is carried out with the airflow rate setting of the indoor fan having been manually instructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akiharu Kojima
  • Patent number: 10145623
    Abstract: A vehicle heat exchanger tube (2) comprises at least a first and a second separate fluid channel (14, 16). A tube stiffener (38) has a first stiffening portion (40) stiffening the first channel (14) of the tube (2), and a second stiffening portion (42) stiffening the second channel (16) of the tube (2). The first stiffening portion (40) comprises a first supporting surface (46) supporting the first larger surface (20) of the first channel (14), and a second supporting surface (48) supporting the second larger surface (22) of the first channel (14). The second stiffening portion (42) comprises a first supporting surface (56) supporting the first larger surface (26) of the second channel (16), and a second supporting surface (58) supporting the second larger surface (28) of the second channel (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: TitanX Holding AB
    Inventors: Arnaud Contet, Anders Brorsson, Ulf Bergman
  • Patent number: 10145621
    Abstract: A multi-zone heat exchanger has a first end and a second end and a width divided into a plurality of parallel airflow zones. Each zone defines an airflow section of the heat exchanger that receives a portion of the airflow through the heat exchanger. A first tube of continuous construction is coupled to an inlet port and to an outlet port and forms a first refrigerant circuit spanning three or more passes from the first end to the second end. The first refrigerant circuit passes between at least two zones of the plurality of zones. A second tube of continuous construction is coupled to the inlet port and to the outlet port and forms a second refrigerant circuit spanning three or more passes from the first end to the second end. The second refrigerant circuit passes between the at least two zones of the plurality of zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy D. Anderson, Ken Nguyen, Paul R. Laurentius
  • Patent number: 10126006
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder for storing coolant, with which a heat exchanger of an air-conditioning circuit is to be provided, said cylinder defining a first cavity (2) accommodating a desiccator, and a second cavity (3) capable of enabling fluid communication with said circuit. Said cylinder is configured such that said first (2) and second (3) cavities remain isolated from each other up to a first inner pressure threshold, and are placed in fluid communication once said second cavity (3) is subjected to a second inner pressure threshold that is greater than the first threshold. The invention also relates to a condenser provided with such a cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUES
    Inventors: Laurent Moreau, Christophe Voidie
  • Patent number: 10088204
    Abstract: The invention relates to a condenser of stacked-plate design, having a first flow duct for a refrigerant and having a second flow duct for a coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Helmut Eibner, Klaus Förster, Uwe Förster, Andreas Dränkow, Martin Kaspar, Christoph Kästle, Thomas Mager, Herbert Hofmann, Markus Pflieger, Holger Striege, Christoph Walter, David Mayor Tonda
  • Patent number: 10082300
    Abstract: A heat exchange assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly includes a plurality of profiles arranged in an parallel array, each profile including a first distal portion, a central portion and a second distal portion, with a length and a width of the central portion defining a plane, the first distal portion having a curvature departing from this plane in a first direction, and the second distal portion having a curvature departing from this plane in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. An amount of piping is thermally coupled with and disposed along the length the central portion of each profile. A bracketing system statically anchors the profiles to a surface. Fluid is circulated within the piping to facilitate heat exchange between the assembly and the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Barcol-Air, Ltd.
    Inventors: Helmuth Sokolean, Martinus George Hoekstra
  • Patent number: 10045463
    Abstract: Methods are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronic component. The method includes providing a liquid-cooled cold plate and a thermal spreader associated with the cold plate. The cold plate includes multiple coolant-carrying channel sections extending within the cold plate, and a thermal conduction surface with a larger surface area than a surface area of the component to be cooled. The thermal spreader includes one or more heat pipes including multiple heat pipe sections. One or more heat pipe sections are partially aligned to a first region of the cold plate, that is, where aligned to the surface to be cooled, and partially aligned to a second region of the cold plate, which is outside the first region. The one or more heat pipes facilitate distribution of heat from the electronic component to coolant-carrying channel sections of the cold plate located in the second region of the cold plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy J. Chainer, David P. Graybill, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Vinod Kamath, Bejoy J. Kochuparambil, Roger R. Schmidt, Mark E. Steinke
  • Patent number: 10012444
    Abstract: A multiple opening, counter-flow plate type exchanger is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining one strip of membrane to form a core composed of a multitude of membrane layers with a plurality of inlet and outlet openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating counter-flow arrangement. Methods for manufacturing such multiple opening cores are described. An integrated, modular, and stackable plastic manifold that is formed by ultrasonically welding plastic sheet stock is described. Multiple opening cores comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular, they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams directed into and out of buildings, automobiles, or other Industrial processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Energy Wall
    Inventor: Dustin Eplee
  • Patent number: 9964019
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a dual loop coolant system used to control an engine transmission oil temperature. In one example, a high temperature coolant loop comprises a first heat exchanger and a control valve positioned upstream of the first heat exchanger whose coolant flow is separate from a second, low temperature coolant loop containing a second heat exchanger. An engine fluid circuit fluidically coupling the first heat exchanger, second heat exchanger, and an engine system component via a bypass valve positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ravi Gopal
  • Patent number: 9957030
    Abstract: A keel cooler assembly comprising a liquid coolant tube including a plurality of turbulence enhancers for improving the heat transfer of the liquid coolant without substantially increasing pressure drop of the liquid coolant. In one embodiment, the turbulence enhancers generate turbulent wakes in the liquid coolant for disrupting laminar boundary layers for improving heat transfer. In another embodiment, the turbulence enhancers generate and propagate turbulent vortexes in the liquid coolant to enhance mixing of the bulk liquid coolant for improving heat transfer. In other embodiments, turbulators, including inserts or impediments, are provided having various configurations and being arranged in predetermined patterns for enhancing turbulence of the liquid coolant for improving keel cooler heat transfer efficiency without substantially increasing pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Duramax Marine, LLC
    Inventors: P. Charles Miller, Jr., Frank E. Horvat
  • Patent number: 9936607
    Abstract: Methods are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronic component. The methods include providing a liquid-cooled cold plate and a thermal spreader associated with the cold plate. The cold plate includes multiple coolant-carrying channel sections extending within the cold plate, and a thermal conduction surface with a larger surface area than a surface area of the component to be cooled. The thermal spreader includes one or more heat pipes including multiple heat pipe sections. One or more heat pipe sections are partially aligned to a first region of the cold plate, that is, where aligned to the surface to be cooled, and partially aligned to a second region of the cold plate, which is outside the first region. The one or more heat pipes facilitate distribution of heat from the electronic component to coolant-carrying channel sections of the cold plate located in the second region of the cold plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy J. Chainer, David P. Graybill, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Vinod Kamath, Bejoy J. Kochuparambil, Roger R. Schmidt, Mark E. Steinke
  • Patent number: 9933215
    Abstract: A heat exchanger module adapted for being mounted directly to the outer surface of the housing of an automobile system component, such as a transmission or engine housing, is provided. The heat exchanger module comprises a heat exchanger fixedly attached to an adapter module. The adapter module contains one of more fluid transfer channels, interface connectors, seals and mounting holes for screws and/or bolts. In one exemplary embodiment, the adapter module is comprised of an adapter plate that is sealed with one or more shim plates, the shim plates also providing a brazing surface for brazing the adapter module directly to the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger therefore being attached to the adapter module without the use of a base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventor: Bernhard Ollier
  • Patent number: 9930807
    Abstract: Methods are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronic component. The method includes providing a liquid-cooled cold plate and a thermal spreader associated with the cold plate. The cold plate includes multiple coolant-carrying channel sections extending within the cold plate, and a thermal conduction surface with a larger surface area than a surface area of the component to be cooled. The thermal spreader includes one or more heat pipes including multiple heat pipe sections. One or more heat pipe sections are partially aligned to a first region of the cold plate, that is, where aligned to the surface to be cooled, and partially aligned to a second region of the cold plate, which is outside the first region. The one or more heat pipes facilitate distribution of heat from the electronic component to coolant-carrying channel sections of the cold plate located in the second region of the cold plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy J. Chainer, David P. Graybill, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Vinod Kamath, Bejoy J. Kochuparambil, Roger R. Schmidt, Mark E. Steinke
  • Patent number: 9918409
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant circulation loop, one or more primary coolant pumps, and a fill and drain pump. The primary coolant pump(s) is coupled to facilitate circulating coolant through the coolant circulation loop, and the fill and drain pump facilitates selective filling of the cooling system with the coolant, or draining of the coolant from the cooling system. The fill and drain pump is integrated with the cooling system as a backup coolant pump to the primary coolant pump(s), and circulates the coolant through the coolant circulation loop responsive to an error in the primary coolant pump(s). The primary coolant pump(s) and fill and drain pumps may be different types of pumps, and the cooling system further includes a control system for automatically activating the fill and drain pump upon detection of an error in the primary coolant pump(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David L. Edwards, Gary F. Goth, Daniel J. Kearney, Peter W. Kelly, Francis R. Krug, Jr., Robert K. Mullady, Donald W. Porter, Allan C. VanDeventer, Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Patent number: 9907211
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for locking an air-moving assembly within a chassis when in operational state. The apparatus includes a locking louver assembly having a louver(s) and locking mechanism. The louver(s) is disposed at an air inlet or outlet of the air-moving assembly, and pivots between operational and quiesced orientations, dependent on presence or absence, respectively, of airflow through the air-moving assembly. The locking mechanism includes a keying element(s) affixed to the louver(s) to pivot therewith, which includes an elongated key(s) oriented in a first direction when the louver(s) is in operational orientation, and a second direction when in quiesced orientation. A key-receiving element(s) is associated with the chassis and includes a key opening(s) which receives and accommodates movement of the elongated key(s) between the first and second directions, and prevents removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis with the key(s) oriented in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, Milnes P. David, Dustin W. Demetriou, Robert K. Mullady, Roger R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9883608
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling device for cooling of a switchgear cabinet, comprising an air inlet side for warm air and an air outlet side for cooled air, wherein a heat exchanger and at least one fan unit having a radial fan are located between the air inlet side and the air outlet side, and wherein the fan unit creates an air stream through the heat exchanger having a main flow direction between the air inlet side and the air outlet side, wherein the fan unit is located in the main flow direction behind the heat exchanger, characterized in that the fan unit comprises an air guide geometry, so that air exhausted from the radial fan is redirected into the main flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Rittal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Nicolai, Martin Doerrich, Dieter Becker, Andreas Meyer
  • Patent number: 9883611
    Abstract: A fan control circuit drives and adjusts a rotation speed of a fan according to operating temperatures of a plurality of heat elements. The fan control circuit includes a plurality of temperature detection units, a temperature synthesizing unit, and a driving signal generation unit. Each of the temperature detection units respectively detects the operation temperature of each of the heat elements and outputs a temperature detection signal corresponding to each of the heat elements. The temperature synthesizing unit calculates and outputs mean temperature signals according to the plurality of temperature detection signals and a plurality of predetermined weighted values corresponding to the heat elements. The driving signal generation unit generates driving signals to the fan according to the mean temperature signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yu-Chia Chen