Patents by Inventor John Broadbent
John Broadbent has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20060000582Abstract: A flexible loop thermosyphon is provided having a flexible, hermetic, outer tube and a flexible, non-hermetic, inner tube, positioned concentrically within the outer tube, forming an annulus between the outer tube and inner tube. The annulus acts as a vapor conduit transferring vapor to the loop thermosyphon condenser while the inner tube acts as a condensate conduit returning liquid to the loop thermosyphon evaporator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2005Publication date: January 5, 2006Inventors: Alfred Phillips, Dmitry Khrustalev, Kevin Wert, Michael Wilson, Jonathan Wattelet, John Broadbent
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Publication number: 20050024831Abstract: A flexible loop thermosyphon is provided having a flexible, hermetic, outer tube and a flexible, non-hermetic, inner tube, positioned concentrically within the outer tube, forming an annulus between the outer tube and inner tube. The annulus acts as a vapor conduit transferring vapor to the loop thermosyphon condenser while the inner tube acts as a condensate conduit returning liquid to the loop thermosyphon evaporator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2004Publication date: February 3, 2005Inventors: Alfred Phillips, Dmitry Khrustalev, Kevin Wert, Michael Wilson, Jonathan Wattelet, John Broadbent
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Patent number: 6804117Abstract: A thermal management system for an electronic device is provided a first thermal energy transfer assembly that is thermally coupled between a heat generating structure located on a circuit card and a first thermal interface surface that is spaced away from the heat generating structure. A second thermal energy transfer assembly includes a second thermal interface surface which is arranged in confronting relation to the first thermal interface surface. A clamping mechanism is arranged to move the second thermal interface surface between (i) a first position that is spaced away from the first thermal interface surface, and (ii) a second position wherein the second thermal interface surface is pressed against the first thermal interface surface so as to allow the busing of thermal energy from the first thermal energy transfer assembly to the second thermal energy transfer assembly by heat transfer from the first thermal interface surface to the second thermal interface surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Thermal Corp.Inventors: Alfred L. Phillips, Dmitry K. Khrustalev, Kevin L. Wert, Michael J. Wilson, Jonathan P. Wattelet, John Broadbent
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Publication number: 20040037045Abstract: A thermal management system for an electronic device is provided a first thermal energy transfer assembly that is thermally coupled between a heat generating structure located on a circuit card and a first thermal interface surface that is spaced away from the heat generating structure. A second thermal energy transfer assembly includes a second thermal interface surface which is arranged in confronting relation to the first thermal interface surface. A clamping mechanism is arranged to move the second thermal interface surface between (i) a first position that is spaced away from the first thermal interface surface, and (ii) a second position wherein the second thermal interface surface is pressed against the first thermal interface surface so as to allow the busing of thermal energy from the first thermal energy transfer assembly to the second thermal energy transfer assembly by heat transfer from the first thermal interface surface to the second thermal interface surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Alfred L. Phillips, Dmitry K. Khrustalev, Kevin L. Wert, Michael J. Wilson, Jonathan P. Wattelet, John Broadbent
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Patent number: 6311499Abstract: A dual-temperature refrigerating device for partially freezing beverage inside a sealed beverage container. One compartment within the device is held at a temperature below freezing and another compartment is kept at a temperature above freezing. An opening between the two compartments allows a beverage container to be placed so that is simultaneously exposed to below-freezing temperatures above-freezing temperatures. This arrangement causes the beverage in the portion of the container exposed to the below-freezing temperatures to freeze while the beverage in the part of the container exposed to above freezing temperatures does not freeze.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Inventor: John A. Broadbent
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Patent number: 6205807Abstract: An ice cube making evaporator design comprising an aluminum roll-bond evaporator plate (50) which is encased in a plastic grid (59) of vertical and horizontal ridges, thereby forming an array of freezing sites (28) on both sides of the plate. Plastic grids (59) are attached to each other using thermal staking, adhesives or welding so that the plate (50) is securely sandwiched between the two plastic grids (59).Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Inventor: John A. Broadbent
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Patent number: 6116849Abstract: A shuttle hopper system for loading and unloading commercial washers and dryers is provided. The shuttle hopper is equipped with a bucket for receiving laundry items and further includes lift and tilt assemblies which lift and rotate the bucket into a dumping position for discharging the laundry items into either a washer or a dryer. The shuttle hopper is adapted to move between at least one washer and one dryer such that the shuttle hopper can be utilized to transfer wet laundry items from the washer to the dryer. The shuttle hopper also may include a pulling fin assembly which selectively deploys a plurality of pulling fins in the shuttle bucket. The pulling fins are operable to move the laundry items contained within the shuttle bucket so as to facilitate the loading of items into the bucket and the discharge of items from the bucket.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Ellis CorporationInventors: Robert H Fesmire, John Broadbent
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Patent number: 6112537Abstract: A beverage container having a beverage compartment and an ice compartment separated by a removable seal which, when removed, allows the ice and beverage to mix thereby cooling the beverage. The removable seal prevents premature mixing of the beverage and the ice and allows the container to be stored warm, with water in the ice compartment, indefinitely. Prior to use, the container is placed in a dual-temperature environment that freezes the water in the ice compartment but doesn't freeze the beverage. Freezing of the beverage is prevented by an air gap between the beverage and the ice that acts as a thermal barrier. An ice anchor and an air gap in the ice compartment reduce the melting rate of the ice by suspending the ice within the ice compartment, out of contact with the melt water and surrounded by an insulating layer of air.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: John A. BroadbentInventor: John A. Broadbent
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Patent number: 5992186Abstract: A shuttle hopper system for loading and unloading commercial washers and dryers is provided. The shuttle hopper is equipped with a bucket for receiving laundry items and further includes lift and tilt assemblies which lift and rotate the bucket into a dumping position for discharging the laundry items into either a washer or a dryer. The shuttle hopper is adapted to move between at least one washer and one dryer such that the shuttle hopper can be utilized to transfer wet laundry items from the washer to the dryer. The shuttle hopper also may include a pulling fin assembly which selectively deploys a plurality of pulling fins in the shuttle bucket. The pulling fins are operable to move the laundry items contained within the shuttle bucket so as to facilitate the loading of items into the bucket and the discharge of items from the bucket.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Ellis CorporationInventors: Robert H Fesmire, John Broadbent
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Patent number: 5941091Abstract: An ice cube making evaporator design comprising an aluminum roll-bond evaporator plate (50) which is encased in a plastic grid (59) of vertical and horizontal ridges, thereby forming an array of freezing sites (28) on both sides of the plate. Integral refrigerant passes (52) in the evaporator plate may be designed to be flat on one side, enabling the freezing sites (28) to be in direct contact with the refrigerant passes (52). Adjacent refrigerant passes (52) are flat on opposite sides of the evaporator plate (50') thereby enabling significant improvements in heat transfer geometry and performance. Boundary layer interrupters (68) and conductive anchors (86) are also disclosed for the purpose of heat transfer enhancement.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1998Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Inventor: John A. Broadbent
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Patent number: 5329780Abstract: A machine or apparatus for producing ice cubes comprising flexible membranes which are flexed into and out of thermal contact with a refrigerated evaporator core upon which conductive areas define discrete freezing sites which determine the location on the flexible membrane where the ice cubes are formed. The ice cubes are removed by flexing the flexible membrane. The flexing of the flexible membranes into and out of contact with the evaporator core may be accomplished with a fluid source which applies fluid to and removes fluid from collapsible spaces between the evaporator core and the membranes.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1993Date of Patent: July 19, 1994Assignee: Broad ResearchInventor: John A. Broadbent
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Patent number: 5259218Abstract: A rotary washer/extractor for use with textiles and other materials includes a dynamically controlled suspension system for supporting the washer/extractor from a stationary frame to minimize forces exerted onto the frame and transmitted to the floor or other structure supporting the washer/extractor. The suspension system includes a plurality of supports extending between the frame and the washer/extractor at spaced apart locations in relation to the spin axis. At least one of the supports is a variable length member which may be continually adjusted to vary the distance between the frame and the washer/extractor and thereby minimize the forces caused by eccentric masses of textiles and washing fluids contained in the washer/extractor. A force sensor is provided for measuring the force acting between the washer/extractor and the frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1992Date of Patent: November 9, 1993Assignee: Ellis CorporationInventor: John Broadbent
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Patent number: 5218731Abstract: A rotary washer/extractor for use with textiles and other materials includes a dynamically controlled suspension system for supporting the washer/extractor from a stationary frame to minimize forces exerted onto the frame and transmitted to the floor or other structure supporting the washer/extractor. The suspension system includes a plurality of supports extending between the frame and the washer/extractor at spaced apart locations in relation to the spin axis. At least one of the supports is a variable length member which may be continually adjusted to vary the distance between the frame and the washer/extractor and thereby minimize the forces caused by eccentric masses of textiles and washing fluids contained in the washer/extractor. A force sensor is provided for measuring the force acting between the washer/extractor and the frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1991Date of Patent: June 15, 1993Assignee: Ellis CorporationInventor: John Broadbent
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Patent number: 5124908Abstract: A machine controller apparatus provides simple, effective, efficient and reliable control operation, facilitates repair and periodic maintenance and eliminates the need for either an operating manual or a service manual for the machine being controlled. The machine control apparatus includes a processor device for performing a plurality of predetermined control and logical operations. Memory is coupled to the processor means for storing predetermined machine characteristic data and a user input device is coupled to the processor device for receiving user input selections. The processor device is responsive to both the predetermined machine characteristic data stored by the memory and a received predefined one of the user input selections for performing at least one of the plurality of predetermined control and logical operations.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1990Date of Patent: June 23, 1992Assignee: Ellis CorporationInventor: John Broadbent
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Patent number: 5042576Abstract: A finned tube heat exchanger having an improved flat louver fin configuration for increased heat transfer efficiency and low air pressure drop. The fins comprise generally planar sheet metal plates having a pattern of spaced apertures for receiving a group of heat exchanger tubes perpendicularly to the fin plate. Groups of louvers are formed as elongate strips extending generally in an area between adjacent tubes. The strips are selectively offset, i.e. raised or lowered from the nominal plane of the fin, so as to establish a louver pattern having flat louvers in a number of different planes each parallel to the direction of flow of air across the fin. Stiffness is provided for the fin plate by providing a slope and offset of the leading and trailing edges of the fin plate such that they are displaced in a direction parallel to the axes of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1990Date of Patent: August 27, 1991Assignee: Heatcraft Inc.Inventor: John A. Broadbent
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Patent number: 4990169Abstract: An ice product bearing a clearly discernable pattern or design caused by the controlled formation of cloudy ice within an otherwise clear ice cube, and a machine or apparatus for producing such cubes comprising a flexible membrane (56) which is urged into and out of thermal contact with a refrigerated surface (51) upon which raised conductive areas (52) define discrete freezing sites which determine where on the flexible membrane the ice cubes are formed and then removing the ice cubes by flexing the flexible membrane.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1989Date of Patent: February 5, 1991Assignee: Broad ResearchInventor: John A. Broadbent
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Patent number: 4922723Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming ice cubes without a hot gas defrost cycle comprises a flexible sheet (55) which is urged into and out of thermal contact with a refrigerated plate (51) through openings in an insulative spacer (52) defining the freezing sites where the ice cubes are built up to the desired thickness by lamination.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1988Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Assignee: Broad ResearchInventor: John A. Broadbent
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Patent number: 4916768Abstract: A washing and extracting machine includes a programmable controller for controlling a variable speed drive to control and vary the speed and direction of a rotating laundry cylinder containing a load of materials to be laundered. The cylinder is first loaded and then driven to rotate in a predetermined manner during a washing phase, followed by a rinsing phase and is then accelerated to a relatively high speed for extracting liquid from the laundered materials in an extracting phase. The laundry cylinder is accelerated and/or decelerated in accordance with a changeable, predefined acceleration/deceleration profile so that the laundry materials are movable radially and circumferentially in the cylinder in a controlled manner substantially eliminating unbalanced loading of the cylinder and contents during the washing, rinsing and extracting phases, thus eliminating the need for costly and complex shock mounting systems for supporting the rotating cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1989Date of Patent: April 17, 1990Assignee: Ellis CorporationInventor: John Broadbent
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Patent number: 4856301Abstract: A washing and extracting machine includes a programmable controller for controlling a variable speed drive to control and vary the speed and direction of a rotating laundry cylinder containing a load of materials to be laundered. The cylinder is first loaded and then driven to rotate in a predetermined manner during a washing phase, followed by a rinsing phase and is then accelerated to a relatively high speed for extracting liquid from the laundered materials in an extracting phase. The laundry cylinder is accelerated and/or decelerated in accordance with a changeable, predefined acceleration/deceleration profile so that the laundry materials are movable radially and circumferentially in the cylinder in a controlled manner substantially eliminating unbalanced loading of the cylinder and contents during the washing, rinsing and extracting phases, thus eliminating the need for costly and complex shock mounting systems for supporting the rotating cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1987Date of Patent: August 15, 1989Assignee: Ellis CorporationInventor: John Broadbent