Patents by Inventor Steve L. Esslinger

Steve L. Esslinger 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).

  • Patent number: 7377118
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a heat exchanger that is operable to cool a flow of compressed refrigerant and a first sensor coupled to the heat exchanger and operable to generate a first signal indicative of a heat exchanger liquid level. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger to receive the flow of cooled compressed refrigerant and a second sensor is coupled to the reservoir and is operable to generate a second signal indicative of a reservoir liquid level. A processor is operable to calculate a first weight of liquid within the heat exchanger in response to the first signal, and to calculate a second weight of liquid within the reservoir in response to the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Zero Zone, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve L. Esslinger
  • Patent number: 7231783
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a compressor having a compressor housing and operable to compress a flow of refrigerant. A pump is operable to provide a flow of oil to the compressor. A portion of the oil mixes with the flow of refrigerant and the remainder of the oil flows into the compressor housing. A valve is movable between an open position and a closed position. When in the closed position, the valve is operable to inhibit the addition of oil above a predetermined level within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Zero Zone, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve L. Esslinger, Erik B. Haffner