Patents by Inventor Thomas H. Hebert

Thomas H. Hebert 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: 6167715
    Abstract: First, a system for providing liquid refrigerant subcooling, subsequent to that subcooling accomplished by the primary condenser, by means of direct geothermal heat exchange and if required, secondary (or more) fluid(s) supplementary cooling of the liquid refrigerant contiguous with the direct geothermal subcooling. This system could be utilized with standard condensers for higher efficiency air conditioning, heat pump in the cooling mode, or refrigeration operation of any kind. No modifications to the actual condenser would be required, but a larger evaporator surface could be required. Secondly, a system for providing supplemental heat to the primary evaporator of a heat pump operating in the heating mode, by means of a direct geothermal heat exchange, coupled with heat reclaim of the liquid refrigerant, and if necessary with secondary (or more) fluid(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas H. Hebert
  • Patent number: 6116048
    Abstract: A dual (or multi) sectional evaporator system comprising first and second (or more) evaporator sections capable of cooling the air supply through the evaporator. The first evaporator section is positioned upstream of the second evaporator section (second upstream of the third and so on). However, the warmest refrigerant passes through the first evaporator section and the coldest refrigerant passes through the second evaporator section (or last evaporator section if more than two sections), such that the air supply is precooled prior to reaching the second (or last) evaporator. Providing a two (or more) passes of refrigerant through the dual (or multi) sectional evaporator system increases the superheat temperature out of the first evaporator up to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit, and/or increases the mass flow of refrigerant because of the increased heat exchange efficiency provided by counterflow heat exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas H. Hebert
  • Patent number: 6070423
    Abstract: First, a system for providing liquid refrigerant subcooling, subsequent to that subcooling accomplished by the primary condenser of an air conditioner or heat pump, by means of evaporative cooling utilizing the condensate water of said air conditioner or heat pump system and/or some other water supply to wet the surface of the subcool heat exchanger and then passing the cold, dry building exhaust air required for good indoor air quality across the wetted surface of the subcool heat exchanger. Said exhaust air could be used after first undergoing a sensible heat exchange with the incoming make up air. Said subcooling providing for an increased refrigeration capacity, and efficiency of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas H. Hebert
  • Patent number: 5970728
    Abstract: In a refrigeration system, a multiple compressor system for maintaining the heat output constant while the outside ambient temperature continues to decrease. The present invention comprises of a primary compressor and at least one secondary compressor. The entire refrigeration system is sized for the primary compressor operating while in the cooling mode. In the heating mode, the primary compressor operates by itself until the outside ambient temperature falls to a temperature within a particular range. Once the predetermined temperature set point is met, a secondary compressor begins operating in conjunction with the primary compressor such that the mass flow of refrigerant through the system in the heating mode of operation is no greater than that of the primary compressor operating alone in the cooling mode. While the outside temperature continues to decrease, additional secondary compressors may be included to maintain a constant heat output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas H. Hebert
  • Patent number: 4599870
    Abstract: A thermosyphonic heat recovery unit for thermosyphonic heat transfer of heat from a hotter first fluid to a cooler second fluid comprising a heat exchanger including a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit, means for connecting fluids to the two conduits, a pressurized cold fluid input and hot fluid output and a mixing valve interconnected between said cold fluid input and said hot fluid output, whereby the second fluid thermosyphonically flows through said second conduit as the first fluid flows through said first conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Inventors: Theodore M. Hebert, Thomas H. Hebert
  • Patent number: 4373346
    Abstract: The apparatus of the invention includes a precooler (post heater) heat exchanger and a subcooler heat exchanger which are connected in fluid communication with the refrigerant input and output, respectively, of the condenser (evaporator) of a heat transfer system. A fluid, such as water, is forced through the subcooler heat exchanger and then through the precooler (post heater) heat exchanger to be in a heat exchanging relationship with the refrigerant flowing therethrough.The method of the invention includes the step of regulating the flow rate of the water flowing through the apparatus such that the refrigerant is precooled to approximately its saturated-vapor state and subcooled when the system is operating in a cooling mode and such that the refrigerant is post heated to at least a saturated-vapor state and subcooled when the system is operating in a heating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Inventors: Thomas H. Hebert, Theodore M. Hebert