Patents by Inventor William J. Hutzel

William J. Hutzel 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).

  • Heat pump system with multi-stage compression
    Patent number: 7810353
    Abstract: A multi-compressor heat pump system configured to provide heating and cooling over a range of ambient temperatures. The compressors can be operated independently and alone or together in series for maximum output. Heat exchangers are selectively fluidically connected to the compressors to enable refrigerant flow between the compressors and at least two heat exchangers in a manner that enables the heat pump system to be selectively operable in various modes. Preferred aspects include selectively operating the compressors based on the ratio of the evaporating and condensing pressures of the refrigerant within the heat pump system, a mixing chamber between the compressors, and a lubricant management system to prevent the accumulation of a lubricant in one of the compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Eckard A. Groll, William J. Hutzel, Stefan S. Bertsch, David B. Bouffard
  • Heat pump system with multi-stage compression
    Patent number: 7654104
    Abstract: A multi-compressor heat pump system configured to provide heating and cooling over a range of ambient temperatures. The compressors can be operated independently and alone or together in series for maximum output. Heat exchangers are selectively fluidically connected to the compressors to enable refrigerant flow between the compressors and at least two heat exchangers in a manner that enables the heat pump system to be selectively operable in various modes. Preferred aspects include selectively operating the compressors based on the ratio of the evaporating and condensing pressures of the refrigerant within the heat pump system, a mixing chamber between the compressors, and a lubricant management system to prevent the accumulation of a lubricant in one of the compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Eckard A. Groll, William J. Hutzel, Stefan S. Bertsch, David B. Bouffard
  • Method and apparatus for determining path orientation of a passageway
    Patent number: 5193628
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining the position of a centerline of a passageway by using a measuring instrument which passes through the passageway taking periodic and successive axial strain measurements which are in turn used to form an interconnected series of circular arc segments representing the centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: UTD Incorporated
    Inventors: John L. Hill, III, Eugene L. Foster, William J. Hutzel