Flow Reversed Or Crossed Within Temperature Modifying Zone Patents (Class 165/97)
  • Patent number: 11365737
    Abstract: Oil-injected screw compressor installation including a frame or underframe (5 2), a screw compressor element (3), electrical cabinet (6), oil separator vessel (5) and an air-cooled cooling module (8), with as characteristic that on one side (2a) of the frame (2), the screw compressor element (3) is placed horizontally and with the electrical 10 cabinet (6), the oil separator vessel (5) and the aircooled cooling module (8) being placed on the other side (2b) of the frame (2), with the cooling module (8) being placed such that this is perpendicular to the compressor element (3) and the air (9) sucked in by the cooling module 15 (8) will flow between the electrical cabinet (6) and the cooling module (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER, NAAMLOZE VENNOOTSCHAP
    Inventors: Yanni Francine Dollez, Kristof Adrien Martens, Steven Ray Maurits Laurent, Walter Josée Louis Adriaenssens, Brecht Van Ham
  • Patent number: 10712065
    Abstract: Equipment for transferring fluid into a reservoir or a downstream pipe includes: a piston valve having a body and a rod with a closing member; a chassis defining a housing receiving the piston valve and an upstream passage for fluid, the piston valve movable between a non-inserted and inserted positions, with the piston outside and inside the housing, respectively; and a module defining a cavity for receiving the fluid from the upstream passage and a downstream discharge passage intended to be fluidly connected to the reservoir or downstream pipe, the inlet of the discharge passage defining a valve seat intended to receive the closing member of the piston valve in the deployed position, the module being movable relative to the chassis between an open position, allowing the piston valve to be inserted in the housing, and a closed position, in which the module is fastened to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: FIVES FILLING & SEALING
    Inventor: Jacques Goasguen
  • Patent number: 10468691
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards the design of bipolar plates for use in conduction-cooled electrochemical cells. Heat generated during the operation of the cell is removed from the active area of the cell to the periphery of the cell via the one or more bipolar plates in the cell. The one or more bipolar plates are configured to function as heat sinks to collect heat from the active area of the cell and to conduct the heat to the periphery of the plate where the heat is removed by traditional heat transfer means. The boundary of the one or more bipolar plates can be provided with heat dissipation structures to facilitate removal of heat from the plates. To function as effective heat sinks, the thickness of the one or more bipolar plates can be determined based on the rate of heat generation in the cell during operation, the thermal conductivity (“k”) of the material selected to form the plate, and the desired temperature gradient in a direction orthogonal to the plate (“?T”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Blanchet, Benjamin Lunt, Edward Domit, Roger Van Boeyen
  • Patent number: 9960464
    Abstract: A device and a method for controlling the temperature of a unit to be controlled in its temperature, including a unit to be heated or cooled, a temperature-control circuit having a recirculatable, heat-transferring medium, the flow direction of the medium through the temperature-control circuit being reversed following at least one predefined time interval or according to a control based on a temperature of the unit to be controlled in its temperature, characterized by the fact that the intake temperature of the recirculatable, heat-transferring medium is higher than the setpoint temperature of the unit to be controlled in its temperature, as long as the actual temperature of the unit requiring temperature control is lower than its setpoint temperature, and the intake temperature of the recirculatable, heat-transferring medium is lower than the setpoint temperature of the unit to be controlled in its temperature, if the actual temperature of the unit to be controlled in its temperature exceeds its setpoint te
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Volker Doege
  • Patent number: 9698437
    Abstract: A method for operating a fuel cell stack (10) for a fuel cell system, in particular of a vehicle, in which by reversing the flow direction (14, 16) of a coolant during a cooling operation, the coolant in the fuel cell stack (10) is initially conveyed in a first direction (14). The coolant is subsequently conveyed in a second direction (16) which is at least substantially opposite to the first direction (14). A time period, after the elapse of which the flow direction (14, 16) is reversed, is changed during the cooling operation. In addition, a distance at which a coolant volume is situated from a heat source (12) that is present in the fuel cell stack (10) may be changed during the cooling operation. The invention further relates to a fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Felix Blank, Martin Woehr
  • Patent number: 9673492
    Abstract: A thermal management system for a battery pack having a conductive cooling plate and battery cells includes a compressor, flow control valves, temperature sensor(s), and a controller. The compressor circulates refrigerant through the plate to cool the cells. The temperature sensor measures a temperature of the battery pack. The controller is programmed to receive the temperature from the temperature sensors and selectively transmit switching control signals to the valves to command a change in direction or flow of the refrigerant through the cooling plate. This limits a temperature variance between the battery cells over time. A vehicle includes a transmission, an electric traction motor, a battery pack, and the thermal management system noted above. A method includes receiving the temperature, transmitting switching control signals to the valves, and controlling a flow of refrigerant through the plate via the valves in response to the switching control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Nemesh, John T. Guerin
  • Patent number: 9574808
    Abstract: A closed loop refrigerant expansion system with a tube and shell condenser is provided with a control which, upon shutdown, causes the flow of refrigerant to reverse from the evaporator to the condenser to thereby both reduce the amount of refrigerant vapor passing to the condenser and increase the amount of liquid refrigerant in the condenser to thereby reduce the maximum temperature load in the condenser. Reverse flow can be made to occur either by reversing the direction of the refrigerant pump or opening a bypass valve around the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Lance D. Woolley, Peter S. Matteson
  • Patent number: 9168828
    Abstract: An actuator for a grille shutter assembly of a vehicle has a motor connected to an output via a gear train. The output has a connection for connecting to louvers of the grille shutter assembly. The gear train has a gear ratio which is variable depending on the actuation angle of the output shaft. Optionally, a return spring is arranged to resiliently return the output shaft to an initial actuation angle when the motor is not active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventor: Yvan Bourqui
  • Patent number: 9162562
    Abstract: An actuator for opening and closing grille shutters includes a drive unit, a wheel driven by the drive unit, and a pair of shafts attached to the wheel and configured for driving the grille shutters to open or close. At least one of the shafts is pivotally coupled to the wheel so that an angle formed between the shafts and the wheel is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Yvan Bourqui, Yan Chappex, Nick Grivas
  • Patent number: 8985199
    Abstract: A temperature equalization system, including an installation, a heat equalizer disposed in a natural heat carrier and being made of a material of heat conduction to exchange heat with the natural heat carrier, a fluid transmission duct disposed between the heat equalizer and the installation and having a fluid contained therein for heat transmission, a pump connected in series with the fluid transmission duct for pumping the fluid, and a control means controlling an operation of temperature equalization system. The control means controls the pump to pump the fluid through the fluid transmission duct and an interior of the installation with a periodical change of flowing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8806882
    Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein are directed to managing the heat content of two vehicle subsystems through a single coolant loop having parallel branches for each subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Alliance for Substainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Bennion, Matthew Thornton
  • Patent number: 8739855
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes an inlet header configured to receive a cooling fluid and an outlet header configured to discharge the cooling fluid. A plurality of microchannel tubes are in fluid communication with and extend between the inlet header and the outlet header. The microchannel tubes define a first heat exchanger region and a second heat exchanger region between the inlet header and the outlet header. The first heat exchanger region has a plurality of fins defining a first fin density that is greater than a second fin density of the second heat exchanger region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Steve L. Fritz, Matthew J. DeKam
  • Patent number: 8651171
    Abstract: A heat exchanger having a single flow circuit, at least one fluid pump, and a periodic fluid direction-change operative control device for periodically changing the flow directions of the pumped fluid in a first or second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8539974
    Abstract: A forced fluid switch including a first plenum in communication with a first port; a second plenum in communication with a second port; a third plenum in switched communication with the first plenum and the second plenum and in communication with a third port; a fourth plenum in switched communication with the first plenum and the second plenum and in communication with a fourth port; and wherein the forced fluid switch has at least a first forced fluid path and a second forced fluid path, wherein in the first forced fluid path, the third plenum is in communication with the first plenum and the fourth plenum is in communication with the second plenum, and wherein in the second forced fluid path, the third plenum is in communication with the second plenum and the fourth plenum is in communication with the first plenum. A method is provided for switching forced fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Sandvik Thermal Process, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin B. Peck
  • Patent number: 8448876
    Abstract: The primary purpose of the present invention is to provide an fluid circulating installation adapted with a temperature equalization system and fluid transmission duct disposed in a heat carrier existing in solid or liquid state in the nature where presents comparatively larger and more reliable heat carrying capacity. The fluid passes through the solid or gas state semiconductor application installation to regulate the semiconductor application installation for temperature equalization, and flows back to the heat equalization installation disposed in the natural heat carrier of heat for the heat equalization installation providing good heat conduction in the natural heat carrier to provide the operation of temperature equalization regulating function on the backflow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8403031
    Abstract: A heat transmission unit includes a channel conducting a coolant, and a channel conducting a fluid to be cooled. The two channels are separated from each other by a wall provided with ribs extending therefrom into at least one of the two channels. The channel conducting the fluid to be cooled includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The channel is separated by a partition wall, arranged in flow direction, into a first and a second partial channel having a first partial inlet for fluid and a second partial inlet for fluid, and a first partial outlet for fluid and a second partial outlet for fluid. At least the first partial inlet for fluid is adapted to be shut off by a first shut-off device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Pierburg GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Ulrich Kühnel, Dieter Jelinek, Peter Heuer, Dieter Thonnessen
  • Patent number: 8145363
    Abstract: A pumped refrigerant cooling system for use in a row of equipment racks is configured to contain electronic equipment. The system includes a communication network and a refrigerant distribution unit in fluid communication with a chilled refrigerant supply and a heated refrigerant return. A cooling module is in fluid communication with the refrigerant distribution unit by a supply line and a return line. The cooling module is coupled to the communication network, and includes an evaporator and a fan configured to direct air over the evaporator. A sensor package is configured to monitor temperature and pressure reference points provided in the pumped refrigerant cooling system and the equipment racks. The system further includes a controller forming part of the cooling module and coupled to the communication network and the sensor package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Bean, Jr., James Richard Roesch, Zhihai Gordon Dong, Stuart Lee Dill
  • Patent number: 8113270
    Abstract: An inlet header (22) of a microchannel heat pump heat exchanger has a tube (34) disposed therein and extending substantially the length of the inlet header (22), with the tube (34) having a plurality of openings (36) therein. During cooling mode operation, refrigerant is caused to flow into an open end of the tube (34) and along its length to thereby flow from the plurality of openings (36) into the inlet header (22) prior to entering the microchannels (24) to thereby provide a uniform flow of two-phase refrigerant thereto. A bi-flow expansion device (41) placed at the inlet end of the tube (34) allows for the expansion of liquid refrigerant into the tube (34) during periods in which the heat exchanger operates as an evaporator and allows the refrigerant to flow directly from the header (22) and around the tube (34) during periods in which the heat exchanger operates as a condenser coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Arturo Rios, Allen C. Kirkwood
  • Publication number: 20120024496
    Abstract: The invention relates to a service water heating unit (2) which is provided for use in a heating installation, comprising at least one heat exchanger (6), which comprises a first flow path (10) for a heating medium and a second flow path (12) for service water to be heated, wherein the two flow paths (10, 12) are guided relative to one another in a first portion (A) in a countercurrent arrangement with directions of flow oriented in opposite directions, and in a second portion (B) connecting downstream, viewed in the direction of flow of the service water, in a co-current arrangement with directions of flow oriented in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT A/S
    Inventors: Bent DØSSING, Olav JENSEN
  • Patent number: 8100172
    Abstract: A temperature equalization system comprised of heat equalizer and fluid transmission duct disposed in a heat carrier existing in solid or liquid state in the nature where presents comparatively larger and more reliable heat carrying capacity; the fluid passes through the installation to regulate for temperature equalization, and flows back to the installation disposed in the natural carrier of heat for the installation providing good heat conduction with the natural heat carrier to provide the function of temperature equalization regulating on the backflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 7823628
    Abstract: This invention provides a thermal energy system comprising a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy between a source and a load, the heat exchanger having a primary side associated with the source, and a secondary side for conducting a fluid associated with the load, wherein the secondary side of the heat exchanger is passively back-flushed upon consumption of a portion of the fluid. Passive back-flushing prevents fouling of the heat exchanger due to sediments, scale, and mineral deposits which may be present in the circulating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventor: Stephen J. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7721796
    Abstract: A heat exchanger, including first and second collecting tanks with an inlet, an outlet, and an opening through a wall of the first tank. At least one row of tubes extends between the collecting tanks, and the tubes and tanks carry a first medium and a second medium flows through the spaces between the tubes. A first partition divides the first collecting tank and defines an opening therethrough, and a second partition divides the second collecting tank, with the first and second partitions defining separate loops for the first medium when the first partition opening is closed. A discharge device selectively either simultaneously opens both the first collecting tank opening and the first partition opening for emptying or simultaneously closes both the first collecting tank opening and the first partition opening for operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Klaus Kalbacher
  • Patent number: 7638038
    Abstract: A method for controlling the pseudo-isothermicity of a chemical reaction in a respective reaction zone. (9) in which the use of heat exchangers (6) is foreseen having an operating heat exchange fluid flowing through them and in which heat exchange critical areas (9a) are identified, the method being distinguished by the fact that it reduces and controls, in the critical areas (9a) of the reaction zone, the value of the heat exchange coefficient between the operating fluid and the zone (9), through thermal insulation of the portions (6a, 6b) of such exchangers extending in such areas (9a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Methanol Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Ermanno Filippi, Enrico Rizzi, Mirco Tarozzo
  • Patent number: 7582361
    Abstract: A class of lightweight structural members, characterized by lighter weight and greater resistance to buckling under axial compressive loading, as compared to conventional structural members, is described. The lightweight structural members typically comprise a thin tubular member filled with a metallic foam material. The foam material preferably comprises particulate matter comprised of agglomerated fly ash material, and, preferably, gaseous material in pores within the foam material. In an alternate configuration, the lightweight structural member comprises two tubular members, one nested inside the other, wherein the annular volume between the tubular members is filled with metallic foam material. A method for manufacturing the structural members is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventors: Robert M. Purgert, Jerzy Sobczak, Lawrence C. Boyd, Jr., Nipendra P. Singh, Bruce P. Bardes
  • Patent number: 7500359
    Abstract: An exhaust system includes a reverse flow heat exchanger having a plate separating an intake chamber and an exit chamber, each chamber having an inlet and an outlet located at opposing ends to allow flow therethrough. The plate can include a vane connected to the end of the plate in the vicinity of an inlet or an outlet. The vane is configured to reduce resistance to fluid flow near the intake chamber inlet. The exhaust system includes a heating manifold, such as a combustion chamber, configured to receive an exhaust stream from the intake chamber, further heat the exhaust stream, and return the exhaust stream to the exit chamber. Embodiments of the system can be configured to additionally perform as a catalytic converter and/or a muffler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Purify Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Lincoln Evans-Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 7441586
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchange apparatus. The heat exchange apparatus comprises a first valve member rotating about a first rotational axis, a second valve member rotating about a second rotational axis, and a heat exchanging medium that is positioned on a gas stream path formed between the first valve member and the second valve member, has a channel for enabling gas to pass therethrough, and receives and stores thermal energy from passing hot gas and then transfers the stored thermal energy to passing cold gas. A flow direction of the gas passing through the heat exchanging medium is repeatedly changed as the first and second valve members rotate. The heat exchange apparatus has first and second guides connected respectively to both sides of the heat exchanging medium and has passages for guiding the gas passing through the heat exchanging medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventors: In Sook Chung, Geon-Soo Han
  • Patent number: 7406835
    Abstract: A cooling system for cooling a plurality of heat producing systems includes a heat exchanger having a plurality of cooling zones, each of which has a respective inlet and outlet for facilitating flow of a respective temperature control fluid therethrough. Each of the respective temperature control fluids facilitates temperature control of a respective heat producing system. A plurality of fans cool the temperature control fluids flowing through the heat exchanger, and a fan or fans are disposed proximate each zone of the heat exchanger to provide air flow substantially independently from the air flow over the other cooling zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: EMP Advanced Development, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Allen, Mark S. Bader, Robert D. Chalgren, Jr., Michael P. Lasecki, Michael W. Martin, Keith Brannstrom
  • Publication number: 20080142188
    Abstract: A method for producing a consumable electrode for remelting and an end face cutter for use in the method in which an ingot made in a consumable electrode arc remelting process is used as a material for the consumable electrode, are characterized in that said ingot can be set so that its centerline axis in a longitudinal direction lies horizontally and an end face of said ingot is machined by milling to be flat, the end face being connected with a stub, the stub holding the consumable electrode. In melting the consumable electrode, the present invention makes it easier to machine the bottom face of ingot that is to be mounted onto the stub or to perform conditioning such as cleaning the surface, which results in cutting man-hours and processing steps required for those operations and improving a product yield, thus enabling it to be widely used as a method for producing an ingot by the VAR process and contributing to the development of the relevant technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Yuzou Ishigami
  • Patent number: 7380411
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heat source unit capable of being used in either an air conditioner for switchable cooling and heating operation or an air conditioner for simultaneous cooling and heating operation. An air conditioner principally includes one heat source unit, a plurality of utilization units, and a connecting unit provided for each utilization unit. The heat source unit uses water as the heat source, and principally includes a compressing means, a main heat exchanger, a first switching means, a main refrigerant switching means, an auxiliary heat exchanger connected in parallel with the main heat exchanger, a second switching means, an auxiliary refrigerant switching means, and a liquid receiver. The auxiliary heat exchanger is capable of switching between functioning as an evaporator and a condenser, by the second switching means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Matsuoka, Shinri Sada, Hiroyuki Inoue, Hiroshi Fuchikami, Atsushi Umeda
  • Patent number: 7171972
    Abstract: This invention provides a thermal energy system comprising a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy between a source and a load, the heat exchanger having a primary side associated with the source, and a secondary side for conducting a fluid associated with the load, wherein the secondary side of the heat exchanger is passively back-flushed upon consumption of a portion of the fluid. Passive back-flushing prevents fouling of the heat exchanger due to sediments, scale,and mineral deposits which may be present in the circulating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventor: Stephen J. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7159651
    Abstract: An upper opening portion (74, 75) and lower opening portion (76, 77) are arranged in a door body (13b, 14b) located below a side window (13a, 14a), and an air conditioning unit (15, 16) is arranged inside the door body (13b, 14b), and a rotary position of a scroll casing (62, 63) of a blower (56, 57) is selected so that air can flow from the lower opening portion (76, 77) to the upper opening portion (74, 75) at the time of air-cooling and air can flow from the upper opening portion (74, 75) to the lower opening portion (76, 77) at the time of heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Ito, Yasushi Yamanaka, Kazushi Shikata, Takahiro Tokunaga, Tomohiro Kamiya, Masakazu Nagaya, Shinichiro Hirai
  • Patent number: 7059385
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air condition device consisting of recovery cells (1, 2), an inlet (3) and exhaust ducts (4) leading to and from a room, an inlet (5) and exhaust ducts (6) located at the other end of the device and leading to and from the outdoor air, the air flows in the air conditioning device being controlled by means of rotating deflectors (7, 8). The deflectors (7, 8) consist of baffles fixed to different control axes (9, 10) and rotating about their axes, the air openings (11, 12) provided in the deflectors being located altematingly at the same recovery cell (1, 2), where the air flow directions are reversed periodically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: MG Innovations Corp.
    Inventor: Kari Moilala
  • Patent number: 7024878
    Abstract: This cleaning system includes a compressor driven by a motor, a condenser; a cooling fan for directing an air stream at the condenser during normal operation, a motor drive system for driving the fan, and a timing device for reversing the rotational direction of the fan motor to direct the stream of cooling air away from the condenser to remove debris collected on the condenser and clean the condenser during a cleaning cycle. The fan is driven by drive system having a solid state commutated motor or a drive system having a reversible permanent split capacitor motor. The timing device includes a timer for controlling the time periods during the normal operation (cooling) cycle and during the cleaning cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Trulaske, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6986387
    Abstract: A temperature conditioning system includes a damper system that determines the pattern of airflow through two coil slabs of an indoor heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is preferably part of a split-system air conditioner or a heat pump. In a normal mode position, the damper system directs the airflow in a parallel flow relationship through the two coil slabs for optimum capacity and efficiency. In an enhanced mode position, the damper system directs the airflow in a series flow relationship through the two coil slabs. The enhanced mode position not only helps reduce humidity when the temperature conditioning system operates in a cooling mode but also helps raise the supply air temperature at a room register when the system is operating in a heating mode. In some embodiments, the damper system is also movable to a bypass position that allows the air to bypass the indoor heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen S. Hancock
  • Patent number: 6827091
    Abstract: A thermal energy system including a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy between a source and a load, the heat exchanger having a primary side associated with the source, and a secondary side for conducting a fluid associated with the load, wherein the secondary side of the heat exchanger is passively back-flushed upon consumption of a portion of the fluid. Passive back-flushing prevents fouling of the heat exchanger due to sediments, scale, and mineral deposits which may be present in the circulating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventor: Stephen J. Harrison
  • Patent number: 6792769
    Abstract: This cleaning system includes a compressor driven by a motor, a condenser; a cooling fan for directing an air stream at the condenser during normal operation, a motor drive system for driving the fan, and a timing device for reversing the rotational direction of the fan motor to direct the stream of cooling air away from the condenser to remove debris collected on the condenser and clean the condenser during a cleaning cycle. The fan is driven by drive system having a solid state commutated motor or a drive system having a reversible permanent split capacitor motor. The timing device includes a timer for controlling the time periods during the normal operation (cooling) cycle and during the cleaning cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Trulaske, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6607608
    Abstract: A system for stripping an optical fiber includes a source of air and means for generating very short bursts of air. A heater heats the bursts of air to a temperature sufficient to remove the outer coating from an optical fiber, while maintaining the air isolated from the heat source. A single burst of heated air removes the outer coating of an optical fiber, within less than about one second. A series of closely spaced bursts or a prolonged burst of heated air may be used to remove an expanded length of fiber coating. Stripping may include translation of the fiber or the heater or portions thereof. The stripper may be configured to strip several loaded fibers or a single fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carmine J. Vetrano, Robert G. Wiley, Matthew W. Reed
  • Patent number: 6564858
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for cooling a heat generating object. A coolant is passed through a heat exchanger so that heated air passing through the heat exchanger is cooled. A fan unit is selectively positioned adjacent to a first side of the heat exchanger. When activated, the fan unit draws the cooled air through the heat exchanger and directs the cooled air towards the heat generating object. The fan unit may be repositioned along a second side of the heat exchanger so as to redefine the flow of air drawn from and directed towards the heat generating object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Lennart Stahl, Christian Belady
  • Patent number: 6269872
    Abstract: A method for regulating coolant flow rate to a heat exchanger in an automotive vehicle is described. The method includes the steps of providing a main fluid pump for providing a source of fluid under pressure to the vehicle engine and the heat exchanger and providing a reversible flow auxiliary pump between the main fluid pump and the heat exchanger. The method further includes the steps of generating an engine speed signal and an ambient temperature signal. The auxiliary pump forces fluid against the flow from the main fluid pump when the engine speed signal is greater than a threshold value and forces fluid to the heat exchanger when the ambient temperature signal is below a predetermined value and the engine speed signal is less than the threshold value and within predetermined values. A system is also disclosed for accomplishing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John Stiles Anderson
  • Patent number: 6066301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a deodorizing system for reducing the size of a facility and realizing the thermal efficiency much higher than the prior art, wherein a deodorizing furnace 1 is connected with thermal equipment 8 which uses a heated gas current as a heat source through an out-of-furnace circulating path 4 in order to circulate combustion exhaust gas in a deodorizing furnace 2 which has been used for incineration or thermal decomposition of odor components. When the combustion exhaust gas passes through a regenerative bed 5A or 5B on an intake side of the out-of-furnace circulating path, a part of sensible heat of the combustion exhaust gas is recovered in the regenerative bed 5A or 5B and the combustion exhaust gas is turned into a heated gas current that can be used in the thermal equipment 8 to be then supplied to the thermal equipment 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Furnace Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Matsuo, Ryoichi Tanaka, deceased, by Hiroko Tanaka, Kanako Maehara, by Rie Oshima, by Shinichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6022200
    Abstract: There is a cooler fan assembly having a shroud, a fan blade and motor to produce an air flow, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger cools compressed air; the second heat exchanger cools a coolant. The shroud defines an air passageway. The air passageway directs an air flow produced by the fan blade and motor in a path having a direction going into an inlet portal of the shroud and out of a discharge portal of the shroud. The first heat exchanger is coupled to the shroud and is in the path of the air flow. The second heat exchanger is coupled to the shroud and is in the path of the air flow. The fan blade and motor is completely disposed within the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Gardner Denver Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne K. Myers
  • Patent number: 5915464
    Abstract: Two alternative flow patterns through a heat exchanger core are provided by a tank (20) including a baffle (40) dividing the tank into first and second chambers (42 and 44). A first port (50) is provided in the baffle (40) to establish communication between the chambers (42 and 44). A second port (52) is provided to the second chamber (44). The tank (20) further incudes plugs (62 and 64) that are receivable in the tank (20) for alternatively closing the first port (50) while opening the second port (52), and opening the second port (52) while closing the first port (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignees: Modine Manufacturing Co., Bayerische Motoren Werke
    Inventors: Klaus Kalbacher, Manfred Schatz, Axel Temmesfeld
  • Patent number: 5826650
    Abstract: Low-cost off-peak electric energy or electric energy from natural energy sources is used for heating of cooling of system air, which is moved in a closed circuit to heat or cool the energy storage medium of permeable concrete and sized gravel in the exterior walls of the structures. The heated or cooled system air is pressurized by a blower, and is moved horizontally outward through the energy storage medium, to store energy therein, as heat or cold. When stored heat or cold is required inside the structure, system air is moved horizontally, inward, through the energy storage medium, and is heated or cooled thereby, thus moving heat or cold to the material forming the interior surfaces of the exterior walls. Those surfaces then provide radiant heat transfer and convection heat transfer, with materials of the interiors of the structure, and with contents and occupants thereof. The energy storage walls are constructed of large energy storage blocks, lapped for added strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventors: Leonard J. Keller, Austin N. Stanton, deceased, by Lina Mae Maddox, executor
  • Patent number: 5799728
    Abstract: Apparatus for dehumidifying air comprising two cooling coils operable in a first mode for circulating coolant at a temperature above 32.degree. F. and below the dew point of the air through one of the coils and for circulating coolant at a temperature below 32.degree. F. through the other, and operable in a second mode wherein the circulation of coolant is reversed. In one version of the apparatus, shown in FIG. 1, air flows continuously in one direction first through one coil and then the other; in another version of the apparatus, shown in FIG. 3, the direction of air flow is also reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: MEMC Electric Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Blume
  • Patent number: 5762887
    Abstract: A reactor arrangement and process for indirectly contacting a reactant stream with a heat exchange stream uses an arrangement of heat exchange plates to control temperature conditions by varying the heat transfer factor in different portions of a continuous channel defined by the heat exchange plates. The reactor arrangement and process of this invention may be used to operate a reactor under isothermal or other controlled temperature conditions. The variation in the heat transfer factor within a single heat exchange section is highly useful in maintaining a desired temperature profile in an arrangement having a cross-flow of heat exchange medium relative to reactants. The corrugations arrangement eliminates or minimizes the typical step-wise approach to isothermal conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Christine Jeannine Bernadette Girod, William Willy Levy, Peter R. Pujado, Jacques J.L. Romatier, Dominique Jean Jacques Marie Sabin, Paul A. Sechrist
  • Patent number: 5720599
    Abstract: A cooler fan assembly having a shroud, a means to produce an air flow, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The shroud defines an air passageway. The air passageway directs an air flow produced by the air flow means in a path having a direction going into an inlet portal of the shroud and out of a discharge portal of the shroud. The first heat exchanger is coupled to the shroud and is in the path of the air flow. The second heat exchanger is coupled to the shroud and is in the path of the air flow. The means to produce an air flow is completely disposed within the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Gardner Denver Machinery Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne K. Myers
  • Patent number: 5718563
    Abstract: A portable compressor, which includes a compressor airend for compressing a fluid; a prime mover operably connected to the airend to drive the airend and thereby compress the fluid; and a portable compressor housing which defines a housing chamber having a chamber temperature. The compressor means and prime mover are located in the chamber. The housing has a first end and a second end and means formed thereon to provide for ambient air to flow through the first and second ends and into the housing chamber. The portable compressor also including a housing chamber temperature optimizing system comprising: fan for drawing ambient air through the housing ends. The fan is adapted for movement in a first direction to draw ambient air through the first housing end and in a second direction to draw ambient air through the second housing end. The system also includes a chamber temperature measuring member located in the housing chamber; and a motor for moving the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: William Roger Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 5644502
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for maximizing the thermodynamic efficiency and the heat transfer capacity of a counter-current heat exchanger through the use of an optimized multi-component working fluid. Given the operational temperatures and pressures of the heat exchanger, the disclosure teaches a method for selecting the components for the working fluid and for determining the molar fractions of the components that determine the optimal mixture for the working fluid. Because the effective specific heat of a high pressure stream of this mixture is equal to the effective specific heat of a low pressure stream throughout the entire temperature range of the heat exchanger, the thermodynamic efficiency of the heat exchange process is maximized. In addition, because the difference between the enthalpies per unit mass of the two streams are maximized throughout the temperature range of the exchanger, this mixture provides optimal capacity for heat transfer in the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: MMR Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Little
  • Patent number: 5615491
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying the inside of the air duct of a vehicle air conditioner with heating, cooling and drying mode, which includes a first duct part containing a heater unit, a second duct part containing an evaporation unit, the first and second duct parts forming the air duct, an auxiliary blowing fan for introducing in the cooling and drying mode air firstly into the first duct part to heat the air and supply the heated air to the inside of the second duct part, and a main blowing fan for introducing air firstly into the second duct part then to flow towards the heater unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jongsik Bae
  • Patent number: 5525311
    Abstract: A reactor arrangement and process for indirectly contacting a reactant stream with a heat exchange stream uses an arrangement of corrugated heat exchange plates to control temperature conditions by varying the number and/or the arrangement of the corrugations along the plates. The reactor arrangement and process of this invention may be used to operate a reactor under isothermal or other controlled temperature conditions. The variation in corrugation arrangements within a single heat exchange section is highly useful in maintaining a desired temperature profile in an arrangement having a cross-flow of heat exchange medium relative to reactants. The corrugations arrangement eliminates or minimizes the typical step-wise approach to isothermal conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Christine J. B. Girod, William W. Levy, Peter R. Pujado, Jacques J. L. Romatier, Dominique J. J. M. Sabin, Paul A. Sechrist