Radiator Or Cooling System Patents (Class 219/208)
  • Patent number: 11511595
    Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle including a coolant loop configured to exchange heat with a battery. The coolant loop includes a proportional valve for directing a coolant from the battery to at least one of a first chiller and a second chiller. The cooling system for a vehicle also includes a first refrigerant loop comprising the first chiller. The first chiller is configured to exchange heat between the first refrigerant loop and the coolant loop. The cooling system for a vehicle also includes a second refrigerant loop comprising the second chiller. The second chiller is configured to exchange heat between the second refrigerant loop and the coolant loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Allen Bray, Luke McDermott, Steven L. Lambert, William Stewart Johnston
  • Patent number: 11302936
    Abstract: There is provided a fuel cell cooling system that has: a first path through which an electrical insulating coolant, that cools a fuel cell, circulates; a second path through which a coolant, that exchanges heat with the electrical insulating coolant, circulates, and to which a radiator, that releases heat of the coolant, is connected; and a heat exchanger that carries cut heat exchange between the first path and the second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryosuke Fukaya
  • Patent number: 10948954
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods may provide for technology that determines an efficient temperature of a processor based on real-time data and one or more part-specific parameters associated with the processor, determines a set of power differences between other temperatures and the efficient temperature, and stores the set of power differences to a register. In one example, a cooling subsystem is controlled based on the set of power differences in the register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Benson D. Inkley, Laxmi Vishwanathan
  • Patent number: 10855605
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling thermal properties of a node. The method steps include calculating, using a temperature reading, a transmission duty cycle of the node, calculating a data amount capable of being transmitted with the transmission duty cycle, and transmitting, from a network interface of the node, a plurality of available data at a rate less than the data amount based on a priority of the plurality of available data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: ITRON NETWORKED SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Hunt, Jana van Greunen, Will E. San Filippo, III
  • Patent number: 9631836
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for electrically heating fluid for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: at least one heating module (2a, 2b) comprising at least one heating element (7a, 7b) and defining a circuit (7a, 7b) for guiding the fluid to be heated; a means (3) for controlling the heating element (7a, 7b), comprising an electric current switch (14a, 14b) connected to said heating element (7a, 7b) and a heat sink (15) having a first surface (19), which is to contact the fluid, and a second surface (19), which is to contact a sole plate (16) of said electric current switch (14a, 14b). The invention also relates to a heating and/or air-conditioning apparatus for a motor vehicle, including at least one such electric-heating device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUES
    Inventors: Frederic Pierron, Bertrand Puzenat, Jose Leborgne
  • Patent number: 9333835
    Abstract: Provided is a heater for vehicles, and more particularly, to a heater for vehicles, in which a first heater heated by a flowing of engine cooling water and a second heater heated by a power supply are integrally assembled, thereby increasing spatial efficiency and more increasing heat exchange performance to improve heating performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Jung Sam Gu, Hong-Young Lim, Jun Young Song, Kwang Hun Oh, Young-Ha Jeon, Yong Sung Kwon
  • Patent number: 8931547
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system includes an electric powered refrigerant compressing device, an evaporator, an electric heater, an air temperature determining component, a cabin interior temperature controlling component, an upper limit electric power setting component, and an electric power distribution controller. The evaporator receives refrigerant from the compressing device. The heater is downstream of the evaporator in an air passageway. The determining component determines a first air temperature upstream of the evaporator and a second air temperature between the evaporator and the heater. The controlling component sets a vehicle interior discharge air temperature at a position downstream of the heater to a target temperature. The power setting component sets an upper limit for power supplied to the compressing device and the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsiang Yen, Takayoshi Matsuoka, Takafumi Uehara
  • Patent number: 8933372
    Abstract: An engine pre-heater system comprising a housing having a passage extending therethrough for passage of coolant through the pre-heater. The housing provides at least one opening defined therein separate from the passage, and an electric heating element is inserted therein, the heating element projecting into the passage whereby the heating element is in direct contact with the coolant to heat it. The heating element is supplied with electrical power from a power source for enabling it to heat the coolant, and a lower end of the heating element is L-shaped, the lower end thus being substantially perpendicular in relationship to the remainder of the heating element, giving the heating element a greater surface area with which to contact, and thus heat the coolant. The engine pre-heater system is also operably able to heat the coolant, engine oil and transmission oil, therefore heating the coolant and warming the engine in a faster and more efficient manner for quick start-ups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Dynacurrent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray King
  • Patent number: 8927905
    Abstract: An auxiliary power unit has an auxiliary engine, an auxiliary compressor, and a generator, and includes fittings for integrating with a vehicle's heating and cooling systems. The fittings may include first and second heater fittings adapted to be operably integrated into the heating system of the vehicle for diverting flow of the radiator fluid to the auxiliary engine. The auxiliary power unit also includes an AC fitting adapted to be operably installed between the evaporator and the vehicle compressor for enabling flow of AC fluid from the evaporator to the auxiliary compressor, and an AC valve adapted to be operably installed between the vehicle compressor and the condenser for enabling flow of the AC fluid from either the vehicle compressor or the auxiliary compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Steven M. Sunday
  • Patent number: 8901457
    Abstract: Provided is a heat-transfer-medium heating apparatus including: a first heat-transfer-medium circulating box and a second heat-transfer-medium circulating box, which are attached to each other in a fluid-tight manner, in which heat-transfer-medium circulating paths are formed therein in close contact with both surfaces of a PTC heater; an electrical-component cooling wall member that is provided in, for example, the first heat-transfer-medium circulating box so as to be located adjacent to the heat-transfer-medium circulating path; and an electrical component that is fixed on the electrical-component cooling wall member, wherein a protruding portion is formed on the surface at the heat-transfer-medium circulating path side of the electrical-component cooling wall member so as to be positioned at exactly behind an installation position of the electrical component and to extend towards the heat-transfer-medium circulating path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyasu Adachi, Nobuya Nakagawa, Shiro Matsubara, Naoto Kunieda
  • Patent number: 8791397
    Abstract: The present invention provides an induction heating device for a fuel cell system, which can rapidly heat coolant during cold start-up, control the power consumption depending on the voltage of a fuel cell stack, and ensure the insulation resistance by separating a heating unit, which is in contact with the coolant, from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seong Kyun Kim, Haeng Jin Ko, Su Dong Han, Gi Young Nam, Yun Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 8779330
    Abstract: A vehicle heater control apparatus variably controls electric power to be supplied to a heater with an inexpensive configuration and simple control. The vehicle heater control apparatus is provided in a vehicle including an engine control system, the engine control system including: an intake air temperature sensor for detecting an intake air temperature; and a speed sensor for detecting a traveling state of the vehicle, the engine control system using the intake air temperature and the traveling state to control drive of the engine, and the vehicle heater control apparatus includes a heater control portion for variably controlling electric power to be supplied to a warmer provided to a heated part of the vehicle based on the intake air temperature and the traveling state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Takahashi, Yosuke Fukuzawa
  • Patent number: 8759718
    Abstract: An electrical motor-vehicle auxiliary heating device is held in a housing forming oppositely situated air passage areas with formed air passage apertures. A flow resistance element protrudes beyond the outer side of the housing, is manufactured as a component independent of the housing, and is connected to it. The invention also relates to a motor-vehicle air conditioning device with an air conditioning housing which accommodates a motor-vehicle auxiliary heating system and which forms at least one flow channel, which leads to the motor-vehicle auxiliary heating and forms an insertion opening for the motor-vehicle auxiliary heating as well as a boundary wall situated opposite the insertion opening. At least one flow resistance element is provided that is manufactured as a component independent of the housing and the air conditioning housing and that bridges a clearance distance between the housing and the wall(s) of the air conditioning housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Eberspacher Catem GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Clade, Franz Bohlender
  • Publication number: 20140076876
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle with a hybrid drive (10), in which at least one operating medium of the motor vehicle is heated to a predefined desired temperature by a dielectric heating device (36, 38). In this way, immediately following a cold start of the motor vehicle, components through which the operating medium flows can be brought particularly rapidly to their optimum operating temperature so that a particularly energy-saving operation of the motor vehicle is possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventor: Jens Papajewski
  • Patent number: 8642926
    Abstract: An electric heating system, in particular an auxiliary heating system in automobiles, in which the heating system has several heating rods (1), arranged side-by-side; the heating rods (1) are connected to each other by means of alike metal plates (4) that are slid onto the heating rods (1); the heating rods (1) have for this purpose a series of slotted holes (3) that extend in the longitudinal direction (10) of the metal plates (4); the slotted holes (3) have longitudinal edges, facing each other, that clamp the heating rods (1) between them; and at least one part of the slotted holes (3) in each metal plate (4) is longer by more than the manufacturing tolerance, than the width of the heating rods (1) measured in the longitudinal direction (10) of the metal plates (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Kochems, Michael Edgar Luppold, Rolf Merte
  • Patent number: 8633424
    Abstract: An HVAC system for a work vehicle having an operator compartment for a vehicle operator, the system including a heating system, a compartment pressurizer blower, a compartment recirculation blower, a temperature sensor, and an operating mode switch, each operably coupled to an electronic circuit, wherein the circuit is configured to reduce pressurizer blower output when the operator selects high output from the heating system under certain predetermined temperature and conditions and operating modes to improve HVAC system performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Leonid Chernyavsky, William H. Adamson, Alan G. Leupold, Nicholas J. Prenger, Mark D. Klassen, Michael C. Bunnel
  • Patent number: 8581148
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) provides flame-less heat utilizing electric heaters (90) receiving electricity from a generator (22) powered by an engine (20) of a self-contained trailer including a base (12) in the form of a fuel tank. An exhaust heat reclaimer (56) is located in an elevated portion (32) of a manifold (30) further including a vertical portion (42) in front of the engine (20). A centrifugal impeller (80) in a T interconnection draws air from the vertical portion (42) through a radiator (50) of the engine (20) and into first and second pressure blowers (76) which force air through the heaters (90) and transitions (92, 94) to exit ducts (96).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Thawzall, LLC.
    Inventor: Harold James Kilts
  • Publication number: 20130206744
    Abstract: An engine pre-heater system comprising a housing having a passage extending therethrough for passage of coolant through the pre-heater. The housing provides at least one opening defined therein separate from the passage, and an electric heating element is inserted therein, the heating element projecting into the passage whereby the heating element is in direct contact with the coolant to heat it. The heating element is supplied with electrical power from a power source for enabling it to heat the coolant, and a lower end of the heating element is L-shaped, the lower end thus being substantially perpendicular in relationship to the remainder of the heating element, giving the heating element a greater surface area with which to contact, and thus heat the coolant. The engine pre-heater system is also operably able to heat the coolant, engine oil and transmission oil, therefore heating the coolant and warming the engine in a faster and more efficient manner for quick start-ups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Ray King
  • Patent number: 8383996
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electrical cartridge heater (1) with supply cable (7), wherein the cartridge heater (1) comprises a metal jacket (2), in which at least one electrical conductor (3) is arranged in an insulated fashion, which conductor is connected with a metal terminal pin (6) protruding from the jacket (2), wherein the supply cable (7) is exposed at an end region, is enclosed in the exposed region by a housing, wherein the housing encloses a contact bush (10) fixed at the free end of the supply cable (7), into which contact bush the terminal pin (6) can be inserted or is inserted, wherein finally the housing is connected or can be connected immediately detachably with the cartridge heater (1), which while keeping the advantage of the easy exchangeability of the cartridge heater without supply cable, secures a simplified manufacture, a safe assembly and a high tightness against environmental influences such as hydraulic oil, splash or surge water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hotset Heizpatronen U. Zubehoer GmbH
    Inventors: Hendrik Woelper, André Dunse
  • Patent number: 8288048
    Abstract: A thermal management system is disclosed for a hybrid vehicle having an electrochemical power source (battery/fuel cell) and an internal combustion engine. In cooling mode, the system will flow liquid refrigerant over an evaporator attached to the battery/fuel cell, a two-phase mixture will then flow to the condenser where the heat is dissipated to ambient. In cold conditions where the battery/fuel cell needs to be warmed, the system will pick up heat from the engine and pump the warm fluid back to the battery/fuel cell until its optimal operating temperature is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Dale R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8288689
    Abstract: A panel for radiant heating and cooling includes a moisture impermeable shell with protrusions extended from a base. Channels between adjacent protrusions frictionally retain a thermal control component such as flexible tubing or an electrical heating element. The protrusions define chambers open at the bottom of the shell. An anchor in each chamber is secured to the top wall and extends downwardly beyond the base. A thermally conductive film is applied to the top surface of the shell. An insulative layer extends downwardly from inside the shell and beyond the base, surrounding the anchors while leaving bottom surfaces of the anchors exposed. The anchors are secured to a floor or substrate by an adhesive to integrally mount the panel. The anchors can receive and frictionally retain axially driven fasteners such as nails and staples, facilitating the attachment of a flooring overlayer integrally with respect to the substrate through the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Dean W. Adelman
  • Publication number: 20120199570
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating a defined space uses an engine to generate the heat required. The heating system includes a tank for heating liquid. A liquid coolant system has conduits which extend between the engine and the tank. A first respective conduit supplies coolant liquid from the tank to the engine and a second respective conduit supplies liquid which has been drawn through the engine and heated to the tank. An exhaust transfer system has an exhaust conduit which extends from the engine to the tank. A heating element is located in the tank to provide a supplemental heat source. Heating conduits extend from the tank to the space to be heated. The liquid coolant system, the exhaust transfer system and the heating element cooperate to heat the liquid in the tank quickly, thereby minimizing run time of the engine and increasing the efficiency of the heating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Lynn HAMAKER
  • Publication number: 20120012573
    Abstract: An electrical motor-vehicle auxiliary heating device is held in a housing forming oppositely situated air passage areas with formed air passage apertures. A flow resistance element protrudes beyond the outer side of the housing, is manufactured as a component independent of the housing, and is connected to it. The invention also relates to a motor-vehicle air conditioning device with an air conditioning housing which accommodates a motor-vehicle auxiliary heating system and which forms at least one flow channel, which leads to the motor-vehicle auxiliary heating and forms an insertion opening for the motor-vehicle auxiliary heating as well as a boundary wall situated opposite the insertion opening. At least one flow resistance element is provided that is manufactured as a component independent of the housing and the air conditioning housing and that bridges a clearance distance between the housing and the wall(s) of the air conditioning housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Eberspacher catem GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Clade, Franz Bohlender
  • Patent number: 8059944
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device comprising a housing (15), through which air to be heated can pass and which delimits a heating space controlled by a power supply control circuit connected to a power source. The heating space includes electric heating modules (14), each heating module consisting of a first and second metal tape (10, 10) that arc essentially parallel in a transversal direction (D) and of a positive temperature coefficient resistive elements (12) fixed between the two metal tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Fredéric Pierron, Christophe Marange, Gilbert Terranova, Olivier Colette
  • Publication number: 20110215079
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) provides flame-less heat utilizing electric heaters (90) receiving electricity from a generator (22) powered by an engine (20) of a self-contained trailer including a base (12) in the form of a fuel tank. An exhaust heat reclaimer (56) is located in an elevated portion (32) of a manifold (30) further including a vertical portion (42) in front of the engine (20). A centrifugal impeller (80) in a T interconnection draws air from the vertical portion (42) through a radiator (50) of the engine (20) and into first and second pressure blowers (76) which force air through the heaters (90) and transitions (92, 94) to exit ducts (96).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Harold James Kilts
  • Patent number: 7777161
    Abstract: A heat-generating element of a heating device for heating air including at least one PTC element, electric strip conductors lying on the PTC elements and a longish positioning frame that forms at least one frame opening for holding the minimum of one PTC element. A heat-generating element that is improved with a view to safety from electric flashovers and leakage currents is created with the invention under consideration by providing at least one insulating layer, which covers the strip conductor on its exterior side that is turned away from the positioning frame. The insulating layer in any case is sealed against the long sides of the positioning frame by a compressible sealing bead. A heating device for heating air with multiple heat-generating elements is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Catem GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Zeyen, Kurt Walz, Michael Niederer, Franz Bohlender
  • Patent number: 7683294
    Abstract: A multistage control system of a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater for a vehicle is disclosed with a PTC heater that contains heating elements relevant to a first, second, and third stages. An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) outputs a control signal to a first relay, which switches the first stage into an ON and OFF state, for controlling the operation of the first stage of the PTC heater. A heater controller outputs control signals to a second relay and third relay, respectively, for controlling the operation of the second and third stages of the PTC heater, only if the first stage of the PTC heater is in activation via the ECU, wherein the second relay and the third relay each switch the second and third stages into an ON and OFF state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Man-Ju Oh
  • Publication number: 20090107974
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to quickly raise the temperature of an internal combustion engine and the temperature of the ambient air in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a heating element that quickly realizes a temperature of approximately 300 degrees F. Heating system fluid flows across this heating element which raises the temperature of the heating system fluid. This now heated heating system fluid flows through heater core tubes which are connected to heater core fins, thus raising the ambient temperature air which is blown over the heater core fins and into the passenger compartment. The heated heating system fluid also flows over the engine thus helping to raise the operating temperature of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Matthew Testa
  • Patent number: 7464560
    Abstract: A flow passage through which a heat exchange medium flows is formed at least at a part of each airflow duct 3 to 6, and the heat exchange medium flowing through the passage (t) is allowed to cool or heat air flowing through the airflow duct 3 to 6. Alternatively, a heat generation film H is formed at a part of an inner surface of an air passage of each airflow duct 3 to 6 and is allowed to heat air flowing through the airflow duct 3 to 6. Because the airflow ducts 3 to 6 per se are first cooled or heated by the heat exchange medium flowing through the passage (t), the heat exchange loss with the airflow ducts, that has occurred in the prior art, can be eliminated. Because air conditioning wind is cooled or heated inside the airflow ducts 3 to 6, too, instantaneous cooling/warming performance can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Nishino, Eiichi Torigoe
  • Patent number: 7275586
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating or air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle, by which individual zones of the vehicle interior can be supplied with separately temperature-controlled air. An improved heating or air-conditioning system, which requires just a small amount of installation space, feeds differently temperature-controlled air to a plurality of air-conditioning zones. Despite the small amount of installation space, optimum mixing of cold air and warm air takes place in the heating or air-conditioning system, with the result that the air emerging from air-outlet openings in a respective air-conditioning zone have a constant temperature over the outlet cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Oliver Beck, Michael Förster, Christian Grömmer, Norbert Wöcht
  • Patent number: 7098429
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger, particularly for a heating or air conditioning unit of a motor vehicle, comprising several flat pipes which are arranged parallel to each other and are penetrated by a heat-transmitting medium. An electrically operated heating element (114) which is mounted once the heat exchanger has been soldered is assigned to at least one part of the flat pipes as an additional heating device. Said heating element (114) is fixed to the heat exchanger by means of a holding element (115The inventive heat exchanger is characterized by the fact that each heating element (114) is mounted in front of the corresponding flat pipe and parallel thereto by means of the holding element (125) which also runs parallel to the flat pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: BEHR GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-H. Angermann, Roland Burk, Herbert Damsohn, Markus Watzlawski
  • Patent number: 7066125
    Abstract: A frost plug adapter assembly having a locking mechanism that provides a positive capture through an existing frost plug aperture. A cylindrical body is engaged within a frost plug aperture and is maintained in place by a bolt, a locking element and a wing nut. The bolt is advantageously positioned through the cylindrical body with a bolt head at the outer end. The wing nut is screwed onto a threaded end of the bolt so that the wings engage channels of arms of the locking element to spread the arms until they contact an inner annulus of the frost plug aperture. The frost plug adapter assembly is also capable of providing access to engine fluid by providing channels through the inner end of the cylindrical body. The frost plug adapter assembly is easy to install and the locking mechanism prevents the assembly from falling out under severe conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Active Gear Co of Canada Limited
    Inventor: David Lieberman
  • Patent number: 7025026
    Abstract: A burner head assembly for a burner includes a housing having a hollow interior and an exterior. There is a control module within the hollow interior. The module has internal connectors within the hollow interior and external connectors on the exterior of the housing, whereby electrical connections to the module can be made internally and externally with respect to the housing without requiring apertures in the housing and wiring extending through the apertures. For example, the control module may include a circuit board, the circuit board having a portion within the hollow interior and which extends to the exterior. The exterior and interior connectors are connected to the circuit board. The housing may have two portions, the control module being fitted between the two portions of the housing. Preferably the control module is sealingly received between the two portions of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Teleflex Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Young, Craig Fisher, Angelo Faccone, Alexander Schwartzman
  • Patent number: 6977591
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a state of a switch is disclosed. The method includes providing a high side driver circuit in communication with a voltage source, activating the high side driver circuit at a first predefined time interval, and sourcing voltage to a resistor in communication with the high side driver circuit at the first predefined time interval. Further, the method monitors the switch at the first predefined time interval, and determines the state of the switch, and deactivates the high side drive at a second predefined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Elroy Boyer, Benjamin T. Sung
  • Patent number: 6910529
    Abstract: A horizontal rooftop engine cooling system includes one or more radiator units horizontally mountable to the rooftop of a bus and including a radiator interconnected to one or more passages of an engine of the bus to allow coolant to flow between the engine and the rooftop cooling system to cool the engine. The cooling system can incorporate a fan mounting shroud, a ram-air aerodynamic shroud, and/or an ornamental aesthetic appearance shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: ISE Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Thomas Stone, Juergen Schulte
  • Publication number: 20040256082
    Abstract: Components for HVAC systems used in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles are mounted in modular configuration on a frame with air conditioning components connected to one another by metal pipes welded to the components. An alternating current motor, integral with a compressor, is driven by 310 volt alternating current from an inverter, which inverter converts 310 volt direct current that is used to power the vehicle. PTC heaters in fluid communication with an evaporator employed by the air condition system are directly energized by the 310 volt direct current. The modular system is mounted directly on the chassis of the vehicle, facilitative assembly of the vehicle, and is readily removable as a unit from the chassis for repair or replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel Christopher Bracciano
  • Publication number: 20040251244
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for heating comprises a plurality of heat transfer plate members (34) arranged in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals; and connecting portions (35, 36) for integrally connecting the plurality of heat transfer plate members (34) to each other, wherein air passages (37) are formed between the plurality of heat transfer plate members (34), inner fluid passages (31) are formed in the heat transfer plate members (34), fluid, for heating air which passes in the air passages (37), flows in the inner fluid passages (31), and an electric heat generating film (40), for heating the air which passes in the air passages (37), is formed on surfaces of the plurality of heat transfer plate members (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Eiichi Torigoe
  • Patent number: 6825443
    Abstract: A vehicle or stationary liquid, water or oil tank heater teaches that a hot fluid may be passed through a metal body placed in the water piping or in the vacuum piping, thereby melting any ice in the system and preventing further freezing. The system may be advantageously used with manifolds, valves, scrubbers, pipes or the water tank itself. The coolant flow path may be optimized for ease of production and/or efficient heat transfer. The invention may be used with an external source of hot liquid, or it may be used with a cuff which may slipped over any of a variety of devices in need of de-icing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: William Garland Latham
  • Publication number: 20040178188
    Abstract: An electric heater apparatus for automobiles is disclosed. A sheathed heater (14a) constituting a heat generating member of a heater assembly (14) generates heat by power supplied from a main power supply for generating a DC high voltage through an inverter. A thermal fuse (15) has a temperature detecting element (15a) (low-melting alloy) adapted to fuse when a set temperature is reached. The temperature detecting element (15a) is connected to the power circuit of the sheathed heater (14a) through lead wires (15b, 15c). The thermal fuse (15) is arranged in such a position that the longitudinal direction of the temperature detecting element (15a) accommodated in the casing (17) is coincident with the longitudinal direction of the heater assembly 14, and mounted in surface-to-surface contact with the body (aluminum body (14c)) of the heater assembly (14). Also, the interior of the casing (17) is sealed with a material (such as cement or a silicon caulking material) higher in heat conductivity than air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Ken Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 6772722
    Abstract: A burner head assembly for a burner includes a housing having a hollow interior and an exterior. There is a control module within the hollow interior. The module has internal connectors within the hollow interior and external connectors on the exterior of the housing, whereby electrical connections to the module can be made internally and externally with respect to the housing without requiring apertures in the housing and wiring extending through the apertures. For example, the control module may include a circuit board, the circuit board having a portion within the hollow interior and which extends to the exterior. The exterior and interior connectors are connected to the circuit board. The housing may have two portions, the control module being fitted between the two portions of the housing. Preferably the control module is sealingly received between the two portions of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Teleflex Canada Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jonathan Young, Craig Fisher, Angelo Faccone, Alexander Schwartzman
  • Patent number: 6718164
    Abstract: A communication device (100, 200) capable of transmitting information provides the means for regulating the temperature (116) of one or more heat-sensitive modules or components (160) of the communication device through the adaptive and dynamic control of the flow of transmissions by the communication device, thereby eliminating the need for stored thermal profiles of heat-sensitive modules of the communication device. In addition to the heat-sensitive module(s), the communication device has a multi-logic controller block (110) and a transmission flow control block (140). The multi-logic controller block (110) receives the temperature of the heat-sensitive module (116) and a first control clock (112) and utilizes multi-value logic to generate a flow control signal having hysteresis (126).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose E. Korneluk, David S. Seekins, Mahesh Bhuta, Anthony Rodrigues, Jr., Gordon W. James
  • Patent number: 6581678
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating or air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle, having a heater for generating warm air, at least one cold air duct leading past the heater, and air mixing spaces provided adjacent to the heater. The air duct is divided into sub-ducts for guiding air into the mixing spaces. The mixing spaces are arranged in the direction of flow and are separated from one another by at least one dividing wall. Cold air and warm air are mixed to a specific temperature in the mixing spaces by means of airflow control elements and then fed to an assigned air-conditioned zone via an air duct and air outlet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Christian Groemmer, Norbert Woecht
  • Publication number: 20030010487
    Abstract: An air-conditioner for use in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle includes an electric heater for heating water circulating through a heater core and a compressor for compressing refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle. The electric heater is powered by an on-board battery, and the compressor is also driven by the same on-board battery. When a voltage of the on-board battery abnormally increases to a first predetermined level, the electric heater is switched off to prevent the electric heater from being overheated. When the voltage further increases to a second predetermined level, operation of the compressor is also terminated. Thus, the electric heater is properly protected from the abnormally high voltage while properly keeping performance of the air-conditioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Hisashi Ieda, Ken Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 6472637
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the heater provides a core plug having one open axial end and one closed axial end to define a hollow housing. During installation, the closed end of the housing is secured into an engine core bore, such that at least a portion of housing projects inwardly of the bore and is immersed in engine fluid. Independently, a heating element, adaptable to an external power supply, is releasably inserted inside the hollow housing. Heat is therefore conducted directly through the housing directly to the engine fluid and the engine itself. A quick-release retaining member is installed to retain the heating element within the housing while still allowing free rotation of the heating element therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Noma Company
    Inventor: Steven W. Ballem
  • Patent number: 6464027
    Abstract: A method of thermal management for a thermal management system in a vehicle includes the steps of selecting a thermal management function. The method also includes the steps of adjusting a temperature within the thermal management system using the thermal management function and using the adjusted temperature within the thermal management system to control a temperature within an occupant compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Allen Dage, Lawrence William Smith
  • Patent number: 6448535
    Abstract: A cooling device for a vehicle with an electric motor powered by a fuel cell has a first cooling loop suitable for cooling the fuel cell and traversed by a first cooling fluid, a second cooling loop suitable for cooling at least the electric motor and traversed by a second cooling fluid, and a heat exchanger interposed between the first cooling loop and the second cooling loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Ngy Srun Ap
  • Patent number: 6444952
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a cartridge-style heater received into a bore in an engine block is provided with a quick-release retaining member that attaches to the heater about its outer circumference. A pair of spaced legs and an arm extending from a center portion define the retaining member. The pair of legs frictionally engage the heater while permitting heater to rotate within the bore relative to the member even if the member is fixed to the engine. The rotation also permits the retaining member to rotate about the sleeve to align the retaining member to a predetermined attachment location on the engine independent of the orientation of the heater within the engine bore. This invention provides flexibility in the orientation of the heater to receive an electrical connector from an external power supply and attachment of the heater to the engine regardless of the engine configuration or vehicle model, thereby improving installation, serviceability, and use of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Noma Company
    Inventors: Steven W. Ballem, Daniel P. McNaught
  • Publication number: 20020040896
    Abstract: A cooling device for a vehicle with an electric motor powered by a fuel cell has a first cooling loop suitable for cooling the fuel cell and traversed by a first cooling fluid, a second cooling loop suitable for cooling at least the electric motor and traversed by a second cooling fluid, and a heat exchanger interposed between the first cooling loop and the second cooling loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Ngy Srun Ap
  • Patent number: 6118099
    Abstract: A reversible HVAC system for heating a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The HVAC system includes a heat pump and an electric heater for supplying heat directly to air blown into the passenger compartment. A controller initially selects the heat pump to provide the heat that is directed into the passenger compartment. The heat pump attempts for a predetermined period of time to heat the passenger compartment to a target temperature. The controller stores a heat pump gain value representing the heating capacity of the heat pump before switching the heating operation to the electric heater. During operation of the electric heater, the controller calculates a system heat gain value representing the required heating capacity to maintain the passenger compartment at the target temperature. While the electric heater is operating, the controller continuously modifies the heat pump gain value to reflect changes in the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Barry J. Lake, Lawrence Ziehr, Lance C. Tagliapietra
  • Patent number: 6093909
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow heater for heating liquid in a closed cycle in a motor vehicle. The flow heater comprises at least one radiator with at least one channel, through which the liquid to be heated flows, ant at least one PTC-heating element for heating the closely adjacent radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: David & Baader - DBK - Spezialfabrik elektischer Apparate und Heizwiderstande GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Beetz, Franz Bohlender