Mixing Fluid Of Dissimilar Temperature Patents (Class 236/12.1)
  • Patent number: 11473486
    Abstract: A fluid connector assembly includes a housing, an elastic member and a floating component. The housing has an opening. The elastic member is disposed in the opening of the housing. The floating component is movably supported by the elastic member and includes a fluid passage and a first guiding structure. The fluid passage is configured to be connected to a fluid device. The first guiding structure is configured to engage with a second guiding structure of the fluid device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Yu-Jei Huang, Yu-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 10859590
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzing apparatus includes a liquid tank, a first pump, a dispensing probe, and a thermal exchanger. The liquid tank stores a first liquid. The first pump pressurizes and sends the first liquid supplied from the liquid tank. The dispensing probe uses the first liquid that is sent out from the first pump as a pressure transmitting medium. The thermal exchanger exchanges heat between an atmosphere in the automatic analyzing apparatus and the first liquid in at least a part of a first flow path connecting the first pump to the liquid tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Yamasaki, Takehiko Onuma, Makoto Ogasawara, Hiroko Takayama, Reiko Maruyama
  • Patent number: 10489038
    Abstract: The present invention is a remote display that communicated with a water parameter sensors engage to or in close proximity to a water supply piping or incorporated within a shower, or bath or faucet head, in an aesthetically pleasing format. The remote water parameter sensors includes power source, microprocessor and/or microcontroller, temperature sensor and/or water flow sensors, timing circuits. The remote display apparatus can communicated with the water parameter sensors by wired or means. The remote display apparatus can be a substantially round housing encircled with an interface ring having a centrally located display, or can be a square, rectangle, circle or other configuration touch-screen display mounted on a housing that has soft button for menu derived operations. Both embodiments have a back portion designed to adhere to various surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Edward Klicpera
  • Patent number: 9218006
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve for the mixing of a first fluid and second fluid is disclosed. The thermostatic mixing valve includes a valve body having a first fluid inlet, a second fluid inlet, and a mixed fluid outlet. The thermostatic mixing valve also includes a valve member configured to control the rate of flow of at least the first fluid. The valve member includes a thermostatic control device in communication with the mixed fluid and a shuttle coupled to the thermostatic control device, configured for movement within a liner, and oriented to adjustably engage the flow of at least the first fluid through at least one opening within a wall of the liner, the direction of flow of the first fluid being at least partially transverse with respect to the shuttle. At least one fluid inlet may include a check valve configured to prevent fluid from flowing out of the valve through the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Magarl, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin B. Kline
  • Patent number: 9033254
    Abstract: A non electric, temperature controlled system for passing or bypassing a solar water heating apparatus includes a temperature controlled water distribution valve directing water to flow from a main supply of water toward a user depending on the setting and configuration of the temperature controlled water distribution valve within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Jeff Wieland
  • Patent number: 9027595
    Abstract: A method for channeling hot/warm working fluid includes coupling a first fluid supply path in flow communication with an inlet of a first transparent fluid reservoir to a fluid inlet valve, coupling an outlet of the first transparent fluid reservoir in flow communication to a fluid outlet supply path, coupling a second fluid reservoir in flow communication with the first transparent fluid reservoir, and coupling a second fluid supply path in flow communication with an outlet of the second fluid reservoir to a fluid outlet valve. The method also includes directing working fluid of a temperature that is above a minimum threshold temperature from the fluid inlet valve to the fluid outlet supply path through the first transparent fluid reservoir, and directing working fluid of a temperature that is below the minimum threshold temperature from the first transparent fluid reservoir to the fluid outlet valve through the second fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Avinash Girish Bhardwaj, Glrish Krishnan
  • Patent number: 9027844
    Abstract: A water delivery system is provided, including at least one sink with a faucet device having a cold water faucet part and a hot water faucet part, a cold water line to the at least one sink, a hot water line to the at least one sink, and a valve associated with the at least one sink allowing in an open state the transport of water between the hot water line and the cold water line and inhibiting in a closed state the transport of water between the hot water line and the cold water line, wherein the open state and the closed state of the valve depend solely on whether a differential pressure across the valve is below or above a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Xylem IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Karsten Laing
  • Patent number: 9027845
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve having a manually operable actuator for user selection of water temperature and flow rate, where the actuator is configured to permit both simultaneous and independent adjustment of the water temperature and the flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Kohler Mira Limited
    Inventors: Nigel Paul Sansum, Austin Christopher Bumpsteed
  • Patent number: 8985473
    Abstract: A regulating valve has a dome, a discharge sheet and a flow deflector. The dome has a base and a circumferential wall. The discharge sheet and the flow deflector are set in the dome in sequence. A discharge portion, a cold water portion, a hot water portion and a warm water portion are set on the base. A discharge slot, a cold water slot, a hot water slot and a warm water slot are set on the discharge sheet correspondingly. A guide slot is extended outwards from the center of the circle on the surface of the flow deflector. The end point of the center of the guide slot is set correspondingly to the discharge slot. When the flow deflector is rotated, there may occur either of a water shutdown state, or a hot, lukewarm, warm, chilly or cold water discharge state, enabling to switch water discharge efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Teng-Lung Liu
  • Patent number: 8960269
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes: a bypass valve; a stack of standard tubes; and, in the stack, a pair of stacked-together adapter tubes. Each standard tube end has spaced-apart walls including openings. Each adapter tube end has: a wall including an opening; and a passage. At one end of the pair, the passages communicate with one another and the openings communicate with the openings in adjacent standard tubes; at the other end, the openings communicate with the openings in adjacent standard tubes. The valve includes a plug with opposed plug walls, one plug wall having one of an inlet and outlet, the plug being disposed with its walls between and at said other end of the pair and with the inlet and outlet communicating with the passages. An actuator is adjacent to the plug and has a reciprocating plunger for selectively blocking at least said one of the inlet and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Cheadle, Yuri Peric, Doug Vanderwees
  • Publication number: 20150013986
    Abstract: A method of hydraulic fracturing of an oil producing formation includes the provision of a heating apparatus which is transportable and that has a vessel for containing water. The method contemplates heating the water up to a temperature of about 200° F. (93.3° C.). A water stream of cool or cold water is transmitted from a source to a mixer, the cool water stream being at ambient temperature. The mixer has an inlet that receives cool or cold water from the source and an outlet that enables a discharge of a mix of cool or cold water and the hot water. After mixing in the mixer, the water assumes a temperature that is suitable for mixing with chemicals that are used in the fracturing process, such as a temperature of about 40°-120° F.+ (4.4-48.9° C.+). An outlet discharges a mix of the cool and hot water to surge tanks or to mixing tanks. In the mixing tanks, a proppant and an optional selected chemical or chemicals are added to the water which has been warmed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Ransom Mark Hefley
  • Patent number: 8931706
    Abstract: A mixed water control valve for a faucet includes a control unit, two mounting seats and a balance unit. The control unit includes a valve housing, a rotation plate and a control handle. The balance unit includes a fixed sleeve and a pressure regulating sleeve. The pressure regulating sleeve is movable in the fixed sleeve by a pressure differential between the two mounting seats to control the water flow rate of the cold and hot water of the two mounting seats and to regulate the water pressure automatically so as to provide a pressure balance and to stabilize the temperature of the mixed cold and hot water in the valve housing so that the mixed water flowing from the valve housing is kept at a constant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ing Tzon Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Mei-Fen Lin
  • Publication number: 20140338118
    Abstract: A faucet assembly including a handle that rotates about a rotational axis extending perpendicular to an angled interface for adjusting a water parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Kyle R. Davidson, Kurt J. Thomas, Derek A. Brown, Ryan J. Shaw
  • Patent number: 8875528
    Abstract: A test chamber that is capable of operating in a mode where the temperature of the chamber is efficiently cooled without removing a substantial amount of moisture from the air. In one aspect, the test chamber includes a structure defining a work space having air, and a temperature control system (e.g., a refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator valve). The temperature control system includes a heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator) positioned to communicate with the air in the work space, a source of cold fluid (e.g., a compressed, condensed, and throttled refrigerant) coupled to the heat exchanger, a source of hot fluid (e.g., compressed refrigerant gas) coupled to the heat exchanger, and a controller for controlling a mixture of cold fluid and hot fluid entering the heat exchanger (e.g., by adjusting a cold fluid valve and/or a hot fluid valve).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Venturedyne, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darin E. Immink, Clinton A. Peterson, Andrew R. Veldt
  • Patent number: 8870085
    Abstract: A hot and cold water mixing valve including a temperature adjusting dial, and a cylindrical casing having formed therein a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet is provided with a control valve member in which one end thereof is subjected to a load from a biasing member and the other end is subjected to a load from an actuator. By balancing between the loads applied by the biasing member and the actuator, a mixture ratio between the hot water which flows in through the hot water inlet and the cold water which flows in through the cold water inlet is adjusted. A temperature adjuster adjusts a position of the control valve member through the biasing member and includes a tapered skirt portion, which spreads in a radial direction, at an end on the control valve member side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: Toto Ltd., Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kensaku Todaka, Hideyuki Matsui, Eiji Seki, Isao Negishi
  • Patent number: 8863545
    Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a multi-stage compression mechanism, heat source-side and usage side heat exchangers each operable as a radiator/evaporator, a switching mechanism switchable between cooling and heating operation states, a second-stage injection tube, an intermediate heat exchanger and an intermediate heat exchanger bypass tube. The intermediate heat exchanger bypass tube ensures that refrigerant discharged from the first-stage compression element and drawn into the second-stage compression element is not cooled by the intermediate heat exchanger during a heating operation. Injection rate optimization controls a flow rate of refrigerant returned to the second-stage compression element through the second-stage injection tube so that an injection ratio is greater during the heating operation than during a cooling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Fujimoto, Atsushi Yoshimi
  • Patent number: 8746582
    Abstract: The hot and cold water mixing valve having a cylindrical casing is provided with a control valve member which adjusts a ratio between hot and cold water inlets by balancing loads applied by a biasing member and an actuator, and cylindrical temperature adjuster which adjusts a position of the control valve member when rotated. In the temperature adjuster, an upper surface is formed at one end, a knob is provided in the center of the upper surface, and a ring-shaped recess is formed around the knob at the upper surface. The temperature adjuster is arranged inside the casing and the knob is inserted, coaxially with the casing, into the hole which opens at one end of the casing. A spacer which covers the recess is interposed and held between the upper surface of the temperature adjuster and one end of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Toto Ltd., Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kensaku Todaka, Hideyuki Matsui, Eiji Seki, Isao Negishi
  • Patent number: 8740098
    Abstract: The initially cold water streams of a household hot water plumbing circuit are accumulated in a storage container to be thereafter drained off with the cold water stream, at various flow restricted levels, thereby conserving water use. This accumulate may be adjustably admixed into the waste products of a household drinking water purification system, thereby diluting it to acceptable levels that may be useful for washing and the like. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the fresh water stream may be admixed into the water purification waste water stream. Each of these water conserving functions is conformed to be combined in a stepwise manner, thereby accommodating budgetary and use growth constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nitroworks Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Greenthal, Neal W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8733666
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve having a temperature adjustment mechanism for adjusting the temperature of the discharge fluid exiting a fluid outlet of the thermostatic mixing valve. The thermostatic mixing valve may include a tamper-resistant feature that resists accidental adjustment of the discharge fluid temperature, and in some cases, does not require specialized tools for purposeful adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph William Beagen
  • Patent number: 8636174
    Abstract: An on-demand hot water dispenser (10, 90) with a source of hotter water (30) at a preselected relatively elevated temperature (36, 40, 42) and a source of cooler water at a relatively non-elevated temperature compared to the hotter water (17, 52) has an outlet dispense valve (18, 92) connected with both the hotter water source and the cooler water source through a common mixing chamber (74) to selectively vary the temperature of the mixed water being dispensed. The cooler water source (17, 52) is connected to the outlet dispense valve (18, 92) through an electrically controlled proportional valve (72) with a variable flow rate that is controlled during dispensing and mixing in accordance with a comparison between a selected one of a plurality preselected temperatures stored in a controller (34) and a sensed temperature (60, 62) of the mixed water in the mixing chamber (74) to maintain the mixed temperature of the water being dispensed at a preselected temperature on a real-time basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Motkowski, Jonathan D. Shalen, Marek K. Kwiatkowski
  • Publication number: 20130306745
    Abstract: A water heater includes a hot water tank 57, a hot water-supplying heat exchanger 52, a water-entering conduit 64, a hot water-issuing conduit 65, entering-water temperature detecting device 67, control device 83 and scale suppressing device 76. The scale suppressing device 76 includes an inlet connection port 77 and an outlet connection port 78 which can be attached to and detached from the water-entering conduit 64. The control device 83 changes an entering-water set temperature T1 at which a heating operation is completed depending upon whether or not the scale suppressing device 76 is mounted. Therefore, a lifetime of a scale inhibitor is increased, and it is possible to reduce maintenance and maintenance costs required when the scale inhibitor is replaced or replenished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro OHAMA, Muneto YAMADA, Yoshitsugu NISHIYAMA, Mitsuhiro SANO, Katsuhiko UNO, Keiko YASUI
  • Patent number: 8579206
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve for the mixing of a first and second fluids is disclosed. The thermostatic mixing valve includes a valve body having first and second inlets, and a mixed fluid outlet. The thermostatic mixing valve includes a valve member configured to control the rate of flow of at least the first fluid. The member includes a thermostat in communication with the mixed fluid and a shuttle coupled to the thermostat, configured for movement within a liner, and oriented to adjustably engage the flow of the first fluid through an opening within a wall of the liner, the direction of flow of the first fluid being at least partially transverse with respect to the shuttle. A fluid inlet may include a check valve configured to prevent fluid from flowing out of the valve through the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Magarl, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin B. Kline
  • Patent number: 8561913
    Abstract: A device for dispensing water includes a water tank for keeping water at a tank temperature higher than the desired temperature of the water to be dispensed. A tank inlet is connected to a source of water. device includes a mixing device with a first water supply, a second water supply and a water discharge connected to a dispensing point. The first water supply is connected to a hot water pipe originating from a central hot water source arranged at a distance, and the second water supply is connected to a tank outlet. The mixing device includes a control device which is designed to mix water from the first and second water supply in such a manner that the water to be dispensed substantially has a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Henri Peteri Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Niels Theodoor Peteri, Ivo Legel
  • Patent number: 8534568
    Abstract: A sanitary fitting includes a cold water connection; a hot water connection; a mixed water outlet; a valve device for setting a mixed water temperature and a mixed water throughflow rate, wherein the valve device is connected to the cold water connection and the hot water connection at one end and is connected to the mixed water outlet at the other end; an electrical controller for actuating a valve; and a control signal transmitter for generating an input signal to the controller, wherein the valve is an integral constituent part of the valve device, and the controller actuates the valve device as a function of the input signal of the control signal transmitter such that a mixed water temperature and a mixed water throughflow rate are set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: KWC AG
    Inventors: Christian Gautschi, Daniel Baumann
  • Patent number: 8528830
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for cooling a reaction effluent gas includes feeding a sufficient amount of a suitable silicon source cooling gas into a stream of the reaction effluent gas, wherein the reaction effluent gas is produced by a thermal decomposition of at least one silicon source gas in a reactor, and wherein sufficient amount of the suitable silicon source cooling gas is defined based a concentration of the at least one chemical species in the reaction effluent gas; cooling the reaction effluent gas to a sufficient temperature so that: the cooled reaction effluent gas is capable of being handled by a material that is not suitable for handling the reaction effluent gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Jiangsu Zhongneng Polysilicon Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Froehlich, David Mixon
  • Patent number: 8522814
    Abstract: A water control valve assembly includes a valve manifold having a mixing chamber for mixing water from a supply of hot water and a supply of cold water. The valve manifold has a water control element controlling the flow of water from the mixing chamber to a discharge port of the valve manifold. A thermostatically controlled bypass valve is in fluid communication with the valve manifold, wherein the bypass valve is configured to bypass water from the supply of hot water to the supply of cold water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Grundfos Pumps Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
  • Publication number: 20130203332
    Abstract: A temperature control gasper apparatus for vehicle interiors such as aircraft cabins. Airflow temperature, volume and orientation are integrated and controlled by the gasper apparatus—at the point of use of the gasper apparatus. The temperature control gasper apparatus includes a mixing chamber, a temperature control dial, and an airflow control nozzle assembly. The temperature control gasper apparatus provides airflow output control with rotation of a grip member of the nozzle assembly relative to a ball portion of the mixing chamber, temperature control by rotation of a handle portion of the temperature control dial relative to the ball portion of the mixing chamber, and airflow direction control by movement of the ball portion of the mixing chamber relative to a socket portion of the mixing chamber fixed to the vehicle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Leslie Fernandes, Charlie Rann, Krist Khodjasaryan
  • Publication number: 20130200166
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the fluid discharge device of a fluid transfer pipe, and to a technology which alters the sectional area of a discharge hole in proportion to the increase or decrease in fluid discharge flow per unit of time so as to maintain a relatively uniform fluid discharge rate from the discharge hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Euntae Park
  • Patent number: 8480003
    Abstract: A separated-flow temperature control faucet mainly comprises a constant temperature control device to mix hot water and cold water, a flow divider valve to control water flow direction and a main housing coupling with the constant temperature control device and the flow divider valve. The constant temperature control device contains an axial movement member movable axially by turning to control hot and cold water flow amount to control water temperature. The flow divider valve provides water separating function and stop function to stop water from flowing out. The faucet thus formed has a longer life span, is less likely to accumulate water dreg, can supply a greater water discharge amount, stabilize water temperature, and offer a simpler structure and improve usability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Deluxe Brassware Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Yu Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20130140372
    Abstract: A stage assembly includes (i) a stage; (ii) a base assembly; (iii) a stage mover, and (iv) a temperature controller. The stage mover includes a magnet array and a conductor array. The conductor array can be grouped into one or more zones. The temperature controller selectively directs a circulation fluid at a first temperature, and at a second temperature to each zone. Feedforward signals based on the expected heat dissipation of the conductor array can be used to improve the response time of the temperature controller. The temperature controller can include a phase change material and a housing assembly that retains the phase change material in an enclosed chamber near the conductor array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: NIKON CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8453942
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single-unit faucet that comprises a tubular faucet body (2) and a thermostatic cartridge (3) defining a pre-assembled assembly provided inside the faucet body and including a hollow shell (4) made of a plastic material, in which is provided a thermostatic means (5) for adjusting the temperature of a cold-fluid and hot-fluid mixture. In order to firmly and simply secure the shell in the faucet body, a rigid part (6) is provided between them, and is capable of movement along a movement axis (Z-Z) transverse to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the faucet body, while being kinematically connected to the shell both in the direction of the axis of the faucet body and in rotation about said axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Vernet
    Inventor: Frederic Robert Jager
  • Publication number: 20130112761
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and apparatus adapted to control a temperature of a process fluid in an instrument. In one aspect, the systems and apparatus are adapted to control fluid temperature provided to a feed tank. The feed tank may feed a metering system and metering line of an instrument such as a clinical analyzer. The fluid temperature control system includes a process fluid inflow, a process fluid outflow, a first fluid path fluidly coupled to the process fluid inflow and outflow, and at least one heat exchanger thermally coupled to the first fluid path, wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to extract heat for at least one heat-generating component of the instrument. Controlling a temperature of the process fluid at the feed tank improves metering accuracy. Methods of operating the system are provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC.
    Inventors: William D. Dunfee, Robert E. Myers, Lawrence D. Huppman, Nathan A. Small, John P. Mizzer, Richard H. Carter, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130075483
    Abstract: An electronic shower system including a mixing valve operably coupled to a mixing valve drive, and a diverter valve operably coupled to a diverter valve drive and in fluid communication with the mixing valve. A controller is in communication with the mixing valve drive and the diverter valve drive. A user interface includes a removable module in communication with the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: MASCO CORPORATION OF INDIANA
    Inventors: Garry R. Marty, Todd Huffington, Kyle R. Davidson, Brian W. Johnson, Larry D. O'Cull, Patrick B. Jonte
  • Patent number: 8366012
    Abstract: An automatic temperature control for a washing machine or the like may adopt in a first embodiment a single triac switched between a hot-water valve and cold-water valve by mechanical switch elements to provide for a range of temperature control via a microprocessor receiving a temperature command input. In a second embodiment two triacs may be used to permit a range of temperature controls to be effected by voltage signals generated by low-voltage low current switches implemented on an integrated circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric K. Larson, David C. Gill, Juan J. Barrena, Mark A. Romo
  • Patent number: 8353462
    Abstract: A hot and cold water mixing valve including a temperature adjusting dial, and a cylindrical casing having formed therein a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet is provided with a control valve member in which one end thereof is subjected to a load from a biasing member and the other end is subjected to a load from an actuator. By balancing between the loads applied by the biasing member and the actuator, a mixture ratio between the hot water which flows in through the hot water inlet and the cold water which flows in through the cold water inlet is adjusted. A temperature adjuster adjusts a position of the control valve member through the biasing member and includes a tapered skirt portion, which spreads in a radial direction, at an end on the control valve member side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignees: Toto Ltd., Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kensaku Todaka, Hideyuki Matsui, Eiji Seki, Isao Negishi
  • Patent number: 8327873
    Abstract: Temperature control valve apparatus for preventing back flow from a cold water line into a hot water line includes a housing having an inlet or connection to a hot water line, an outlet for a connection to a cold water line and an interconnecting bore with a valve seat. A removable valve plug is disposed in the bore proximate the valve seat and a valve spring biases the valve plug in a spaced apart relationship with the valve seat for enabling water to flow therepast and through the housing from the hot water line to the cold water line. A thermal actuator disposed in an operative position for moving the valve plug to a seating position against the valve plug is provided to prevent water flow therepast from the cold water line to the hot water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: ACT, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry K. Acker
  • Patent number: 8302874
    Abstract: When the detected temperature by the first temperature sensor is greater than the preset temperature value, the controller controls the airflow capacity of the waste heat inputted into the first intake apparatus to be reduced and controls the airflow capacity of the cold air inputted into the second intake apparatus to increase, therefore, the temperature of the waste heat inputted into the first intake apparatus is reduced. When the detected temperature by the first temperature sensor is less than the preset temperature value, the controller controls the heater to heat the waste heat inputted into the first intake apparatus, when the detected temperature by the first temperature sensor reaches the preset temperature value, the controller controls the first valve to open, to output the waste heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zh-Wei Jian
  • Publication number: 20120267441
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for cooling a reaction effluent gas includes feeding a sufficient amount of a suitable silicon source cooling gas into a stream of the reaction effluent gas, wherein the reaction effluent gas is produced by a thermal decomposition of at least one silicon source gas in a reactor, and wherein sufficient amount of the suitable silicon source cooling gas is defined based a concentration of the at least one chemical species in the reaction effluent gas; cooling the reaction effluent gas to a sufficient temperature so that: the cooled reaction effluent gas is capable of being handled by a material that is not suitable for handling the reaction effluent gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: AE Polysilicon Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Froehlich, David Mixon
  • Patent number: 8245946
    Abstract: A unitary valve block assembly is interposed between a hot and cold water outlet and a faucet assembly including a hot and cold valve to convey the initially cold portion from the hot water outlet into an accumulator during all the times when the accumulator is substantially unfilled. This accumulated water is then emitted through the cold water valve each time cold water is demanded. When the pressure ratio between the accumulator and the water source indicates that it contains substantial quantities of un-evacuated stored water the subsequent demands of hot water are conveyed directly to the hot water valve regardless of the temperature thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Nitroworks Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Greenthal, Neal W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8235305
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for cooling a reaction effluent gas includes feeding a sufficient amount of a suitable silicon source cooling gas into a stream of the reaction effluent gas, wherein the reaction effluent gas is produced by a thermal decomposition of at least one silicon source gas in a reactor, and wherein sufficient amount of the suitable silicon source cooling gas is defined based a concentration of the at least one chemical species in the reaction effluent gas; cooling the reaction effluent gas to a sufficient temperature so that: the cooled reaction effluent gas is capable of being handled by a material that is not suitable for handling the reaction effluent gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: AE Polysilicon Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Froehlich, David Mixon
  • Patent number: 8225961
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for dispensing water at a variety of temperatures and volumes. The apparatus includes at least two tanks having different temperatures, controlled by a controller. A calculated volume of water from tanks having different water temperatures, is dispensed to provide a desired temperature and volume of water. Flow from the tanks is controlled by valves receiving signals from the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: James H. Anson
  • Publication number: 20120118984
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve for the mixing of a first and second fluids is disclosed. The thermostatic mixing valve includes a valve body having first and second inlets, and a mixed fluid outlet. The thermostatic mixing valve includes a valve member configured to control the rate of flow of at least the first fluid. The member includes a thermostat in communication with the mixed fluid and a shuttle coupled to the thermostat, configured for movement within a liner, and oriented to adjustably engage the flow of the first fluid through an opening within a wall of the liner, the direction of flow of the first fluid being at least partially transverse with respect to the shuttle. A fluid inlet may include a check valve configured to prevent fluid from flowing out of the valve through the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Magarl, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin B. Kline
  • Publication number: 20120097746
    Abstract: The concepts relate to reducing energy loss associated with hot water systems. One example includes a cold water line and a hot water line and an end use fixture in fluid flowing relation with the cold and hot water lines and configured to control water flow therefrom. This example also includes a water heater having an intake or inlet in fluid flowing relation to the cold water line and an outlet in fluid flowing relation to the hot water line. The example includes an automatic hot water recovery apparatus positioned in fluid flowing relation to the cold water line proximate to the water heater, the automatic hot water recovery apparatus configured to draw hot water back into the water heater from the hot water line subsequent to hot water usage at the end use fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Spencer Kim Haws
  • Patent number: 8156579
    Abstract: A shower arrangement (10) includes a mixer valve assembly (110) and conduit means (120) for the supply of water to the assembly (110). The conduit means (120) includes a conduit casing (2) defining an interior (122), a hot water pipe (3) defining a passage (103) for hot water and a cold water pipe (4) defining a passage (104) for cold water, the hot and cold water pipes (3, 4) being located in the interior (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Energy Products Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Boulton Renfrew
  • Publication number: 20120061483
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hot/cold water supply system with an improved control part. Cold water that has remained in a pipe is re-circulated through a circulating water pipe and is re-supplied into and heated by a boiler rather than being discharged out of a faucet, and the temperature of the water is adjusted in a thermo-and-geared valve to a temperature preset by a user so that water with a low temperature deviation can be supplied to the user. Further, an excessive load is prevented from being applied to the thermo-and-geared valve. Water of different temperatures preset by users can be supplied to corresponding control zones. A sudden deviation in temperature can be prevented when the boiler re-ignites. When the temperature of water reaches a preset temperature, a control panel indicates it to the user on a display and/or by providing a sound, thus making it more convenient to use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: KISEUNG METAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yeong-Chun Lee
  • Patent number: 8130510
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a printed circuit board assembly of an electronic appliance including a plurality of boards on which electrical parts to perform functions necessary for the electronic appliance are separately arranged according to the specification of the electronic appliance. The printed circuit board assembly is divided into a plurality of boards, such that electrical parts having a common specification and electrical parts having different specifications are arranged on different boards, thereby optimizing the printed circuit board assembly and configuring the boards according to the specification of the electronic appliance without loss. Microprocessors are arranged on the boards, and the boards are connected to each other in a serial communication, thereby reducing the number of wiring harnesses (W/H) and thus configuring the printed circuit board assembly with high reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Wook Jang, Matsumoto Satoru
  • Publication number: 20120048951
    Abstract: An air conditioning system of a vehicle includes a body, an electric heater core installed within the body and configured to generate a hot air, a cooling device installed within the body and configured to generate a cold air, and a control device configured to control a temperature of the hot air generated by the electric heater core or a temperature of the cold air generated by the cooling device, respectively, by controlling an amount of current applied to the electric heater core or the cooling device according to a difference between an internal temperature or an external ambient temperature of the vehicle and a target temperature, the electric heater core and the cooling device being operated independently of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Yong Chul KIM, Jae Sik CHOI
  • Patent number: 8074894
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve for mixing a hot fluid and a cold fluid to produce a tempered mixed fluid stream. The thermostatic mixing valve may have a valve body that defines a cold fluid inlet port, a hot fluid inlet port, a mixing chamber, a mixed fluid outlet port in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, and a hot fluid outlet port in fluid communication with the hot fluid inlet port and disposed upstream of the mixing chamber. In some cases, the hot fluid outlet port may be used to provide hot water directly to an appliance or other fixture that can use non-tempered hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph William Beagen
  • Patent number: 8043556
    Abstract: An ablutionary installation including a mixing valve having respective inlets for hot and cold water and an outlet for temperature controlled water, a temperature sensor for monitoring outlet water temperature and providing a signal representative of the outlet water temperature to an electronic controller, a user interface permitting selection of outlet water temperature up to a pre-determined temperature, the electronic controller being operable to compare the selected and sensed outlet water temperatures for controlling the mixing valve to adjust the ratio of hot and cold water delivered to the outlet according to the selected outlet water temperature, and apparatus for initiating a disinfection cycle to deliver water to the outlet at a temperature higher than the pre-determined temperature, wherein the initiating apparatus includes an operating sequence with at least two inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Kohler Mira Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Peel, Timothy James Shepherd, Geoffrey Hawke Whale, Paul Vigars, Nicholas John Beck
  • Publication number: 20110186642
    Abstract: A separated-flow temperature control faucet mainly comprises a constant temperature control device to mix hot water and cold water, a flow divider valve to control water flow direction and a main housing coupling with the constant temperature control device and the flow divider valve. The constant temperature control device contains an axial movement member movable axially by turning to control hot and cold water flow amount to control water temperature. The flow divider valve provides water separating function and stop function to stop water from flowing out. The faucet thus formed has a longer life span, is less likely to accumulate water dreg, can supply a greater water discharge amount, stabilize water temperature, and offer a simpler structure and improve usability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Yu-Yu HSIEH