Ventilator Type Patents (Class 236/49.1)
  • Patent number: 11680723
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the air temperature of a building using a control plan based on a target time. The system includes a controller which may be connected to a number of indoor and outdoor heating ventilation and air-conditioning units. The system may include a thermostat. The system may also operate without a thermostat. The method includes determining a control plan to reach a desired temperature in a target time. The method also includes updating the plan by comparing the actual time to reach the desired temperature with the target time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Goodman Manufacturing Company LP
    Inventors: Douglas Notaro, Jim Fisher
  • Patent number: 11525591
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for determining the positions of a number of fans (Vn,m) for generating an air flow in a preferably enclosed space, which have a speed sensor for determining their position, wherein the fans (Vn,m) are arranged in rows (R1, R2, . . . , Rn) and columns (S1, S2, . . . , Sm), wherein at least the position (i, j) of one fan (Vi,j) is known.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralph Wystup, Markus Humm, Alexander Rau
  • Patent number: 11435099
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the air temperature of a building using a control plan based on a target time. The system includes a controller which may be connected to a number of indoor and outdoor heating ventilation and air-conditioning units. The system may include a thermostat. The system may also operate without a thermostat. The method includes determining a control plan to reach a desired temperature in a target time. The method also includes updating the plan by comparing the actual time to reach the desired temperature with the target time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: GOODMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Douglas Notaro, Jim Fisher
  • Patent number: 11047607
    Abstract: There is disclosed a shroud for a refrigerator including a blower for generating air flow; a first region arranged on the right of the blower, the first region comprising an outlet hole for a first storage chamber for exhausting cold air to the first storage chamber; a second region arranged on the left of the blower, the second region comprising an outlet hole for a second storage chamber for exhausting cold air to the second storage; a third region arranged under the blower, the third region comprising an outlet hole for the second storage chamber; and a first guide arranged between the second region and the third region, projected closer to a rotational center of the blower, to guide air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myunghoon Kim, Jangseok Lee, Eundong Choi
  • Patent number: 10786587
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and treating HVAC systems with a deployed agent preferably includes an aerosol generating device, a plurality of vent sealing devices, an outlet connection conduit and an inlet connection conduit. The HVAC system includes at least one supply duct and at least one return duct. The aerosol generating device includes an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is connected to a return vent of the at least one return duct with the outlet connection conduit. A supply vent of the at least one supply duct may be connected to the inlet with the inlet connection conduit. However, the inlet does not have to be connected to the supply vent if the aerosol generating device is retained in an enclosure. A booster chamber may be used to increase the flow rate of the deployed agent from the aerosol generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Ricciardi, Carl L. Ricciardi
  • Patent number: 10655873
    Abstract: A controller equipped with a user interface having a separate schedule review mode, including methods of accessing and/or programming such devices, are disclosed. The controller may include a user interface that can be utilized to initiate a scheduling routine having a separate schedule review mode for displaying one or more schedule parameters of the controller without initiating the editing mode. An illustrative method of accessing a schedule on a controller coupled to a user interface may include the steps of initializing a scheduling routine within the controller, initiating a schedule review mode within the controller, displaying one or more schedule parameters for at least one period on the user interface, and exiting the scheduling routine. One or more of the schedule parameters can be modified, if desired, by initiating a separate editing mode within the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Amundson, Gabriel A. Bergman, Brent D. Vick
  • Patent number: 10653045
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display apparatus. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display apparatus includes a case, a display inside the case, and a heat exchanger disposed on a rear surface of the case to perform heat exchange between an outside and an inside of the case, wherein a first space and a second space separated from each other are formed on a front surface and a rear surface of the display, respectively, and heat exchange is performed between the first space and the second space, wherein heat exchange with the second space and the outside is performed through the heat exchanger. Thereby, the temperature inside the display apparatus that is installable outside may be effectively cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyeuk Chang, Joongnyon Kim, Dohyun Koo, Sungwook Han
  • Patent number: 10641525
    Abstract: A heat generating system (1) of the present invention controls an excess heat output from heat-generating element cells (16) that are generating excess heat as a result of the heat generation reaction among the plurality of heat-generating element cells (16) by increasing the number of heat generation reaction positions, and therefore even if the other heat-generating element cells (16) do not generate excess heat due to insufficient heat generation reaction, the heat-generating element cells (16) in which the heat generation reaction is certainly occurring can compensate for insufficient amount of heat to be recovered, thereby capable of stably obtaining heat using the heat-generating element cells (16) each of which generates heat using a hydrogen storage metal or a hydrogen storage alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: CLEAN PLANET Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Iwamura, Takehiko Ito, Jirota Kasagi, Hideki Yoshino, Masanao Hattori
  • Patent number: 10550837
    Abstract: A pneumatic system operation control device for variable control of the rotation speed of an electric motor for driving an air-compressor such that constantly supplied pressure to a terminal device is achieved in accordance with a discharge pressure measurement value of the air-compressor and a supply pressure measurement value to the terminal device. The control device: stores the discharge pressure measurement value and the supply pressure measurement value; and, upon receiving input of an air pipe network model composed of data for calculating a flow of air in an air pipe network, calculates a flow rate of air supplied to the terminal device and an update value of a control setting value, and updates the control setting value to be used for variable control on the basis of the update value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsurou Yashiki, Yaping Liu, Yukinori Katagiri
  • Patent number: 10526970
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to combined heat and power plants. The teachings thereof may be embodied in methods for operating such a plant to provide electrical and thermal energy to a consumer unit, comprising: simultaneously generating electrical energy and heat in a process flow based on a demand for electricity; storing heat generated in excess of a demand for heat; and increasing a heat output when a difference between an actual provided heat output and the demand for heat is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Martin Kautz, Michael Metzger, Jochen Schäfer, Philipp Wolfrum
  • Patent number: 10241484
    Abstract: The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that continuously, periodically, or intermittently calculate and display the time remaining until a control task is projected to be completed by the intelligent controller. In general, the intelligent controller employs multiple different models for the time behavior of one or more parameters or characteristics within a region or volume affected by one or more devices, systems, or other entities controlled by the intelligent controller. The intelligent controller collects data, over time, from which the models are constructed and uses the models to predict the time remaining until one or more characteristics or parameters of the region or volume reaches one or more specified values as a result of intelligent controller control of one or more devices, systems, or other entities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Rangoli Sharan, Mark D. Stefanski, Joseph Adam Ruff
  • Patent number: 9903605
    Abstract: Method and air treatment device (1) for control of supply air flow (L1). The air treatment device (1) comprises a chilled beam (2) with a pressure box (5) comprising an inlet (6) for inflow of supply air flow (L1) and a plurality of outlets (7) for outflow of the supply air flow (L1) out of the pressure box (5). The air treatment device (1) comprises an actuator (12) for control of supply air flow (L1), and the pressure box (5) comprises at least one pressure measuring socket (13) for control of static pressure (ps). The air treatment device (1) registers the static pressure (ps) and the position of the actuator (12), and calculates the real supply air flow (L1). The actuator (12) is arranged to change the configuration of the outlets (7) by a linear motion of a cover member (9) and change the open area of the outlets (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: FLÄKT WOODS AB
    Inventor: Per Nilsson
  • Patent number: 9478318
    Abstract: A residual heat removal system for a nuclear power plant. The residual heat removal system for a nuclear power plant may include an air duct provided on an outside of a reactor containment building, a heat exchanger disposed on an inside of the air duct, a first pipe to transfer, to the heat exchanger, steam generated in a steam generator disposed on an inside of the reactor containment building, and second pipe to transfer, to the steam generator, water condensation that is cooled and condensed in the heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is air-cooled using outside air flowing inside of the air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
    Inventors: Tae Soon Kwon, Chul Hwa Song, Joon Eon Yang, Won Pil Baek
  • Patent number: 9127848
    Abstract: An autonomous ventilation system includes a variable-speed exhaust fan, a controller, an exhaust hood, and a spillage sensor. The exhaust fan removes air contaminants from an area. The controller is coupled to the exhaust fan and adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan. The exhaust hood is coupled to the exhaust fan and directs air contaminants to the exhaust fan. The spillage sensor is coupled to the controller, detects changes in an environmental parameter in a spillage zone adjacent to the exhaust hood, and communicates information relating to detected changes in the environmental parameter to the controller. The controller adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan in response to information relating to detected changes in the environmental parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: OY HALTON GROUP LTD.
    Inventors: Michael P. Burdett, Daniel Reich
  • Patent number: 8936203
    Abstract: A control system for an HVAC system serving at least two zones, each zone receiving conditioned air by way of a zone duct, each zone duct including a zone damper having a first portion and second portion controlled by a actuator to move between an open and a closed position in response to a zone thermostat, a second portion responsive to the static pressure in a HVAC system to open and bleed an amount of conditioned air past the damper when the static pressure of the system increases above a selected level, and a weight adjustment for modifying the torque exerted by the second portion against the system static pressure to adjust the selected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald E Jackson
  • Patent number: 8904201
    Abstract: At the time of a fan failure of a plurality of fans for cooling redundant controllers, data loss can be avoided even if a power source of each controller is controlled. A storage system includes: a first controller for controlling a first power source; a plurality of first fans for cooling the first controller; a second controller for controlling a second power source; a plurality of second fans for cooling the second controller; and a storage device including a plurality of storage units; wherein if a fan failure of the first fans occurs, the first controller controls the first power source in a standby state on condition that the second controller is in a normal state; and if the second power source is in the standby state, the first controller executes destaging processing and then controls the first power source in the standby state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Matsubara, Hiroki Kanai, Shohei Shimahara
  • Patent number: 8875534
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a housing and an airflow regulating device. The housing defines an accommodating space therein, and an air inlet that places the accommodating space in fluid communication with the external environment. The airflow regulating device includes a cover panel for covering and uncovering the air inlet, and an actuating mechanism coupled to the cover panel and driving movement of the cover panel to adjust the degree of opening of the air inlet in response to a change in temperature in the accommodating space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Chin Wu, Chi-Sung Chang, Ming-Chih Chen, Sung-Yu Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140203089
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a HVAC system, a method of operating a controller of an HVAC system and a controller of an HVAC system. In one embodiment, the HVAC system includes: (1) a blower having a minimum CFM value, and (2) a controller having (2A) an interface configured to receive a desired CFM value for conditioning a zone and (2B) a processor configured to determine a total CFM value for conditioning multiple zones including the above zone based on the desired CFM value. The desired CFM value is below the minimum CFM value of the blower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Pete Hrejsa
  • Publication number: 20140117102
    Abstract: A system for automatically monitoring, regulating, and removing contaminants from a structure housing a body of liquid and for introducing the proper amount of outside air to maintain a negative pressure in the structure. The invention comprises a sensor for monitoring contaminants, a port assembly connected to at least one conduit, a controller to receive input from the sensor, a controller programmed to regulate environmental conditions of the structure at a predetermined level correlating to desired air quality in the structure, at least one exhaust fan, a climate control system, a cold plasma ionization system, a control signal from the controller for regulating the introduced outside air into the structure and for advancing fresh air into the structure, and a fresh air damper or fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Donald C. Baker
  • Publication number: 20140110488
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and preventing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to a condensate forming region in a charge air cooler, a grille shutter system is adjusted, moving the condensate region to a different location in the charge air cooler. Grille shutter orientation may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions and condensate-forming weather conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, Kristofor Robert Norman, Chris Paul Glugla, Craig Alan Smith, Joseph Patrick Whitehead
  • Patent number: 8676545
    Abstract: Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to determine pliable air duct configurations are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves determining a first quantity of adjustable air outlet duct sections to configure an air delivery duct system when an operating mode identifier is received. The operating mode identifier is associated with an amount of air delivered by the air delivery duct system into targeted areas. The first quantity of adjustable air outlet duct sections is based on an airflow rate value and the operating mode identifier. The airflow rate value is indicative of airflow through an air delivery duct system. Each adjustable air outlet duct section includes at least one adjustable air outlet having at least one size-adjustable orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas L. Kaufmann, Brenda L. Ritt, Cary Pinkalla, Kevin J. Gebke, Frank Heim, William A. Niehaus, Matthew Lux
  • Patent number: 8646287
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a housing and an airflow regulating device. The housing defines an accommodating space therein, and an air inlet that places the accommodating space in fluid communication with the external environment. The airflow regulating device includes a cover panel for covering and uncovering the air inlet, and an actuating mechanism coupled to the cover panel and driving movement of the cover panel to adjust the degree of opening of the air inlet in response to a change in temperature in the accommodating space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Chin Wu, Chi-Sung Chang, Ming-Chih Chen, Sung-Yu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8611072
    Abstract: For use in an imaging system having a plurality of adjacent display units, the improvement comprising a thermal actuator in at least one of the display units for moving a screen thereof away from a chassis thereof when the said display unit exceeds a predetermined temperature, so as to prevent mechanical interference between the adjacent display units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Adema, Bryan Hemphill, Les Hirst
  • Patent number: 8464961
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a housing and an airflow regulating device. The housing defines an accommodating space therein, and an air inlet that places the accommodating space in fluid communication with the external environment. The airflow regulating device includes a cover panel for covering and uncovering the air inlet, and an actuating mechanism coupled to the cover panel and driving movement of the cover panel to adjust the degree of opening of the air inlet in response to a change in temperature in the accommodating space so as to enhance the heat-dissipating efficiency of a cooling fan, minimize crashing and other problems due to poor heat dissipation, avoid the use of a heat-dissipating module that is high in cost and complicated in structure, and reduce manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Chin Wu, Chi-Sung Chang, Ming-Chih Chen, Sung-Yu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8385066
    Abstract: A flow control device and a related cooled electronic system are provided. The electronic system comprises a first heat dissipation component and a second heat dissipation component. The flow control device controls an amount of an air flow to the first heat dissipation component and the second heat dissipation component. In one illustrative embodiment, the flow control device comprises: a memory metal component coupled to the first heat dissipation component and the second heat dissipation component and a movable component comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to a point between two ends of the memory metal component and the second end is movable with respect to the first end. In response to a temperature difference between the first heat dissipation component and the second heat dissipation component, the second end approaches the first heat dissipation component or the second heat dissipation component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chris S C Chang, Edward Y C Kung, Bill K P Lam, Ian Y Y Lin, Morgan Y L Wu
  • Publication number: 20120248205
    Abstract: A heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a vehicle according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a blower, an evaporator, a heater core, and a single door. The blower is operable to blow air. The evaporator is positioned downstream from the blower and is operable to cool air flowing through the evaporator. The heater core is positioned downstream from the evaporator and is operable to heat air flowing through the heater core. The single door is positioned downstream from the heater core and is rotatable to control airflow through the heater core and to direct airflow to at least one of a first outlet and a second outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: John Klinkhammer, Jason Hendry
  • Patent number: 8258726
    Abstract: A system for cooling a battery mounted on a vehicle using air within a vehicle, independently of the travelling state of the vehicle. The air within a vehicle compartment is guided to a battery mounted on a vehicle to cool the battery. A controller determines a basic fan speed v of the cooling fan based on a battery temperature and an ambient temperature. Further, the controller calculates an increment ?v of the fan speed in accordance with the vehicle speed and the degree of window opening and determines a final fan speed V according to V=v+?v, to drive the cooling fan. By controlling the fan speed to increase, it is possible to cool the battery even when the base pressure of the inlet-side static pressure of the cooling fan becomes negative pressure compared to when the windows are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic EV Energy Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Okuda, Toshiaki Nakanishi, Norihito Yuno
  • Patent number: 8249731
    Abstract: A system to control energy consumption in a building having a plurality of rooms with a wireless data transceiver; an occupancy sensor; a temperature sensor; a processor coupled to the wireless data transceiver, the occupancy sensor and the temperature sensor; and an air register including a motor coupled to the processor, the motor opening or closing one or more air vents in response to sensed motion or room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Bach Tran, Alan An-Thuan Tran, Bao Q. Tran
  • Publication number: 20120152511
    Abstract: A latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) device for an electric vehicle (EV) comprises a chamber, a plurality of thermal conductivity enhancement units disposed in the chamber, and phase change material (PCM) filled in the chamber, allowing storage of coolness or thermal energy produced when the EV is being charged and retrieval of the coolness or thermal energy when the EV is driven to regulate the temperature of a passenger compartment of the EV. In addition, systems comprising LHTES devices and methods for controlling the same are also introduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: SUNNY GENERAL INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIEN-LUNG CHANG, PO-CHANG LIN
  • Publication number: 20120138697
    Abstract: The invention relates to an HVAC device for a vehicle including an inlet casing, an air distribution casing, and a blower located in a blower casing for drawing air through the inlet casing and delivering the air into the air distribution casing. The device further includes an evaporator in the air distribution casing and a drainage system below the evaporator for draining off liquid condensed out of the air at the surface of the evaporator into the environment of the HVAC device. The inlet casing is positioned such that liquid penetrating the inlet casing accumulates in a lower area of the inlet casing. Between the lower area of the inlet casing and the drainage system of the liquid condensed out at the evaporator, a hydraulic connection is configured such that the liquid is drainable from the inlet easing past the blower casing and evaporator into the drainage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Gerald Richter
  • Publication number: 20120111954
    Abstract: A method for radiating a heat of illumination for growing plant includes: detecting an external temperature and an internal temperature of a plant growth chamber, and when the external temperature is higher than the internal temperature, executing a first heat radiation in which a cold air generated from a cooling system of a building is introduced into a ventilation/air-conditioning duct to which a rear side of the lights is exposed. The method further includes, when the internal temperature is higher than the external temperature, executing a second heat radiation mode in which an external cold air is introduced into the ventilation/air-conditioning duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Kyuhyung Kim, Ae Kyeung Moon, Song Li, Eun Ju Lee
  • Publication number: 20120097747
    Abstract: A temperature control system for a controlled environmental vault including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of a split-type room air conditioner that comprises a mounting component, shroud component, and a shroud cover component. The shroud component and shroud cover component are configured to be installed on the outdoor unit to effectively divert hot exhaust air from the outdoor unit to outside the controlled environmental vault. The mounting component assembles to the indoor unit such that the indoor unit can be secured to an architectural structure such as a ceiling joist or ceiling rafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas L. Purnell
  • Patent number: 8118236
    Abstract: A basement ventilator for use in a building to reduce basement humidity and increase basement air circulation, the basement ventilator includes a household inlet duct for receiving and ducting household air of the building; an interior exhaust vent in communication with the household inlet duct for venting the household air into the basement; a basement air inlet duct for receiving humid air from a lower region of the basement of the building; an exterior exhaust vent in communication with the basement air inlet duct and the outside of the building for venting the humid air from the basement of the building to the outside; and a fan device in communication with the household inlet duct, the interior exhaust vent, the basement air inlet duct and the exterior exhaust vent for drawing household air into the household inlet duct and exhausting the household air into the basement through the interior exhaust vent and for drawing air from the lower region of the basement into the basement air inlet duct and exhaust
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Air Tech Equipment Ltd.
    Inventors: Marc Lestage, Patrick Boudreau
  • Patent number: 8042784
    Abstract: The present invention includes a frame that is quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. The frame may be used for supporting a portable forced air heater, or other similar equipment. Handles, supports, and optionally a wheel assembly is assembled to two core members using snap lock buttons. In a preferred embodiment, the portable forced air heater includes a maintenance clock for measuring and recording operational parameters of a portable forced air heater, and for notifying a user that maintenance is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignees: Pinnacle Products International, Inc., SP Elemech
    Inventors: Steve McCalley, Kyu Sam Hwang
  • Patent number: 8042352
    Abstract: In an air conditioning economizer system outdoor air intake is reduced automatically by a control device based on a shut-off control setting for a measured outdoor air quality. A geographical location associated with the air conditioning economizer system is received (S2) in the control device. The control device defines automatically (S3) the shut-off control setting based on the geographical location. Thus, the air conditioning economizer system is adapted specifically for a geographic location and its climate zone, without the requirement for installing or operating personnel to determine a shut-off control setting for a specific climate zone and/or select a corresponding operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: BELIMO Holding AG
    Inventor: Darryl W. Deangelis
  • Patent number: 8036778
    Abstract: An air-conditioning system includes an air-conditioning unit that is switchable between local air-conditioning and overall air-conditioning, a data acquisition unit configured to acquire state quantity data of a requester, and a control unit. The control unit calculates comfort assessment values for both the requester and a neighbor, and controls the air-conditioning unit so that the local air-conditioning is performed to an extent whereby the comfort assessment value of the neighbor is kept in a comfort range and the comfort assessment value of the requester can be within the comfort range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Masuda, Atsushi Nishino, Satoshi Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20110068486
    Abstract: A humidifier for adding humidity to an air stream of an HVAC system during a call for humidity includes an air intake configured to fluidically interface with an HVAC duct, a humidifier pad, a valve for controlling delivery of water from a water source to the humidifier pad, and a controller for controlling the valve. The controller may be configured to cause the valve to deliver a variable amount of water over a particular call for humidity. For example, and in some instances, the controller may cause the valve to deliver water to the humidifier pad for substantially less than all of the time for a particular call for humidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: David Quam, Jeremy Peterson
  • Patent number: 7895019
    Abstract: A method of designing a fire suppression system that includes displaying one or more components of the fire suppression system on a visual display, wherein the displayed one or more components of the fire suppression system are formatted so as to printable in a form acceptable for a majority of state and local regulatory authorities empowered to regulate installation of the fire suppression system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Mark Neumann, William Klingenmaier, Joseph Michael Pada
  • Publication number: 20100327069
    Abstract: A method, a system and a device for providing a geothermal HVAC system that is assembled and installed in a modular section prior to transport to a building site location. The system includes a modular section that is configured to be transported to a building site location and combined with other modules (or modular sections) to create a modular building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: STALWART BUILT HOMES
    Inventor: Julius Poston
  • Patent number: 7837127
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation system for exchanging the air in a room with outside air, which system comprises: A fine wire heat exchanger having a first channel and a second channel, which channels are in heat-exchanging contact with each other, and wherein the first channel has an inlet connected to outside air and an outlet connected to the air in the room, and wherein the second channel has an inlet connected to the air in the room and an outlet connected to the outside air; balancing means for balancing the flow in both channels, such that the heat transfer is maximized. The invention also relates to a combination of a façade, a room on the inside of and adjacent to the façade and a ventilation system, wherein the inlet of the first channel of the system is connected to outside air on the outside of the façade and the outlet is connected to the air in the room, and wherein the inlet of the second channel is connected to the air in the room and the outlet is connected to the outside air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignees: Kristinsson-Reitsema B.V., Fiwihex B.V.
    Inventors: Jon Kristinsson, Björn Kristinsson, Eleonoor Europeo Van Andel, Eleonoor Van Andel
  • Patent number: 7828224
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioning diffuser having a function of changing an air supply direction. The diffuser of the present invention includes a frame (10) and a temperature sensing cylinder (20), which is coupled to the frame (10). A wax (21) is charged in the cylinder (20), and a piston rod (22) is provided in the cylinder (20). The diffuser further includes a blade support body (50), coupled to the cylinder (20), a pushing member (23), coupled to the piston rod in the blade support body, and a vertical movable member (40), which is provided in the blade support body (40) and is pushed downwards by the pushing member (23) when the wax is expanded. The diffuser further includes air guide blade assemblies (30), which are supported by the blade support body (50) and are coupled to the vertical movable member (40) so that, when the vertical movable member is moved upwards or downwards, blades (35) are rotated. An elastic member is provided under the vertical movable member (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sun IL Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong Sun Yang
  • Patent number: 7789130
    Abstract: A system air fans integrated control apparatus for a computer system which has a plurality of heat sources and a plurality of air fans corresponding to the heat sources includes a plurality of detection units to detect the heat sources and output a plurality of temperature alteration parameter signals, a signal integration and determination circuit to receive and interpret the temperature alteration parameter signals to determine a rotation speed regulation signal, and an air fan driving circuit which is linked to the signal integration and determination circuit and an external driving power source. Upon receiving the rotation speed regulation signal the driving power of the external driving power source to the air fans is regulated synchronously. Thereby multiple heat sources are detected at the same time and multiple air fans are integrated to perform heat dissipating to reduce accumulating heat in the system environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Topower Computer Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Chen
  • Patent number: 7775451
    Abstract: The invention relates to a variable flow mixing valve for use in a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning module. The module is particularly suited for use in a vehicle. The variable flow mixing valve includes drive means which drive a mixing door and a baffle between various positions in order to allow a relatively warm flow of air, from a first chamber, to mix with a relatively cool flow of air from a second chamber. The baffle and door are linked in such a way as to provide an aperture therebetween through which, in use, the first and/or second flows of air pass. A parking area is also provided for the baffle and is shaped in order to reflect airflow back toward the first and second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Leoni
  • Publication number: 20100102135
    Abstract: In a multi-zone control system for central forced air HVAC systems where the minimum conditioned airflow produced by the HVAC equipment significantly exceeds the airflow capacity to many of the zones, the invention is an energy saving method for choosing non-calling zones to receive excess airflow in. When satisfying calls for conditioning from one or a few zones, excess conditioned airflow is directed to non-calling zones. The method chooses occupied non-calling zones using a priority that provides comfort, and chooses unoccupied non-calling zones using a different priority that provides energy savings. Limits are provided for each zone to prevent excessive over conditioning in non-calling zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Harold Gene Alles
  • Publication number: 20100019050
    Abstract: A system and method of operating an automatic climate control system for a vehicle is disclosed. The method may include determining a breath level air temperature in a passenger compartment of the vehicle; determining a mean radiant temperature in the passenger compartment; determining an average air velocity in the passenger compartment; determining a clothing level factor, and calculating an equivalent homogeneous temperature based on the breath level air temperature, the mean radiant temperature, the average air velocity and the clothing level factor; comparing the calculated equivalent homogeneous temperature to a desired equivalent homogeneous temperature; and adjusting an output of the automatic climate control system based on the comparison of the calculated equivalent homogeneous temperature to the desired equivalent homogeneous temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Taeyoung Han, James P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7644869
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the auxiliary stage control of multistage thermostats are disclosed. An illustrative multistage thermostat for a multistaged HVAC system installed within a building or structure can include a processor having a control algorithm adapted to operate the thermostat in either a normal mode for achieving rapid temperature changes within the building or structure or an economy mode for conserving energy usage. In the economy mode of operation, the thermostat can be configured to determine a target time for achieving a temperature setpoint by either delaying or suppressing activation of the system's auxiliary stage. The target time can be adjusted in part based on the past usage characteristics of the auxiliary stage, the behavior of the user, and/or the progress of the primary stage in achieving the setpoint change without operating the auxiliary stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Hoglund, Patrick C. Tessier, Cary Leen, Kenneth B. Kidder
  • Patent number: 7578734
    Abstract: An HVAC unit ventilator, particularly suited for schools and hotels, includes a single damper blade driven directly by a motor to control a supply air's mixture of return air and outside air. The damper blade is selectively pivotal to a full outside air position, a full return air position, and various intermediate mixed-air positions. The damper blade has flexible edge and end seals that create little if any frictional drag as the damper blade pivots to the intermediate positions, yet the seals provide a positive, tight seal when the damper stops at either the full outside air position or the full return air position. The unit ventilator includes a filter frame that not only supports an air filter but also provides the damper blade with sealing surfaces and structural support. For rigidity, the damper blade has somewhat of a box-like structure that is bi-directionally reinforced by ribs and triangular gussets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Syed S. Ahmed, Kevin W. Sawyer, Bryan M. Herzog, Kim L. Hall, Kirk W. Beason
  • Publication number: 20090207567
    Abstract: Method and air-cooling unit are provided for dynamically adjusting airflow rate through and heat removal rate of the air-cooling unit to facilitate cooling of one or more electronics racks of a data center. The air-cooling unit includes a housing, an air-moving device, and an air-to-liquid heat exchanger. The air-moving device moves air through the housing from the air inlet side to the air outlet side thereof, and the heat exchanger cools the air passing through the housing. A control unit controls the air-moving device and the flow of liquid coolant through the heat exchanger to automatically, dynamically adjust airflow rate and heat removal rate of the air-cooling unit to achieve a current airflow rate target and current heat removal rate target therefore. The current targets are based on airflow rate through and heat load generated by one or more associated electronics racks of the data center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Richard C. CHU, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, JR., Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Roger R. SCHMIDT, Robert E. SIMONS
  • Publication number: 20090108082
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for programmatically controlling the climate of a localized exercise environment so as to accommodate the evolving needs of exercisers during a workout. In preferred embodiments, the localized environment is an enclosed exercise room or the area surrounding one or more stationary exercise machines. Heat is applied by convective, conductive, and/or radiant means, and/or removed by convective, conductive, and/or evaporative means. In various preferred embodiments the humidity, direction, and speed of the air flow are controlled, and/or a cooling mist is applied. In preferred embodiments, the climate control program is executed according to the passage of time, according to the rate of work and the amount of work performed, according to acoustic features of music, and according to physiological parameters of the exerciser such as heart rate, breathing rate, and skin temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Richard Goldmann, Russ Weinzimmer, Douglas P. Burum
  • Publication number: 20090071176
    Abstract: A refrigerator unit is configured for a container in which it is possible to know the quantity of air that is ventilated. The refrigerator unit is equipped with a ventilation mechanism, an opening degree detecting mechanism, and a recording unit. The ventilation mechanism ventilates the air inside the container. The opening degree detecting mechanism acquires ventilation data related to the quantity of air ventilated by the ventilation mechanism. The recording unit records the ventilation data acquired by the opening degree detecting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi TANAKA