Processes Patents (Class 237/12)
  • Patent number: 11594117
    Abstract: Techniques for detecting a high gas pressure situation within a gas delivery system (e.g., for natural gas delivery to homes and businesses) are described. In one example, a device measures gas pressure. If a pressure over a threshold value is detected, a nearby device is messaged. The nearby device either confirms the over-pressure condition or indicates it may be more localized. If the condition is present within an area of the gas delivery system and/or within a group of devices within the gas delivery system, protective measures may be taken, such as closing valves providing gas to a number of service sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: James Lee Kann, Janet Penz, Katrina Polk
  • Patent number: 11441787
    Abstract: Provided is a hot-water supply device. A process performed by a control device of the hot-water supply device includes: a step of shifting an action mode of the hot-water supply device to an instant hot-water mode; a step of measuring an amount of water X; a step of determining that another tap interruption occurs when the amount of water X is equal to or greater than a basic flow amount Y+?; a step of stopping action of a circulation pump; a step of re-learning the amount of water X when the amount of water X is less than a basic flow amount Y??; a step of ending the instant hot-water circulation mode when an end condition of the instant hot-water mode is satisfied; and a step of measuring the amount of water X when the end condition of the instant hot-water mode is not satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: NORITZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shingo Tateishi, Hiroki Nabeshima, Hideki Nomura, Takanobu Kaneshiro, Hiromi Yamanishi, Ryo Hasegawa, Kenichiro Yasukawa
  • Patent number: 11376927
    Abstract: An air vent device for a vehicle includes a main vent and an auxiliary vent divided by a partition wall and combined in a single air duct, a plurality of horizontal wings mounted at positions behind the main vent and the auxiliary vent, and an air volume control wing included in the plurality of horizontal wings for distributing an air volume discharged into an interior of the vehicle through the main vent and an air volume discharged into the interior of the vehicle through the auxiliary vent. The air vent device is capable of securing an interior discharge air volume, adjusting a wind direction, securing an air duct installation space, and re-distributing a leakage amount of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Yu Mi Kim, Sang Ku Hur, Jae Geun Jeong, Eung Young Kim
  • Patent number: 11046148
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioner for a vehicle with a heat pump system structure, which has a simple piping structure and enhances heating performance, thereby reducing a package, and making common use with an air conditioner for an internal combustion engine possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Hanon Systems
    Inventors: Hyeon Gyu Kim, Doo Hoon Kim, Chul Hee Kim, Kyung Ju An, Joong Man Han
  • Patent number: 10317145
    Abstract: A heat pipe comprises a condenser, an evaporator, a working fluid, a displacement vessel and at least one connecting pipe. The volume available for the working fluid inside the displacement vessel is adjustable, said volume being adapted to change by a rotating movement of a body. In one embodiment external heat pipes allow several different heat sources to be connected. Advantages include that the capability of transferring heat can be adjusted and fine tuned to the desired value. Less force is required to rotate the body inside the displacement vessel. No energy input is required to hold the body in a desired position. The construction is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. In particular the construction is easy to manufacture in different volumes, since the diameter of the displacement vessel and rotating body can be the same but with a longer displacement vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: CLIMATEWELL AB
    Inventor: Göran Bolin
  • Patent number: 10072584
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises a first bypass flow path housing configured within the engine, radially exterior to an engine core housing, and a second bypass flow path housing configured within the engine, radially exterior to the first bypass flow path housing. An axially downstream portion of the first bypass flow path housing includes a stepwise increase in area compared with an axially adjacent upstream portion of the first bypass flow path housing, thereby defining a component placement cavity in the axially downstream portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael R. Thomas, Nathan Snape
  • Patent number: 9933176
    Abstract: Systems and methods of operating a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system are disclosed that may include starting a timer substantially concurrently with the HVAC system, entering a cooling cycle, and preventing a multi-speed blower in the HVAC system from changing speeds until the timer expires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Mutchnik, Carl L. Garrett, John Taylor, Timothy Wayne Storm, Rick St. Mars
  • Patent number: 9909779
    Abstract: A method is described of manufacturing a set of heat exchange cells (1a-1d) having a thermal power falling within a predetermined range of minimum and maximum values, each heat exchange cell (1a-1d) comprising at least one heat exchanger (2) mounted in a respective containment casing (5), wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) providing a single containment casing (5) of a plurality of heat exchange cells (1a-1d) of the set, the casing (5) having a constant axial extension as the thermal power of the cell (1a-1d) varies within the range of thermal power values and equal to the axial extension of the cell having the minimum thermal power within the range of thermal power values; b) providing a plurality of helically-shaped heat exchangers (2) each having a thermal power falling within said range of minimum and maximum values and each comprising at least one tubular duct (3) for the flow of a first heat transfer fluid coiled about a longitudinal axis (X-X) of the helix according to a plurality of coils;
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Condevo S.p.a.
    Inventor: Rocco Giannoni
  • Patent number: 9004370
    Abstract: A method of increasing the efficiency of a boiler includes determining a proportional time period reflecting how long a thermostat is requesting heat from the boiler within a predetermined time period, determining a cycle frequency reflecting the number of times the thermostat is requesting heat from the boiler within the predetermined time period, and adjusting an energy input provided to the boiler in dependence upon the proportional time period and the cycle frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Westcast, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20150090802
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device (10) for a vehicle, comprising:—a flow path (14, 16, 20, 22, 24) for a fluid heat transport means and—an electrical heating arrangement (25) for heating the heat transport means on a heating section of the flow path. According to the invention, the heating section has at least two channels (20) running in a serpentine pattern, through which the heat transport means can flow in parallel. The invention further relates to a method for operating a heating device (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel Eckert, Fritz Wegener, Michael Staake
  • Publication number: 20150028117
    Abstract: A method for controlling an air heating system is disclosed with an air chamber, an inlet, an outlet, wherein the outlet may be positioned closer to the floor of the room than the inlet, a fan for motivating air to pass from the room to the air chamber and back into the room, an inlet temperature sensor, an outlet temperature sensor, a room temperature sensor, and a controller, the controller to control fan speed based on the temperatures sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Julian Jameson
  • Publication number: 20140326796
    Abstract: An insulated heating-unit cover having an opening to permit air to circulate around the heating-source when a vent disposed at the top of the cover is opened, allowing heat into a space. The cover can include a heating-unit temperature sensor disposed within a space covered by the cover and a controller in wireless communication with a space temperature sensor located at a distance away from the heating-unit. The controller can be configured to operate an actuator such that the vent is open when the space temperature sensor indicates that the ambient temperature is below a set point temperature and such that the vent is closed when the ambient temperature is greater than the set point temperature. The controller can communicate with a plurality of other similar controllers and a central server to effect changes in the output of a central heating source coupled to a plurality of individual heating-units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Ioannis Kymissis, Marshall Cox, John Sarik
  • Publication number: 20140231531
    Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed of a gas delivery control system (1) and one or more appliances (AP) including a central heating installation. The one or more appliances are arranged for generating a request signal (S1) indicative for a requested supply of gas by at least one of the appliances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Johannes Gertrudis Josephus van der Donk, Johannes Henricus Petrus Maria Heijmans
  • Patent number: 8807447
    Abstract: Combined heating/hot water system (10) for a vehicle (12), comprising an air heating device (14), at least one air duct (20, 22, 24), by means of which the air heating device (14) is connected by air to an interior (30) of the vehicle (12) for heating, a fan (18), by means of which air heated in the air heating device (14) may be introduced into the interior (30) of the vehicle (12) for heating, a hot water reservoir (16) arranged in a recess (15) in the air heating device (14), a first pipe duct (36), by means of which the hot water reservoir (16) may be hydraulically connected to a tap (34) in the vehicle (12) and a second pipe duct (38), by means of which the hot water reservoir (16) is hydraulically coupled to a water tank (32), wherein at least one of the pipe ducts (36, 38) is arranged in one of the air ducts (20, 22, 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Webasto SE
    Inventor: Alessandro Fiumidinisi
  • Publication number: 20140203092
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates methods and systems for operation of an HVAC system including a heat pump and a secondary energy source (electric or gas) where a utility's demand response server may issue demand response event instructions. Upon receipt of a demand response event instruction as set point for controlling the HVAC system may be changed and, upon expiration of the demand response event, the HVAC system is controlled so that operation of its secondary energy source is inhibited until recovery of the system to its user established set point is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jay Andrew Broniak, Joseph Mark Brian, Jeffrey Jacoby
  • Patent number: 8748780
    Abstract: A disclosed substrate processing apparatus comprises a heat exchange plate configured to heat and/or cool the substrate; plural protrusions provided on the heat exchange plate so as to allow the substrate to be placed on the plural protrusions, leaving a gap between the substrate and the heat exchange plate; a suction portion configured to attract the substrate onto the plural protrusion by suction through plural holes formed in the heat exchange plate; and a partition member that is provided on the heat exchange plate and lower than the plural protrusions, wherein the partition member is configured to divide the gap into two or more regions including at least one of the holes so that at least one of the two or more regions is two-dimensionally closed by the partition member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Shouken Moro, Yasuhiro Takaki, Masatoshi Kaneda
  • Patent number: 8740104
    Abstract: A heating and ventilation system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The system having a heater core supplied with engine cooling fluid via a variable flow pump for heating an air flow supplied to the passenger compartment. The system additionally having a controller for controlling the pump to increase engine cooling fluid mass flow-rate in response to a detected temperature decrease of the engine cooling fluid when the engine is off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Mark Bigler, Mark Hill, Allan Flanagan, Joseph Balog
  • Publication number: 20140138451
    Abstract: A crankcase heating control system for a heat pump system includes a data receiving module and a power control module. The data receiving module receives data indicative of a temperature of a compressor of the heat pump system, data indicative of an ambient temperature, and data indicative of a current date and a current time. The power control module selectively applies power to a heater of a crankcase of the compressor and selectively disables the heater based on the temperature of the compressor, the ambient temperature, the current date, and the current time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hung Pham
  • Patent number: 8696993
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an analyzing apparatus (1) for analyzing a sample using a container (2) accommodating reagents sealed therein, while raising the temperature of the reagents up to a predetermined temperature. The analyzing apparatus (1) comprises a first temperature measuring means (31) for measuring temperature of the container (2), a second temperature measuring means (32) for measuring temperature around the container (2), a heater (4) for supplying heat energy to the container (2), and a controller for controlling the heater (4) based on a measurement result at the first and second measuring means (31, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhito Murata, Junichi Oka
  • Patent number: 8636226
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating the fuel supply of a boiler, for a building (2) having a boiler (4) and energy accumulation means (4?), in order to ensure a desired indoor temperature during an autonomy period P, this method including the following steps: a) making an estimation of the average outdoor temperature during the autonomy period P, b) determining the consumption of the building (2) in order to ensure said desired indoor temperature, depending on the previous estimation of the average outdoor temperature, c) determining the amount of energy to be provided depending on the previous consumption, and the amount of fuel required for providing this energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Cedric Paulus, Phillipe Papillon
  • Patent number: 8636501
    Abstract: A method is proposed for regulating a firing device taking into account the temperature and/or the burner load, in particular with a gas burner, comprising the regulation of the temperature (Tactual) produced by the firing device using a characteristic which shows a value range corresponding to a desired temperature (Tdesired) dependent upon a first parameter (mL,VL) corresponding to the burner load (Q), wherein when representing the characteristic, a second parameter, preferably the air ration (?), defined as the ratio of the actually supplied quantity of air to the quantity of air theoretically required for optimal stoichiometric combustion, is constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Landshut GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Geiger, Ulrich Geiger, Rudolf Tungl
  • Patent number: 8490886
    Abstract: A modulating boiler system for heating a structure including a controller, a boiler operatively connected to the controller, and a thermostat operatively connected to the controller and boiler. The controller assesses a level of thermostat activity over a predetermined measuring period and adjusts the boiler in response to the level of activity to increase the boiler's efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Westcast, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20130026244
    Abstract: A work vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine and a catalytic converter coupled to the exhaust of the engine. A reduction agent system provides for injection of a reduction agent, such as urea, upstream of the catalytic converter. Coolant heated by the engine is directed to the reduction agent system to defrost/heat the reduction agent, and is also directed to a vehicle cabin heating system. Flow of coolant may be preferentially directed to the cabin heating system rather than to the reduction agent system, such as following vehicle startup, particularly during cold-weather operation. Flow may be altered to favor the reduction agent system, such as based upon time and/or the temperature of the cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Leonid Chernyavsky, Alan Gene Leupold, Nicholas Joseph Prenger, Michael Charles Bunnell, William Henry Adamson, Jay Joseph Martin, Mark Douglas Klassen
  • Patent number: 8333330
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using a dual-path fluid routing system that uses a flow restriction device to enhance temperature and pressure control of fluid are provided. Systems and methods for using a setpoint pressure control system to accurately control the setpoint pressure of a regulator are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Active Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl T. Schuetze, Robert S. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20120312885
    Abstract: An exemplary temperature control system for animal confinement buildings includes an agricultural heater and a ventilation system. The agricultural heater is modified to be a variable rate heater using SmartBox technology or by applying appropriate control logic and outputs to a conventional room controller. A heat on/off relay of the room controller can serve as an enable signal connected to the SmartBox. Heating is controlled using a proportional-plus-integral algorithm for error correction. Error correction may be ceased when temperatures fall within a dead band. Heat is turned on when the temperature drops to an on temperature equal to a set point minus 0.5 F. Heat can be turned off when the heater has been at a minimum output level for a minimum output period (such as 90 seconds) and the temperature has not dropped below the on temperature during the minimum output period. An auto-variable radiant brooder may be incorporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: John L. Tomlinson, Carl A. Lind
  • Publication number: 20120261481
    Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of an environment, including the steps of providing a thermostat and receiving a signal from an occupancy sensor indicating whether an area has been occupied for each discrete time period of a 24 hour time period, assigning a first point value to each discrete time period where occupancy has been sensed, and repeating the steps for the next two 24 hour periods, and averaging the point values for each discrete time period in the first, second, and third 24 hour periods, to obtain an average point value, and sending a first signal to a heating device adapted for heating a second area to provide a temperature-related setting for a given discrete time period when the average point value for that discrete time period is above a threshold point value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: EGS Electrical Group, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew J. Donlan
  • Publication number: 20120248212
    Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a hybrid heating system includes a heat pump and an auxiliary furnace. The system also includes a controller coupled to the heat pump and the auxiliary furnace. The controller, in response to receiving a heat request, selects either the heat pump or the auxiliary furnace based on an economic balance point algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Wayne Storm, Gerson L. Gavin, Jonathan David Douglas, John R. Edens, Willem M. Lange, IV
  • Patent number: 8136740
    Abstract: A thermodynamic system that produces mechanical, electrical power, and/or fluid streams for heating or cooling. The cycle contains a combustion system that produces an energetic fluid by combustion of a fuel with an oxidant. A thermal diluent may be used in the cycle to improve performance, including but not limited to power, efficiency, economics, emissions, dynamic and off-peak load performance, and/or turbine inlet temperature (TIT) regulation and cooling heated components. The cycle preferably includes a heat recovery system and a condenser or other means to recover and recycle heat and the thermal diluent from the energetic fluid to improve the cycle thermodynamic efficiency and reduce energy conversion costs. The cycle may also include controls for temperatures, pressures, and flow rates throughout the cycle, and controls power output, efficiency, and energetic fluid composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Vast Power Portfolio, LLC
    Inventors: David L. Hagen, Gary Ginter, Alberto Traverso, Bill Goheen, Allan McGuire, Janet Rankin, Aristide Massardo, Ronald L. Klaus
  • Publication number: 20120031986
    Abstract: A secondary heating-system-controller (10) for use in conjunction with a primary heating-system-controller (26) of a heating system, comprises interruption means (18, 20) for periodically temperature-independently deactivating and reactivating the heating system during an activation period of the heating system determined by the primary heating-system-controller (26). A method is also provided having the step of temperature-independently deactivating and reactivating the heating system a plurality of times using the interruption means (18, 20) during a standard activation period of the heating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Garry Richmond Stewart
  • Patent number: 8070482
    Abstract: A system of detection and analysis of gas or fuel oil flames using optical devices, consisting of a sensor that targets the flame's reaction zone through an optical access, a processing and control module, and an actuator, responsible for controlling the damper. The system optimizes combustion equipment operation by controlling the damper, obtaining better performance and reducing polluting emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Universidad de Concepción, Universidad de la Frontera, ANWO S.A
    Inventors: Oscar Francisco Farias Fuentes, Daniel Gerónimo Sbarbaro Hofer, Robinson Eugenio Betancourt Astete
  • Publication number: 20110290895
    Abstract: A secondary heating system for heating the interior of a motor vehicle having an independent electrical circuit and coolant pump that utilizes maximum latent heat usage from a shut down engine to conserve fuel. Weight sensors are provided in the seats to detect the presence of a passenger therein and activate said system once the engine is turned off. The secondary heating system of the present invention further includes a periodic shut down at preset intervals to extend battery usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jingwei Yin
  • Publication number: 20110198406
    Abstract: A building heating system with cycling steam source used for plurality of radiators is provided. During heating cycle condensate is retained in radiators and released later through steam supply line. Such condensate and steam flows alternation eliminates water hammering and justify usage of smaller diameter tubes and new radiator design. When air is evacuated, system operates like branched heat pipe with periodic condensate return. System may include vacuum check valve on air vent lines and operational procedure to create vacuum naturally by steam condensing in a closed space after complete air purging from the system. Steam/vapor source's cut off pressure can be adjusted to regulate the vapor's temperature depending on the outside temperature. Method is proposed for conversion of the existing steam heating systems into a vapor/vacuum system with naturally induced vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Igor Zhadanovsky
  • Patent number: 7942144
    Abstract: A heating apparatus and a system that utilize friction to generate thermal energy. The heating apparatus comprises a housing unit, a plurality of heating chambers for generating heat, an actuating unit, a shaft; and at least one blade unit. Each heating chamber comprises a stationary disc member, a rotating disc member, and a medium disposed between the stationary disc member and the rotating disc member. The actuating unit drives the rotating disc member in the heating chamber to generate thermal energy by friction among the stationary disc member, the rotating disc member, and the medium. Thermal energy generation is controlled by rotating speed, diameter of the disc member, and contact pressure between the rotating disc member and the stationary disc member. Tube members can also be used in the heating chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Donald Derman
  • Publication number: 20110006125
    Abstract: Controlling under surface heating/cooling by supplying liquid to at least two supply loops in an under surface heating/cooling system, and controlling the flow of the liquid on and off such that during the duty cycle the flow is high and between the duty cycles the flow is off. Room temperature is controlled by controlling the percentage of the duty cycles, which percentage is determined on the basis of the heating demand of the rooms. Different loops are controlled such that at least in two different loops the duty cycles start at different moments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Uponor Innovation Ab
    Inventor: Ulf Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20100187319
    Abstract: Provision is made in an organic rankine cycle power plant for modulating the flow of hot gases from a thermal source to the evaporator. The modulation device may be a blower on the downstream side of the evaporator or a valve on the upstream side thereof. The modulation device is controlled by generation of a digital signal to enable or disenable the modulation device and an analog signal for adjusting the position of the modulation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: UTC POWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua D. Isom, Kent R. McCord
  • Publication number: 20100133352
    Abstract: A radiator (10) is proposed comprising a sealed flow path through which electrically heated fluid is arranged to pass. A control unit is provided in the radiator (10) which is arranged to control operation of the radiator (10). The radiator (10) also has a receiving unit arranged to receive at least one operation instruction from a remote control unit in use. The receiving unit is arranged to pass the at least one operation instruction to the control unit so that, in use, the radiator (10) is controllable by the remote control unit. Also, an inlet pipe (16) supplies water to a heater (14) by a pump (18). The water then passes through a pipe comprising an inverted U-bend (20) which controls air at the top of the bend. The radiator comprises a sealed system that plugs into the mains. Different radiators are able to communicate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: BASIC DEVICE LIMITED
    Inventor: Gary Jones
  • Publication number: 20100096467
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of controlling a heating apparatus that is capable of automatically controlling a heating-off temperature and a heating-on temperature according to an operation environment such that upper and lower variations of a room temperature set by a user are reduced on the basis of the room temperature, thereby allowing the user to feel comfortable. In order to achieve the object of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a heating apparatus that controls the start/stop operation of the heating apparatus on the basis of a room temperature set by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Si-Hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20100001087
    Abstract: A variable output heating control system includes a user interface, an operating parameter sensor, a controller, a combination control valve, a plurality of variable flow valves, and a plurality of burners. The user interface allows a user to enter operating parameters, such as a set temperature. The operating parameters sensor provides measured parameters, such as a measured temperature. The controller receives the set temperature and the measured temperature and generates commands to control the flow of gas, based on the set temperature and the measured temperature. The combination control valve shuts off the flow of gas from an external gas source based on a command from the controller. The plurality of variable flow valves vary the flow of gas that is received from the combination control valve and supplied to the burners. The plurality of burners provide heat based on the combustion of gas that is received from the plurality of variable flow valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Mike Gum
  • Publication number: 20090254226
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to perform temperature setting of a heating plate so that a wafer is uniformly heated in an actual heat processing time. The temperature of a wafer is measured during a heat processing period from immediately after a temperature measuring wafer is mounted on the heating plate to the time when the actual heat processing time elapses. Whether the uniformity in temperature within the wafer is allowable or not is determined from the temperature of the wafer in the heat processing period, and if the determination result is negative, a correction value for a temperature setting parameter of the heating plate is calculated using a correction value calculation model from the measurement result, and the temperature setting parameter is changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Shuji Iwanaga, Nobuyuki Sata
  • Publication number: 20090127347
    Abstract: A blower urges an airflow, at a rate according to a user-controlled flow rate command, through an electric heater and the electrical heater heats the airflow at a heater power based on a user-input temperature command, the user-input flow rate command, and a measured mass flow rate of the airflow. The heater power is calculated based on the heat energy required to heat air to the given reference temperature, at a flow rate corresponding to the measured mass flow rate. Optionally, the temperature of the air entering the electric heater is measured, and the heater power is calculated based on the heat energy required to heat air from the measured temperature to the given reference temperature, at a flow rate corresponding to the measured mass flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Joe T. May
  • Publication number: 20090114732
    Abstract: A system and method having a plurality of cells and a plurality of heating elements and a controller for independently controlling the plurality of heating elements. The heat pump is capable of maintaining a fluid temperature within a predetermined range. A second pump pumps fluid through a heat exchanger in operative relationship with the blower upon a call for heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: TUBE FABRICATION DESIGN, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel David Hawkins, Thomas Robert Hapner
  • Publication number: 20090090789
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a building heating system. The system includes a controller that operates the heating system in three modes of operation. The controller controls a valve that regulates the flow of steam to the building water loop. By maintaining a constant steam flow rate during peak demand periods, steam consumption during peak demand periods are reduced while maintaining a comfortable environment within the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY
    Inventors: Simkho Zirkiyev, Charles Carroll Copeland, John D. Leffler
  • Publication number: 20080257970
    Abstract: A method for controlling a warming device includes: providing a system including the warming device and a household appliance, the system configured to at least one of process and prepare at least one of a beverage and a food; and automatically turning on a heating element of the warming device by a selection of a future activation time at which the household appliance is switched from a standby state to an ON state, the selection being made using the household appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Torsten Erdmann, Frank Liemke, Diana Mueller, Joerg Nattkemper, Detlef Niehaus, Verena Pohlmann, Ulrich Van Pels
  • Publication number: 20080179414
    Abstract: A heating device for heating a storage device (2) for a complex salt in a motor vehicle includes the storage device (2) for the complex salt and at least one mass-ducting hollow pipe (4). A mass flows through the mass-ducting hollow pipe (4) while the motor vehicle is operating and heats up while the motor vehicle is operating, and is thermally coupled to the storage device (2) for the complex salt in such a way that the heated mass in the mass-ducting hollow pipe (4) will heat the storage device (2) for the complex salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Rainer Bentz, Joachim Frank
  • Publication number: 20080028761
    Abstract: A closed piping comprised of ground water pipe of a water supply system buried in the stratum and a closed water pipe provided on the ground to execute thermal conduction for equilibrating temperature from the thermal energy in the deeper stratum to a subject matter on the ground by the current running in the closed water pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20080023564
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrally controlling a hybrid furnace, heater, and boiler system installation which increases the operational cost efficiency of the hybrid installation by computing the operational efficiency and fuel costs of the individual furnace(s), heater(s), and boiler(s) and signaling the most advantageous choice. The apparatus may further embody thermostatic control functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Charles Hall
  • Publication number: 20070257122
    Abstract: There is provided a circulation type hot water supply device in which a downstream end of a hot water delivering channel 6 connected to a heat exchanger 4 of a water heater 1 is connected to a water supply channel 5 upstream of the heat exchanger, and a circulating pump 25 that returns hot water fed from the heat exchanger to the hot water delivering channel to the heat exchanger through the water supply channel is provided in the hot water delivering channel. The device can reliably identify an abnormality when it occurs, such as adhesion of a deposit to an inner surface of a heat absorbing pipe 4b to reduce heat exchange efficiency. A diagnosis is started when a hot water delivering tap 7 is closed and a burner 3 is subjected to combustion. In the diagnosis, supply of water to the heat exchanger 4 is first stopped to shut down the burner 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Applicant: RINNAI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeki Shimada, Masakazu Ando
  • Patent number: 7060936
    Abstract: A heating system for a vehicle includes a heater (12) with a first electric heating device (24), which can be operated to ignite an air/fuel mixture present in a combustion chamber (16), and with a second electric heating device (22) for supporting the evaporation of the fuel. An actuating device (26) is provided for putting the heater (12) into operation after a start command has been generated. A first start command generating device (30, 36, 26) can be actuated by a user to generate a start command and a second start command generating device (32, 38, 26) generates a start command according to an operating program. The actuating device (26) operates the second heating device (22) at a lower heat output after a start command has been generated by means of the second start command generating device (32,38, 26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: J. Eberspächer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Günter Eberspach
  • Patent number: 7021553
    Abstract: The space heating system with fuel cells (11) has a connection to a public electrical network (50). In this system a fuel (B) can be supplied to the fuel cells in gaseous form through a main gas valve (200) for the production of thermal and electrical energy. The main gas valve has a control which, on an interruption of the current supplied, results in an automatic operating shutdown. The possibilities exist for the system to feed the electrical energy at least partly into the network and to deliver the thermal energy to a heating circuit which is operable with electrical energy from the network. An electrical inverter (4), with which direct current of the fuel cells can be converted into alternating current, can be operated in two operating states, on the one hand, for a feed into the public network, and, on the other hand, for a feed into the island network of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Sulzer Hexis AG
    Inventors: Stefan Genswein, René Dittli
  • Publication number: 20040256477
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining a temperature between a first value and a second value. The method and apparatus utilize a heat transfer device capable of cycling through a series of cycles, the device being capable of changing the temperature from the second value to the first value when operational. During each cycle the device transfers heat for a first period of time when the temperature reaches the second volume until the first value is reached and thereafter the device stops transferring heat. The first period of time is compared to a desired cycle-on period of time during each cycle and the second temperature value then is adjusted for a subsequent cycle of the device so the first period of time when the device transfers heat approaches the desired cycle-on period of time. There may also be provided temperature controls for a liquid heater having a jacket containing the liquid. The jacket has an inner heated wall and an outer wall spaced apart from the inner wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas Thompson Paul, Jonathan Young, Angelo Faccone