With Internal Heating Element Patents (Class 392/398)
  • Patent number: 11192182
    Abstract: A substrate for 3D printing using a cold spray technique. The substrate of the present invention has a porous surface with the size of pores smaller than approximately 24.4 times the mean particle size of feedstock powders for cold spray processing and larger than or equal to approximately 6.84 times the mean particle size. Due to no adhesion of a 3D-printed part to the porous regions of the substrate, the parts fabricated by cold spray can be easily removed from the porous substrate without cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Chun-Hsien Wu
  • Patent number: 9587888
    Abstract: An internal heat exchanger assembly for an air conditioning system, having a housing defining a cylindrical with opposing ends. The ends are sealed with end caps having inlets/outlets. A helical coil tube is coaxially disposed within the cylindrical cavity, in which the helical coil includes two tube ends extending in opposing directions and exiting the cylindrical cavity through tube ports provided in the end caps. A twisted elongated strip is coaxially disposed within the cylindrical cavity extending from the first end to the second end. The twisted elongated strip includes a plurality of radially extending fingers adapted to engage the helical coil to maintain the helical coil in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Edward Wolfe, IV, Prasad Shripad Kadle, Carrie M. Kowsky, James Alan Bright
  • Patent number: 9516986
    Abstract: A steam generator for use within a portable steam generating system. The steam generator is composed of a heater coil looped around an inner casing in a helical pattern with a continuous gap left between successive loops. An outer casing encloses the inner casing and heater coil, creating a channel for fluid flow in the gap between successive loops of the heater coil and the inner and outer casings. An opening allows fluid to be pumped in one end of the channel and heated as it travels along the channel. The fluid is superheated by the heater coil loops and is converted into steam and expands upon depressurization after exiting the steam nozzle. This steam generator can be disposed within a handheld housing within a steam generating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventors: Jennifer Beth Williams, Craig Raynold Duda
  • Patent number: 9353943
    Abstract: An improved oil preheater assembly for a waste oil burner that significantly reduces the labor time required to perform routine maintenance. This is accomplished by incorporating a removable cover to directly access the heated oil passages for cleaning thereby providing a simplified method of access to the areas most often requiring routine maintenance. Additionally this design provides an improved electrical control system which significantly reduces electrical energy consumption and the formation of oil carbonization when oil burner heat output is not required. Additionally this design incorporates a nozzle cleaning system for a low pressure siphoning type of discharge nozzle which can remove carbonization and other nozzle contamination and obstructions without the disassembly of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel B. Jones
  • Patent number: 9322571
    Abstract: Systems and methods for heating a fluid are disclosed. In certain embodiments, plasma is generated and passed through a conduit. A fluid to be heated can be passed over the conduit, thereby inducing a heat transfer from the plasma to the fluid. In certain embodiments, multiple plasma generators and corresponding conduits are provided and the conduits are positioned within a housing, facilitating a more effective heat transfer. In some embodiments, the plasma generator includes an outer shell, an anode, a cathode, and insulating elements, and generates plasma by passing a gas through an electric arc created between the anode and the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: LV Dynamics LLC
    Inventor: Chris Lee
  • Publication number: 20150108109
    Abstract: A steam heater comprising: a tube having two ends and interior walls; a heating element extending throughout the tube, wherein a passage is defined by the heating element and the tube interior walls and extends contiguously throughout the tube; a first hollow nozzle coupled to the a first end of the tube; a second hollow nozzle coupled to the second end of the tube; the first nozzle having an orifice facing the heating element; the second nozzle having an orifice facing away from the heating element, the heater having a heating capacity sufficient to convert water entering the passage via the first nozzle into steam leaving via the second nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: David Menashes
  • Publication number: 20150090706
    Abstract: A steam generator is provided. The steam generator may include a steam chamber, a steam heater to supply heat into the steam chamber, a water supply, through which water to generate steam may be supplied into the steam chamber, one or more interference members disposed in the steam chamber to interfere with a flow of the water introduced through the water supply, and at least one discharge to discharge the steam generated in the steam chamber. The one or more interference members may be disposed under the at least one discharge and above the water supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Sungho CHOI
  • Patent number: 8977115
    Abstract: A vaporizer for generating a vaporized chemical decontaminating agent. The vaporizer includes a primary flow path and a blower for conveying a carrier gas along the primary flow path. A secondary flow path has a first end fluidly connected to the primary flow path at a location upstream of the blower and a second end fluidly connected to the primary flow path at a location downstream of the blower. A heating element is disposed along the secondary flow path. A liquid flow path has a first end fluidly connected to a source of liquid chemical decontaminating agent and a second end fluidly connected to the secondary flow path. The liquid flow path injects the liquid chemical decontaminating agent into the secondary flow path at a location upstream of the heating element. The heating element vaporizes the liquid chemical decontaminating agent to form the vaporized chemical decontaminating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: STERIS Inc.
    Inventor: Leslie Woodson Penman, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140308027
    Abstract: The device for heating liquid generates steam, receives a fluid in liquid form at its inlet, and ejects the fluid heated up or in gaseous form at its outlet. The device includes a heater positioned inside a sleeve having a longitudinal axis. There is a scraper that fits onto the heater to scrape it the heater in case of movement along the longitudinal axis. A stopper fits snugly between the heater and the sleeve in order to stopper the passage. The scraper, the stopper, and a spring are configured so that an increase in pressure causes the scraper and the stopper to move along the longitudinal axis so that the stopper is shifted to a point where space between the heater and the sleeve allows fluid to pass, and a reduction in pressure causes a shift in the opposite direction by the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: ECODROP
    Inventor: Gerard Curien
  • Publication number: 20140301723
    Abstract: Provided is a superheated-steam generator device, in which the steam-loop-back structure of a steam-heating pipe is simplified and heaters can be individually attached to or removed from the device. The device includes a first disc, a second disc, a third disc, a fourth disc, and a fifth disc; multiple through-holes respectively are provided to the first disc, the third disc, and the fourth disc; at least one long through-hole and one through-hole are provided to the second disc; multiple steam-heating pipes are attached to the through-holes of the third disc and to the through-holes of the fourth disc; loop-back grooves and one through-hole are provided to the fifth disc; heaters that have spiral fins are attached into the through-hole of the first disc so as to cover the through-hole of the first disc; a steam-supply pipe; and a steam-discharge pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: MASDAC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fumiharu Masuda, Shuichi Sanda, Takeshi Hayano, Tadashi Yamamoto, Masanori Arakawa
  • Publication number: 20140248042
    Abstract: A vaporizer for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine has a vaporizer tube and a holding sleeve in which the vaporizer tube is inserted. A clamping sleeve sits on the vaporizer tube. The vaporizer tube includes two circumferentially surrounding clamping surfaces which protrude in a radial direction and cooperate with the holding sleeve and the clamping sleeve such that the clamping surfaces are clamped between the holding sleeve and the clamping sleeve by an axial clamping force to be gastight. At least one of the holding sleeve and the clamping sleeve includes a surrounding sealing edge which rests against the respective clamping surface via a line contact and forms an annular sealing seat. The vaporizer further includes a device preventing relative rotation between the holding sleeve and the vaporizer tube. A heater of the vaporizer is attached to the vaporizer tube using a resistance welding method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies, Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Noller, Juergen Klement, Otto Steinhauser, Toni Zipfel, Tobias Danner
  • Publication number: 20140233928
    Abstract: A flow heater is provided including a heating element, a channel heated by said heating element for heating liquid flowing therethrough, and temperature sensing means in thermal communication with both the heating element and the channel so as to be sensitive to the temperature of the liquid in the channel and the temperature of the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Colin Peter Moughton, Alan Campbell Owen, Jonathan Michael White
  • Patent number: 8787740
    Abstract: A superheated-steam heating nozzle is provided that includes: first-fourth steam pipes concentrically disposed from inside to outside; an outlet connection is provided to the outlet side of the superheated-steam heating nozzle and receives steam from the first steam pipe; a blow-out nozzle is connected to the outlet connection; multiple electric heaters disposed in the gap between the second steam pipe and the third steam pipe and whose sealed sections at the tips traverse a temperature-rise-prevention section and protrude towards the superheated-steam heating nozzle; a first loop-back section on the outlet side connects the gap between the third steam pipe and the fourth steam pipe with the gap between the first steam pipe and the second steam pipe; and a second loop-back section on the inlet side connects the gap between the first steam pipe and the second steam pipe with the inside of the first steam pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Masdac Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumiharu Masuda, Shuuichi Sanda, Takeshi Hayano, Tadashi Yamamoto, Masanori Arakawa
  • Patent number: 8604392
    Abstract: A hydration system comprises a bladder assembly defining a bladder chamber, a hose assembly, and a heating system comprising a heating element defining a loop portion. Liquids flow from the bladder chamber to the hose assembly. The loop portion is arranged within the hose assembly such that current flowing through the heating element inhibits freezing of liquids within at least a portion of the hose assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Arctic Innovations
    Inventors: Robert E. Ostrom, Billy Koitzsch
  • Publication number: 20130323139
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to produce point-of-use compressed superheated steam for a wide variety of uses including, but not limited to, cleaning, heating, drying, surface preparation, sterilization, pest control and elimination, degreasing and food preparation. The apparatus produces and compresses superheated steam without the hazards and problems associated with the current state of the art where steam is generated, compressed and stored in potentially dangerous and maintenance intensive boilers and associated piping and fixtures. The in-line steam generator of the present application produces superheated steam at one atmosphere which is immediately pressurized using a compression means and then immediately utilized through application employing a nozzle or a storage tank or other such device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: MICROPYRETICS HEATERS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jerod Batt, Jainagesh Sekhar, Michael Connelly
  • Patent number: 8581151
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide steam oven drain valve systems and methods for draining steam ovens and associated water lines on aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130202276
    Abstract: A superheated-steam heating nozzle is provided that includes: first-fourth steam pipes concentrically disposed from inside to outside; an outlet connection is provided to the outlet side of the superheated-steam heating nozzle and receives steam from the first steam pipe; a blow-out nozzle is connected to the outlet connection; multiple electric heaters disposed in the gap between the second steam pipe and the third steam pipe and whose sealed sections at the tips traverse a temperature-rise-prevention section and protrude towards the superheated-steam heating nozzle; a first loop-back section on the outlet side connects the gap between the third steam pipe and the fourth steam pipe with the gap between the first steam pipe and the second steam pipe; and a second loop-back section on the inlet side connects the gap between the first steam pipe and the second steam pipe with the inside of the first steam pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Masdac Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumiharu Masuda, Shuuichi Sanda, Takeshi Hayano, Tadashi Yamamoto, Masanori Arakawa
  • Patent number: 8494351
    Abstract: A fragrance generator provides a scent dispenser for mounting on a light emitter of a decorative light, such as those used at holidays. A silicone rubber scented sleeve is placed over and around a cylindrical light emitter. Upon energizing the decorative light, the heat generated by the light emitter warms the scented sleeve and thereby enhances the rate of scent emission from the scented sleeve. An optional scent reservoir formed at one end of the scented sleeve enables the retention of additional amounts of liquid fragrance oil(s). Placement of the light emitter within and extending it throughout the sleeve, and into the fragrance reservoir, results in a further enhancement in amount and duration of scent emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Cheryl A. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8463114
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an evaporator device for volatile substances, preferably usable in vehicles, which is activated by the movement of the device, whereby the device will begin to evaporate a volatile substance when the user is in the vehicle. The device comprises a casing, a diffuser, and at least one movement sensor, the diffuser being operable by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Zobele Espana, S.A.
    Inventors: Rubén García Fábrega, David Moreno Pérez, Jose Antonio Muñoz Martínez, Joan Gusi Hidalgo
  • Patent number: 8373098
    Abstract: A system for cleaning the interior surface of an oven appliance using heat and steam cycles is provided. More particularly, the present invention uses a heat cycle to break down water insoluble food residues into soluble materials that are then cleaned by a steam cycle. Following the steam cycle, the remaining food residues can be removed from the interior surface of the oven appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Eric Scott Johnson
  • Patent number: 8336314
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for use in a gas thruster is presented. At least one heater micro structure (20) is arranged in a stagnation chamber (12) of the gas thruster. The heater microstructure (20) comprises a core of silicon or a silicon compound coated by a surface metal or metal compound coating. The heater microstructure (20) is manufactured in silicon or a silicon compound and covered by a surface metal coating. The heater microstructure (20) is mounted in the stagnation chamber (12) before or after the coverage of the surface metal or metal compound coating. The coverage is performed by heating the heater microstructure and flowing a gas comprising low quantities of a metal compound. The compound decomposes at the heated heater microstructure (20), forming the surface metal or metal compound coating. The same principles of coating can be used for repairing the heater microstructure (20) in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: NanoSpace AB
    Inventors: Tor-Arne Gronland, Pelle Ransten, Hakan Johansson, Johan Bejhed
  • Patent number: 8288690
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to steam ovens, and particularly to steam ovens configured to generate and deliver steam directly to the oven using a water reservoir in close proximity to an existing oven heat generating system. The steam ovens described may be designed so that they inject steam directly into the oven cavity, and in some instances, generate the steam directly in the oven cavity as well. Certain embodiments are designed with a water reservoir in close proximity to an oven heat generating system such that water in the reservoir is heated, turned to steam, and delivered to the oven cavity via a steam delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Mag Aerospace Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Abdelaziz Boubeddi, Paul E. Miller
  • Patent number: 8265467
    Abstract: A light support assembly includes a circular body having a slot at one end for receiving a light string therein which is secured by a cap at the one end. A magnet is mounted in a cavity at an opposite end of the body. An applicator holds the body during mounting of the light support assembly to a building or other structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Travis Lloyd Scott
  • Patent number: 7985944
    Abstract: A steaming device (50) for a baker's oven including a steam generation chamber (55), located adjacent at least one heating element (25, 26) in an oven compartment of the baker's oven, the steam generation chamber (55) being closed at one end and having at least one steam outlet at or adjacent the other end; at least one heat sink member (57) in the steam generation chamber (55) to provide a heat source to convert steaming water introduced into the steam generation chamber 55) into steam; and a steaming water pipe (40) having at least one nozzle (41) operable to direct water into the steam generation chamber (55), the steaming water being convertible into steam within the steam generation chamber (55) and releasable to the oven compartment through the at least one steam outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Moffat Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Paul Eaton Willett
  • Publication number: 20110129393
    Abstract: An improved electrically-heated contact vaporizer (EHCV) for a catalytic hydrocarbon reformer. The EHCV has an electrically-heated vaporization surface and a helical-wound flow director. Preferably the EHCV includes a port and internal passages to permit controlled entry of an oxygen-containing gas, preferably air, into a flowing stream of vaporized fuel near the exit of the EHCV to mix with the vaporized fuel and spontaneously combust, forming hot gases for heating the reforming catalyst. A third wall may be provided to surround the outer wall of the air passage to provide further thermal insulation against heat loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Oscar A. Lecea, James M. Ciosek
  • Patent number: 7773865
    Abstract: An assembly for conducting and tempering a fluid includes at least one connector having at least three outlets/intakes. A hose is attached to a first one of the outlets/intakes of the at least one connector. A tempering device is arranged inside a cavity of the hose and extends outside the hose through a second one of the outlets/intakes of the connector positioned approximately opposite the first outlet/intake. Fluid is conducted in the cavity of the hose between the outer wall of the hose and the tempering device. A third one of the outlets/intakes of the connector communicates with the cavity of the hose. The hose and tempering device are each connected to the connector by either a form-fitting or material-to-material connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Rehau AG & Co.
    Inventors: Sylvia Freiberger, Michael Schöbel, Lutz Görmer, Gerhard Ruckdäschel, Richard Ebert, Michael Weber
  • Patent number: 7723700
    Abstract: A vapor delivery system for delivering a steady flow of sublimated vapor to a vacuum chamber comprises a vaporizer of solid material, a mechanical throttling valve, and a pressure gauge, followed by a vapor conduit to the vacuum chamber. The vapor flow rate is determined by both the temperature of the vaporizer and the setting of the conductance of the mechanical throttle valve located between the vaporizer and the vacuum chamber. The temperature of the vaporizer is determined by closed-loop control to a set-point temperature. The mechanical throttle valve is electrically controlled, e.g. the valve position is under closed-loop control to the output of the pressure gauge. In this way the vapor flow rate can be generally proportional to the pressure gauge output. All surfaces exposed to the vapor from the vaporizer to the vacuum chamber are heated to prevent condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Semequip, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Robert W. Milgate, III
  • Patent number: 7634176
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for forming vapor mainly utilizing the atomization device to form low temperature water vapor, and then using an adjustable heating unit to warm the low temperature water vapor, or mixing some high temperature steam to get needed temperature water vapor. The invention uses the atomization device which mainly was used to humidify the air to form the needed water vapor in beauty, hairdressing, or health care so as to adjust the temperature of water vapor to solve the problems which are existing in the fields of beauty, hairdressing, health care, where the high temperature steam scalds a person more easily, and the temperature is difficult to control. The present invention makes the application of the steam in these fields more free, common and popular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Tuming You
  • Patent number: 7428373
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering solid precursors. In certain embodiments of the present application, a flow monitor, pressure sensor, or temperature sensor is used to measure and regulate the flow of vaporized solid precursor material from a vaporization chamber to a deposition chamber. To avoid condensation of the solid precursor material in the delivery lines, a controller is placed in a feed back loop to make adjustments to the amount of vapor available. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 7323207
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for detecting latent fingerprints that discharges a vapor of a cyanoacrylate-containing solution. The apparatus comprises a reservoir for holding a liquid solution comprising cyanoacrylate, a valve for controlling the release of the solution through a capillary flow passage, and a power supply for heating the capillary flow passage and vaporizing the solution. When cyanoacrylate vapor contacts latent fingerprints, the fingerprints are rendered visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, Daniel Diefenbach
  • Patent number: 7302170
    Abstract: A heating device for a smoke generator includes at least one heating rod and a vaporization tube. The vaporization tube includes a longitudinal passageway. The vaporization tube coils around the heating rod and includes an end connected to an outlet of a pump of a smoke generator. Preferably, the vaporization tube helically coils around the heating rod to form a coiling structure having at least one layer. Preferably, the vaporization tube includes a non-circular cross-section having at least one side in surface contact with a circumference of the heating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Zhao-Liang Chen
  • Publication number: 20070223893
    Abstract: A heating device for a smoke generator includes at least one heating rod and a vaporization tube. The vaporization tube includes a longitudinal passageway. The vaporization tube coils around the heating rod and includes an end connected to an outlet of a pump of a smoke generator. Preferably, the vaporization tube helically coils around the heating rod to form a coiling structure having at least one layer. Preferably, the vaporization tube includes a non-circular cross-section having at least one side in surface contact with a circumference of the heating rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Zhao-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 7116899
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steam generator in which the continuous heating panel of an evaporator is arranged in a heating gas channel which can be cross-flown in a more or less horizontal direction of a heating gas. Said continuous heating panel of the evaporator comprises a plurality of pipes of a steam generator which are connected in parallel to each other. Said pipes are constructed in such a way that they cross a flow medium and are provided with the part of a more or less vertical down pipe which can be cross-flown by the flow medium in a downward direction and with the part of a rising pipe connected downstream with respect to the down pipe on the side of the flow medium and which is more or less vertical and can be cross-flown by the flow medium in an upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Franke, Rudolf Kral, Eberhard Wittchow
  • Patent number: 7112770
    Abstract: A humidification system and method particularly well adapted for use in commercial aircraft to provide substantially micro-organism free humidified air within a passenger cabin of the aircraft. The system employs a vessel for holding a quantity of water therein. The vessel is disposed within a microwave oven which is used to heat the water within the vessel to the boiling point such that steam is generated therefrom. This steam is directed into an airflow duct and used to humidify an airflow being supplied into a cabin area of the aircraft. The steam is substantially micro-organism free. A controller is used to cycle the filling and draining of the vessel to achieve a desired humidity level for the airflow. Optimally, a vacuum accumulator is employed to assist in rapid draining of the water from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Justin H. Doh, George Bates, III
  • Patent number: 7113696
    Abstract: A steam generator for use with a steam bath has a storage tank for holding a quantity of water from which steam is to be made, means for permitting the ingress of water and the egress of steam from the tank, first heating means for controllably maintaining the water at a temperature that is elevated from the ambient temperature but below its boiling point, and second heating means for selectively heating the water from its elevated temperature to produce steam upon demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventors: Mitchell Altman, Scott Sharitz
  • Patent number: 7061252
    Abstract: A protection circuit, configured to detect and suppress electrical pre-arcing and arcing conditions in a resistive heater wire circuit, comprises a transient voltage suppressor, signal level sensing load coupled to the output of the voltage suppressor, detection and control circuitry, and a high-speed switch or electrical gate. The control circuitry is configured to control the operation of the switch, coupled between said control circuitry and the heater wire, wherein the switch is opened in response to an electrical pre-arcing or arcing condition or a short circuit condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Hudson Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad E. Bouton, Felicia R. Ruggeri
  • Patent number: 7055763
    Abstract: A mist generating apparatus having a casing that is divided into a storage chamber, a pump chamber, a waterwheel chamber and a mist chamber. The storage chamber is provided with a water storage tank having a heater, while the pump chamber is provided with a pump. A waterwheel located in the waterwheel chamber and a fan located in the mist chamber are provided around a rotating axis so as to rotate together, and then warm water in the water storage tank is sprayed onto the waterwheel by means of the pump, whereby mist is generated. The generated mist is guided to the mist chamber by means of the fan with warm air from a warm air generator and is discharged from an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Sera Corporation Inc.
    Inventor: Kenji Torigoe
  • Patent number: 7050708
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering solid precursors. In certain embodiments of the present application, a flow monitor is used to measure and regulate the flow of vaporized solid precursor material from a vaporization chamber to a deposition chamber. The flow monitor chokes the supply of vapor into the deposition chamber to regulate vapor flow. To avoid condensation of the solid precursor material in the delivery lines or flow monitor, a controller is placed in a feed back loop to monitor the flow rate and make adjustments to the amount of vapor available at the inlet of the flow monitor. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 7045745
    Abstract: A heating cooker, capable of supplying steam into a cooking chamber thereof, includes a cabinet defined therein with a cooking chamber, and a steam generating unit for supplying steam into the cooking chamber. The steam generating unit includes a heating tank detachably mounted to the top of the cooking chamber inside the cooking chamber, and provided with steam outlet ports, a water tank detachably mounted to the cabinet over the cooking chamber, and connected to the heating tank via a guide passage to supply water into the heating tank, and a steam generating heater installed in the heating tank to heat water contained in the heating tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Kwang Kim
  • Patent number: 6996334
    Abstract: A boilerless steamer apparatus is provided having a steamer cavity formed of a steam generating space and a cooking space, wherein the steam generating space is separated from the cooking space by a removable steam lid. The present boilerless steamer apparatus can provide between 7 to 10 lbs./hour (per pan) of steam. Additionally, various means are disclosed to reduce the amount of condensate reaching the drainage system. Various methods to easily clean the boilerless steamer apparatus are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gibson Parsons, Roger R. Moore, Jr., Pedro Hilarion Lopez
  • Patent number: 6909071
    Abstract: An overheated steam oven which cleans an interior of a cooking cavity of the overheated steam oven using hot water and overheated steam, and executes a cooking operation using the overheated steam. The overheated steam oven includes a cabinet to define the cooking cavity therein, an overheated steam generator to supply overheated steam into the cooking cavity, and a cleaning unit to spray water from an interior of the overheated steam generator into the cooking cavity to clean the interior of the cooking cavity. A control method of the overheated steam oven includes spraying the water into the cooking cavity by use of the cleaning unit in response to a cleaning start signal, thus cleaning the interior of the cooking cavity, and supplying the overheated steam from the overheated steam generator into the cooking cavity after the cooking cavity is cleaned, thus drying the interior of the cooking cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kobayashi Shozo
  • Patent number: 6839505
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering solid precursors in deposition processes. A flow monitor is used to measure and regulate the flow of vaporized solid precursor material from a vaporization chamber to a deposition chamber. The flow monitor chokes the supply of vapor into the deposition chamber to regulate vapor flow. To avoid condensation of the solid precursor material in the delivery lines or flow monitor, a controller is placed in a feed back loop to monitor the flow rate and make adjustments to the amount of vapor available at the inlet of the flow monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Publication number: 20040165870
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering solid precursors in deposition processes. A flow monitor is used to measure and regulate the flow of vaporized solid precursor material from a vaporization chamber to a deposition chamber. The flow monitor chokes the supply of vapor into the deposition chamber to regulate vapor flow. To avoid condensation of the solid precursor material in the delivery lines or flow monitor, a controller is placed in a feed back loop to monitor the flow rate and make adjustments to the amount of vapor available at the inlet of the flow monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 6701066
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering solid precursors in deposition processes. A flow monitor is used to measure and regulate the flow of vaporized solid precursor material from a vaporization chamber to a deposition chamber. The flow monitor chokes the supply of vapor into deposition chamber to regulate vapor flow. To avoid condensation of the solid precursor material in the delivery lines or flow monitor, a controller is placed in a feed back loop to monitor the flow rate make adjustments to the amount of vapor available at the inlet of the flow monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Publication number: 20030215226
    Abstract: A superheated steam generator of an electromagnetic induction type includes: a conduit, which provides a passageway of generated steam; a superheating tank, which is part of the conduit midway through the conduit; and a coil, which is disposed around the superheating tank and is connected to a high-frequency AC power supply, the superheated steam generator further including a magnetic body, disposed inside the superheating tank, which is in contact with the steam in the passage of the steam. According to this construction, superheated steam can be produced more efficiently. In addition, the temperature inside the tank can be increased and decreased more gradually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Masami Nomura, Masaaki Nomura, Yazuru Marukuni
  • Patent number: 6402126
    Abstract: A vaporizing apparatus and method for providing a vaporized liquid precursor to a process chamber in a vapor deposition process includes a microdroplet forming device for generating microdroplets from a liquid precursor and a heated housing defining a vaporization zone having a vapor flow path from the microdroplet forming device to the process chamber. The vaporization zone receives the microdroplets and a heated carrier gas. The heated carrier gas has a temperature so as to provide the primary source of heat for vaporizing the microdroplets. The vaporized liquid precursor is then directed to the process chamber from the heated vaporization zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Vaartstra, David Atwell
  • Patent number: 6317559
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing an end portion of a hot-water tube in which electric heating wires are inserted enables electric heating wires in hot-water tubes to extend through to the outside, while preventing leakage of water from the hot-water tubes. A plug (3) is screw-connected to the end portion (1a) of a hot-water tube (1). A silicone cock (4) of an elastic material, through which coated electric heating wires (2) of the hot-water tube are placed, is inserted into the cylinder-like concave (3b) of the plug (3). A crown nut (5) is screwed onto the plug (3), pressing the cock (4) to enhance the water-tightness of the end portion of the hot-water tube and to allow the electric heating wires to be placed effectively from inside to the outside of the hot-water tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Du Nyun Kim
  • Patent number: 6244575
    Abstract: A vaporizing apparatus for providing a vaporized liquid precursor to a process chamber in a vapor deposition process includes a microdroplet forming device for generating microdroplets from a liquid precursor and a heated housing defining a vaporization zone having a vapor flow path from the microdroplet forming device to the process chamber. The vaporization zone receives the microdroplets and a heated carrier gas. The heated carrier gas has a temperature so as to provide the primary source of heat for vaporizing the microdroplets. A method of vaporizing liquids for vapor deposition processes includes generating microdroplets and utilizing a heated carrier gas as the primary source of heat for vaporizing the microdroplets. A vapor deposition system carrying out the method includes a heated carrier gas and a heated housing defining a heated vaporization zone. The heated housing receives the heated carrier gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Vaartstra, David Atwell
  • Patent number: 6242712
    Abstract: A heater for heating air in an intake passage of an internal combustion engine. The heater includes a heating element coupled to a first holder and a second holder. The heating element has a preselected resistance corresponding to plurality apertures formed therethrough. A second embodiment includes a heating element positioned within a housing. The heating element includes a plurality of selectively removable slugs. After removal of one or more of the slugs, the electrical resistance of the heating element increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Prust
  • Patent number: 6181874
    Abstract: A heating element made of metal mesh through which electric current may be passed to heat fluid passing through the mesh. The mesh is made of intersecting metal wires defining apertures though which the fluid to be heated passes. These apertures are made small enough to cause all the heating to be achieved by conduction and convection. Typical apertures sizes are 40 to 60 &mgr;m effective diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Isis Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Peter Thomas Ireland, David Richard Hugh Gillespie, Zuolan Wang