Time Or Program Actuator Patents (Class 62/157)
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Patent number: 8109446Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling a cell that is used for the rapid cooling of a cooked product. The method includes the steps of taking a period measurement of an internal temperature of the product to be cooled and of the temperature of the ambient air in a chamber; and using the temperature measurements to determine a set value for the temperature of the ambient air inside the chamber. The set temperature value for the ambient air in the chamber is used to control the cold production element until the end of the cooling cycle in order to obtain an internal temperature at the end of the cycle that is less than a pre-determined end internal temperature using a cycle length of less than or equal to a pre-determined maximum cycle length. The invention is suitable for commercial and institutional catering and for the agri-food industry.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: FriginoxInventor: Rafael Venancio
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Patent number: 8109106Abstract: The present invention relates to a malfunction preventing device and a method thereof, which ignores an input signal produced by electricity capacity variation because of moisture to prevent a malfunction of a refrigerator. A malfunction preventing device for a refrigerator includes an inputting part in which a static electricity switch is provided to produce an input signal, and a controlling part that ignores a first input signal inputted in a wait mode, wherein there is no inputted signal from the inputting part for a predetermined delaying time period in the wait mode. A method for preventing a malfunction of a refrigerator includes performing a wait mode in that there is no input signal produced by static electricity for a predetermined delay time period, and ignoring a first input signal inputted in the wait mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Dae Jong Kang
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Publication number: 20120023987Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment and one or more power consuming features/functions including a refrigeration system for cooling the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of current state of an associated energy supplying utility. The controller adjusts the temperature of the refrigerator and/or freezer from a normal setting to a higher point during an energy saving mode and then back to a normal temperature. The transition between low and high is controlled to reduce energy consumption.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: John K. Besore, Timothy Dale Worthington, Michael F. Finch, Darin Franks, William Newton, Jeff Donald Drake
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Patent number: 8108082Abstract: A cooling system and method for an outdoor electronics enclosure includes an air conditioner controlled to operate during off-peak hours, so as to pre-cool batteries. The cooled batteries keep the enclosure cool during peak hours so that it is not necessary to run the air conditioner when electricity prices are at their peak. A clock or light sensor determines the time of day. A controller has stored data indicating the peak hours when electricity costs more.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North CarolinaInventors: Joseph Yeh, Walter Hendrix
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Patent number: 8104300Abstract: A method for adjusting a natural refrigeration cycle rate of an air conditioner includes monitoring a time between at least two sequential refrigeration “off” events or at least two sequential refrigeration “on” events, and determining whether the time is below or above a predetermined time. If the time is below the predetermined time, the method further includes increasing a refrigeration “on” temperature threshold. If, however, the time is above the predetermined time, the method further includes decreasing the refrigeration “on” temperature threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Valeo Climate Control Corp.Inventor: Jonathan Trevor Atwater
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Patent number: 8104299Abstract: An air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger (radiator) and a controller. The radiator causes heat radiation to be performed with respect to air from a supercritical refrigerant during heating operation. The controller controls a room temperature by causing a high-pressure side pressure and a refrigerant outlet temperature of the radiator to reach respective target values. Preferably, the controller detects a refrigerant outlet temperature of the radiator with an outlet temperature sensor and detects a room temperature with a room temperature sensor. The controller increases or decreases a target value of the high-pressure side pressure when the controller has judged that there is an excess or a deficiency of capacity in view of the room temperature inside a room that is to be heated even when the refrigerant outlet temperature of the radiator has reached a target value during heating.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Okamoto, Shinichi Kasahara
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Publication number: 20120000222Abstract: A multi-zone transport refrigeration system. The system includes a compressor, a condenser, a refrigerant circuit, a first temperature control zone and a second temperature control zone. A controller is configured to identify a priority zone and a non-priority zone based upon a first magnitude of a difference between a first temperature set point and a first zone temperature derived from the first air temperature sensor, and a second magnitude of a difference between the second temperature set point and a second zone temperature derived from the second air temperature sensor. A non-priority zone is isolated from the refrigerant circuit for a pre-defined period in order to maximize a refrigerant flow to the priority zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Ulrich Fink, Alan D. Gustafson, Stan Hoium
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Publication number: 20120000226Abstract: An automatic ice making machine is provided that is capable of modifying an amount of feeding water depending on a temperature of makeup water. The automatic ice making machine is equipped with a deicing timer 42 to keep time of a deicing completion time period T1 in which deicing operation is completed. In addition, in a control means 24, a deicing water longest supply time period U1 is preset, which is a longest time period to supply deicing water in deicing operation. In a case where the deicing water is low in temperature, so that the deicing progresses slowly and thus the deicing completion time period T1 becomes equal to or greater than the deicing water longest supply time period U1, the control means 24 carries out water feeding in a feeding amount of water at low temperature at the time of water feeding.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroki Yamaguchi, Yuji Wakatsuki
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Publication number: 20120000216Abstract: An ice maker for a refrigerator and a power saving method of an ice maker are provided. The ice maker includes: an ice tray for making ice; an ejector for removing the ice from the ice tray; an storage unit for dispensing and storing the removed ice; and a controller for controlling an ice making operation for making ice, an ice removing operation for removing generated ice, and a dispensing operation of dispensing removed ice, and providing control to cut off power supply during the ice making operation. While an ice making operation is being performed, an ice making elapsed-time and an ice making temperature are measured to determine whether or not the ice making operation has been completed, and while the ice making operation is being performed, power supplied to the ice maker is cut off, thus reducing unnecessary power consumption.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: Seongjae KIM, Hoyoun Lee
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Patent number: 8082742Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ice-making system having a control system. The control system selectively places the ice-making machine in a freeze cycle and a harvest cycle, based upon inputs from sensors that determine a flow rate of fluid out of an evaporator, and a level of fluid in a sump. The control system can further prevent a slushing condition in the ice-making machine by monitoring the temperature of the fluid in the sump. The control system can also monitor the sensors to ensure that they are providing correct signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Mile High Equipment L.L.C.Inventors: John Allen Broadbent, Richard Kepler, Ricky Rochleau
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Patent number: 8079227Abstract: A method of controlling the frequency of a compressor in a chiller system is disclosed. The method includes determining a nominal minimum frequency of a compressor, and providing a control algorithm for controlling the period of time and the deviation of the actual operating frequency below the nominal minimal frequency that the compressor may operate without shutting down the chiller system. The time period of operation below nominal minimum frequency may be predetermined as a fixed time period of operation below nominal minimum frequency, or as a variable time period based on the amount by which the frequency deviates below nominal minimum frequency. Also, an absolute minimum operating frequency is provided that results in the control algorithm shutting down the chiller system and the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Curtis Christian Crane
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Publication number: 20110296852Abstract: An energy management system for use with a temperature controlled unit for food or beverages. A sensor is provided that comprises means to measure a temperature in the temperature controlled unit, and means to transmit wirelessly the measured temperature to a controller. The controller comprising a memory for storing data, and a processor arranged to control electric power to the temperature controlled unit on the basis of a combination of the measured temperature and the stored data. The stored data defines at least two time periods in which a first temperature is required in the first time period, and a second, different temperature is required during the second time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Alan Wyn-Davies, Simon Hopewell
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Patent number: 8068936Abstract: According to one aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling operation of a plurality of different model variants of a refrigeration appliance using a commonly-configured control board for the plurality of different model variants. The method includes identifying the first model variant as being one of the plurality of model variants to be controlled; and responsive to this identifying, selecting a suitable control routine from among a plurality of available control routines that are accessible to the control board for controlling operation of the plurality of model variants. The plurality of available control routines includes at least a first control routine to be executed for controlling operation of a portion of a refrigeration circuit provided to the first model variant and a second control routine to be executed for controlling operation of a portion of a refrigeration circuit provided to the second model variant. The first control routine is different than the second control routine.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventor: Jay E. Eichman
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Patent number: 8042347Abstract: A compressor inlet pressure estimation apparatus for a refrigeration cycle system is disclosed. An electronic control unit 14 uses Tefin_lag(N) as an actual corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) during a period Tp1 included in the timing t1 to t2. During a period Tp2 included in the timing t1 to t2, Tefin_fwd(N) is used as the actual corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N). Thus, a highly accurate corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) can be determined over the on period (t1 to t2) of a compressor 2. In addition, Tefin_fwd(N) is used as the actual corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) during the off period (t2 to 3) of the compressor 2. As a result, a highly accurate corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) can be determined over the whole period including the on and off periods of the compressor 2. In this way, a highly accurate estimated value Ps_es(N) of the refrigerant inlet pressure of the compressor 2 can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshikatsu Sawada, Yasutane Hijikata
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Patent number: 8033125Abstract: A control device includes a microcomputer and a storage element. The microcomputer is configured to execute an inspection operation mode in which an air conditioner is operated in inspection process in a manufacturing site, and a normal operation mode in which the air conditioner is operated at an installation site. When the operation state of the air conditioner fails to satisfy predetermined conditions, the microcomputer is configured to confirm that there is an error, and abnormally stop the air conditioner. When the air conditioner is abnormally stopped, the microcomputer is configured to cause the storage element to store predetermined operation information obtained during a period until abnormal stoppage of the air conditioner and to store the operation mode being executed at the time of occurrence of the error in the air conditioner.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hirotaka Saruwatari, Hiroyuki Matsuura, Mario Hayashi
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Patent number: 8024940Abstract: A refrigerator dispenser includes an ice dispensing actuator, a liquid dispensing actuator configured to be actuated concurrently with the ice dispensing actuator, an ice dispensing mechanism configured to dispense ice responsive to actuation of the ice dispensing actuator, and a liquid dispensing mechanism configured to dispense liquid responsive to actuation of the liquid dispensing actuator. The refrigerator dispenser also includes a controller configured to cause the ice dispensing mechanism to dispense ice responsive to actuation of the ice dispensing actuator, to cause the liquid dispensing mechanism to dispense liquid responsive to actuation of the liquid dispensing actuator, and to prevent the ice dispensing mechanism and the liquid dispensing mechanism from both dispensing responsive to concurrent actuation of both the ice dispensing actuator and the liquid dispensing actuator.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Heon-jae Jang, Seung-beom Chae, Il-wook Joung, Sang-ho Park, Yong-chul Kwon, Hyeon-jin Kim
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Patent number: 8011195Abstract: A Kimchi refrigerator that applies cold shock to Kimchi stored therein at predetermined time intervals, while a keeping mode is performed, so as to improve the taste of the Kimchi, wherein the time intervals are changed, and a control method of the same are disclosed. The Kimchi refrigerator includes a cooling system to cool the interior of the refrigerator in which Kimchi is stored, and a control unit to control the cooling system to perform a cold shock operation in which the interior of the refrigerator is cooled to a cold shock temperature lower than a keeping temperature at predetermined time intervals, for a predetermined period of time, while a keeping mode is performed. The control unit changes the time intervals.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Eun Young Park, Yeon Yi Hwang, Jong Min Shin
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Patent number: 8011199Abstract: Methods of controlling air conditioning and HVAC units using a thermostat for a discrete-speed unit that include changing speed based on how long the unit operates at a particular speed. Speed may be increased if a unit operates for longer than a predetermined time at a particular speed, and speed may be reduced if the unit operated for less than a specific amount of time during the prior run. In different embodiments, single-stage thermostats may control units that operate at three speeds, and two-stage thermostats may control units that operate at three to five or more speeds. In addition, in some embodiments, outdoor coil temperature may be measured and considered in determining speed. Further, in some embodiments, maintaining continuous or repeated operation at a boost speed may be avoided. Energy savings and noise reduction may result.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: NORDYNE Inc.Inventors: Jie Chen, Allan J. Reifel, Dave L. Koesterer, Siegfried J. Weigl
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Patent number: 8011597Abstract: A method of controlling an HVAC system to more effectively cool a vehicle cabin when the solar azimuth is large. A solar azimuth, an outside air temperature, a set temperature, a cabin temperature, and an ignition time are communicated to a controller that determines how to best operate the HVAC system. When the vehicle has only been running for a short period of time, the cabin temperature is elevated, and the solar azimuth is large, the measured solar azimuth is corrected to a corrected solar azimuth. The corrected solar azimuth is smaller than the measured solar azimuth and yields a large sun temperature. The controller then calculates a TAO based upon the large sun temperature and the TAO is used to control the HVAC system.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: John Phillippo
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Publication number: 20110197599Abstract: A thermal energy system comprising a first thermal system, the first thermal system in use having a heating and/or cooling demand, a closed loop geothermal energy system comprising a plurality of borehole heat exchangers, each borehole heat exchanger containing a working fluid, and an intermediate heat pump thermally connected between the first thermal system and the geothermal energy system. Each borehole heat exchanger may comprise an elongate tube having a closed bottom end and first and second adjacent elongate conduits interconnected at the bottom end. In particular, the first thermal system is a refrigeration system and the ‘closed loop geothermal energy system provides cooling of the condenser(s) of the refrigeration system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2009Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventors: James J. Stewart, Dmitriy I. Zaynulin, Grahame Newton
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Publication number: 20110197606Abstract: The refrigeration system includes a compressor; a condenser connected to a first inlet of a separating means which has: a vapor outlet connected to the compressor and a liquid outlet connected to an evaporator; a selecting valve having: a first vapor inlet connected to the evaporator; a second vapor inlet connected to the separating means; and a vapor outlet connected to the compressor, said selecting valve being operated to selectively and alternatively communicate its first and second vapor inlets with its vapor outlet, so as to allow the compressor to draw vapor from the separating means and from the evaporator; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the selecting valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2009Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventors: Augusto Jose Pereira Zimmermann, Gustavo Portella Montagner, Joaquim Manoel Goncalves
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Patent number: 7992396Abstract: A method of analyzing a refrigeration system (1) comprising at least one compressor (4), at least one condenser (5) and at least two refrigeration entities (2), each comprising at least one evaporator (9). Based on information relating to the gas production by the evaporators (9) it is determined whether or not two or more evaporators (9) are running in a synchronized manner, i.e. are switching between an active and an inactive state at least substantially simultaneously. In case two or more evaporators (9) are running in a synchronized manner, the refrigeration system (1) may be controlled in order to desynchronize the evaporators (9). This may, e.g., be done by changing a cut-in temperature and/or a cut-out temperature for one of the corresponding refrigeration entities (2). Synchronization causes undesired variations in the suction pressure, and preventing synchronization therefore results in a more appropriate control of the refrigeration system (1). Reduces wear on the compressors (4).Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventors: Claus Thybo, Lars Finn Sloth Larsen
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Patent number: 7992630Abstract: A method for nighttime pre-cooling of a building comprising inputting one or more user settings, lowering the indoor temperature reading of the building during nighttime by operating an outside air ventilation system followed, if necessary, by a vapor compression cooling system. The method provides for nighttime pre-cooling of a building that maintains indoor temperatures within a comfort range based on the user input settings, calculated operational settings, and predictions of indoor and outdoor temperature trends for a future period of time such as the next day.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Davis Energy Group, Inc.Inventors: David A. Springer, Leo I. Rainer
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Patent number: 7975493Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) in an optical transceiver. A TEC system includes a processor that interacts with a power supply and a TEC controller to prevent inrush current. The power supply is switched by the processor and turned on only at a particular time. The power supply has a relatively large time constant such that it ramps slowly to its full value. In the meantime, the processor and TEC controller cause the temperature to ramp to a target value by repeatedly incrementing or decrementing a target value over time and by controlling when the maximum available voltage can be applied to the TEC.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Finisar CorporationInventors: Ricardo Saad, Jiashu Chen, Saied Ansari
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Patent number: 7971442Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a vehicle air-conditioner, which can prevent undershoot of an evaporator by performing a maximum capacity control or controlling an discharge capacity of a compressor through the outputting of an discharge capacity control value of the compressor directly before the stop of the air conditioner, and can improve the pleasant feelings of the passengers by preventing delay of response, which converges into the target temperature of the evaporator due to the delay of the decrease of the temperature of the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Halla Climate Control CorporationInventors: Jeonghoon Lee, Saewon Oh
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Patent number: 7966836Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a cooling storage cabinet having a compressor that is included in a freezing device, a heater that is connected in parallel with the compressor to a power source, a switch that controls supply of current to the compressor, and a control unit that stops supply of current to the heater during a predetermined time after the switch operates start-up of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Seiki Hosaka
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Patent number: 7963117Abstract: An HVAC system for a motorized vehicle or vessel is provided that includes a variable-speed compressor, a variable-speed condenser fan and a variable-speed evaporator fan. The HVAC system further includes a DC-power system for supplying DC power to the variable-speed compressor, the variable-speed condenser fan and the variable-speed evaporator fan regardless if the mobile unit's engine is operating or not operating. A controller and an operator interface are also provided for controlling the operation of the HVAC system.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Dometic CorporationInventors: Kendall Allen, Ralph G. Bailey
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Patent number: 7962250Abstract: A method for controlling the cooling of an industrial plant with at least one electrical component, such as, for example, a transformer, and having at least one cooling element for cooling the electrical components, uses at least one sensor for measuring the temperature and/or the viscosity of the coolant in the cooling system. An optimal control of the cooling system can be provided by way of controlling the electrical components with selected control profiles taking into account specific data for the electrical components.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Bretzner, Günter Eckert, Walter Rebling, Helmut Theurer
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Publication number: 20110130887Abstract: A control unit is attached to or embedded within a refrigeration appliance to monitor electric power voltage and/or frequency supplied by the mains. If the unit detects a sag or peak in either the voltage or frequency, the control unit either separates any high demand elements of the appliance from the mains to reduce demand in a sag or energizes the elements in a peak. When the control system separates the refrigeration compressor from the mains, a food spoilage monitoring system monitors the food storage compartments. This system utilizes food industry temperature and time algorithms to ensure the food does not spoil. If food spoilage could occur, the unit re-energizes the compressor to allow it to lower the temperature provided the power is sufficient to operate the compressor unit without damaging it. Once the sensed temperature is restored to a safe level, the unit separates the compressor from the mains.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2011Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventor: Gregory Allen Ehlers, SR.
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Publication number: 20110107781Abstract: An air conditioner performs startup control in which compressor capacity is reduced as measured indoor temperature approaches a set temperature. A desired time of day is set directly or indirectly. A startup control apparatus of the air conditioner measures an inflection point occurrence time from when the air conditioner starts operation until when measured indoor temperature exhibits an inflection point. Alternatively, the startup control apparatus measures a control parameter lowering arrival time from when the air conditioner starts operation until when a control parameter transmitted to the compressor decreases to a prescribed value. A scheduled operation start time of the air conditioner is set as a time of day that is the desired time of day set moved forward by the inflection point occurrence time or the control parameter lowering arrival time. Operation of the air conditioner is started when the scheduled operation start time arrives.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Nanae Kinugasa
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Publication number: 20110071722Abstract: A management system for vehicle air-conditioning and a method of managing the same are provided. Changes of a temperature in a vehicle from various environmental information, between a standard for showing a comfortable environment in the vehicle and actual environment information, are recognized to identify abnormalities occurring in components at an early stage and to appropriately judge the necessity and urgency of maintenance. A management system of vehicle air-conditioning includes an air-conditioning controller that predicts abnormalities of components of the refrigeration cycle by comparing a temperature in the vehicle obtained when the refrigeration cycle is actually driven with a preset temperature in the vehicle that constitutes a standard.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Taichi Uto
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Patent number: 7908877Abstract: A method of controlling a HVAC system for a hybrid vehicle having a refrigerant compressor driven by an engine is disclosed. The method may comprise: determining a requested air conditioning operating point for a passenger compartment; estimating a time to reach the requested operating point; based on the previous steps, estimating a maximum allowed compressor off time; determining if the allowed compressor off time is greater than a minimum engine off time; if the allowed compressor off time is greater than the engine off time, determining if the vehicle is entering an allowable engine off mode; if so, commencing engine shut-off mode; if engine shut-off is anticipated, prior to commencing the shut-off mode, adjusting the HVAC system to maximize cooling of the passenger compartment with minimum energy usage; and if the engine shut-off is commenced, monitoring the HVAC system to determine when engine restart is needed to maintain comfort.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael H. Carlson, Lawrence P. Ziehr, Todd M. Tumas
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Patent number: 7908875Abstract: A monitoring system is provided that is capable of determining when the temperature of at least one point along a refrigeration unit is not within a standard temperature range known for the operation of the refrigeration unit at the at least one point. In particular, the monitoring system is capable of alerting a technician or operator if, after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed after the refrigeration unit is expected to start, the temperature of the at least one point along the refrigeration unit is not within the standard temperature range known for operation of the refrigeration unit when the compressor is running. The predetermined elapsed time may be of a length of time necessary to allow for the refrigeration unit to complete a defrost and/or delog cycle and recover from such cycle. The monitoring of the at least one point along the system may be accomplished by the monitoring of a thermocouple.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Inventor: Seth Smith
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Patent number: 7905100Abstract: A method for controlling a temperature in a refrigeration system using a quality decay value expressing an expected decay rate in quality of the products being refrigerated, and which depends on the temperature of air present in the refrigeration system. The quality decay value is obtained using a mathematical model reflecting one or more physical and/or biological processes in the products. Prevents or reduces the quality degradation of the products in terms of shelf life, appearance or tastiness. Furthermore, a method for controlling the temperature in such a way that effects of scheduled events, such as temperature increase during defrosts, can be compensated prior to the event.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventors: Claus Thybo, Ole Ploug
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Patent number: 7905103Abstract: The invention provides a refrigeration system with a compressing unit, and a method of controlling a refrigeration system. To facilitate a better control, the capacity of the compressing unit is controlled based on a predicted future cooling demand rather than an actually determined cooling demand. The invention further provides a system wherein a cost value for changing the cooling capacity of the system is taken into consideration.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventors: Lars Finn Sloth Larsen, Claus Thybo
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Patent number: 7908039Abstract: A cooling device is provided with an inverter compressor. Set speeds of the inverter compressor can be switched to six stages from a first speed to a sixth speed. The relationship between each of the set speeds of the rotational speed is set so that the stages adjacent to each other have gradually larger differences in rotational speed as the rotational speed becomes higher. With this, independently from the level of the rotational speed, a degree of increase in cooling performance between each of the stages can be equalized. In a case of performing a control to increase or decrease the rotational speed of the inverter compressor stage by stage depending whether an actual temperature drop rate is larger or smaller than a target temperature drop rate, the change amounts in cooling performance that can be substantially equalized, and too high or too low cooling performance does not result, i.e. fluctuation in cooling performance can be minimized.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinichi Kaga, Akihiko Hirano
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Patent number: 7900463Abstract: A method of fast freezing a food item using a freezing process that estimates a temperature value of a food item, selects from a plurality of freezing routines based on the estimated temperature, and activates the selected routine. This process is repeated until the temperature of the food item reaches a desired temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Diego Barone, Carolina Biotti, Lorenzo Bianchi, Raffaele Paganini, Alessandro Boer
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Patent number: 7891198Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including adjusting cut-in and cut-out temperatures of the cooling system to control.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Robert L. Wetekamp, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan G. Tarrant, Ryan D. Schuchart, Mauro M. Oliveira, Alvin V. Miller, Brent A. Koppenhaver, Carl J. Franken, Nelson J. Ferragut, II, Tim L. Coulter, Greg Berardi, Thomas Carl Anell
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Publication number: 20110016890Abstract: A cryopump pumps gas from a vacuum chamber in a vacuum apparatus performing vacuum processing. The cryopump comprises: a refrigerator; a cryopanel cooled by the refrigerator; and a controller configured to control an operating cycle of the refrigerator such that the cryopanel is controlled so as to have a target temperature. When an operating cycle of the refrigerator has reached a first determination reference, the controller monitors the operating cycle for a first determination period of time, and when the operating cycle has reached a second determination reference, which corresponds to a higher load than the first determination reference, the controller monitors a temperature of the cryopanel for a second determination period of time, which is shorter the first determination period of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Toshiyuki Kimura
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Patent number: 7861546Abstract: A controller and method for control of a refrigeration system having a compressor rack operable at a plurality of capacities may include determining a rate of change in suction pressure for a first capacity, determining a rate of change in suction pressure associated with a second capacity, and determining which of the first capacity and the second capacity will produce the least variation between a measured suction pressure and a desired suction pressure based on the rate of change in suction pressure associated with each.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Computer Process Controls, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Landers, Gregory Mickelson
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Patent number: 7861542Abstract: A refrigerator includes at least one refrigerated compartment and a food product management system. The food product management system includes a container for storing foodstuffs in the at least one refrigerated compartment. The container includes a storage zone and a lid. A tag is arranged on the container to provide a consumer with an indication of whether a food item stored in the container is or is not spoiled. The tag can include a timer having a display, an indicator that changes state upon the passage of a predetermined time period and a computer that notifies a consumer, such as through an email, about a parameter associated with the food item in the container. The tag is affixed to the container with adhesive, snaps, clips, hooks and the like or, alternatively, simply integrally formed with the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Joel Rozendaal, John Francis Broker
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Patent number: 7861941Abstract: A thermostat system having multiple and individual schedules. For instance, a user may have different schedules and setpoints for heating and cooling. An appropriate schedule combining individual schedules may be automatically selected based on a system configuration. Schedule control may involve manual changeover from one schedule to another or automatic changeover relative to the schedule combining schedules. The thermostat system may be programmable. Also, there may be a system switch mode, for example, between heat and cool, where the schedules of either may be edited. Scheduling may be menu and option key driven.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: David A. Schultz, Chad W. Koster, Steven R. Hoglund
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Patent number: 7836715Abstract: An air conditioner has a controller that controls the operation of a refrigerant circuit that has a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve or orifice tube, and an evaporator. The condenser receives a compressed refrigerant from the compressor and condenses the refrigerant to either a liquid phase or a saturated liquid-vapor phase. The condensed refrigerant is then passed through the expansion valve or orifice tube to expand the refrigerant and to delivery the refrigerant to the evaporator. When the compressor is first started, various sounds and vibrations are created that may be unpleasant to humans. Also, if the engine is cold, then the compressor may have liquid refrigerant that can increase the torque needed to start the compressor. The controller pulses the compressor between ON and OFF operating states to reduce or eliminate these sounds and/or manage the start up torque of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: Ronald Eisenhour
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Patent number: 7823626Abstract: A refrigerated oven having a cooking chamber in which is provided a heating elements and a refrigeration unit chamber in which is provided a refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit is fluidly connected to the cooking chamber. Both the heating element and the refrigeration unit are selectively operable to either cool or heat the cooking chamber to thereby cool or heat a food item located therein. The refrigeration unit as preferably modular refrigeration unit that the slid into and out of the refrigeration unit chamber. Preferably, the refrigeration unit includes an evaporator that is thermally isolate is from a condenser. The condenser as preferably conductively coupled to a base supporting the elements of the modular refrigeration unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Dianne D. Mueller, Ralph Tate, Jr., Brent A. Junge, Joseph L. Coleman, Jan M. Watson, Steven R. Cawley
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Patent number: 7819331Abstract: A controller for an HVAC system having a plurality of zones and having a multiple stage fluid temperature conditioning device. The controller is configured to receive a plurality of thermostat signals and to transmit a signal to control one of a plurality of flow control devices in response to a call for conditioning in one of the plurality of zones. The controller also includes one or more timers that are connected to the thermostat terminals, where the one or more timers are configured to initiate a separate timing count upon each call for conditioning in any one of the plurality of zones. In addition, the controller includes one or more staging terminals for transmitting staging signals to control a multiple stage fluid temperature conditioning device, where the transmission of the staging signals determines whether the conditioning device will operate at a relatively higher output stage.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: David J. Arneson
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Publication number: 20100268397Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a pair of two-stage air conditioners. The method monitors a temperature of an area served by the air conditioners; activates a first stage of a first or lead air conditioner when the temperature rises above a first set point temperature; activates a first stage of a second or lag air conditioner when the temperature rises above a second set point temperature; activates a second stage of the first air conditioner only if the temperature remains above the second set point temperature beyond a first selected time period; and activates a second stage of the second air conditioner only if the temperature remains above the second set point temperature beyond a second selected time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: Airxcel, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Whitehurst, Jeff D. Brown
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Publication number: 20100262301Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a method to control excessive temperature changes in a coolant circuit includes providing a coolant circuit including a bypass flow pathway bypassing a heat exchanger, said coolant circuit at an elevated operating temperature; providing an adjustable coolant flow through said bypass flow pathway and said heat exchanger; providing a coolant pump in said coolant circuit; determining a temperature change in said coolant circuit in response to initiating a coolant flow from said heat exchanger into said coolant circuit, said temperature change greater than predetermined limit; and in response to said determined temperature change, adjusting at least one or more of said coolant pump speed and said coolant flow to maintain said coolant circuit within a predetermined temperature range.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: William Samuel Schwartz, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Patent number: 7793510Abstract: Various thermostat embodiment are provided that includes at least a first sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and at least a second sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the humidity within the space. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least first and second sensors, for controlling the thermostat's operation. The controller is configured to operate in a first mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature of the space is above a temperature set-point or when the sensed humidity level is above the humidity set-point. The controller is further configured to operate in a second mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature is below a set-back temperature set-point, or when the sensed humidity is above a set-back humidity set-point.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: David L. Perry, John M. Sartain
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Patent number: 7784705Abstract: An electronic device such as an HVAC controller that accounts for internal heating in determining an environmental condition such as temperature or humidity in the space surrounding the HVAC controller. The HVAC controller may calculate a transient heat rise value that is based upon a powered time period and a first order time lag, especially during a time period before which the HVAC controller reaches a steady state temperature condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Gary P. Kasper, Gary A. Smith, Paul C. Wacker
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Patent number: 7784296Abstract: A control procedure operates an expansion valve of an air conditioning system. The control procedure utilizes a first control procedure to bring a calculated superheat value within a range of a target superheat value, and a second control procedure to cause the calculated superheat value to match the target superheat value. Both the first and second control procedures preferably use Proportional, Integral, Derivative control algorithms.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Nordyne Inc.Inventors: Yi Chen, Jie Chen, Allan J. Reifel, David L. Koesterer