Of External Fluid Or Means Patents (Class 62/177)
  • Patent number: 11876475
    Abstract: Disclosed is a motor control apparatus capable of checking whether there is an abnormality in connections of a plurality of motors, and switching connection schemes between an inverter and the motors or driving the motor in an electronic apparatus including one inverter configured to control a driving operation of the plurality of motors. For example, the motor control apparatus includes an inverter configured to convert DC power into AC power and provide the AC power to one of a plurality of motors, a switch configured to switch connection schemes between the inverter and the plurality of motors, and a controller, and the controller may control the inverter to output an input signal of a predetermined pattern in response to the switching of the connection schemes by the switch, and generate a control signal for controlling the inverter or the switch on the basis of a response signal corresponding to the input signal. Other example embodiments may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Han Su Jung, Seok Hee Cho, Soong Keun Lee
  • Patent number: 11815284
    Abstract: A dehumidifier system is provided. The dehumidifier system may include a condensate tank and a dehumidifier. The dehumidifier may be positionable between at least one deployed position and at least one stowed position relative to the condensate tank. The condensate tank and the dehumidifier may telescope relative to each other. The dehumidifier system, or portions thereof, may include one or more stacking structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weiming Li, Zhigang Xing, Zachary Chapin
  • Patent number: 11787632
    Abstract: Automated cold storage unit and systems for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical and/or other products in compliance with regulatory requirements are provided. Such units contain an array of independently addressable holding locations for containers with product in one or more controlled temperature zones fitted with temperature sensors. The units include a reader to track product information and status. Product movement within the unit is performed by a computer-controlled robot. A user interface device, preferably in communication with an application service provider to provide remotely managed inventory management and other services, provides users with secure access to the contents of the unit and associated product data and information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: TruMed Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert James Manning, Eugene Abraham Baker, Kevin Lee Bokelman, Daniel Kline, George M. Wohlhieter, Anthony David Barghini, Wesly Hardin Billman, Dan J. Dull, Nicholas James Snyder, Mark Majette
  • Patent number: 11747030
    Abstract: Air conditioning systems for cooling multiple-zone spaces, each zone having a thermostat, where each of multiple pump modules delivers chilled water to chilled beams in a plurality of zones and a chilled-water distribution system circulates chilled water through a chilled-water distribution loop to the multiple pump modules. Current dew points are determined in zones that call for cooling, and temperature of chilled water delivered to the chilled beams is maintained for each pump module at least a predetermined temperature differential above the highest dew point within the zones served by that pump module. Each zone has a zone control valve to shut off flow to that zone. Serving a plurality of zones from each pump module reduces how many pump modules are required. Zones served by one pump module may be selected to have similar thermal loads. Pump modules may supply hot water when heat is needed instead of cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: SEMCO LLC
    Inventors: John C. Fischer, Aaron S. Bentley, David C. Reed
  • Patent number: 11673673
    Abstract: An aircraft air conditioning system comprising an ambient air supply line having a first end connected to an ambient air inlet and a second end connected to a mixer of the aircraft air conditioning system so as to supply ambient air to the mixer. A first compressor is arranged in the ambient air supply line and is configured to compress the ambient air flowing through the ambient air supply line. A bleed air supply line allows a flow of bleed air bled off from an engine or an auxiliary power unit therethrough. A bleed air turbine is driven by the bleed air flowing through the bleed air supply line and is coupled to the first compressor so as to drive the first compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Holger Bammann, Frank Klimpel, Hans Brunswig
  • Patent number: 11661197
    Abstract: A pressurization system includes a first compressor that receives a ram air, a fan air, or engine air; a first turbine that is on a common shaft with the first compressor and wherein the first turbine receives an engine air; a main heat exchanger downstream of the first compressor and the first turbine; an internal environment suitable for human occupants and downstream of the main heat exchanger; a second turbine downstream of the internal environment; the second turbine may be on the common shaft with the first compressor and first turbine; or a generator downstream of the second turbine; a motor downstream of the generator; and wherein the motor drives the first compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Lo
  • Patent number: 11555635
    Abstract: The cooling systems of the present disclosure include a first refrigerant circuit in thermal communication with a heat load and in fluid communication with a main condenser, a free cooling circuit in fluid communication with the main condenser and a free-cooled water source, a chilled water circuit in fluid communication with the main condenser and an evaporator, and a second refrigerant circuit in fluid communication with the evaporator and a secondary condenser. The free cooling circuit is in thermal communication with the first refrigerant circuit via the main condenser, the chilled water circuit is in thermal communication with the first refrigerant circuit via the main condenser, and the second refrigeration circuit is in thermal communication with the chilled water circuit and the free cooling circuit. The second refrigeration circuit cools a fluid flowing in the chilled water circuit. Methods of operating a cooling system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: INERTECH IP LLC
    Inventors: Ming Zhang, John Costakis
  • Patent number: 11525617
    Abstract: A refrigerated display case includes sidewalls, doors, shelves, a cooling system, a cooling coil defrost system, product defrost lights, and a controller. The sidewalls and doors may define an inner volume of the refrigerated display case. The shelves are positioned within the inner volume of the refrigerated display case, are fixedly coupled with at least one of the sidewalls, and are configured to support a product. The cooling system provides cooling to the inner volume of the refrigerated display case and may include a cooling coil. The cooling coil defrost system provides defrost heating to the cooling coil. Each of the product defrost lights are oriented towards a corresponding one of the shelves. The product defrost lights are configured to emit radiative heating for defrosting the product. The controller is operably coupled with the cooling system, the cooling coil defrost system, and the product defrost lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Dean Swofford, Neil John Rathje
  • Patent number: 11181293
    Abstract: In an air-conditioning apparatus, in the case where a compressor is in operation, a fan is in operation, a wind guide plate is in a first state and a second heat exchanger operates as a condenser, when a detected temperature of target space for air-conditioning is higher than a set temperature for the target space and a detected temperature of a second heat exchanger is lower than or equal to a first reference temperature, a controller performs a first control to keep the compressor and the fan in operation and switch the state of the wind guide plate from the first state to a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Chiyoko Hirose, Daisuke Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 10973177
    Abstract: A process to reduce the temperature of a feed of air by (a) contacting the feed of air with liquid water, wherein part of the water evaporates to obtain air with a higher humidity and a reduced temperature. The air obtained in step (a) is contacted in step (b) with an aqueous hygroscopic solution to obtain air with a reduced humidity. In a step (c) the air obtained in step (b) is contacted with liquid water, wherein part of the water evaporates to obtain air with a reduced temperature as compared to the air obtained in step (a). In a step (d) the water diluted hygroscopic solution obtained in step (b) is concentrated and cooled to obtain a concentrated and cooled hygroscopic solution, with the solution being used as the aqueous hygroscopic solution or as part of the aqueous hygroscopic solution in step (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Ruben Spaans, Vincent Martijn Kickert
  • Patent number: 10971194
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus to acclimate a data storage component from a first environmental setting to a second environmental setting is disclosed. In one embodiment a system having a data storage library with a plurality of data storage cartridges and at least one media acclimation device having one or more storage locations which are sized to accept one or more data storage cartridges therein is disclosed. The at least one media acclimation device is configured to gradually acclimate the one or more storage locations from an external environmental condition to an internal environmental condition. In another embodiment, a method of acclimating a data storage library component is disclosed. The system, method and apparatus may optionally further include at least one environmental conditioning unit for conditioning the internal environment within the library.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jose G. Miranda Gavillan, Brian G. Goodman, Kenny Nian Gan Qiu
  • Patent number: 10836578
    Abstract: Automated cold storage unit and systems for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical and/or other products in compliance with regulatory requirements are provided. Such units contain an array of independently addressable holding locations for containers with product in one or more controlled temperature zones fitted with temperature sensors. The units include a reader to track product information and status. Product movement within the unit is performed by a computer-controlled robot. A user interface device, preferably in communication with an application service provider to provide remotely managed inventory management and other services, provides users with secure access to the contents of the unit and associated product data and information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: TruMed Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Lee Bokelman, Daniel Kline, George M. Wohlhieter, Anthony David Barghini, Wesly Hardin Billman, Dan J. Dull, Nicholas James Snyder, Mark Majette, Robert James Manning, Eugene Abraham Baker
  • Patent number: 10794628
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a body which includes a storage compartment, a door which opens and closes the storage compartment and includes a dispenser, a water tank case disposed in the door, a water tank separably mounted in the water tank case, a water level sensor configured to sense a water level inside the water tank when the water tank is mounted in the water tank case, and a water tank valve configured to guide water supplied from a water supply source to the dispenser or the water tank and to prevent water from being supplied to the water tank when the water level sensor senses that a certain amount of water is stored in the water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Min Park, Jun O Kwon, Jae Koog An
  • Patent number: 10739042
    Abstract: The cooling systems of the present disclosure include a first refrigerant circuit in thermal communication with a heat load and in fluid communication with a main condenser, a free cooling circuit in fluid communication with the main condenser and a free-cooled water source, a chilled water circuit in fluid communication with the main condenser and an evaporator, and a second refrigerant circuit in fluid communication with the evaporator and a secondary condenser. The free cooling circuit is in thermal communication with the first refrigerant circuit via the main condenser, the chilled water circuit is in thermal communication with the first refrigerant circuit via the main condenser, and the second refrigeration circuit is in thermal communication with the chilled water circuit and the free cooling circuit. The second refrigeration circuit cools a fluid flowing in the chilled water circuit. Methods of operating a cooling system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: INERTECH IP LLC
    Inventors: Ming Zhang, John Costakis
  • Patent number: 10557664
    Abstract: A double cooled draft beer machine comprises a cabinet, and there is a refrigeration circuit inside the cabinet, including a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. Inside the cabinet, there is a cold storage chamber used to hold the cask, and the evaporator can refrigerate the cold storage chamber. A beer pipe and a refrigeration tube which can refrigerate the beer pipe are also arranged inside the cabinet. The refrigeration tube is connected to the refrigeration circuit and in parallel with the evaporator. In the refrigeration circuit, at least one solenoid valve is set up. The present double cooled draft beer machine also comprises a relay and the first thermostat. The first thermostat is in series with the relay, and the contacts of the relay are connected to the solenoid of the solenoid valve, as well as the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventors: Diqing Qiu, Dilin Qiu
  • Patent number: 10395695
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus to acclimate a data storage component from a first environmental setting to a second environmental setting is disclosed. In one embodiment a system having a data storage library with a plurality of data storage cartridges and at least one media acclimation device having one or more storage locations which are sized to accept one or more data storage cartridges therein is disclosed. The at least one media acclimation device is configured to gradually acclimate the one or more storage locations from an external environmental condition to an internal environmental condition. In another embodiment, a method of acclimating a data storage library component is disclosed. The system, method and apparatus may optionally further include at least one environmental conditioning unit for conditioning the internal environment within the library.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jose G. Miranda Gavillan, Brian G. Goodman, Kenny Nian Gan Qiu
  • Patent number: 10378800
    Abstract: One aspect, as provided herein, is directed to a multi-stage fluid control system for a fluid source heat pump system. This embodiment comprises compressors configured to operate as separate, heat exchange stages, condensers each being fluidly coupled to at least one of the compressors by refrigerant tubing and having intake ends coupled together by a fluid intake manifold. This embodiment further includes output conduits coupled to each of the condensers and that are couplable to a distal location. Further included is a modulating valve control system interposed the output conduits. The modulating valve control system is configured to stage a flow of fluid through the condensers based on a number of operating compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Schneider, Eric Perez, Aylan Him, Miguel Montemayor
  • Patent number: 10260775
    Abstract: A hot water system and method are provided. The system includes a tank configured to receive hot water, a heat recovery system for heating water, and a controller configured to use the heat recovery system to maintain the hot water in the tank at a temperature within a predetermined range of temperatures. The method involves receiving a flow of water and heating the water using the hot water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: GREEN MATTERS TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Sean Douglas Marte
  • Patent number: 10240809
    Abstract: A wireless connection between an air conditioning unit or heat pump condenser and a split system furnace or air handler where the furnace or air handler is in the structure and the air conditioning condensing unit or heat pump condenser are external to the structure, and a thermostat in the structure which controls the air conditioning or heat pump unit. In this way, when a cooling signal from a thermostat goes out, the circuit board is energized and turns on the air conditioning or heat pump portion of the air conditioning unit which is wired internally to the compressor so that cooling or heating in the structure occurs. The wireless circuit board eliminates the need for having the hard wired communication between the furnace or air handler and the air conditioning condenser or the heat pump condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Duvivier
  • Patent number: 9951984
    Abstract: A refrigeration system including a first compressor and a second compressor, operating in tandem, wherein the first compressor includes a compression capacity different than the compression capacity of the second compressor. A method for operating a refrigeration system including a first compressor and a second compressor operating in tandem; wherein the first compressor comprises a first compression capacity and the second compressor comprises a second compression capacity larger than the first compression capacity the method comprising the steps of: determining a cooling demand; operating the first compressor in a first stage of cooling; operating the second compressor in a second stage of cooling; and operating the first compressor and the second compressor in a third stage of cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: James J. Del Toro, James E. Harris, Marco A Quiroz, Benjamen D. Baker, Andrew M Ramser
  • Patent number: 9731895
    Abstract: Automated cold storage unit and systems for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical and/or other products in compliance with regulatory requirements are provided. Such units contain an array of independently addressable holding locations for containers with product in one or more controlled temperature zones fitted with temperature sensors. The units include a reader to track product information and status. Product movement within the unit is performed by a computer-controlled robot. A user interface device, preferably in communication with an application service provider to provide remotely managed inventory management and other services, provides users with secure access to the contents of the unit and associated product data and information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: TRUMED SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert James Manning, Eugene Abraham Baker, Kevin Lee Bokelman, Daniel Kline, George M. Wohlhieter, Anthony David Barghini, Wesly Hardin Billman, Dan J. Dull, Nicholas James Snyder, Mark Majette
  • Patent number: 9562696
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a heat pump hot water supply system of the indirect heating method is provided such that a change in heat transfer efficiency of a second heat exchanger is estimated by using either or both of a tank water temperature and a temperature of a second refrigerant flowing through a water circuit. When the heat transfer efficiency is determined to be high, an operation switching unit raises an output of a heat source device. When the heat transfer efficiency is determined to be low, the operation switching unit lowers the output of the heat source device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Maitani, Masashi Fujitsuka, Motohiko Kawagishi, Yoshihiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9516793
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the operation of a data center wherein a computer cluster, managing terminal, and an interface device are deployed to control the operation of a data center component. The computer cluster, managing terminal, and the interface device take turns in controlling the operation of the data center component in dependence upon changes in the state of a the data center component, or changes in the states of various other groups of data center components. Objectives for the data center may be broken down into sub-objectives to be performed by portions of the data center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Howard Davis, Shane R. Nay
  • Patent number: 9267721
    Abstract: A water supply apparatus arranged in a door of a refrigerator, for conveying water to an icemaker of the refrigerator. The apparatus has a water tube for delivering water from a water source, a support block attached to an inner surface of the door, a fill tube assembled to the support block and in fluid communication with the water tube, and a gasket disposed between the support block and the door for sealing an insulator in the door. The gasket has a hole through which the fill tube extends to convey the water from the water tube to the icemaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Christopher David Hunter
  • Publication number: 20150135740
    Abstract: There is provided a controller for a heat capture and storage system configured to capture and store energy from heat expelled in engine exhaust. The controller includes a plurality of inputs, a plurality of outputs, and at least one processor coupled to a memory for storing within the memory instructions executable by the at least one processor. The controller is configured by execution of the instructions stored in the memory to: receive signals at one or more of the plurality of inputs, the signals representing at least one operating parameter of the heat capture and storage system; and based on at least one operating parameter, generate signals at one or more of the plurality of outputs for controlling at least one component of the heat capture and storage system to capture and store the energy from the heat expelled in the engine exhaust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: John Hamilton STANNARD, David Robert GIBBS, Christopher BACHALO
  • Patent number: 9021822
    Abstract: There is disclosed an air conditioner which can realize appropriate air conditioning control in a situation closer to a feeling temperature even in a case where a floor surface of a room to be conditioned is low. The air conditioner which blows air subjected to heat exchange between the air and a user side heat exchanger into a room to be conditioned by an indoor side blower comprises a user side controller which controls a revolution speed of the indoor side blower based on the present temperature in the room and a set temperature, and this controller raises the revolution speed of the indoor side blower in a case where an outside air temperature is not higher than a predetermined revolution speed rise temperature during a heating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Unagida, Masato Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8997508
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to keep an appropriate high pressure side pressure in a refrigerant circuit while reducing noises of an operation of a blower in a refrigerating apparatus which obtains a critical pressure on a high pressure side. The refrigerating apparatus in which the refrigerant circuit is constituted of a compressor, a gas cooler, a reducing element and an evaporator to obtain a supercritical pressure on the high pressure side includes a blower which air-cools the gas cooler and a control device which controls this blower. This control device controls a revolution speed of the blower based on an outdoor temperature and an evaporation temperature of a refrigerant in the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Mihara, Hidetaka Sasaki, Setsu Hasegawa, Ken Kawakubo, Masahisa Otake, Takashi Sato, Akira Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 8973845
    Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes a temperature sensor for detecting a heat exchanger temperature or an inlet air temperature, a controller that performs variable control of the direction of the indoor unit air blow vane or the air flow speed or rate of the blower fan, and a remote controller that remote-controls indoor unit operation, wherein temperatures set via the remote controller are divided into two set temperature ranges and during heating operation the controller sets at least the air blow vane to a horizontal or downward direction on the basis of the two set temperature ranges and the heat exchanger temperature or the inlet air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Kanaya, Taro Hattori
  • Publication number: 20150047379
    Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus is provided to which, even when a heat medium leaks from a heat medium circuit for some reason and air enters the heat medium circuit, the heat medium circuit can be automatically refilled with the heat medium before a pump is heated and damaged. When it is determined that a rotational speed of a pump is higher than an upper rotational speed limit, the controller determines that the heat medium is leaking from the heat medium circuit and performs a heat-medium-introducing and air-purging control process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takayoshi Honda, Osamu Morimoto, Daisuke Shimamoto, Koji Azuma
  • Publication number: 20140360213
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator is able to store food at a low temperature and to effectively remove bacteria of the food stored in a storage room, to maintain the storage room clean.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Mina SON, Jeongyon KIM, Hyeonjin KIM, Byunghyun KIM, Eunjeong KIM
  • Patent number: 8903553
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a unitary room air conditioner and for reducing peak loads can comprise a communications transceiver coupled to a relay or switch. This relay or switch can control the flow of electricity to a compressor of the air conditioner. The communications transceiver can receive signals which may direct the communications transceiver to open or close the relay or switch. In this way, the compressor can be controlled independent of the air conditioner's control logic. In other words, the operation of the compressor can be controlled with signals which originate outside of the unitary air conditioner and independent of the air conditioner's own internal control logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Comverge, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell Miyaji, John Rossi
  • Publication number: 20140338383
    Abstract: The liquid galley refrigeration system for cooling food carts for aircraft employs an intermediate working fluid to transfer heat from one or more food carts to one or more remote chillers, allowing the carts and chillers to be advantageously distributed in the aircraft. While the chiller working fluid undergoes a phase change in order to transfer heat from the intermediate working fluid to the cooling air, the intermediate working fluid remains in its liquid phase throughout its circulation. A recirculation pump circulates the intermediate working fluid through a distribution system that may link a plurality of chillers to a plurality of food carts, and the temperature of the food carts is regulated by a combination of controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: George Simadiris, Ian Douglas Oswald
  • Patent number: 8826678
    Abstract: In an air conditioner according to the present invention, an indoor unit includes an indoor air temperature detection unit to detect an indoor air temperature, a floor/wall/ceiling temperature detection unit to detect a floor and wall temperature and a ceiling ambient temperature, and a control device including a microcomputer in which a program relating to control of the air conditioner is embedded, wherein, in heating operation or ventilation operation, the control device performs circulator operation of moving air accumulating near a ceiling to a floor when the ceiling ambient temperature detected by the floor/wall/ceiling temperature detection unit becomes higher, by a predetermined threshold value or more, than an indoor air preset temperature set by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hidetomo Nakagawa, Yoshikuni Kataoka
  • Publication number: 20140230474
    Abstract: An ice making assembly includes an ice tray extending along a longitudinal axis. The ice tray includes a first section disposed at a longitudinal first end of the ice tray, the first section including a plurality of first cavities projecting into the ice tray. The ice tray further includes a second section disposed at a longitudinal second end of the ice tray that is opposite from the longitudinal first end. The second section includes an elongated second cavity extending in a direction that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the ice tray. The second cavity has a shape that is longer in length than a length of each of the first cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Brown, Nilton Carlos Bertolini
  • Publication number: 20140202180
    Abstract: A stand alone ice making appliance or an ice maker within an appliance is provided including a water inlet, a water inlet valve disposed within the water inlet configured to allow water passage when in an open position and configured to prevent water passage when in a closed position, a reservoir in fluid communication with the water inlet, a water level sensor disposed in the reservoir, and a control unit in electrical communication with the water level sensor and the water inlet valve. The control unit is configured to calculate a fluid flow rate using the time between the water inlet valve opening and the water level sensor communicating when a first predetermined water level has been reached within the reservoir, and use the calculated flow rate to calculate a total water inlet valve open time to fill the reservoir to a second predetermined water level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20140190191
    Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, relating to an air module and control thereof. An air module can include a controller, an air intake module configured to receive first air from a first air source and to receive second air from a second air source, an evaporative cooling module in fluid communication with the air intake module, and a mechanical cooling module in fluid communication with the evaporative cooling module. The controller can be configured to cause the intake module to mix the first air and the second air to form intake air, and selectively cool the intake air to form supply air by at least one of causing the evaporative cooling module to selectively cool the intake air, and causing the mechanical cooling module to selectively cool the intake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: William Slessman, Steve Durand, Rose Gilbert, Andreas Zoll
  • Patent number: 8739564
    Abstract: A method for controlling a fan in a vehicle includes comparing the current temperature of at least a first device and a second device to multiple temperature ranges for each of said devices and determining on the basis of said comparisons whether fan speed should be changed, increasing fan speed to a maximum fan speed if at least one of the comparisons indicates that the maximum fan speed is desired, increasing fan speed to a reference fan speed if at least one of the comparisons indicates that an increase in fan speed less than the maximum fan speed is desired, and decreasing fan speed to a reference fan speed if the comparisons indicate that a decrease in fan speed is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Major, Lawrence P. Ziehr, William R. Hill, Thomas K. Lockwood, Todd M. Tumas
  • Patent number: 8726680
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided having a refrigeration system including a variable speed compressor, a condenser, a condenser fan, an evaporator, a variable speed evaporator fan. The refrigerator further includes multiple temperature sensors that communicate with an electronic microprocessor-based control system that in turn controls the operation of the refrigerator system based on the information provided by the multiple temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Schenk, Karl M. Truitt
  • Publication number: 20140060099
    Abstract: A wheel loader is provided with a cab, an air conditioning unit, a cooling fan which has a capacitor and a compressor, an air conditioning switch which receives the operation or non-operation of the compressor, a temperature setting portion which sets a set temperature inside the cab, a room temperature sensor which detects a room temperature inside the cab, and a controller. In a case where the air conditioning switch is operated and the room temperature is higher than a set temperature, the controller maintains the rotation amount of the cooling fan at a limited rotation amount or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kitaoka, Kentaro Yajima
  • Patent number: 8620502
    Abstract: An electric vehicle battery heater includes a housing having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. A heating element is positioned within the housing in a heat transfer relationship with coolant for transferring heat to an electric vehicle battery. A thermistor is positioned in the housing to output a signal indicative of a temperature of the battery coolant. A controller energizes the heating element when the signal represents that the coolant temperature is less than a predetermined lower limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Allen
  • Publication number: 20130327074
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes an ice making device. The ice making device includes an upper plate tray having first recess parts that have a hemispherical shape and a lower plate tray having second recess parts which correspond to the first recess parts and have a hemispherical shape. The refrigerator also includes a water supply module configured to sense and store water to be supplied into the ice making device, an inflow-side valve configured to selectively block water supply into the water supply module, and a discharge-side valve configured to selectively supply the water stored in the water supply module into the ice making device. The water supply module includes a water tank configured to store water supplied from a water supply source and a sensor configured to sense whether a preset amount of water has been supplied to the water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Donghoon LEE, Wookyong LEE, Juhyun SON, Donghoon LEE, Dongjeong KIM
  • Patent number: 8584473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling apparatus, especially for cryogenically preserving biological samples, comprising a duct (5) for delivering a coolant (3) to a cooling chamber (1), a heater (6) that has an adjustable first heating performance (P2) for heating the coolant (3) delivered to the cooling chamber (1), a first temperature sensor (8-10) for measuring the temperature (T2-T4) in the cooling chamber (1), a second temperature sensor (7) for measuring the temperature (T1) of the coolant (3) delivered to the cooling chamber (1), and a regulator (11) for regulating the temperature. Said regulator (11) is embodied as a multiple regulator which detects several temperatures (T1-T4) as control variables and/or adjusts several heating performances (P1, P2) as manipulated variables. The invention further relates to a corresponding operating method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung, e.V.
    Inventors: Uwe Schon, Heiko Zimmermann, Gunter Fuhr
  • Publication number: 20130269374
    Abstract: A method for controlling an aircraft air conditioning system includes the steps of detecting an operating state of an air conditioning unit of the aircraft air conditioning system and controlling the temperature of a process air mass flow supplied to the air conditioning unit in dependence on the operating state of the air conditioning unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Juergen KELNHOFER
  • Patent number: 8387405
    Abstract: A refrigerator is adapted to include a plurality of ultraviolet light bars, which may be adjustably connected to sufficiently radiate UV light throughout the refrigerator compartment in connection with a control box and power cord which operate to control the bacterial level present on and around foodstuffs being stored therein. A series of UV light bars are capable of being arranged and plugged into one another by daisy chain to allow for a timer-controlled illumination of UV light to radiate throughout the compartment. Sensors in the control box signal the timer, and a wire ribbon extending from the control box provides a connection to the external power source without significantly affecting the seal of the refrigerator door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Edward Johnson
  • Patent number: 8356487
    Abstract: A method of vaporizing liquefied natural gas includes passing liquefied natural gas through a submerged combustion vaporizer having a water bath at a bath temperature and a burner to provide a vaporized gas output at a send-out temperature, drawing water from the bath of the submerged combustion vaporizer and supplying it to an atmospheric heating tower having an ambient air temperature, returning water from the atmospheric heating tower to the bath of the submerged combustion vaporizer, modulating the operating rate of the burner of the submerged combustion vaporizer, and modulating the operating rate of the atmospheric heating tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignees: SPX Cooling Technologies, Selas Fluid Processing Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Dendy, Peter W. Falcone, Glenn S. Brenneke, Eldon F. Mockry
  • Publication number: 20130000337
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a detection device and a dispenser configured to dispense at least one of ice and a liquid. The detection device is configured to detect a container positioned with respect to the dispenser and generate a first signal representative of the container position. The dispensing system also includes a controller coupled to the detection device and the dispenser. The controller is configured to determine a stability of the container and activate the dispenser to dispense at least one of an amount of the ice and an amount of the liquid into the container based on the first signal and the determined stability of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Lorina June White
  • Patent number: 8245523
    Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. A control unit of an outdoor unit of the air conditioner is divided into a plurality of blocks according to a set of rules. Then, the blocks are mounted on different substrates. Therefore, it is possible to simplify wiring, facilitating the interconnection of the blocks and enable the control unit to be managed in units of the blocks. In addition, it is possible to improve user convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chung Hun Lee, Sun Ho Hwang, Gwi Guen Park, Han Su Jung
  • Publication number: 20120204581
    Abstract: A refrigerator which variably controls operation of a sterilizer according to variation in humidity within the refrigerator to improve sterilizing capacity includes a control unit to drive the sterilizer while repeatedly turning the cold air circulation fan on/off during a refrigerating cycle in which the defrosting heater is not operated, and stop driving the sterilizer during operation of the defrosting heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Cheol KANG, Eui Young CHANG, Seong Wook JEONG, Jae Koog AN
  • Publication number: 20110289950
    Abstract: A hot water supply apparatus associated with a heat pump is provided. In the hot water supply apparatus, refrigerant flowing through an evaporator and a compressor of a refrigerant cycle may perform a heat-exchange operation with water so that, a hot water supply operation may be substantially continuously performed without performing a defrosting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Byungsoon KIM, Jahyung Koo, Kyongmin Kwon
  • Publication number: 20110277491
    Abstract: A heat dissipation system includes a cooling device, a condenser, a vapor conveying duct and a cooling liquid conveying duct. The cooling device includes a housing, and an orifice plate dividing an inner space of the housing into a liquid supply chamber and an evaporation chamber proximate to the heat source, and formed with multiple micro orifices each having a diameter ranging from 5 to 1000 micrometers. The condenser includes a fluid inlet, a condensing chamber and a fluid outlet. The vapor conveying duct connects a vapor outlet of the housing and the fluid inlet of the condenser. The cooling liquid conveying duct connects a cooling liquid inlet of the housing and a fluid outlet of the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: MicroBase Technology Group
    Inventors: Ching-Ping Wu, Kai-An Cheng, Chun-Hsien Wu, Ju-Hong Lin, Chia-Chen Liao, Hsien Meng, Hsien-Chun Meng