With Vehicle Feature Patents (Class 62/239)
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Publication number: 20120266615Abstract: Adaptable evaporator defrost logic is employed in a refrigeration system to detect a build-up of ice on the evaporator. In response to the detected build-up of ice, a defrost operation is initiated that includes decreasing the speed of the compressor. At the end of the defrost operation, the adaptable evaporator defrost logic determines whether the defrost operation was a success. If the defrost operation was a success, then normal operation is resumed. If the defrost operation was not a success, then the defrost operation is modified by turning the compressor off and extending a duration of the defrost operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Kodjovi Coussey, Richard Rusich, Tejendra Patel, Anson Stark Coolidge
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Patent number: 8291721Abstract: A transport refrigeration system having a structural framework supporting a refrigeration unit including a condenser heat exchanger supported in an upper region of the framework and an engine and an electric generator powered by the engine supported by the framework in an engine compartment in a lower region of the framework, includes a pair of vertically disposed condenser fan/motor assemblies disposed aft of the condenser heat exchanger in side-by-side relationship and above the engine compartment; and a flow partition extending vertically between the pair of condenser fan/motor assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Richie C. Stauter, Peter R. Bushnell, Stephen Stopyra, Donald B. Hotaling, Jason A. Gough
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Patent number: 8286440Abstract: According to one form of the invention, an auxiliary system is provided for supplying air conditioning to the cabin of a truck. The system includes an air conditioning compressor having a jackshaft mounted on a hub of the compressor. The system further includes an electric motor connected to the jackshaft by a belt for the motor, wherein the electric motor has a drive shaft and a pulley rigidly secured thereon, i.e., with no clutch and with no provision for slippage of the pulley relative to the drive shaft. The jackshaft has a pulley thereon for the electric motor drive. An end of the jackshaft that is not proximate to the compressor is rotatably held by a bearing and a bearing bracket in order to increase capability of the jackshaft to withstand side loading.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Clean Emissions Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Warner Olan Harris
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Patent number: 8276396Abstract: A transport refrigeration unit includes an integrally mounted unitary engine driven generator wherein the generator is cooled by the circulation of oil over the stator coils and the rotor to thereby provide a cooling system that is closed from the outside environment and capable of increased cooling efficiencies. In one embodiment, the circulation of the engine oil is integrated into the generator such that its serves the dual purpose of cooling the generator. In other embodiments, the oil is contained entirely within the generator and is circulated by various means such as by a pump and spray, a slinger or total immersion.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: David R. Siegenthaler, Gary E. Dickes
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Publication number: 20120222443Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: George SIMADIRIS, Ian Douglas OSWALD
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Patent number: 8252174Abstract: A vehicle-integrated water harvesting system is provided that enables water-vapor or condensation in a vehicle to be captured, and made available onboard the vehicle for drinking or other uses. The system includes a water emitting component and may include a purification system operatively connected to the water emitting component. The purification system at least partially purifies the water and then sends the purified water to a storage reservoir or directly to a dispenser or outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Thomas A. Jones, Therese A. Tant, Gregory A. Major, Frances H. James, Jeffrey M. Pleune
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Publication number: 20120210743Abstract: A door for a refrigerated trailer including a door pan formed of fiberglass reinforced plastic, the door pan having an inner surface and an outer surface. A door sheet is formed of fiberglass reinforced plastic and has an inner surface and an outer surface. A foamed plastic core is provided between the inner surfaces of the door pan and the door sheet. A housing is mounted between the inner surfaces of the door pan and the door sheet and is substantially encapsulated within the foamed plastic core. An automotive-style handle and locking mechanism is mounted to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: Peter J. Johnson, John A. Marino
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Publication number: 20120204589Abstract: An operator's cab for a shuttle car including a cab frame, a window assembly, and a pressurization system. The cab frame defines an interior chamber and an opening. The window assembly includes a pane and a pane seal. The pane is coupled to the cab frame such that the pane covers the opening and encloses the interior chamber. The pane seal is positioned between the pane and the cab frame. The pressurization system provides a positive pressure in the interior chamber relative to the surrounding environment. The pressurization system includes a blower and a motor for driving the blower. The blower is in fluid communication with the interior chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: James Krellner, Ronald K. Dickey, David P. Paich
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Patent number: 8240163Abstract: There is provided a vehicle-air-conditioner electric compressor in which a high-voltage short circuit due to the breakage of a high-voltage system including an inverter is prevented in the event of a crash, thereby improving safety. In a vehicle-air-conditioner electric compressor (1) including an inverter accommodating section (10) at the periphery of a pressure-resistant housing (2) in which an electric motor and a compressing mechanism are accommodated, the inverter accommodating section (10) accommodating an inverter (13) that converts direct-current power supplied from a high-voltage power source to three-phase alternating-current power and feeds the power to the electric motor in the pressure-resistant housing (2) through glass-sealed terminals (16), wherein in a vehicle-mounted state, the inverter accommodating section (10) and the inverter (13) are offset to the rear of a vehicle with respect to the front-surface portion (2A), facing the front of the vehicle, of the pressure-resistant housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Takayuki Watanabe, Takeshi Hirano, Akinori Yoshioka, Yuki Ichise
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Patent number: 8240164Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an air-conditioner casing, an air blower, a cooling heat exchanger, a heating heat exchanger, and a bypass passage. An electric motor of the blower has a rotating shaft that extends along a rotating shaft axis. An impeller of the blower suctions air from one side of the impeller along the rotating shaft axis to blow air in a radial direction of the impeller. The bypass passage causes cold air to bypass the heating heat exchanger. The air blower is located downstream of the cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger in a flow direction of air. The cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger are arranged in parallel with each other. The air blower is positioned on an imaginary extension of the heating heat exchanger. The rotating shaft is disposed in parallel with the heating heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Takahiro Tokunaga, Hitomi Asano
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Publication number: 20120145354Abstract: A vehicle has a driving apparatus that includes at least one propulsion device, a driving device that applies a force and/or a torque to the propulsion device, and an energy conversion device that receives energy from the driving device. A first energy storage device that stores energy is also included. The driving apparatus assumes a first operating state where a force and/or a torque is applied to the propulsion device by the driving device or a second operating state in which a force and/or a torque are applied to the driving device by the propulsion device. Under predefined conditions, a second energy storage device supplies energy to at least one driving device and the first energy storage device supplies energy to the second energy storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: LI-TEC BATTERY GMBHInventors: Tim Schaeffer, Andreas Gutsch
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Patent number: 8196648Abstract: An air expandable bladder grips a beverage container within the vehicle and serves as a beverage holder. The container holder utilizes a hot air duct that receives its hot air from the heater core and its cold air from the evaporator, both of which may be located within the HVAC case. An air inlet duct receives the hot, cold, or blended air from an air mixing valve and directs the air into, and expands, the bladder. An exit orifice may exist in the bladder to release air from the bladder and provide back pressure in the bladder. A user-controlled switch permits a person to select whether hot, cold, or blended air will pass into the bladder inlet duct. The drink holder may be located within a center console, dash, door or other location within the vehicle interior.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.Inventor: Masashi Matsukawa
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Patent number: 8176741Abstract: A local air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a local air conditioning unit for performing one of a cooling operation and a heating operation for a predetermined portion of a seat of the vehicle. In the local air conditioning system, information regarding a user is acquired, and a current scene is identified based on the acquired information. The local air conditioning unit is controlled to perform one of the cooling operation and the heating operation for the predetermined portion of the seat on condition that the current scene is identified as a getting-in-vehicle scene in which the user gets in the vehicle and sits on the seat. For example, the predetermined portion of the seat is a portion corresponding to a high body temperature portion of a user, such as a nape of a neck and backs of knees.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Shougo Kameyama
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Patent number: 8176744Abstract: A refrigeration-cycle component assembly includes a pipe connecting member, a box temperature-sensitive expansion valve, an ejector, a passenger-compartment high-pressure pipe, and a passenger-compartment low-pressure pipe. The component assembly is provided in a flat space, which is defined at a side of an air-conditioning unit in a vehicle transverse direction, and which is flat in the vehicle transverse direction. The pipe connecting member and the refrigerant suction portion are intensively arranged at a vehicle front side in the flat space. The component assembly is entirely covered by a heat insulating member.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Oshitani, Mika Gocho, Yoshiaki Takano
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Publication number: 20120090342Abstract: A casing includes an engine support which is fixed to a main body of the casing and on which an engine generator is mounted. The engine support is drawable from the main body of the casing in a forward direction relative to the front side of the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventor: Makoto Ikemiya
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Publication number: 20120085115Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle may include an evaporator core, a heater core allowing air which has passed through the evaporator core to selectively pass therethrough, a defrost outlet, a vent outlet formed adjacent to the defrost outlet, a floor outlet formed adjacent to the vent outlet, and a sliding door sliding between the defrost outlet, the vent outlet and the floor outlet in series, thus selectively opening or closing the defrost outlet, the vent outlet and the floor outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicants: Kia Motors Corp., Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Myung Hoe KIM, Seon Won Kim, Seung Wook Kim, Jong Heon Lee
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Patent number: 8151582Abstract: 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. A plurality of heat exchanges effect a cooling of the carts wherein heat from the food cart is first transferred to a first airflow; heat from the first airflow is then transferred to an intermediate working fluid that is circulated between a location immediately adjacent the food carts and a remote chiller; heat from the intermediate working fluid is subsequently transferred to the chiller working fluid; and finally, heat from the chiller working fluid is expelled. 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: George Simadiris, Ian Douglas Oswald
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Patent number: 8141377Abstract: An air conditioning system for cooling an environment in an over-the-road vehicle is provided. The air conditioning system includes an electrically driven, variable speed compressor, which enables operation of the system when the engine of the over-the-road vehicle is not running. The system is modular and is adapted to be installed in the side luggage compartment of the vehicle to enable existing vehicles to be retrofitted to provide no-idle air conditioning. The housing of the system defines two flow paths therethrough; one cold air path and one hot air path. The hot air path is configured to intersect the condenser at least two times, and draws and expels the air through the same wall of the housing. An air direction device is used to reduce the amount of air recirculation through the hot air path to increase the efficiency of the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Brett Sean Connell, Christophe Barreau, Terry A. Zeigler
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Patent number: 8127564Abstract: A cooling system has a configuration in which a cooling system for an inverter device and a motor generator also serves as a cooling system for a battery. In this configuration, a control device performs temperature-raising control of the battery when a battery temperature is below a prescribed temperature lower limit value. The control device controls an operation of a switching valve such that cooling water from a cooling medium path is outputted to a bypass path. Further, if a cooling water temperature is lower than a prescribed temperature, the control device controls the inverter device such that a power loss during a switching operation in a switching element included in the inverter device becomes larger than a power loss during normal control. As a result, the cooling system having a small-sized, low-cost configuration rapidly recovers capacity decline of the battery, which occurs at low temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoyoshi Takamatsu, Takeshi Yamazaki
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Patent number: 8118257Abstract: A thermal management system comprises a first heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet, a second heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet, a fluid loop, a first heat pump, and a second heat pump. The fluid loop circulates a fluid, and forms a continuous path between the first and second heat exchangers. The first heat pump is connected to the fluid loop and is disposed between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the first heat exchanger. The second heat pump is connected to the fluid loop and is disposed between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the second heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: George Eugene Wilmot, Jr., Diane G. Drew, Gregory M. Ott
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Publication number: 20120031131Abstract: A motor vehicle has a drive device or engine which generates waste heat. An air conditioning system cools a passenger compartment and/or at least one component of the vehicle. The cooling device is designed as an absorption refrigerating machine which utilizes the waste heat from the drive device, in particular as a diffusion absorption refrigerating machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2009Publication date: February 9, 2012Inventors: Vladimir Danov, Andreas Schröter
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Publication number: 20120031132Abstract: A generator (40) and an engine (41) for driving the generator (40) are provided. In addition, an inverter section (70) for converting power output from the generator (40) and outputting the power and an electric compressor (22) driven by the power output from the inverter section (70) are provided. The generator (40), the engine (41), the inverter section (70), and the electric compressor (22) are accommodated in a casing unit (31). A cooling section (26, 40a, 90, 95) for cooling the inverter section (70) by air outside a compartment of a trailer (11) is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Inventors: Makoto Ikemiya, Kazuyasu Matsui
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Patent number: 8099966Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioning system for an aircraft which utilizes high pressure bleed air. The bleed air is pressure controlled and introduced into a vortex cooler which can be operated in two modes using a valve. In a first mode, the bleed air is divided into cold and hot streams. The cold stream is directed into the cabin for cooling purposes. The hot stream is released from the aircraft in a manner that it pulls ambient air across a heat exchanger. In a second mode, the bleed air is not divided, but passes through the vortex cooler as a common stream. The second mode is more commonly used in colder ambient air conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Mossberg, Charles B. Beuning
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Patent number: 8091378Abstract: A hitch mounted self-contained keg beverage dispenser removably mounts on a conventional receiver hitch of a vehicle for transporting a beverage keg over long distances to a site of use while maintaining the contents in a cooled condition and dispensing the contents at the site while supported on the transporting vehicle. The dispenser has an insulated container that receives the keg and is mounted on a platform received in the hitch and supported vertically proximate the vehicle rear bumper. The container may be secured to the platform in the vertically supported position and pivoted to an angular position to allow access to the vehicle cargo area. A compressed gas cylinder, a dispensing spigot and a drip tray are mounted on the container. The keg inside the container is surrounded by ice and connected with the gas cylinder and spigot by hoses extending through the container side wall.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Inventors: Ovidio Farias, III, Jim Lee McNeil, Theresa Eilers
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Publication number: 20110318626Abstract: The invention relates to a battery module with a housing and at least one battery disposed in the housing. At least one element for cooling and/or heating the at least one battery is provided. According to the invention, the at least one element is embodied by at least one heat pipe for tempering the at least one battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2009Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventor: Ursula Bartenschlager
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Publication number: 20110277492Abstract: A coolant adduction assembly for a climate control system of a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a joint and a tube inserted into said joint, wherein said pipe and joint comprise a thermoplastic material and are rigidly connected by means of a laser welding.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2009Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventor: Roberto Defilippi
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Patent number: 8056351Abstract: An air conditioning system for a nautical vehicle includes a main body including an assembly, and a blower including an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being in air communication with the main body, the blower further including blades rotating therewithin about a first axis, the assembly for adjusting the blower with respect to the main body about a second axis so as to alter an orientation of the outlet. The assembly includes a guiding cover and a cylindrical duct element for maintaining the main body and the blower in air communication with one another. The duct element has a first base and a second base, and is coupled to the blower at the second base. The first base of the duct element is dimensioned to correspondingly fit the guiding cover, and the duct element is rotatably adjustable around the guiding cover about the second axis at the first base.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Dometic CorporationInventors: Frank Marciano, Ronald Pabisz
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Patent number: 8054018Abstract: A method of constant airflow control for a ventilation system is disclosed. The method includes various controls to accomplish a substantially constant airflow rate over a significant change of the static pressure in a ventilation duct. One control is a constant I·RPM control, which is primarily used in a low static pressure range. Another control is a constant RPM control, which is primarily used in a high static pressure range. These controls requires neither a static pressure sensor nor an airflow rate sensor to accomplish substantially constant airflow rate while static pressure changes. This is because these controls use only intrinsic control variables which are electric current and rotational speed of the motor. Also, the method improves the accuracy of the control by correcting certain deviations that are caused by the motor's current-RPM characteristics. To compensate the deviation, the method adopts a test operation in a minimum static pressure condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: SNTech Inc.Inventor: Young-Chun Jeung
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Patent number: 8052087Abstract: A device for improving the breathing air quality for the crew and/or the passengers in an aircraft cabin includes an oxygen source, a water source and a feed line, wherein the feed line is connectable to the oxygen source and the water source in order to oxygenate and/or humidify air that is introduced into the feed line. The feed line is further connected to an inlet port of a locally delimited area of the aircraft cabin and adapted so as to feed oxygenated and/or humidified air to the locally delimited area of the aircraft cabin.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventor: Paul Jörn
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Patent number: 8037704Abstract: A refrigeration system configured for use with a trailer including a container having a roof, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration unit configured to couple to the trailer and operable to condition the container. The refrigeration system also includes a duct in fluid communication between the refrigeration unit and an opening in the first sidewall. The duct is configured to direct an airflow in at least one of a first direction toward the refrigeration unit and a second direction away from the refrigeration unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventor: Herman H. Viegas
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Patent number: 8033521Abstract: Provision is made for a single person to easily install a bottom panel for the cover of a transport refrigeration unit. A plurality of forwardly extending tabs are spaced on a rear frame member and corresponding pockets with horizontal slots are similarly spaced near the rear edge of the bottom panel. The bottom panel is then advanced such that the tabs fit into the slots, and then the front portion of the bottom panel is attached to the framework by a plurality of fasteners passing through front pockets of the bottom cover and into L-shaped brackets mounted on a front portion of the frame. The bottom panel is preferably formed of a thermoplastic olefin material that provides flexibility for ease of assembly but is sufficiently rigid and strong and exhibits good sound absorbing characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2006Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Shafi N. Khan, Franklin A. Miller, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110239664Abstract: A transport refrigeration system for a transportable temperature controlled space includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator fluidly connected to one another, an engine operatively connected to the compressor, and a fuel tank assembly fluidly connected to the engine. The fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank configured to contain the fuel, a fuel vapor and air, and an ultrasonic fluid level sensor for sensing a level of fuel, the fuel tank having a maximum fuel level. The fluid level sensor includes a transducer having a ring period. The distance from the fluid level sensor to the maximum fuel level is at least half the distance that the sound travels through the fuel vapor and air during the ring period of the transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Russell L. Sanders, Anthony J. McReynolds, Randy Hochstein, Ashok Muralidhar
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Publication number: 20110232890Abstract: A thermal management system for a vehicle includes a heat exchanger having a thermal energy storage material provided therein, a first coolant loop thermally coupled to an electrochemical storage device located within the first coolant loop and to the heat exchanger, and a second coolant loop thermally coupled to the heat exchanger. The first and second coolant loops are configured to carry distinct thermal energy transfer media. The thermal management system also includes an interface configured to facilitate transfer of heat generated by an internal combustion engine to the heat exchanger via the second coolant loop in order to selectively deliver the heat to the electrochemical storage device. Thermal management methods are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2006Publication date: September 29, 2011Inventors: Kevin L. Gering, Daryl R. Haefner
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Patent number: 8006508Abstract: An air conditioner for vehicles in which the probability of executing pre-air conditioning is increased so that it may be prevented that the inside of the vehicle cannot be often in a comfortable state before the driver gets into the vehicle. The air conditioner performs air conditioning of a vehicle having a traveling motor and an engine as drive sources and comprises a pre-air conditioning main switch. The crew permits operation of pre-air conditioning by turning the switch on. When the pre-air conditioning main switch is set on, an engine control section performs charge preference control where battery charge takes precedence of engine fuel consumption and performs normal control where engine fuel consumption takes precedence when the pre-air conditioning main switch is set off.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshihiko Kojima
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Patent number: 7997090Abstract: An air conditioning system providing cooled air to a vehicle includes a detection device, a control module, and an air adjusting module. The detection device determines whether another vehicle is in front of the vehicle within a predetermined distance, and sends a signal when the other vehicle is detected. The control module is coupled to the detection device and controls the air adjusting module to operate in a recirculation mode upon receiving the signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lung Dai, Wang-Chang Duan, Bang-Sheng Zuo
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Patent number: 7997096Abstract: A vehicle HVAC system comprises an evaporator, a heater core, a variable airflow control device, and a baffle positioned downstream of the evaporator. The baffle has a geometrical configuration, e.g., apertures sufficient to prevent the formation of vortex like airflow patterns near the downstream side of the baffle when the HVAC system is in use.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Behr America, Inc.Inventor: Philip Stephenson
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Patent number: 7975499Abstract: A cooling system for an aircraft has a refrigerant system to cool a second fluid for a use associated with an aircraft. A valve is operable to route the second fluid to be cooled by the refrigerant under a first set of conditions, and to route the second fluid to be cooled by ambient air from outside of the aircraft under a second set of conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Gregory L. DeFrancesco
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Publication number: 20110126566Abstract: A refrigerated freight vehicle includes a tractor truck with a cab interior, a trailer presenting a chamber, and a cooling system to refrigerate the chamber and cool the cab. The cooling system includes a powered compressor assembly, a trailer evaporator, and a truck evaporator, with the compressor assembly operable to circulate refrigerant through the evaporators.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventors: Jerry D. Jones, Michael D. Hoffman, Darrell R. Hoffman
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Patent number: 7931075Abstract: In an air conditioner for a vehicle, a blower of a blower unit includes a double-axial motor having a rotation axis positioned approximately in a vehicle top-bottom direction, a pair of centrifugal fans located at two sides of the double-axial motor in an axial direction, and a pair of scroll casings in which the centrifugal fans are accommodated, respectively. The two air outlet portions are arranged in the vehicle top-bottom direction, and are adjacent to be joined to an air inlet portion of the air conditioning unit, substantially as a single air outlet. Furthermore, the two air outlet portions are located approximately at the same height position as that of the air passing portion of the cooling heat exchanger, and have a height dimension (H2) at its downstream end side that is approximately equal to a height dimension (H1) of the air passing portion of the cooling heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Koji Ito, Yoshihiro Goto, Yoshihiko Okumura
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Patent number: 7931209Abstract: Described herein is a system for controlling an air-conditioning system within an environment, in particular the passenger compartment of a vehicle, said system comprising a plurality of sensors designed to detect quantities representing the thermal comfort of the occupants and an electronic control unit (ECU), which calculates, on the basis of said quantities, a temperature indicating the thermal comfort of the occupants of the environment, on the basis of which the actuator devices of the air-conditioning system are driven.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per AzioniInventors: Stefano Mola, Carloandrea Malvicino
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Patent number: 7921662Abstract: A hydrogen fuel automobile has a heat medium passage through which a heat medium which can exchange heat with a drive portion and can be supplied to a heat medium pipe for a hydrogen tank flows. An air cooling apparatus has a compressor for compressing a refrigerant gas, a condenser, an evaporator and a refrigerant circuit. The hydrogen fuel automobile is provided with a bypass passage which branches from the refrigerant circuit so that expanded refrigerant liquid detours the evaporator so as to be drawn into the compressor. A switch portion can switch between a state where the refrigerant liquid passes through the evaporator so as to be drawn into the compressor and a state where the refrigerant liquid detours the evaporator so as to flow through the bypass passage. The hydrogen storage material cooling portion cools the hydrogen storage material in the hydrogen tank using the refrigerant liquid that flows through the bypass passage.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hidehito Kubo, Daigoro Mori
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Patent number: 7921659Abstract: Self-contained refrigeration units include evaporator modules, condenser modules, compressor modules, control subassemblies, and all other refrigeration components in compact interconnected modular packages. The modules, which are assembled in rigid or flexible self-contained monoblock refrigeration units, are installable, removable and replaceable as complete self-contained refrigeration units without requiring transport downtime for servicing and repairing of the refrigeration units. Vehicles with refrigeration systems arrive at a distributor and have malfunctioning units removed and complete units replaced and installed and are back on the road within minutes. Dealers' inventories are small and non complex and dealers' workers need not be skilled transport refrigeration mechanics. Dealer trucks have light cranes to remove and replace complete self-contained refrigeration units on site.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventor: Carlos Quesada Saborio
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Patent number: 7924562Abstract: A cooling device includes a cooling fan placed in a power storage device, an exhaust port placed in a battery, and a cooling wind flow path for allowing cooling wind taken in from the cooling fan to flow therethrough. In the power storage device and the battery, communication between a gap inside a casing a gap inside a casing can be established via an opening. The cooling wind supplied from the wind blowing fan (F10) flows through the gap formed inside the casing for the power storage device to cool capacitor cells. Subsequently, the cooling wind that has passed through the power storage device is introduced into the inside of the casing for the battery via the opening, and flows through a gap between the upper surface of battery cells and the casing and a gap between the battery cells to cool the battery cells. Thereafter, the cooling wind is emitted to the outside of the casing via the exhaust port.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takaya Soma, Hiroshi Yoshida, Takeshi Mogari
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Publication number: 20110079031Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle comprises a compressor for compressing refrigerant, the compressor being adapted to be driven by a power source installed in the vehicle, a condenser for receiving compressed refrigerant from the compressor, an expansion device for expanding refrigerant from the condenser, and a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger for receiving refrigerant from the expansion device and exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a liquid. The liquid may comprise a coolant, and a pump may be provided for pumping the coolant through the heat exchanger to a point of use such as a cooling garment to cool personnel on board the vehicle. Alternatively, the liquid may be a drinkable liquid which is pumped through the heat exchanger to a suitable dispensing system to provide an on-board supply of cool drinking liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: Allen-Vanguard Technologies Inc.Inventors: Daniel Reddin, Glen Gallant
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Publication number: 20110079030Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle comprises a compressor for compressing refrigerant, the compressor being adapted to be driven by a power source installed in the vehicle, a condenser for receiving compressed refrigerant from the compressor, an expansion device for expanding refrigerant from the condenser, and a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger for receiving refrigerant from the expansion device and exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a liquid. The liquid may comprise a coolant, and a pump may be provided for pumping the coolant through the heat exchanger to a point of use such as a cooling garment to cool personnel on board the vehicle. Alternatively, the liquid may be a drinkable liquid which is pumped through the heat exchanger to a suitable dispensing system to provide an on-board supply of cool drinking liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: ALLEN-VANGUARD TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Daniel Reddin, Glen Gallant
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Patent number: 7913505Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a plurality of wheels; a vehicle body supported by the plurality of wheels and having a cabin, a front half region and a rear half region; an engine located in the rear half region of the vehicle body; and an air conditioning unit located in a lower forward region of the cabin and having an evaporator and a fan.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventor: Norimi Nakamura
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Patent number: 7900464Abstract: A humidity detecting apparatus includes a humidity sensor for detecting a relative humidity of air on an inner side of a window glass, an air temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the air, a glass temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the window glass, and a glass surface relative humidity calculation unit for calculating a glass surface relative humidity based on output values of the humidity sensor, the air temperature sensor and the glass temperature sensor. A heat conductive member is disposed between the glass temperature sensor and the window glass.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shinji Aoki, Shinichirou Hirai, Takuya Kataoka, Yoshiaki Suzuki
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Patent number: 7891575Abstract: A thermal storage and transfer system includes a cooling system and method using ice or other frozen material with heat pipes to produce a cool airstream. Preferably, the ice is disposed in a container with the condensers and evaporators of the heat pipes respectively inside and outside the container. A fan blows air across the evaporator sections through a duct to circulate within an enclosed airspace to be cooled. A separate refrigeration system which may be used to independently cool the airspace also freezes water or another liquid to produce the ice or other frozen material in the container. The cooling system is broadly applicable, including use on motor vehicles to provide cooling for several hours when the vehicle engine is off. A heating system includes an adsorbent heat exchanger for extracting heat from exhaust gases of an engine and heating an enclosed airspace.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventor: Samuel M. Sami
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Publication number: 20110036064Abstract: A mobile cooling apparatus and method for harvested produce includes working platform and a cooling zone. Produce harvested along the working platform and transferred thereto is placed into the cooling zone which, in one embodiment, is located on an opposite side of the working platform from where harvesting is occurring. The cooling zone may be open at an outward facing end thereof, to permit offloading of harvested produce to a second mobile apparatus. The cooling zone may be dimensioned to contain at least one pallet and, in one embodiment, two pallets positioned side-by-side.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: Frank Maconachy, Jim Ivelich
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Publication number: 20110036111Abstract: A self-contained vehicle refrigeration console includes an interior section mounted below the vehicle roof and including evaporator and compressor sections, and an exterior section mounted on the outer surface of the roof and supporting the condenser fan but providing a low vertical profile. The roof has two openings formed therein, one being adapted to receive a condenser coil therein and the other being located below the condenser fan. The condenser fan causes ambient air to flow under the exterior section, through said one opening and condenser coil, under the vehicle roof, and out the other opening to the ambient.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2008Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: Carrier CorporationInventors: Joaquim Ferreira, Claude Saudoyez, Veronique Michel