Vacuumized Chamber With Open Vapor Or Gas Outlet Patents (Class 62/268)
  • Patent number: 11805900
    Abstract: A vacuum drawer device includes a drawer movable linearly in a drawer movement direction and having a drawer interior to be closed by an air-tight cover in a controlled manner by an electric lift. The cover thereby runs perpendicularly to the drawer movement direction in a lifting movement along a lifting direction. The cover has an air channel leading into the cover interior, and operatively connected to electric evacuation element such that when the cover is in place, air can be pumped out of the drawer interior through the air channel. A seal lining is arranged on the drawer walls of the drawer on the cover side to run over the entire inner periphery of the drawer such that the cover rests on the seal lining when the vacuum drawer device or the drawer is in a closed position to allow evacuation of the drawer interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Daniel Bertschi
  • Patent number: 11147289
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may provide a frozen beverage dispenser capable of dispensing multiple frozen beverage flavors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Rafael I. San Miguel, Arthur G. Rudick
  • Patent number: 11040895
    Abstract: A grease trap for separating waste from waste water that includes grey water and FOG includes a tank having a bottom and an interior volume. An inlet invert in the tank has a discharge end for discharging waste water into the tank, and an outlet invert in the tank has a drain end for removing grey water from the tank. A first baffle across the interior volume below the discharge of the inlet invert and above the drain end of the outlet invert has a hole allowing grey water to descend through the hole to a path under the first baffle to the drain end of the outlet invert. A second baffle across the interior volume above the discharge of the inlet invert has a hole allowing FOG to float through the hole in the second baffle to collect above the second baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Thermaco, Incorporated
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Gonzalez, Zachary Michael Rubeor, William Charles Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Patent number: 10539345
    Abstract: A sublimator includes a porous plate having a first surface comprising a low pressure side and a second surface comprising a high pressure side such that refrigerant is configured to move through the porous plate from the high pressure side to the low pressure side. The second surface defines a primary heat transfer surface. The porous plate further includes a plurality of secondary heat transfer surfaces integrally formed on the primary heat transfer surface to facilitate flow and evenly distribute refrigerant across the high pressure side of the porous plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Jesse Joseph Stieber
  • Patent number: 10288355
    Abstract: Heat exchanger assemblies and methods are provided for cooling the interior of an enclosure (e.g., electrical cabinets, computer server racks, chemical chambers, and animal cages). Heat is transferred via thermal conduction from a first plurality of surfaces positioned inside the enclosure to a second plurality of surfaces positioned outside the enclosure. The first and second plurality of surfaces remain in thermal contact with one another during use. Heat is dissipated from the second plurality of surfaces to the ambient air outside the isolated environment without the ambient outside air mixing together with the air inside the enclosure. This, in turn, inexpensively removes heat from the air inside the enclosure and prevents contaminants from entering the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Noren Products Inc.
    Inventors: Rahul Mulinti, Sasi Beera, Dennis Galindo, Sanchan Modi
  • Patent number: 10234186
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for manufacturing powdered ice with salinity includes a water supply unit configured to supply a salted water; a spraying unit connected to the water supply unit and configured to generate a pressurized salted water-air mist; an ice generating unit connected to the spraying unit and configured to generate ice nuclei; a collecting unit connected to the ice generating unit and configured to grow the size of the powdered ice and to collect the powdered ice; and a reserving unit connected to the collecting unit and configured to transfer and store the powdered ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventors: James Chun Koh, Shigeaki Sakaguchi, Masaaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10001117
    Abstract: A cryopump controller includes a regeneration controller that controls a cryopump in accordance with a regeneration sequence including a condensate discharging process being continued until a discharging completion condition based on pressure in the cryopump is met. The regeneration controller includes a first determiner repetitively determining whether the discharging completion condition is met, a second determiner determining whether the number of times of determination for the completion condition or a period of time for which the discharging process continues is equal to or larger than a threshold value, and a temperature controller performing preliminary cooling of the cryopump if the number of times of determination for the completion condition or the period of time for which the discharging process continues is equal to or larger than the threshold value. The first determiner re-determines during the preliminary cooling whether the completion condition is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Ken Oikawa
  • Patent number: 9243826
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus (1A) includes: an evaporator (23) that retains a refrigerant liquid and that evaporates the refrigerant liquid therein; a condenser (22) that condenses a refrigerant vapor therein and that retains the refrigerant liquid; a vapor channel (2A) that is provided with a compressor (21) and that directs the refrigerant vapor from the evaporator (23) to the condenser (22); a liquid channel (2B) that directs the refrigerant liquid from the condenser (22) to the evaporator (23); a condensation-side circulation path (4) that allows the refrigerant liquid retained in the condenser (22) to circulate via a heat exchanger for heat release (41) and that is provided with a condensation-side pump (45) at a position upstream of the heat exchanger for heat release (41); and a back-flow path (7) that directs a portion of the refrigerant liquid flowing in a section downstream of the heat exchanger for heat release (41) in the condensation-side circulation path (4) to a section upstream of the conde
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bunki Kawano, Tomoichiro Tamura, Kou Komori
  • Patent number: 9180385
    Abstract: A cold trap includes two individually controllable cooling units. The cold trap is provided in an evacuation path for connecting a vacuum chamber to a turbomolecular pump, The first cooling unit includes a first panel unit provided in the evacuation path such that the panel is exposed, and a first refrigerator thermally coupled to the first panel unit so as to cool the first panel unit. The second cooling unit includes a second panel unit provided in the evacuation path such that the panel is exposed, and a second refrigerator thermally coupled to the second panel unit so as to cool the second panel unit. The first panel unit is spaced apart from the second panel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidekazu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9127880
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pressure control in a vegetable room of a refrigerator, and particularly, to a vegetable room of a refrigerator in which pressure is controlled according to vegetable, fruit, and mixture modes. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vegetable room of a refrigerator in which different pressures are applied according to vegetable, fruit, and mixture modes such that each pressure corresponds to storage conditions of storage items such as vegetable and fruit stored in an airtight state therein, whereby each storage item is maintained with optimal freshness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Ahreum Park, Dullae Min, Moongyo Jung
  • Patent number: 9115936
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes a shell adapted to hermetically store liquid water, a heat exchanging structure adapted to receive a substance to cool down, and a vacuum pump. The heat exchanging structure has one or more heat transfer walls, each of the heat transfer walls having a first surface in contact with the liquid water stored in the shell, and a second surface in contact with the substance to cool down. The vacuum pump is operable to create a partial vacuum on a surface of the liquid water, whereby causing a decrease in a temperature of the liquid water in the shell. In other embodiments, methods of cooling a substance are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Wave Power Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Han Ying Chen
  • Patent number: 9010141
    Abstract: A reliable, leak-tolerant liquid cooling system with a backup air-cooling system for computers is provided. The system may use a vacuum pump and a liquid pump and/or an air compressor in combination to provide negative fluid pressure so that liquid does not leak out of the system near electrical components. Alternatively, the system can use a single vacuum pump and a valve assembly to circulate coolant. The system distributes flow and pressure with a series of pressure regulating valves so that an array of computers can be serviced by a single cooling system. The system provides both air and liquid cooling so that if the liquid cooling system does not provide adequate cooling, the air cooling system will be automatically activated. The heat may be removed from the building efficiently with a cooling tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Chilldyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Harrington
  • Patent number: 8959932
    Abstract: A cryopump includes: a cryopump chamber having an inlet port through which a gas to be pumped is introduced; a refrigerator provided with a second cooling stage provided in the cryopump chamber; an intermediate member thermally coupled to the second cooling stage; and a cryopanel having a connecting part connected to the intermediate member at a position farther from the inlet port in the direction in which the gas is introduced than the second cooling stage, and extending from the connecting part toward the inlet port. For example, a cryopump having a suspended panel structure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Matsubara
  • Patent number: 8955339
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (21) for avoiding the memory effect in cryogenic pumps having a first cooling stage (23) and a second cooling stage (25) which adjoins the first cooling stage (23) in the axial direction. A cylindrical shield (31) has an opening (37) and a base (35), which base (35) is penetrated centrally by the two-stage cooling head (21) in such a way that the first cooling stage (23) is arranged outside the shield (31) and the second cooling stage (25) is arranged within the shield (31). An intermediate chamber (34) is formed between the shield (31) and the first cooling stage (23), and the base of the shield (31) is connected in a thermally conductive manner to the first cooling stage (23) by means of a thermal bridge (33). A cooling panel (43) which serves as pumping surface is connected to the second cooling stage (25) and is provided within the shield (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: HSR AG
    Inventors: Marcel Kohler, Herbert Vogt, Urs Frick
  • Patent number: 8955348
    Abstract: A ground source heat pump device and system includes a supply line for removing groundwater from an underground water source, a return line for returning the groundwater to the underground water source, and a heat pump that is able to utilize the supplied groundwater as a medium for transferring thermal energy between the groundwater and a refrigerant. In one embodiment, the heat pump can further include a circulation pump for circulating the groundwater through the system, and a vacuum unit for removing air from the system and filling the supply line, return line, heat exchanger and circulation pump with the groundwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Ryan
  • Patent number: 8887514
    Abstract: A cryopump control apparatus controls an evacuation process of a cryopump that includes a cryopanel which cools and thus condenses or adsorbs gas, and a pump housing which contains the cryopanel. The cryopump control apparatus includes a pressure control unit and a vacuum retention evaluation unit. The pressure control unit stops pumping when detecting that a pressure in the pump housing decreases to a reference pressure. The vacuum retention evaluation unit determines whether a difference between pressure values in the pump housing measured at first measurement time and at second measurement time is within an allowable range of pressure change. The first measurement time is determined by adding correction time relating to an operating delay of pumping to a time point when the pressure in the pump housing is detected to be decreased to the reference pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 8839637
    Abstract: A system (1) and a method for cooling freshly baked bread under sub-pressure, which system includes: a sub-pressure chamber (2) which is adapted for receiving freshly baked bread for the cooling thereof; a sub-pressure source (3), such as a vacuum pump, which is connected to the sub-pressure chamber (2) for exhausting fluid from the sub-pressure chamber (2) and creating a sub-pressure inside it; a condenser (4) for cooling steam exhausted from the sub-pressure chamber and separate condensed water (19) from it. The system also includes a heating tank (5) with a first heat exchanger (6) in which the heat generated by the condenser (4) is used for heating water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Revent International AB
    Inventor: Kurt Spirig
  • Patent number: 8756945
    Abstract: The invention is a power plant cooling system comprising a direct contact condenser (11), a cooling tower (12) with at least one heat dissipating unit (13), a pipeline (15) and a cooling water pump (16) suitable for circulating cooling water between the direct contact condenser (11) and the heat dissipating unit (13), as well as a de-aerating structural component (14) defining a de-aerating space adjoining to the top of a flow space of the heat dissipating unit (13). The inventive cooling system comprises a means suitable for maintaining a vacuum in the de-aerating space. The invention also relates to a method for operating the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GEA EGI Energiagazdalkodasi ZRT.
    Inventors: László Ludvig, Beatrix Soós
  • Publication number: 20140165634
    Abstract: A device for the evaporative cooling of a viscous fluid, the device including a vacuum chamber wherein the viscous fluid is cooled. The vacuum chamber includes a lower part wherein the viscous fluid is collected by gravitational force, and an outlet pipe, located at the bottom of a lower part, through which the cooled down fluid is extracted. The device also includes an extraction device that itself includes a primary pump, fed with the cooled fluid from the lower part through the outlet pipe, and a feeding device, located inside the lower part, which pushes the cooled down fluid from the lower part towards the primary pump, through the outlet pipe. Also, an apparatus and method for the sterilization, degassing or water concentration of a viscous fluid including the evaporative cooling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SPX APV DANMARK A/S
    Inventors: Gil COELHO, Bertrand BRAUD
  • Patent number: 8701426
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing loss of a cooling fluid from a boiler in an aircraft by incorporating an absorber material is provided. In some aspects, an apparatus may include a base section, a top section, a cooling fluid, and an absorber material disposed in the base section. The absorber material may be configured to retain the cooling fluid therein. The apparatus may further include a barrier disposed between the base and top sections. The barrier may be configured to retain the absorber material in the base section while allowing the cooling fluid to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Frank E. Mills
  • Patent number: 8578728
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a window kit (200) and a window sealer (400) of an air conditioner (100). The window kit (200) is provided in the exhaust guide means (140) of the movable air conditioner (100) is firmly fixed to the window frame (D) without having a separate connection member. The gap between the windows generated in the installation process of the window kit (200) is effectively shielded by the window sealer (400).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jin-Myeong Cho, Il-Soo Jeon, Hyung-Gyu Gu
  • Patent number: 8544294
    Abstract: A subassembly for an adsorption chiller includes an adsorption component that includes a plurality of plates arranged in a stack. Refrigerant passages are defined between refrigerant sides of adjacent pairs of the plates in the stack. An adsorbent material is disposed within the refrigerant passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: Sean Garner
  • Publication number: 20130239595
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum container for an adsorption refrigeration machine, said vacuum container being connected to a condenser unit of the adsorption refrigeration machine via connection means that permit the passage of vapor. The container has a discharge arrangement and at least one cooling element. The connection means are provided with at least one component for shutting off or regulating the flow of fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: INVENSOR GMBH
    Inventors: Niels Braunschweig, Soeren Paulussen, Eythymios Kontogeorgopoulos
  • Patent number: 8528349
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Douglas D. Leclear, Karen J. Querfurth, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. Vonderhaar, Michele E. Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20130104585
    Abstract: A portable cooling unit is disclosed for vacuum cooling products such as product at a worksite such as a field where the produce is harvested. When cooling product, the portable cooling unit includes a retort, at least one shuttle coupled to the retort and a condensation assembly. The condensation assembly includes primary and secondary refrigerant load subassemblies. Each of these components may be disassembled from each other into modular units which may be easily transported to and from the worksite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Frederic R. Weeth, Michael J. Azzopardi
  • Patent number: 8402775
    Abstract: Provided is a modular vacuum storage apparatus and method for storing, dispensing, preserving and shipping perishable items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Edward P. Espinosa
  • Publication number: 20130055737
    Abstract: The invention is a power plant cooling system comprising a direct contact condenser (11), a cooling tower (12) with at least one heat dissipating unit (13), a pipeline (15) and a cooling water pump (16) suitable for circulating cooling water between the direct contact condenser (11) and the heat dissipating unit (13), as well as a de-aerating structural component (14) defining a de-aerating space adjoining to the top of a flow space of the heat dissipating unit (13). The inventive cooling system comprises a means suitable for maintaining a vacuum in the de-aerating space. The invention also relates to a method for operating the cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: GEA EGI Energiagazdalkodasi Zrt.
    Inventors: László Ludvig, Beatrix Soós
  • Patent number: 8176746
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Douglas D. Leclear, Karen J. Querfurth, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. Vonderhaar, Michele E. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 8127561
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a vacuum source and a food storage compartment including a drawer unit having a storage space. The food storage compartment is operable between a substantially air-tight retracted position and an open extended position. A vacuum source is in communication with the storage space of the drawer unit and is operable to reduce air pressure inside the drawer unit during an evacuation event. A sealing unit includes a base connected to the drawer unit. A sealing bracket is hingedly-connected to the base and operable between a raised position and a lowered position, the sealing bracket adapted to abut the base when in the lowered position. A heat sealing bar is disposed on one of the base and the sealing bracket. A control system is operable to activate the vacuum source and initiate the evacuation event when the drawer unit is in the air-tight retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Douglas D. Leclear
  • Publication number: 20110138820
    Abstract: A portable, automated, cold-chain maintaining, cooling apparatus is disclosed. This apparatus comprises one or more portable cooling modules in communication with one or more portable transition modules. The cooling modules have cooling module conveyor apparatus to move containers of product through the module and a product cooling apparatus to provide cooling air to the product. The portable transition module is in communication with each of said one or more portable cooling modules in such a manner to maintain the cold temperature of said cooled product. A transition module conveyor apparatus within the transition module is in communication with the cooling module conveyor apparatus and automatically transfer the product from the cooling modules into the portable transition module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Frederic R. Weeth, Michael J. Azzopardi
  • Publication number: 20110133871
    Abstract: A superconducting magnetizer includes a thermal shield disposed within a vacuum chamber. A superconducting magnet is disposed within the thermal shield and configured to generate a magnetic field in response to an electric current supplied to the superconducting magnet. A heat transfer device comprising at least one of a thermal conduction device, and a heat pipe is disposed contacting the superconducting magnet. A cryocooler is coupled to the heat transfer device and configured to cool the superconducting magnet via the heat transfer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ernst Wolfgang Stautner, Kiruba Sivasubramaniam Haran
  • Patent number: 7930892
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator housing, a refrigerated compartment disposed within the refrigerator housing, and a hollow refrigerator wall having insulation material therein. There is a first fluid connection from the vacuum pump to the hollow refrigerator wall for providing a first function of evacuating air from the hollow refrigerator wall and a second fluid connection from the vacuum pump for providing a second function of evacuating air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Vonderhaar
  • Patent number: 7895848
    Abstract: Provided is a modular vacuum storage apparatus and method for storing, dispensing, preserving and shipping perishable items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Edward P. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 7866178
    Abstract: A device and a method for vacuum-sealing cooling medium is to allow a work piece being vacuumed for the cooling medium being introduced into the work piece. The device provides a first passage, a second passage, a sucking unit, a cooling medium supply unit and a sealing passage. The first passage and the second passage each have an end being connected to the sucking unit and the cooling medium supply unit respectively. The sealing passage communicates with another end of the first passage and another end of the second passage respectively and provides a sealing component, wherein a conveying passage is provided at the sealing component for the work piece being vacuumed or introduced with the cooling medium via said first passage or said second passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Wen Kung
  • Patent number: 7866179
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compact heat pump using water as refrigerant, including a casing having a first and second end sections and an intermediate section located therebetween, with an evaporator located at the first end section, configured for containing said water and allowing evaporation of at least a part of the water to produce vapor and remove heat from the remainder of the water. At least one agitator scoop is located within said evaporator, with one or more demisters installed between the evaporator and the compressor. The one or more compressors induce evaporation by maintaining vacuum at least at an intake conduit, and are configured for receiving the vapor through the intake conduit after passing through a heated demister. The condenser is configured for receiving the compressed vapor from the compressor, lowering the vapor temperature and condensing it back into a liquid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: I.D.E. Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Avraham Ophir, Henrikh Rojanskiy, Rafi Siluk, Arie Kanievski, Larisa Kanievski, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7841201
    Abstract: A heat pump including an evaporator for evaporating water as a working liquid so as to produce a working vapor, the evaporation taking place at an evaporation pressure of less than 20 hPa. The working vapor is compressed to a working pressure of at least 25 hPa by a dynamic-type compressor so as to then be liquefied within a liquefier by direct contact with liquefier water. The heat pump is preferably an open system, where water present in the environment in the form of ground water, sea water, river water, lake water or brine is evaporated, and where water which has been liquefied again is fed to the evaporator, to the soil or to a water treatment plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Efficient Energy GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Sedlak, Oliver Kniffler
  • Patent number: 7823394
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to insulate a vessel includes placing a plurality of shells on all sides of the vessel without providing a direct energy pathway from outer walls of the vessel to the inner walls of the vessel; placing the shells under a vacuum; cryogenically cooling the shells to a cryogenic temperature; and while under vacuum, allowing the shell temperature to rise from the cryogenic temperature to ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Reflect Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: John Dain, Boyd Bowdish, Nick Henneman
  • Patent number: 7779647
    Abstract: An ejector cycle device includes a compressor that draws and compresses refrigerant, a radiator that radiates heat of high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor, an ejector, a branch passage branched from a refrigerant passage between the radiator and a nozzle portion of the ejector and coupled to a suction port of the ejector, a throttle unit that is arranged in the branch passage and decompresses refrigerant, and an evaporator that is arranged on a downstream side of refrigerant flow of the throttle unit in the branch passage and evaporates refrigerant. Accordingly, even when a suction performance of the ejector is lowered, refrigerant can flow through the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotsugu Takeuchi, Mika Saito, Hiroshi Oshitani, Shin Nishida, Takayuki Sugiura
  • Publication number: 20100199690
    Abstract: A cryogen vessel (12) connected to a refrigerator chamber (15) arranged to house a cryogenic refrigerator (17). A controlled valve (32) is provided between the cryogen vessel (12) and the refrigerator chamber (15), and may be used to isolate the refrigerator chamber from the cryogen vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Siemens Plc
    Inventors: Trevor Bryan Husband, Philip Alan Charles Walton
  • Publication number: 20100139303
    Abstract: An electric refrigerator includes a vacuum preservation system. The electric refrigerator includes a refrigerator body with a refrigeration compartment, and a vacuum preservation system inside the refrigerator body. The vacuum preservation system includes a vacuum preservation container inside the refrigeration compartment, a vacuum generation device for building up a vacuum in the vacuum preservation container, a control device for controlling a buildup in the vacuum, and a measuring and monitoring device for measuring and monitoring an operating state of the vacuum preservation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Junhong Feng, Zongquan Suan, Xiaotian Zhou
  • Publication number: 20100115971
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator of a cryopump generates cryogenic cooling in an expansion volume by reciprocally moving a displacer in a cylinder. A cryopanel and a cup-shaped shield are received in a vacuum chamber of the cryopump and are cooled by the cryogenic cooling. The shield protects the cryopanel from radiant heat of the vacuum chamber. A louver is provided at an upper opening of the shield. A hole is formed at a bottom or side of the cup-shaped shield defining a storage part. Molecules in the vacuum chamber are solidified at or absorbed by the cryopanel and the shield. During regeneration, temperature of the cryopanel and the shield is increased. Water molecules desorbed and liquefied from the louver, the shield or the cryopanel are accumulated during regeneration at the storage part that has enough volume to store the water molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryosuke Tsuyuki
  • Publication number: 20090165470
    Abstract: A cryopump regeneration method includes a temperature raising step of raising the temperature of a cryopanel so as to vaporize gas molecules condensed on the exhaust surface of the cryopanel, an evacuation step of evacuating a pump vessel, a determination step of determining whether the internal pressure of the pump vessel has reached a set pressure higher than the water vapor pressure at 0° C., a pressure rise test step of stopping the evacuation and performing a pressure rise test, and an observation step of observing residual water based on the internal pressure of the pump vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: CANON ANELVA TECHNIX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Aoki, Takahiro Okada
  • Publication number: 20080302114
    Abstract: A system for storing articles can have at least two operating modes. In the first mode, gases are evacuated from the system whereby the articles are stored at a pressure less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. In the second mode, gases are evacuated while the system is open to the admittance of gases from the exterior of the system whereby the articles are ventilated by the admitted gases. The system also can have a third operating mode wherein both the first and second modes are rendered inoperative. The storage system can function so that when the articles are stored in the first mode, gases are intermittently removed from the system whereby the pressure at which the articles are stored is maintained at less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. The storage system can be located in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul H. Kelly, Robert L. Cushman, Robert J. Turnbull, Charles D. Baker, Aaron W. Arvia
  • Publication number: 20080184712
    Abstract: A cryopump cooled by a GM type refrigerator is disclosed in which the cold (second stage) cryopanel(s) are in planes that are pitched parallel to the axis of the expander cylinder; the cold end of the first stage expansion space is close to the point where the expander cylinder enters the vacuum housing that contains the cryopanels; and a drain system removes all the liquid argon and water flowing out through a vent port for two orientations of the cryopump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicants: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., SHI-APD CRYOGENICS, INC.
    Inventor: Ralph C. Longsworth
  • Patent number: 7360371
    Abstract: A refrigerating device including a hollow-walled housing surrounding a first and a second storage compartment. A vacuum pump is controllably connected via a suction line to the hollow chamber of the housing and to one of the storage compartments. The pump is controlled to maintain a desired pressure range in both the housing and the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Adolf Feinauer, Micharel Neumann
  • Patent number: 7325409
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing, preserving and dispensing perishable and degradable food and goods having a rigid housing. At least one modular unit is removably disposed in the rigid housing for holding items. The modular unit has a storage unit and a drawer constructed such that when the modular unit is removed from the rigid housing coolant and partial vacuum are retained in the modular unit. The storage unit seals the drawer when the drawer is closed within the storage unit, such that when the drawer is opened coolant is retained between the storage unit and the rigid housing when the modular unit is disposed in the rigid housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Edward P. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 7124580
    Abstract: A pre-condenser is provided for condensation of water at sub-zero degree Celsius temperatures. A brine solution is cooled below 0 degrees Celsius and delivered to the pre-condenser. The brine solution contacts the vapors and gases from a scrubber, thereby condensing the vapors without allowing ice formation. A vacuum system connected to the pre-condenser removes the remaining gases from a top portion of the pre-condenser while the brine solution and condensed vapors are removed and recycled through a bottom portion of the pre-condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Crown Iron Works Company
    Inventor: Hernan D. Paredes
  • Patent number: 7093455
    Abstract: Novel vapor compression evaporative cooling systems which use water as a refrigerant are provided, as are methods for using same. Also provided are novel compressors, compressor components, and means for removing noncondensibles useful in such cooling systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Mark T. Holtzapple, Richard Davison, G. Andrew Rabroker
  • Patent number: 6902755
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly chilling liquid or slurried food products through a two-stage sequence of jacket cooling followed by vacuum chilling. Slurry and liquid food products heated in a batch are chilled by first employing a chilled liquid flowing through a double walled jacket (22) surrounding the vessel chamber (17). When the food product reaches a temperature at which jacket cooling becomes inefficient, this is followed by pulling a vacuum in the space above the product to vacuum cool the product to the desired chilled temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Blentech Corporation
    Inventor: Darrell C. Horn
  • Patent number: RE46616
    Abstract: A portable moisture trap for use with a vacuum pump includes: a housing; a cooling chamber positioned at least partially within the housing including a first inlet port and a second outlet port; a lid that sealably attaches to a top portion of the cooling chamber to seal the cooling chamber; a heat sink residing under the cooling chamber; a thermoelectric device having an upper cooling side and a lower heat generating side residing between the cooling chamber and the heat sink; a fan oriented to blow air upwardly toward the heat sink; and a baffle extending downwardly in the cooling chamber from a location proximate the lid to a location proximate an inner bottom surface of the cooling chamber, with the baffle configured to define a physical barrier to urge air received through the first port to flow down toward the inner bottom surface of the cooling chamber before exiting through the second port, to thereby remove moisture from air traveling through the cooling chamber in response to a vacuum pump in fluid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: InstroTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Muse, Johnny Gordon Williams, Ali Regimand, Lawrence H. James