With Means Preventing Or Handling Atmospheric Condensate Relative To Heat Absorber Patents (Class 62/272)
  • Publication number: 20140260364
    Abstract: An appliance includes a co-extruded evaporator in thermal communication with a compartment. The co-extruded evaporator includes main and support channels in thermal communication that share a common wall 22. A main cooling loop is in fluid communication with the main channel. A plurality of co-extruded fins are disposed proximate and in thermal communication with the main and support channels. A coolant is disposed in the main channel and the main cooling loop. A thermally conductive media is selectively disposed in the support channel in fluid and thermal communication with the main channel. The thermally conductive media is chosen from the group consisting of a support channel coolant, wherein the appliance includes a second cooling loop in fluid communication with the support channel, a thermal storage material in thermal communication with the compartment, and a defrost fluid, wherein the appliance includes a defrost circuit in fluid communication with the support channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Andrew D. Litch
  • Patent number: 8833384
    Abstract: A valve and actuator assembly includes a valve to control a flow of liquid into a coil, and an actuator to control the valve. The assembly includes a first temperature sensor to sense the temperature of liquid flowing through the valve, a second temperature sensor to sense the temperature of air surrounding the coil, and a flow meter to measure a flow rate of liquid through the valve. The actuator includes a module that receives data from the first and second temperature sensors and from the flow meter, and determines, based on data received from the flow meter and temperature sensors, a likelihood that the liquid in the coil will freeze. The actuator operates the valve to allow a minimum flow of the liquid through the valve and coil during a potential freeze condition. The minimum flow is sufficient to prevent the liquid in the coil from freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Buildings, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Burt
  • Publication number: 20140223932
    Abstract: An apparatus harvests latent energy and water by adiabatically decompressing a controlled volume of atmospheric air to lower its pressure and temperature below the saturation point of included water vapor, thus causing the water vapor to change state to nonvaporous water and release to the decompressed air thermal energy associated with the change of state. The apparatus then extracts the nonvaporous water, leaving the released thermal energy in the decompressed air. The apparatus then recompresses the decompressed air, which will have a resulting temperature, and thus a thermal energy, greater than those of the initially ingested air, and harvests the recompressed air and its increased thermal energy. The apparatus can also humidify and warm atmospheric air before it is ingested to increase appreciably the amount of harvested thermal energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: The Aura Watch Co.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Thompson, Owen E. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8798449
    Abstract: A conduit (51) for a condensate removal pump is disclosed comprising a tubular member (47) having a profiled rim (53, 54) at a distal end, profiled such that only a portion of the rim lies in a plane located at the extreme distal end of the tubular member perpendicular to the axis of the tubular. A resilient membrane (52) which has a slit extends across the interior of the tubular member and is arranged to open, to allow water to pass, when water is drawn through the conduit. A combined sensor and suction tube assembly (50) is also disclosed comprising a tube (55), a self heating thermistor (56) coupled to the tube, and a relay means (69) to relay an operational parameter of the self heating thermistor, indicative of the presence of water, to a condensate removal pump. The combined sensor and suction tube assembly is sized to fit within a pipe having an inner diameter of 20 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Charles Austen Pumps Limited
    Inventor: Brian Howard Glover
  • Patent number: 8769969
    Abstract: A defrost bypass dehumidifier includes an air flow path with first, second and third segments in series from upstream to downstream and passing ambient air respectively to an evaporator coil then to a condenser coil and then discharging same. The air flow path has a bypass segment passing ambient air to the evaporator coil in parallel with the noted first air flow path segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Todd DeMonte, Scott E. Sloan, Steve S. Dingle, Timothy S. O'Brien, Phillip R. Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 8707719
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a refrigerant circuit, a switching valve, an outdoor fan and a controller. The refrigerant circuit sequentially circulates refrigerant through a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a decompression mechanism and an outdoor heat exchanger during a heating operation. The switching valve is connected to the refrigerant circuit to switch a flow direction of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. The controller executes a defrosting operation control in which the outdoor fan is deactivated and the switching valve directs refrigerant discharged from the compressor towards the outdoor heat exchanger during a defrosting operation. The controller further maintains the switching valve so refrigerant discharged from the compressor is directed towards the outdoor heat exchanger and executes a fan defrosting operation control in which the outdoor fan is rotated for a predetermined period of time after completion of the defrosting operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yamada, Tetsuya Ogasawara, Junichi Shimoda
  • Patent number: 8701433
    Abstract: A heat exchanger door system includes a heat exchanger and a first rotatable member, proximate to the heat exchanger, that rotates about an axis of rotation. The system includes a first door member rolled around the rotatable member and movable from a rolled position to an unrolled position in which the first door member covers more of the heat exchanger than when the door member is in the rolled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Cyril Haseldine, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140075979
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to air conditioning and other installations, in particular to the removal of condensate and other liquids. We describe a method of preventing siphoning of a liquid through a pump having an inlet and an outlet, which outlet is coupled to a discharge line; the method comprising providing an air inlet valve in the discharge line. We also describe an air-inlet valve comprising a valve body having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet and a through-bore therebetween further comprising an air-inlet in fluid communication with the through-bore. Preferably, the air-inlet comprises a non-return or one-way valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Aspen Bidco Limited
    Inventors: Joseph Rose, Robert Covey
  • Patent number: 8650892
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to extract water moisture from the atmosphere, highly purify and condition the extracted water, and provide beverages for human consumption. In one embodiment, the device collects water-vapor condensation from filtered intake air, and then subjects the condensate to a series of purification filters and to a sterilization process in order to produce drinking water. The system may then use the water produced to provide carbonated drinks, flavored drinks, coffee drinks, or ice. The system may also play music and charge a portable electronic device. The disclosed system may incorporate the variations in different combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: EcoloBlue, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ferreira, Henri-James Tieleman
  • Publication number: 20140033756
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance that includes a freezer compartment having a freezer compartment door, and a refrigeration compartment having at least one refrigeration compartment door. The appliance further includes a mullion with an exterior surface. The mullion divides the compartments and the exterior surface directs condensation toward a transfer point. The appliance may also include a cabinet that houses the compartments and has two sides, each with an exterior surface. Further, at least one exterior surface directs condensation toward a transfer point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: STEVEN JOHN KUEHL, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, GUOLIAN WU, MIANXUE WU
  • Publication number: 20140033757
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance that includes a freezer compartment, a refrigeration compartment having two doors, and a mullion having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The mullion is movably coupled to, and configured to swing behind, at least one of the doors when the two doors are moved to a closed position. The exterior surface of the mullion directs condensation toward a transfer point. The exterior surface may be configured with a hydrophilic surface to direct and control the condensation. The condensation may also be directed into a receptacle or a wicking structure arranged to facilitate evaporation of the unwanted condensate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: STEVEN JOHN KUEHL, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, GUOLIAN WU, MIANXUE WU
  • Patent number: 8640360
    Abstract: An overall restoration system useful in removing moisture from structures is provided. The contemplated system includes a power and control device, a series of sensors, and a number of various different drying equipment, all capable of communication with a remote server. The system is highly portable, flexible and cost-efficient to manufacture and operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen John Stamm, Eric Lynn Shark, Nicholas Brian O'Kane, Ray Chapman, E. Scott Geschwentner, Sean William Flickinger
  • Patent number: 8621880
    Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a heat exchanger which exchanges heat with air by passing a coolant therethrough; and an anti-freeze apparatus which prevents the freeze of water on the surface of the heat exchanger by supplying energy to the heat exchanger. The air conditioner can prevent the freeze of water on the surface of the heat exchanger during its operation, and thus, there is no need to perform a defrost operation during the operation of the air conditioner. In addition, the air conditioner can continuously and efficiently perform an air conditioning function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Won Seok Kim, Jie Seop Sim
  • Publication number: 20130340468
    Abstract: An air conditioning and water producing system includes a heat pumping unit and a membrane contactor in thermal communication with the heat pumping unit. The membrane contactor is configured such that a first brine flow is cooled by the heat pumping unit and diluted at the membrane contactor. A distiller is in thermal communication with the heat pumping unit and the membrane contactor such that a second brine flow is heated by the heat pumping unit and conveyed through the distiller. Thermal interaction between the second brine flow and the first brine flow flowing through the distiller extracts water from the second brine flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Zidu Ma
  • Patent number: 8607583
    Abstract: A portable, combination dehydrator, dry return air and condensed water generator/dispenser configured to alternately provide water from a reservoir of condensed water or from an alternative source of water. In one embodiment, the alternative source comprises a five-gallon bottle of water and the mounting for the bottle includes a removable cover for preventing contamination of the system when the bottle is not in place. In one embodiment, the system provides purified dry make-up air to a home or office air conditioning system and dehydration cabinet, while producing pure atmospheric condensation from humidity found in the air and purifying the air and water for breathing, dispensing and drinking purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: H2OLiquidair of Florida, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Morgan, Janet S. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20130312446
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerant composition having a reduced amount of comprehensive environmental load, in which the refrigerant composition has low GWP (direct impact on global warming is low), and has good energy efficiency (indirect impact on global warming is low) when used in a device. The present invention provides a refrigerant composition comprising 30 to 50 mass % of difluoromethane (HFC32) and 70 to 50 mass % of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO1234yf).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi SHIBANUMA, Yasufu YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20130305748
    Abstract: An icephobic coating is disposed on at least a cold side of a condenser in an environmental control system (ECS) of an aircraft. By applying the icephobic coatings to the condenser, the adhesive strength of the ice can be significantly reduced. As a result, it is difficult for ice to stick on the condenser. The vibration in the system and the force of the air flow can then knock the ice particles off of the condenser, resulting in reduced ice buildup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Sapan N. Shah, Hal J. Strumpf, Adel Elsayed, Vipul Patel
  • Patent number: 8584475
    Abstract: A self-contained water generation system is disclosed. The present system allows for the generation of water using only wind power and standard air conditioning components. A wind turbine drives, directly or indirectly, a compressor that compresses refrigerant and provides the refrigerant to a condenser and evaporator. During the evaporation of the refrigerant, water is condensed and collected for use. The components of the water generation system may be configured in a housing and movably mounted atop a column so that the housing can rotate about the column, allowing the wind turbine maximize the use of wind forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: George Scesney
  • Patent number: 8584476
    Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a heat exchanger which exchanges heat with air by passing a coolant therethrough; an anti-freeze apparatus which prevents the freeze of water on the surface of the heat exchanger by supplying energy to the heat exchanger; and a control unit which controls the anti-freeze apparatus according to operating conditions of the air conditioner. Therefore, the air conditioner can effectively prevent the freeze of water, if any, on the surface of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Won Seok Kim, Jie Seop Sim
  • Publication number: 20130291579
    Abstract: An evaporator (500) comprises a first header (501) defining one end formed with a first refrigerant port (5010), a second header (502) defining one end formed with a second refrigerant port (5020), heat-exchange tubes (503) each connected between the headers (501, 502) to communicate the headers (501, 502), fins (504) respectively interposed between adjacent heat-exchange tubes (503), and a defrosting tube (505) defining a first end connected to one of the headers (501, 502) to communicate with an interior of the one header. A position of the first end of the defrosting tube (505) is spaced apart from the one end of the one header by a predetermined distance. A refrigeration system comprises the evaporator. By providing the defrosting tube (505), defrosting speed is increased, defrosting time is shortened, and energy efficiency of the refrigeration system is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Qiang Gao, Yanxing Li
  • Patent number: 8522567
    Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a heat exchanger which exchanges heat with air by passing a coolant therethrough; an anti-freeze apparatus which prevents the freeze of water on the surface of the heat exchanger by supplying energy to the heat exchanger; and a heat generation unit which heats the heat exchanger. The air conditioner can minimize the need for a defrost operation and can thus continuously and effectively perform an air conditioning function even when water on the surface of the heat exchanger is frozen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Won Seok Kim, Jie Seop Sim
  • Patent number: 8516836
    Abstract: A method of adding refrigerant to an air conditioning system. The method includes measuring a first pressure inside of the air conditioning system and a second pressure inside of a container that holds refrigerant being added to the air conditioning system. The method also includes comparing the difference between the two measured pressures to empirical data in order to determine how long to pulse additional refrigerant into the air conditioning system. In addition, an apparatus configured to add refrigerant to an air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Service Solutions U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Mark McMasters, William Brown
  • Patent number: 8495822
    Abstract: A heat pump module and a drying apparatus having the same are provided. The heat pump module may include a housing, an evaporator provided in the housing that condenses humid air introduced into the housing via evaporation of a refrigerant, a condenser provided in the housing that heats the air having passed through the evaporator via condensation of the refrigerant, and at least one condensed water guide or remover provided in the housing that removes condensed water generated on a surface of the evaporator therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Na Eun Kim, Cheol Soo Ko, Young Min Kim
  • Patent number: 8468836
    Abstract: A portable cooling/heating unit for cooling/heating a product container. The unit includes a thermoelectric assembly, a housing, a front side fan, and a rear side fan. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device, a first heat sink, and a second heat sink. The housing maintains the first heat sink and front fan within a front side channel, and the second heat sink and rear fan within a rear side channel. The housing further forms a condensation passageway segment that facilitates fluid connection between the channels. During use, the unit is removably assembled to the container such that openings of the front side channel are fluidly within the container's interior region. Accumulated condensation is directed to the rear side channel and evaporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Tuszkiewicz, Mark Bedard
  • Publication number: 20130125574
    Abstract: One aspect provides a dehumidifier that has a dehumidifying circuit and includes an evaporator, a first portion of a condensing circuit, and a first blower configured to direct a first air stream along a first flow path and through the evaporator and the first portion of the condensing circuit, for reducing the humidity of the first air stream. The dehumidifier also comprises a heat removing circuit, comprising a second blower configured to direct a second air stream along a second flow path and through a second portion of the condensing circuit for removing heat from the second portion of the condensing circuit. The first and second condensing circuits are fluidly coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Robert B. Uselton, Mark Cree Jackson
  • Patent number: 8443868
    Abstract: An air/refrigerant heat exchanger includes a plurality of coiled tubes. A first tube of the plurality of coiled tubes has a phase change material therein. A second tube of the plurality of coiled tubes has a flow of cooled refrigerant flowing therethrough and the first tube is in thermal contact with the second tube. A third tube of the plurality of coiled tubes has a flow of air flowing therethrough and the third tube is in thermal contact with the first tube and the second tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: James W. Barnwell
  • Publication number: 20130104576
    Abstract: An air conditioner may include a plurality of indoor units and a plurality of outdoor units connected to the plurality of indoor units. Each of the plurality of outdoor units may include a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers. Each of the outdoor heat exchangers may include a plurality of heat exchanger parts. When a defrosting operation condition is satisfied during a heating operation, indicating that a defrosting operation should be performed the plurality of heat exchanger parts of the plurality of outdoor heat exchangers may successively perform the defrosting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Jaewan LEE
  • Patent number: 8429921
    Abstract: An apparatus and methodology are provided for advantageously increasing heat transfer between the evaporator/oil separator (“accumulator”) and condenser of a refrigerant recovery/recycling system, to increase the efficiency of the system and to simplify the system. Embodiments include a refrigerant recovery/recycling device comprising a compressor having a suction inlet and a discharge outlet; an accumulator fluidly connected to a refrigerant source and to the compressor suction inlet; a recovery tank fluidly connected to the compressor discharge outlet; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the recovery tank to the accumulator, for raising the temperature of the accumulator and lowering the temperature of the recovery tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Service Solutions U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Anwar Suharno, Dean P. Pfefferle, Craig Govekar
  • Patent number: 8402774
    Abstract: In apparatus to convert cryogenic fluid to gas, a vaporizer having passages to pass the cool or cold cryogenic fluid in heat transfer relation with warming gas flowing downwardly through the vaporizer, the vaporizer having surfaces on which ice collects and from which ice falls to the base of the vaporizer and collects in a pile, and removing fluid flow control means operating to direct flow of removing fluid at the ice pile with sufficient force to cause removal of such ice in the pile relative to the vaporizer base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cryoquip, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross M. Brown
  • Patent number: 8397526
    Abstract: In a controller for a refrigerating system including refrigerating machines and showcases, a showcase that is about to execute a defrost operation is detected on the basis of a defrost operation indicating information. When the controller receives a notification indicating start of the defrost operation from the showcase concerned or on the basis of a comparison result between a pre-stored defrost-operation start time and the present time, at least one of the refrigerating machines is instructed to reduce the output power thereof. When the showcase finishes the defrost operation, the at least one of the refrigerating machines is instructed to increase the output power thereof so that the output power of the refrigerating machine is set to stationary output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Matsuhashi, Tsuyoshi Kawaai, Ken Aoki
  • Patent number: 8356488
    Abstract: By cooling a metal plate, a water film is generated on a surface of the metal plate due to dew condensation, in a linear increase amount process and at before stage of saturation, the generation water is flipped off, and the generation water film is peeled off forcibly from the metal plate and water collection is carried out. It provides the metal plate, a cooler for cooling the metal plate, and a water film peeling-off mechanism for flipping off forcibly and peeling off forcibly the water film generated on the surface of the metal plate. A water collection metal plate wherein with the metal plate having the surface in which an effective surface of after processing is enlarged to a surface area before processing, the water film is generated to the surface of the metal plate by dew condensing moisture in atmosphere, the generation water film is flipped off forcibly and peeling off from the metal plate, thereby the water collection is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Hideya Koshiyama, Takuya Koshiyama
  • Publication number: 20130014533
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a refrigerator body having at least one storage compartment and an opening, and a main door for opening and closing the storage compartment, the main door also having an opening corresponding to a receiving compartment formed therein. A sub door may be provided to open and close the opening of the main door, and a gasket may be provided along an edge of a rear surface of the sub door to contact a front surface of the main door and seal an interior of the main door when the sub door is closed. A heat transfer member may extend from the inside of a side to the inside of a front surface of the main door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Hojin CHOI, Seokhoon KANG, Seongjin KIM, Youngnam KIM, Sanghu PARK
  • Patent number: 8347643
    Abstract: Various control methods are disclosed for removing moisture from the external surfaces of an evaporator in a refrigerant system to avoid moisture entering a conditioned space. In one embodiment, the evaporator fan is driven in a reverse direction, and the air is guided to the outdoor environment. In other embodiments, a supplemental exhaust fan is utilized in conjunction with the evaporator fan. Also, a reheat circuit, hot gas bypass circuit, or specific features of a heat pump unit may be utilized to more efficiently perform the moisture removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
  • Publication number: 20120324935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger arrangement including an air heat exchanger arranged in a thermally insulated housing chamber; a defrosting device; and a fan, wherein the housing chamber itself forms an air flow cavity and is segmented by the air heat exchanger into an inflow cavity and an outflow cavity, and wherein the air heat exchanger includes adjustable flaps which are configured on an air inlet side and on an air outlet side of the heat exchanger to regulate or block an airflow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Juergen Piechowski
  • Patent number: 8333082
    Abstract: An air conditioning system condensate collection pan or water leak containment pan electrical control switch includes a housing or frame for supporting a switch unit which includes an elongated actuator arm. The housing includes a slot disposed adjacent a distal end of the actuator arm for receiving a water soluble tablet engageable with the actuator arm to bias the arm into a predetermined position of the switch. Abnormal accumulation of condensate or leaking water dissolves the tablet and allows the actuator arm to move to a position to effect actuation of the switch. The switch may be connected to a control unit, a thermostat and/or to an alarm generator including a self-contained unit having battery powered audio and/or visual alarm devices, an on-off switch and a circuit test switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Joe D. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20120312033
    Abstract: A condenser evaporator system includes: a condenser constructed for condensing a gaseous refrigerant from the source of compressed gaseous refrigerant; a controlled pressure receiver for holding liquid refrigerant; a first liquid refrigerant feed line for conveying liquid refrigerant from the condenser to the controlled pressure receiver; an evaporator for evaporating liquid refrigerant; and a second liquid refrigerant feed line for conveying liquid refrigerant from the controlled pressure receiver to the evaporator. The condenser evaporator system can be provided as multiple condenser evaporator systems operating from a source of compressed gaseous refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Fred Lingelbach, John Lingelbach
  • Patent number: 8316660
    Abstract: A defrost bypass dehumidifier includes an air flow path with first, second and third segments in series from upstream to downstream and passing ambient air respectively to an evaporator coil then to a condenser coil and then discharging same. The air flow path has a bypass segment passing ambient air to the evaporator coil in parallel with the noted first air flow path segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Todd DeMonte, Scott E. Sloan, Steve S. Dingle, Timothy S. O'Brien, Phillip R. Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 8302412
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to extract water moisture from the atmosphere, highly purify and condition the extracted water, and provide beverages for human consumption. In one embodiment, the device collects water-vapor condensation from filtered intake air, and then subjects the condensate to a series of purification filters and to a sterilization process in order to produce drinking water. The system may then use the water produced to provide carbonated drinks, flavored drinks, coffee drinks, or ice. The system may also play music and charge a portable electronic device. The disclosed system may incorporate the variations in different combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: EcoloBlue, Inc.
    Inventors: Henri-James Tieleman, Wayne Ferreira
  • Patent number: 8272227
    Abstract: A method of adding refrigerant to an air conditioning system. The method includes measuring a first pressure inside of the air conditioning system and a second pressure inside of a container that holds refrigerant being added to the air conditioning system. The method also includes comparing the difference between the two measured pressures to empirical data in order to determine how long to pulse additional refrigerant into the air conditioning system. In addition, an apparatus configured to add refrigerant to an air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Mark McMasters, William Brown
  • Patent number: 8261565
    Abstract: A cooling system for transferring heat from a heat load to an environment has a volatile working fluid. The cooling system includes first and second cooling cycles that are thermally connected to the first cooling cycle. The first cooling cycle is not a vapor compression cycle and includes a pump, an air-to-fluid heat exchanger, and a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger. The second cooling cycle can include a chilled water system for transferring heat from the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger to the environment. Alternatively, the second cooling cycle can include a vapor compression system for transferring heat from the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A Borror, Franklin E DiPaolo, Thomas E Harvey, Steven M Madara, Reasey J Mam, Stephen C Sillato
  • Patent number: 8252174
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Jones, Therese A. Tant, Gregory A. Major, Frances H. James, Jeffrey M. Pleune
  • Patent number: 8245520
    Abstract: A method and a recovery container for collecting a hydrocarbon refrigerant are disclosed. The method includes releasing the hydrocarbon refrigerant from the refrigeration system, and collecting the released hydrocarbon refrigerant with a recovery container containing a hydrocarbon refrigerant adsorptive substance thereby binding the released hydrocarbon refrigerant to the hydrocarbon refrigerant adsorptive substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brent Alden Junge, Martin Mitchell Zentner, Alan Joseph Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8225619
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for rapidly removing frost accumulated in air-refrigerant cooling apparatuses. An air-refrigerant cooling apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a bypass line for directly supplying a defroster with refrigerant air having an increased temperature from a compressor, avoiding temperature drop by a heat exchanger and an expansion turbine. Moisture of the frost melted in the defroster is externally exhausted by a fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd, International Center for Environmental Technology Transfer
    Inventors: Seiichi Okuda, Masato Mitsuhashi
  • Patent number: 8196422
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at a solar powered heat exchange system preferably used to drive a water collection device, which condenses water vapor in atmospheric air to water. The device comprises means for drawing the atmospheric air into the device; means for condensing the moisture vapor in the atmospheric air into water; and means for collecting the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Jonathan G. Ritchey
  • Publication number: 20120104002
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a body having a storage space. The body includes an inner case having the storage space, an outer case having an inside surface spaced a predetermined gap from an outside surface of the inner case to house the inner case, a vacuum space provided between the inner case and the outer case sealed to maintain a vacuum state for heat insulating between the inner case and the outer case, a supporting portion provided to contact with the outside surface of the inner case and the inside surface of the outer case to maintain a spaced state of the vacuum space, and a dewing preventive unit adjacent to the supporting portion for preventing dewing from taking place at the outer case by suppressing surface temperature drop of the outer case caused by cold conducted from the inner case to the outer case through the supporting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Wonyeong Jung, Myungryul LEE, Sung JHEE
  • Patent number: 8162042
    Abstract: Condensate accumulating in the incoming outside air flow passages of a heat exchanger is fed back into the exhaust flow passages of the heat exchanger to provide improved heat transfer in the heat exchanger, and to avoid the necessity for drainage of the condensate from the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a plastic multi-tube panel core and a solid plastic housing, with opposed-flow heat exchange and inlet-outlet extensions from only one side of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Building Performance Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Klas C. Haglid
  • Publication number: 20120055180
    Abstract: An isolated cold plate refrigeration system provides a cargo compartment isolated from a cold plate compartment. A user defines the target temperature of the cargo compartment. When the temperature of the cargo compartment rises above the target temperature and cool air is required to reduce the temperature of the cargo compartment, a cold plate fan is activated to move air from the cold plate compartment to the cargo compartment and from the cargo compartment to the cold plate compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Johnson Truck Bodies, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald Larson, Larry Peterson, Patrick McCabe
  • Patent number: 8047014
    Abstract: A humidity control system (10) is disclosed which includes a refrigerant circuit (60). The refrigerant circuit (60) includes first and second absorbent-supported heat exchangers (61, 62) and performs a refrigeration cycle by the circulation of refrigerant. In addition, in the refrigerant circuit (60), the circulation direction of refrigerant is reversible. The first and second heat exchangers (61, 62) are disposed in a casing (11). In the humidity control system (10), the distribution route of air is changed such that a first air stream is passed through either one of the first and second heat exchangers (61, 61) that is functioning as an evaporator while a second air stream is passed through the other heat exchanger that is functioning as a condenser. A compressor (63), an expansion mechanism (65), and a four-way valve (64) in the refrigerant circuit (60) are disposed together with the heat exchangers (61, 62) in the casing (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Yabu, Shuji Ikegami, Yoshinori Narikawa
  • Patent number: 8028536
    Abstract: A portable, combination dehydrator, dry return air and condensed water generator/dispenser configured to alternately provide water from a reservoir of condensed water or from an alternative source of water. In one embodiment, the alternative source comprises a five-gallon bottle of water and the mounting for the bottle includes a removable cover for preventing contamination of the system when the bottle is not in place. In one embodiment, the system provides purified dry make-up air to a home or office air conditioning system and dehydration cabinet, while producing pure atmospheric condensation from humidity found in the air and purifying the air and water for breathing, dispensing and drinking purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: H2Oliquidair of Florida, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Morgan, Janet S. Morgan
  • Patent number: RE42907
    Abstract: Device for conditioning water produced by environmental conditioning or dehumidification apparatuses or plants, comprising a device (2) for measuring the quantity of water produced by a condenser (1) which transforms atmospheric humidity into water, a feeder (4) of a corrective composition of salts and mineral substances, preferably in the form of tablets (P), for dispensing at least one of them in proportion to the quantity of water measured, a mixing vessel (5) receiving the measured water and at least a tablet (P) provided by the feeder (4), a control and command unit (6) that activates the feeder (4) in proportion to the quantity of water measured and received, and a tank (7) for collecting and filtering the water provided with means (70) for filtering micro-organisms and bacteria and a valve (81) for the exit of potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Osman Akkad