With Means Preventing Or Handling Atmospheric Condensate Relative To Heat Absorber Patents (Class 62/272)
  • Publication number: 20110226000
    Abstract: A water-dispersing fan assembly for an air conditioner has a water-sputtering ring and a fan. The water-sputtering ring has an annular body and at least one set of multiple water-disturbing ribs formed on one or both of the annular outer surfaces. Each water-disturbing rib is curved and arranged substantially radially. The fan is connected coaxially to the water-sputtering ring and has a hub; multiple blades formed on and protrude radially from the hub and an annular bracket formed around the blades, arranged concentrically with the hub and connected to the water-sputtering ring so that the water-sputtering ring is mounted securely around the annular bracket. The water-dispersing fan assembly prevents condensed water of the air conditioner from dropping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Chiu
  • Patent number: 8015832
    Abstract: A refrigerant flow dividing apparatus of a heat exchanger for refrigerating apparatus is provided with a minimal number of refrigerant flow regulating valves and suppresses increase in the size and costs of the apparatus. Refrigerant is supplied to paths of the heat exchanger for refrigerating apparatus including a heat exchanger for reheat dehumidification via a refrigerant flow divider provided with paths. Each path of the refrigerant flow divider is provided with a refrigerant flow regulating valve, and a predetermined one of the refrigerant flow regulating valves of the paths also functions as a reheat dehumidification valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Setoguchi, Makoto Kojima
  • Patent number: 8011192
    Abstract: Method for defrosting an evaporator in a refrigeration circuit (2) for circulating a refrigerant in a predetermined flow direction, the refrigeration circuit (2) comprising in flow direction a compressor unit (4), a heat-rejecting heat exchanger (6), an expansion device (12) and an evaporator (14), wherein the evaporator (14) comprises at least two refrigerant conduits (42; 44) and the method comprises the following steps: (a) operating the refrigeration circuit (2) in the normal cooling mode where the refrigerant exiting the heat-rejecting heat exchanger (6) flows through the expansion device (12) and through the evaporator (14) and towards the compressor unit (4); (b) terminating the cooling mode by interrupting the flow of the refrigerant exiting the heat-rejecting heat exchanger (6) into the evaporator (14); and (c) directing hot gas refrigerant through only a portion of the refrigerant conduits (42; 44) of the evaporator (14) for defrosting the evaporator (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventor: Neelkanth S. Gupte
  • Patent number: 7997093
    Abstract: An air conditioner that adjusts the temperature in a target space includes a refrigerant circuit and a controller. The refrigerant circuit is configured by the interconnection of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, indoor expansion valves, and indoor heat exchangers. The controller adjusts the temperature such that predetermined temperature is reached in a target space. In addition, the controller judges the refrigerant quantity in the refrigerant circuit based on at least one value of operation state quantity of constituent equipment or refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit. The controller achieves a state in which the target space temperature satisfies a predetermined temperature condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Kasahara
  • Patent number: 7992401
    Abstract: An evaporator includes a plurality of flat heat exchange tubes arranged in a left-right direction at a spacing with the widthwise direction thereof pointing forward or rearward, and fins arranged between respective adjacent pairs of heat exchange tubes. The fins have at least front edges thereof projected forwardly outward beyond the heat exchange tubes. Assuming that the amount of projection of the fins beyond the heat exchange tubes is X mm and that the heat exchange tubes are Y mm in thickness in the left-right direction, i.e., in height, X and Y have the relationship of 0.11Y?X?1.0Y. The surfaces of the fins can be drained of condensation water efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventor: Naohisa Higashiyama
  • Publication number: 20110167858
    Abstract: A cold appliance, such as a refrigerator or a freezer, comprising a cabinet (101) having a cold compartment (104) and a cooling module (102). The cooling module comprises an air outlet (43) delivering cooled air to the cold compartment, an air inlet (44) receiving air from the cold compartment, an evaporator (33), and an evaporator fan (42), which generates an air flow from the air inlet, through the evaporator, and out of the air outlet. The cooling module further comprises a pre-defrost device (47), which is arranged adjacent to the evaporator, such that the air from the cold compartment is guided by the pre-defrost device before reaching the evaporator such that at least some humidity in the air sticks to the pre-defrost device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET ELECTROLUX
    Inventors: Bernt Andersson, Klas Andersson
  • Patent number: 7954335
    Abstract: An atmospheric water harvester includes a cooling member over which humid air flows to condense moisture from the atmosphere. The cooling member may be the evaporator of a conventional, gas vapor-based refrigeration circuit. If a gas vapor-based refrigeration circuit is used, the compressor of the circuit may be variable speed. A fan or impeller used to move air through the system may also be variable speed. Preferred embodiments are reconfigurable between at least two operational configurations such that to varying degrees the incoming air may be pre-cooled, before it passes over the cooling member, by heat exchange with colder air that has already flowed over the cooling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Water Generating Systems LLC
    Inventors: James W. Hill, Christopher G. Preston, Michael D. Max, Allen C. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20110126570
    Abstract: A cold appliance, such as a domestic refrigerator or freezer, comprising a cabinet (101) having a cold compartment (104), and a cooling module (102). The cooling module comprises an air outlet (43) delivering cooled air to the cold compartment, an air inlet (44) receiving air from the cold compartment, an evaporator (33), and an evaporator fan (42), which generates an air flow from the air inlet, through the evaporator, and to the air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET ELECTROLUX
    Inventors: Bernt Andersson, Klas Andersson
  • Publication number: 20110126571
    Abstract: A cold appliance, such as a household refrigerator or freezer, comprising a cabinet (101) and a cooling module (102) and a cabinet panel for a household cold appliance. The cabinet comprises cabinet panels including two opposite side wall panels (1), a rear wall panel (4), and a top part (2), which are connected essentially perpendicular to each other by means of mechanical and/or glue joints. Each cabinet panel comprises an inner sheet (9), an outer sheet (8) and an intermediary layer (17) of a foamed insulating material, wherein each cabinet panel has an inner surface, an outer surface, and four edge surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET ELECTROLUX
    Inventors: Anders Selin, Marko Tapio Jokila, Sven Blomberg, Bernt Andersson
  • Publication number: 20110126569
    Abstract: A cold appliance comprising a cabinet (101) comprising two opposite side wall panels (1), a rear wall panel (4), a top part (2), a bottom part (103), and a door (6). Each panel comprises an inner sheet (9), an outer sheet (8) and an intermediary layer (17) of a foamed insulating material. Each cabinet panel has an inner surface, an outer surface, and four edge surfaces, wherein the side wall panels, the rear wall panel, the top part, and the bottom part are assembled to form a cold compartment (104), which is closable with the door. The cold appliance (100) further comprises a profiled bar (23), mounted at an edge surface (16) at a front frame portion of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET ELECTROLUX
    Inventors: Anders Selin, Sven Blomberg, Marko Tapio Jokila, Bernt Andersson
  • Patent number: 7927406
    Abstract: The water droplet generating system includes a vessel, an opening/closing valve, a moisture absorbent member, and a condenser portion. The vessel has an opening portion. The opening/closing valve opens and closes the opening portion. The water absorbent member absorbs and releases water vapor depending on a change of humidity. The condenser portion is communicated with the inside of the vessel and cools water vapor released from the moisture absorbent member to be at a dew point of water vapor or less. When the opening portion is opened, the moisture absorbent member absorbs water vapor in atmosphere. When the opening portion is closed, the moisture absorbent member releases water vapor, and the condenser portion condenses water vapor, which is released from the moisture absorbent member, to generate a water droplet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yukihisa Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7913499
    Abstract: A heat exchanger having a plurality of heat exchanging aluminum fins with hydrophilic condensing surfaces which are stacked and clamped between two cold plates. The cold plates are aligned radially along a plane extending through the axis of a cylindrical duct and hold the stacked and clamped portions of the heat exchanging fins along the axis of the cylindrical duct. The fins extend outwardly from the clamped portions along approximately radial planes. The spacing between fins is symmetric about the cold plates, and are somewhat more closely spaced as the angle they make with the cold plates approaches 90°. Passageways extend through the fins between vertex spaces which provide capillary storage and communicate with passageways formed in the stacked and clamped portions of the fins, which communicate with water drains connected to a pump externally to the duct. Water with no entrained air is drawn from the capillary spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Orbital Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Thomas, Yonghui Ma, Andrew North, Mark M. Weislogel
  • Patent number: 7895850
    Abstract: A method of operating a reversible heat pump system includes steps of sensing an outdoor air temperature with a first sensor and sensing at least one condition of an outdoor heat exchanger coil with a second sensor. Input from the first and second sensors is then electronically analyzed to predict when frosting may occur on an outdoor heat exchanger coil. A proportioning reversing valve is modulated in response to this analysis in order to direct a controlled proportional backpressure flow of pressurized refrigerant from a pressure side of a compressor into the outdoor heat exchanger coil while pressurized refrigerant is continued to be supplied to an indoor heat exchanger coil. As a result, the pressure and temperature of refrigerant within the outdoor heat exchanger coil is raised to at least an extent necessary to prevent frosting on the outdoor heat exchanger coil. The steps are preferably performed continuously in a feedback control loop during operation of the reversible heat pump system as a heat pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Comforture, L.P.
    Inventor: William J. Kitsch
  • Publication number: 20110041526
    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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Seiichi OKUDA, Masato MITSUHASHI
  • Patent number: 7886557
    Abstract: A water producing system adapted to condense water from the air and collected in a storage tank were the water is purified and bacteria is killed. An additive device is configured to supplement additives to the water such as minerals. An additive control system supplements the water and controls the amount of additives therein. One form of killing the bacteria is utilizing an ozone injection system with a filter system to remove the ozone before the water is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Everest Water, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rae Anderson, Keith White
  • Patent number: 7886548
    Abstract: A portable cooling system for use in conjunction with child carriages incorporating a reservoir of ice and a water pump that directs chilled water through a dehumidifying radiator located in an air handler assembly is herein disclosed. The water continues to circulate through two (2) cooling radiators and returns to the ice and water reservoir by gravity. An electric fan blows air through the radiators where it is dehumidified by the first radiator and cooled by the next two (2) radiators. The air then continues through the air handler wherefrom it is directed toward the child through a flexible duct. A rechargeable battery system is used to power the operation of both the pump and the fan through separate switches. Such an arrangement allows the user to run just the fan for ventilation if cooling is not needed. The cooling system is carried upon the rear of a baby carriage in a stable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel A. Graves
  • Patent number: 7878019
    Abstract: A one-piece liquid-level float switch housing and drain line assembly for use with a collection tray or pan to collect condensate and shut off the source of condensate production when it exceeds a pre-established threshold level. The assembly is configured for rapid connection through a pre-formed drain line opening in the perimeter wall of a condensate collection tray/pan to place the deployable float body within its housing in a level orientation relative to the tray/pan without additional leveling adjustment. The housing has an open bottom and vertically-extending slots providing fluid inlet, debris blocking, and air venting functions for enhanced float body operation. The condensate pan/tray used with the assembly has a nesting configuration that includes a perimeter wall with varying combinations of gussets, curved ribs, angled corner configurations, and support shelves, and a central bottom surface with raised patterns, all of which strengthen the tray/pad during installation and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Ralph Cantolino
  • Patent number: 7861544
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a system designed to extract water moisture from the atmosphere, highly purify and condition the extracted water, and provide optional carbonation of the extracted water for human consumption. In one embodiment, the device collects water-vapor condensation from filtered intake air, then subjects the condensate to a series of purification filters and to a sterilization process in order to produce drinking water, while also providing a means to combine the purified water with CO2 gas to facilitate dispensing carbonated water and/or carbonated drinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: EcoloBlue, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ferreira, Henri-James Tieleman
  • Patent number: 7861543
    Abstract: A method of preventing water carryover to an object cooled by an air flow from a cooling device includes receiving at least one representation of a relative humidity of the air flow, and preventing water carryover to the object by adjusting at least one cooling parameter of the cooling device based, at least in part, on the relative humidity. Further embodiments and cooling systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Ring Carlsen, Ole Mølgaard Christensen
  • Publication number: 20100326101
    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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: George Scesney
  • Patent number: 7854141
    Abstract: A self-contained air-conditioning unit is modified to effect conservation of energy during operation of the unit. Refrigerant is moved along a refrigerant circuit for circulation through a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator within a housing which includes a base. The evaporator is raised above the base a distance sufficient to enable collection of condensate from the evaporator and transfer of the collected condensate by gravity to a condensate reservoir tray located adjacent the base. A heat exchange conduit is inserted into the refrigerant circuit, between the compressor and the condenser, and is placed in the condensate reservoir tray so as to be immersed in the condensate transferred to the condensate reservoir tray for enabling transfer of heat from the heat exchange conduit to condensate in the condensate reservoir tray during operation of the air-conditioning unit, thereby reducing the amount of energy needed to operate the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph G. Breen
  • Publication number: 20100275630
    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: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Todd DeMonte, Scott E. Sloan, Steve S. Dingle, Timothy S. O'Brien, Phillip R. Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 7793508
    Abstract: The modular arrangement of refrigerated dryers is achieved by combining refrigerated dryers in groups to produce a combined refrigerator dryer capacity. A common air inlet and/or common air outlet for the dryer is provided, along with a common controller. A cabinet to house the dryers may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Flair Corporation
    Inventor: Ingo K. Radisch
  • Patent number: 7793711
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes an air-conditioning ECU. The air-conditioning ECU performs a cooling mode operation in which air is cooled by an interior heat exchanger in a cooling refrigeration cycle. The air-conditioning ECU performs a heating mode operation, in which air is heated by the interior heat exchanger in a hot gas heater cycle. The air-conditioning ECU performs an air blowing operation in which air is blown toward an inner surface of a windshield of the vehicle without operating the compressor before performing a refrigerant collecting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaya Ichikawa, Kazuhiro Togaru, Yoshihisa Tsuchiya, Ryoji Ehara
  • Publication number: 20100212334
    Abstract: A 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 fourth segment passing ambient air to the condenser coil in parallel with the noted second air flow path segment. A bypass door is configured to selectively block air flow along the fourth segment and allow air flow along the fourth segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Todd DeMonte, Scott E. Sloan, Steven S. Dingle, Timothy S. O'Brien, Phillip R. Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 7779643
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus that improve the effectiveness of a compression-based refrigeration cycle dehumidifier by allocating thermally distinct sections of the condenser to different air flows are disclosed. A bypass opening and divider plate direct ambient air to the refrigerant inlet section of the condenser. Air that has been cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator is directed to the rest of the condenser, with the air from the refrigerant outlet section of the evaporator being preferentially directed downstream, in the refrigerant flow path sense, from that section of the condenser already allocated to the ambient air coming from the bypass opening. The flows of ambient air and dehumidified air can be adjusted to improve moisture removal rates and avoid blockage of the evaporator by freezing of the condensate onto the evaporator. The system may also be used to remove condensates other than water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Everett Simons
  • Publication number: 20100205994
    Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus includes: a storage compartment, an air-circulating member, a refrigerating unit, and an electric field-generating unit. The storage compartment has an evaporator-side region and a cooling-side region. The air-circulating member is disposed to establish an air circulation path in which a to-be-cooled air flows from the cooling-side region to the evaporator-side region along an onward flow route, and in which a cooled air flows from the evaporator-side region back to the cooling-side region along a backward flow route. The refrigerating unit includes an evaporator disposed in the evaporator-side region, a compressor, and an expansion valve. The electric field-generating unit is disposed to impose a DC voltage over the onward flow route so as to minimize cohesion of water droplets in the evaporator-side region, thereby reducing phenomenon of frosting on the conduit body of the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Mao-Chuan KO
  • Publication number: 20100199698
    Abstract: A refrigeration device having an insulated interior in which at least one refrigerated component part, such as an evaporator, is located and wherein the surface of the component part has a tendency to ice up. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the surface tending to ice up is provided with a coating comprising organic substances which restrict or limit the growth of ice crystals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventor: Tetyana Lapchenko
  • Publication number: 20100192596
    Abstract: A system and method of providing a temperature controlled gaseous medium for dermatological applications is described. The gaseous medium may be cooled and applied to an area such as a skin area to provide an analgesic effect thereon. The system and method also include an automated defrost cycle for minimizing the effects of decreased hydraulic diameter due to freezing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Tony Quisenberry, Niran Balachandran, Sam K. McSpadden, Christopher Alan Polser
  • Patent number: 7726138
    Abstract: A water production system (1) for making potable water (7) in an environment of humid tropical air (6) and cold deep ocean water (8) comprising a heat exchanger (2), means for controlling (3) the volume of the deep ocean water (2) passing through the heat exchanger (2) based on the amount of heat absorbed by the heat exchanger (2) in the process of condensing water vapor (7a) from the humid air (6), and means for enhancing (4) the rate of at which water vapor (7a) is condensed including a positive air pressure dome (9) system for enhancing the humidity, condensation rate, and water quality, and a continuous coil (2a) disposed in the flow of humid air (6) to condense additional potable water (7), and means for vibrating (38) elements of the system to increase condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Richard J. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20100101255
    Abstract: By means of the front panel structure having the insulating layer according to the embodiment of the present invention, the phenomenon that frost is formed on a structure in a freezing chamber is preferably reduced even though outside air is introduced while opening/closing a freezing chamber door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: LG Electronic Inc.
    Inventor: Jin-Koo Park
  • Publication number: 20100095697
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner coated by the coating composition to the resin-made components where due formation occurs upon the cooling operation, provides the antifouling performance against various stains, restrains enlargement of droplet, and provides an excellent long-term durability (sticking property and peeling off property) all at the same time. The air conditioner of the present embodiment forms a coating film 103 to surfaces of resin-made components and resin-made components installed to a rear flow side of the heat exchanger, includes the silica ultrafine particles 101 and the fluororesin particles 102, and provides, within the coating film 103, a silica film 104 comprising the silica ultrafine particles and the fluororesin particles 102 partially exposed from a surface of the silica film 104 in dots, and an exposed area of the silica film 104 is greater than an exposed area of the fluororesin particles 102.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Reiji Morioka, Yoshinori Yamamoto, Yasuhiro Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20100095695
    Abstract: An electrical energy use saving system for the sales of purchasable amounts of beer, soda, bottled water, meat, vegetables, fruit, dairy, eggs or seafood products kept in a walk-in cooler, reach-in cooler or display case whose temperature is to be maintained includes a compressor, a thermostat, a suction fan and a thermometer in a network by which the cooler or case is cooled by outdoors ambient air when outside temperatures are cold and where the cooler or case is cooled by the compressor when outside temperatures are warm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Adel Halaka
  • Publication number: 20100071388
    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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Hideya Koshiyama, Takuya Koshiyama
  • Patent number: 7665317
    Abstract: A method for controlling the defrost of an evaporator in a refrigeration appliance provided with a compressor and in which a temperature sensor (TP) is used for detecting the temperature inside a cell of the appliance, comprises the steps of estimating the temperature of the evaporator on the basis of the cell temperature (TP) and of a mathematical model of the refrigeration appliance, and controlling the compressor on the basis of the estimated temperature of the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Alessandro Boer, Raffaele Paganini, Rocco Petrigliano
  • Patent number: 7640759
    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: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Joe D. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20090235676
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for providing purified water, the system including a water vapor condenser, a separate water purifier, and piping coupling the condenser to the water purifier, the water purifier being distanced from the condenser sufficiently to provide noise insulation. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water purifier is sufficiently distanced from the condenser to permit placing the condenser in a location having higher humidity than the location of the water purifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: ELI SHAFIR
  • Publication number: 20090188270
    Abstract: In an ultra-low temperature freezer (R) using refrigerant mixture in which plural kinds of refrigerants having different boiling points are mixed, in order to ensure the flow rate of liquid refrigerant into a supercooler (31) and enhance the cooling efficiency of a cryocoil (32), the ultra-low temperature freezer (R) comprises: a main refrigerant circuit (38) provided with the cryocoil (32) and a capillary tube (29); and a sub refrigerant circuit (39) that is connected at the upstream end to the upstream end of the main refrigerant circuit (38) to branch off therefrom and provided with a capillary tube (28), and the ultra-low temperature freezer (R) is configured so that the sub refrigerant circuit (39) is lower in height than the main refrigerant circuit (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Takahashi, Masafumi Yagi, Hiromasa Shimizu, Akira Tomozawa, Masahiko Ikeda, Masahito Shiono
  • Patent number: 7559204
    Abstract: An improved water generating device is provided for extracting water vapor from ambient air circulated therethrough. The device comprises an air pathway, a fan, a peltier module, a collection reservoir, and a heat sink. The air pathway defines first and second sections. A cold side of the peltier module is disposed in the first section and a hot side of the peltier module, whereto the heat sink is attached, is disposed in the second section of the peltier module. The fan draws the ambient air into the air pathway, and the cold side of the peltier module extracts water vapor out of the ambient air, which collects as water in the collection reservoir. The heat sink is partially disposable in the water and also includes a capillary tube which draws the water thereinto. Additional water vapor is extracted from the air, creating substantially dry air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventors: Mehdi Hatamian, Mehrtosh A. Ghalebi
  • Patent number: 7555914
    Abstract: An air conditioning system. The system may include one or more of fan covers, each having a customized filter placed directly on an open sidewall, a main drain pan with air pockets that act as insulation, an auxiliary drain pan that can be reduced in shape for receiving runoff from the main drain pan, and a self-cleaning mechanism for cleaning the main filter of an air conditioning unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Il Yoo Davis
  • Publication number: 20090165485
    Abstract: A hybrid dehumidification system uses both mechanical cooling and ventilation to control humidity under control of a system which selects the best mode of operation under a given set of conditions. A purge mode using 100% outside air and exhaust is also supported to decontaminate a space. Either a single large plate heat exchanger or multiple small plate heat exchangers may be employed in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Walter Stark
  • Publication number: 20090159751
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature heat exchange surfaces having a layer or coating having a lower surface tension than water, to repel water and prevent the formation of condensate on said surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: WATERS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Douglas P. Wittmer, Joseph Kareh, Theodore D. Ciolkosz, Joseph A. Jarrell
  • Patent number: 7543458
    Abstract: A portable vapor cycle air conditioning unit for small aircraft includes a single portable module housing an evaporator, a condenser and cooling coils operably connected together. The module is designed to be positioned within a cabin of the small aircraft so that cabin air is drawn into a cabin air inlet in the module, passes over the cooling coils, and is expelled through a cabin air outlet. Air ducts are coupled to the module for conveying fresh air from a window of the small aircraft and waist heat air to a window of the small aircraft. A blower in the module is coupled to direct the fresh air over the condenser and direct the waist heat out through the window. A venturi system in the module is positioned to draw condensate from the evaporator and expel the condensate with the waist heat air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: James Wurth
  • Patent number: 7540166
    Abstract: A 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 fourth segment passing ambient air to the condenser coil in parallel with the noted second air flow path segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy S. O'Brien, Steve S. Dingle
  • Publication number: 20090126387
    Abstract: In one aspect, a dehumidifier is provided for installation in an air duct of an HVAC system. The air duct has air flowing therethrough controlled by a blower of the HVAC system. The dehumidifier includes an enclosure, which includes a compressor connected to an evaporator and a condenser. The evaporator has a first air flow rate for the air flowing therethrough. The condenser has a second air flow rate for the air flowing therethrough, wherein the second air flow rate is higher than the first air flow rate. In another aspect, the evaporator has a first air impingement surface area for the air flowing therethrough. The condenser has a second air impingement surface area for the air flowing therethrough, wherein the air impingement surface area is larger than the first air impingement surface area. Another aspect is drawn to a system wherein a dehumidifier is installed in an air duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Dinh Research LLC
    Inventor: Khanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7467523
    Abstract: An autonomous water source (AWS) for extracting water from ambient air and delivering it to a plant to support growth. The system is based on an adsorption-desorption-condensation (ADC) cycle using a sorption material to extract moisture from ambient air and condensing the water vapor driven off from the sorption material by subsequent heating and followed by condensation. Liquid condensate produced in this process on the condenser is collected and delivered by gravity to a plant to reduce thermal stress and to support growth. The invention provides a sustainable source of irrigation water for agriculture and forestry, including areas where no water resources exist or are not economically viable. It can be tailored in size, and therefore, output capacity, reflecting the desired water requirements of a particular application, and can be used to replace most agricultural situations now reliant on surface water drip feed systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Aqwest, LLC
    Inventors: Jan Vetrovec, Katerina Vetrovec
  • Publication number: 20080256970
    Abstract: Utilizing condensing/defrosting water as additional coolant to cool the condenser coil makes cooling systems such as refrigerator, air conditioner, etc more energy efficient and reduces the possibility of condensing/defrosting water overflow from condensate collection pan. The compressed media flowing from bottom to top of the condenser coil makes more water evaporate. By introducing the working interval of cooling system makes the cooling system more energy efficient by optimally utilizing the low temperature condensing/defrosting water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Zhihan Huang
  • Publication number: 20080245090
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating water by condensation of the ambient moisture contained in the ambient air surrounding a thermally insulated sealed case housing a means for maintaining a low temperature. The invention also comprises a coil means which is divided into numerous segments, of which some pass through the interior of the sealed case and others extend externally around all sides thereof, such as to form a closed circuit with a receptacle containing an anti-freeze heat-transfer liquid. The invention further comprises a pulse pump which is disposed in the circuit, a cooler which cools the interior of the sealed case when the internal temperature rises and a turbine for driving air into the case. The assembly is enclosed in an external casing and is equipped with a tray for collecting the condensed water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Jose Valle Ocon
  • Patent number: 7430877
    Abstract: A packaged air conditioner or heat pump unit is provided with an elongated removable drain pan having an inner longitudinal portion that underlies and receives condensate falling from the portion of the unit's indoor coil positioned within the conditioned air flow through the unit. An outer longitudinal portion of the drain pan underlies tubing portion return bends of the coil positioned outside of the conditioned air flow and separated from the inner longitudinal pan portion by a vertical dividing wall having a small condensate transfer hole therein. During cooling operation of the unit, the unit blower creates a negative pressure inwardly adjacent the hole which draws return bend condensation from the outer longitudinal pan portion into the inner longitudinal pan portion for drainage outwardly therefrom, with the condensate received from the balance of the coil, via a drain line connected to the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bradford B. Davenport, Kenneth D. Frederick, Neil D. Hurt
  • Patent number: 7412836
    Abstract: A humidity controller apparatus comprises: a first heat exchange chamber (69) for accommodating a first heat exchanger (3), an adsorbent material being supported on a surface of said first heat exchanger (3); and a second heat exchange chamber (73), formed adjacently to said first heat exchange chamber (69), for accommodating a second heat exchanger (5), an adsorbent material being supported on a surface of said second heat exchanger (5). A first air inflow passage (63) and a first air outflow passage (65) are formed along one end surface in a thickness direction in which respective one surfaces of said two heat exchange chambers (69, 73) continue and which are arranged in a superimposed manner in the thickness direction of both said heat exchange chambers (69, 73).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Ikegami, Takahisa Sueoka, Tomohiro Yabu