Means Contacting Heat Absorber With Fluid Strange To System Patents (Class 62/282)
  • Patent number: 11762403
    Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring an aseptic manufacturing process includes product condition sensors capable of making closely spaced measurements of a product condition such as temperature or humidity. The measurements are made using closely spaced sensors arranged in a linear array on a single probe, which may be used to take measurements at multiple levels within the product. Data from the sensors is transmitted to a data collection point via short range wireless digital communications. The sensors may be used to measure temperature and humidity at a single point. For example, when the sensors are used in pharmaceutical freeze drying, the location of a sublimation front may be calculated for each vial, and the freeze drying process may be controlled using the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: IMA LIFE NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Brower, Arnab Ganguly, Ernesto Renzi, Francis W. Demarco, Michele Arduini
  • Patent number: 11634681
    Abstract: An incubator for cell and tissue culture under controlled atmospheric conditions has a primary air flow control device that forms a primary, preferably laminar flow, air veil across an opening that allows access to the cells or tissue cultures disposed within the incubator. Preferably, most if not all of the air in the primary (laminar flow) air veil is recirculated, and a secondary air flow control device is used that forms a secondary, preferably laminar flow, air veil between the primary (laminar flow) air veil and a user of the incubator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: EMBRIENT, INC.
    Inventors: Royal Q. Le, Barry E. Rothenberg, Kyong-su Son
  • Patent number: 11609587
    Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring an aseptic manufacturing process includes product condition sensors capable of making closely spaced measurements of a product condition such as temperature or humidity. The measurements are made using closely spaced sensors arranged in a linear array on a single probe, which may be used to take measurements at multiple levels within the product. Data from the sensors is transmitted to a data collection point via short range wireless digital communications. The sensors may be used to measure temperature and humidity at a single point. For example, when the sensors are used in pharmaceutical freeze drying, the location of a sublimation front may be calculated for each vial, and the freeze drying process may be controlled using the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: IMA LIFE NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Brower, Arnab Ganguly, Ernesto Renzi, Francis W. Demarco, Michele Arduini
  • Patent number: 11597257
    Abstract: A transport refrigeration system, a control method therefor and an electric transport vehicle are provided by the present disclosure. The control method for the transport refrigeration system includes: if a ratio of a current battery charge amount to a minimum battery charge amount is not less than a first preset value, controlling power consuming units in the transport refrigeration system to operate in a power-unrestricted state; and if the ratio of the current battery charge amount to the minimum battery charge amount is less than the first preset value, controlling the power consuming units in the transport refrigeration system to operate in a power-restricted state; wherein the power-restricted state is associated with the ratio of the current battery charge amount to the minimum battery charge amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Linhui Chen, Yiming Wen, Pu Zheng
  • Patent number: 11565575
    Abstract: Technologies are provided for preventing a working fluid leak from pooling and thus diluting any leaked working fluid from air within a condenser and/or evaporator compartment of the CCU. This can include a computer-readable medium that stores executable instructions that, upon execution, prevent a working fluid leak from pooling within a climate-control unit (CCU) of a transport climate control system. This also includes detecting fulfillment of activation threshold conditions in connection with the CCU. Also, this includes activating a fan in at least one of a condenser unit and an evaporator unit included in the CCU to dilute leaked working fluid from air within the CCU. Further, this includes detecting fulfillment of de-activation threshold conditions and de-activation of an activated fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Thermo King LLC
    Inventors: David J. Renken, Tony Spetz
  • Patent number: 10302339
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a refrigeration circuit having a condenser and a heat circulation system for heating an element of the refrigeration appliance. The heat circulation system includes a heat conducting region. A heat exchanging element includes the condenser and the heat conducting region. The condenser and the heat conducting region in the heat exchanger element are thermally coupled in order to output heat from the refrigeration circuit to the heat conducting region of the heat circulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Oscar De La Rosa, Niels Liengaard, Sascha Steininger
  • Publication number: 20140299707
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a condensation control system features a dew point analyzer, a fluid system, and a condensation control engine. The dew point analyzer provides a dew point temperature measurement of environmental conditions outside a fluid line having a refrigerant flowing therein. The fluid system provides a flow of insulating fluid to an insulation chamber at least partially separating the fluid line from environmental conditions outside the fluid line. The condensation control engine instructs the fluid system to provide the flow of insulating fluid to the insulation chamber at a temperature such that the temperature of the insulating fluid exiting the insulation chamber is greater than the dew point temperature measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Gary S. Conway
  • Patent number: 8833092
    Abstract: In one example, we describe reliable, flexible, low-maintenance, low-overhead, low-cost installation, practical, and easy-to-install structures and components or techniques (methods and systems) for water capture from high humidity sources, e.g., sea or river, for use or consumption by humans, animals, or plants/agriculture/food production. In one example, it is modularized. Thus, it is easier for transportation and maintenance, with less cost and down-time. For example, it can be used in some regions in the Middle East or Africa, with dry land with no or small amount of rain. In one example, we describe the use of renewable energy sources. In one example, we describe the control system for operation of water collection and distribution systems, e.g., for optimization and efficiency or cost. We also describe the mechanisms, techniques, components, and systems to implement various tasks and goals related to these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Cyrus Sobhani, Saied Tadayon, Bijan Tadayon
  • Publication number: 20140109601
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a low energy defrost system and method for melting frost formed on an evaporator of a cooling system for the refrigerator. The low energy defrost system includes using air from the refrigerator compartment or external air adjacent the refrigerator to be directed to the evaporator and passed adjacent the evaporator coils to melt any frost formed thereon. As the air is above freezing temperature, it will melt any frost formed on the coils without the need of use an electrical heater. Re-cooled air from the melted frost may then be directed back into the refrigerator compartment to be used to aid in cooling the refrigerator compartment or keeping the refrigerator compartment at the programmed or predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: PATRICK J. BOARMAN
  • Publication number: 20130111939
    Abstract: A method and a device for decreasing moisture in a gas in a housing interior, in particular in a battery housing interior, include a gas having a lower proportion of water vapor than the gas in the housing interior. The gas having the lower proportion of water vapor is generated by a drying device and introduced into the housing interior. The method and the device further include a gas being discharged out of the housing interior such that the housing interior is at least partially filled with the gas having the lower proportion of water vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Xiaofeng Yan
  • Patent number: 8322152
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for detecting ice crystal formation on a heat exchange surface in an ice-making machine comprises at least one microphone monitoring the sound made by a rotating blade assembly within the ice-making machine during ice slurry formation. A filter filters the output of the microphone to remove background noise. A comparator receives the output of the filter and compares the filtered microphone output with a threshold to determine if the filtered microphone output signifies ice crystal formation on the heat exchange surface. The operation of the ice-making machine can then be adjusted in a manner to allow the formed ice crystals to be removed from the heat exchange surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Sunwell Engineering Company Limited
    Inventor: Vladimir Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20110225995
    Abstract: A system may include an apparatus for defrosting and/or clearing debris from a refrigeration component using pressurized dry air. The apparatus may include an air compressor that generates pressurized air. The air may be filtered (before or after compressing) to remove moisture and/or other contaminants to thereby generate pressurized dry air. The apparatus may include a reservoir, coupled to the air compressor, for storing the pressurized dry air. The reservoir may be coupled to one or more air distribution manifolds coupled to the reservoir. Each of the one or more air distribution manifolds may be coupled to an air discharge component such as an air pipe or tube. The air discharge component may receive the pressurized air from the air exhaust and may discharge the pressurized air through a plurality of orifices to the refrigeration component thereby defrosting and/or clearing debris from the refrigeration component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Ying Ming Pao
  • Publication number: 20110154845
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a refrigerating cycle including a compressor (10) compressing a refrigerant, an indoor heat exchanger (30) exchanging heat between the refrigerant and indoor air, a pressure-reducing expansion valve (50) reducing pressure of and expanding the refrigerant, and an outdoor heat exchanger (60) exchanging heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air. The air conditioner further has a base plate (70) arranged below the outdoor heat exchanger (60) and having a drain outlet (71) formed at a position opposing an undersurface of the outdoor heat exchanger (60). Between the outdoor heat exchanger (60) and the base plate (70), a freeze prevention pipe (41) is disposed in a manner, in plan view, to at least partially pass inside the region of the drain outlet (71). The freeze prevention pipe (41) is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger (60) and the indoor heat exchanger (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Kenji Ashida
  • Patent number: 7886558
    Abstract: A non-stick coating, which inhibits frozen moisture accumulation, is applied to exterior exposed portions of heating and cooling systems where ice or other frozen moisture can accumulate and impair system design operational efficiencies; where heat exchange tubing and fins are downwardly sloped or angled; where an optional capillary tube/plate means/design, which plate has an exterior surface that is comprised of at least one of raised dots, ridges, trenches, and a flat surface is utilized; with an optional protective shell encasement which can be shaped to provide a vena contracta effect; with an optional electric fan to enhance airflow for heat exchange; with an optional electric vibrator to enhance inhibition of frozen moisture accumulation; with a downwardly sloped base to direct falling frozen moisture away from the heat exchange equipment; for use in conjunction with an air source heat pump system, an evaporative cooling system or a chiller, or as a supplement to a water-source heat pump system or to a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Earth To Air Systems, LLC
    Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
  • Patent number: 7765814
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for detecting ice crystal formation on a heat exchange surface in an ice-making machine comprises at least one microphone monitoring the sound made by a rotating blade assembly within the ice-making machine during ice slurry formation. A filter filters the output of the microphone to remove background noise. A comparator receives the output of the filter and compares the filtered microphone output with a threshold to determine if the filtered microphone output signifies ice crystal formation on the heat exchange surface. The operation of the ice-making machine can then be adjusted in a manner to allow the formed ice crystals to be removed from the heat exchange surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Sunwell Engineering Company Limited
    Inventor: Vladimir Goldstein
  • Patent number: 7654194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a food cooking installation comprising numerous cooking tanks which are used to receive the food items to be cooked; means of loading/unloading the food items into/from said cooking tanks; and means of conveying, driving and storing liquids, which are used to connect a heated liquid container, a cooled liquid container and a piped water delivery point with the aforementioned cooking tanks. In this way, the tanks can be filled and emptied independently and the food items contained therein can be subjected to successive baths for different periods of time and at different temperatures, at least one of the baths being a cooking bath and the other a cooling bath. According to the Invention, each of the aforementioned cooking tanks comprises at least one lateral opening which is equipped with impervious sealing means and which is used to load/unload the food items using the above-mentioned loading/unloading means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Metalquimia, S.A.
    Inventor: Narcis Lagares Corominas
  • Patent number: 7234516
    Abstract: When it is assumed that a vehicle is stopped or parked after its engine was stopped and a predetermined period of time has passed, a cold wind side air mixing door, hot wind side air mixing door, cold wind door and rear cold wind side air mixing door are totally closed and a blower is operated for a predetermined period of time. Accordingly, while a cooler is being dried, drying air containing much offensive smell components, which has passed through the cooler, is discharged outside the vehicle. Therefore, it is unnecessary to provide an exclusively used air passage and an opening and closing door for opening and closing the air passage used for composing an air blowing passage to dry the cooler. By utilizing the existing equipment, air used for drying, which has passed through the cooler, containing much offensive smell components can be discharged outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Umebayashi, Yoshinori Yanagimachi, Tomohiro Inada
  • Patent number: 7051546
    Abstract: Defrosting frost deposited on the coolers disposed in a refrigerating-storage room for cooling the room can be carried out without the necessity of stopping the operation of refrigerating cycle and with low cost and high efficiency. Compressed air is blown to the coolers by means of nozzles to which the compressed air is supplied intermittently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Mayekawa Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hirao, Kazuyuki Iwase, Takeshi Kamimura
  • Patent number: 7043938
    Abstract: A method for thawing and removing frozen material from a cryogenic separation unit such as that found in an olefin production plant comprising employing a flushing agent to thaw and remove the frozen material, purging the flushing agent with a gas, and removing residual flushing agent with a solvent that is miscible with the flushing agent and has a freezing temperature substantially lower than the flushing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventors: Raghu S. Narayan, Steven T. Coleman, James H. Walker
  • Patent number: 7000419
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to comprise an apparatus for high efficiency gas temperature and humidity adjustment and an adjustment method allowing to elevate the heat exchange efficiency of a cooling coil, reduce the cooling water quantity, lower also the pipe arrangement diameter and water supply pump power, making possible to cut the initial cost and running cost of the air-conditioning system. The apparatus for high efficiency gas temperature and humidity adjustment is characterized by that means for removing condensate water deposited on the cooling coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignees: Hitachi Plant Engineering & Construction Co, LTD
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Yasuyuki Shirai, Masaki Hirayama, Hideo Hanaoka, Takeshi Honma, Hirokazu Suzuki, Yoshio Yamazaki, Yoshinori Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 6988374
    Abstract: A frostless heat exchanger used for an air-source system, comprises: an antifreezing solution supplying device for applying an antifreezing solution having a freezing point lower than a surface temperature of the heat exchanger on a surface of the heat exchanger to form a thin solution film on the surface of the heat exchanger in order to prevent formation of frost on the surface of the heat exchanger when the surface temperature of the heat exchanger drops below a freezing point of water (0° C.), so that the vapor is removed in such a manner that a highly concentrated antifreezing solution and the vapor are mixed together before the vapor becomes a supersaturated liquid and then grows to a frost crystal nucleus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Young-Soo Chang, Dae-Young Lee
  • Patent number: 6981385
    Abstract: A refrigeration system for objects is disclosed. The system includes a refrigeration device and a defrost system. The refrigeration device provides a case or container defining a space for the objects, a first heat exchanger associated with the container for cooling a fluid communicating with the space to cool the objects and a second heat exchanger to receive a heat supply from an air source for warming the fluid. A system for cooling articles is also disclosed. The system includes a space configured to contain the articles, a first element to provide cooling of the articles within the space, a first coolant source to refrigerate the space by cooling the first element in a first state, and a second coolant source to elevate a temperature of the first element in a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Yakov Arshansky, David K. Hinde, Richard N. Walker, Mark Lane
  • Patent number: 6840051
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying condensate from the heat exchanger of a vehicle's air conditioning system after operation in order to thwart odor buildup is provided. The apparatus and method operate regardless of whether the system's blower control circuit is positively or negatively switched. The apparatus includes relays that bypass the normal operating electrical routing to the air conditioning system's blower motor to operate the blower directly. The method comprises determining that the engine of the vehicle has been switched off and that the air conditioning system of the vehicle was in operation prior to the engine being switched off. If the conditions are met, the air conditioning system's blower is operated on a predetermined time schedule to circulate air in the air conditioning system to dry condensate therefrom. In this way, growth of odor-causing fungus and bacteria is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: AirSept, Inc.
    Inventor: Myron Stein
  • Patent number: 6742346
    Abstract: The invention is based on a method for operating a climate control system for a vehicle, in the case of which a compressor (38), in a cooling mode, circulates a coolant through a gas condensing apparatus (42) and an expansion device (50) to a passenger-compartment heat exchanger (44) and, in a heating mode, circulates the coolant in the reverse direction of flow first through the passenger-compartment heat exchanger (44), the expansion device (50), and then through the gas condensing apparatus (42), in parallel with which a bypass line (56) comprising a switching valve (58) is provided. It is proposed that, in the heating mode, the switching valve (58) in the bypass line (56) is opened and the flow of coolant through the gas condensing apparatus (42) is stopped as soon as a layer of ice that exceeds a limit thickness has formed on the air side of the gas condensing apparatus (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Leuthner
  • Publication number: 20040055330
    Abstract: A method for thawing and removing frozen material from a cryogenic separation unit such as that found in an olefin production plant comprising employing a flushing agent to thaw and remove the frozen material, purging the flushing agent with a gas, and removing residual flushing agent with a solvent that is miscible with the flushing agent and has a freezing temperature substantially lower than the flushing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Raghu S. Narayan, Steven T. Coleman, James H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20040006966
    Abstract: Air intake temperature in a gas turbine is regulated by a heat exchange fluid having a low viscosity at low temperatures. The circulated heat transfer fluid preferably comprises an alkali metal formate, most preferably potassium formate. The potassium formate may be blended with other alkali metal formate(s), with alcohol, glycols, salt brines, or any combination of glycols, alcohols, Sodium Nitrite, Sodium Nitrates, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, water and/or or other salt brines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Clearwater International
    Inventors: John Henry Hallman, William J. Hyland, Ray Veldman, Jeff Diaz, William Larry Lewis
  • Patent number: 6658871
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying condensate from the heat exchanger of a vehicle's air conditioning system after operation in order to thwart odor buildup is provided. The apparatus and method operate regardless of whether the system's blower control circuit is positively or negatively switched. The apparatus includes relays that bypass the normal operating electrical routing to the air conditioning system's blower motor to operate the blower directly. The method comprises determining that the engine of the vehicle has been switched off and that the air conditioning system of the vehicle was in operation prior to the engine being switched off. If the conditions are met, the air conditioning system's blower is operated on a predetermined time schedule to circulate air in the air conditioning system to dry condensate therefrom. In this way, growth of odor-causing fungus and bacteria is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: AirSept, Inc.
    Inventor: Myron Stein
  • Patent number: 6332331
    Abstract: A water removal enhancement device applicable to an evaporator of a refrigeration system includes a pulse power supply, an electrode mounted under the evaporator, and metallic needles formed on the bottom of the evaporator. The needles of the evaporator and the electrode are electrically connected to the power of the pulse power supply, so that negative (or positive) electricity is charged to the evaporator and the needles, while the positive (or negative) power of the pulse power supply is charged to the electrode. The condensed water formed on the evaporator and falling to the needles is therefore easily attracted by the electrode via electric discharge effect on tip points and easily drop from the evaporator to the electrode and drain away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Wei-Yueh Cheng, Shih-Pei Lin
  • Patent number: 6298673
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser system (10) includes a compressor (20), a condenser (30), a display case (100) having an evaporator (40), an expansion device (50), and an evaporator pressure control device (60) connected in a closed refrigerant circuit via refrigerant lines (12, 14, 16 and 18). The evaporator pressure control device (60) operates to maintain the pressure in the evaporator at a set point pressure so as to maintain the temperature of the refrigerant expanding from a liquid to a vapor within the evaporator (40) at a desired temperature. A controller (90) operatively associated with the evaporator pressure control device (60) maintains the set point pressure at a first pressure for the refrigerant equivalent to a first refrigerant temperature during a first refrigeration mode and at a second pressure for the refrigerant equivalent to a second refrigerant temperature about 2 to about 12 degrees warmer than the first temperature during a second refrigerant mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Kwok Kwong Fung, Robert Hong Leung Chiang, Eugene Duane Daddis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6192698
    Abstract: In an air-conditioning system having two air-conditioning passages serving two different air-conditioning zones but having a cooling degree detector provided in only one of the passages to reduce cost, with the degree to which air is cooled in the other passage being estimated based on a cooling degree detected by the detector and the difference between flows of air passing through the passages or an intake temperature of air entering the passages. On the other hand, when an evaporator is possible to be frosted in one of the passages, air flow amount in the one of the passages is corrected to be increased. Therefore, it can prevent a windshield from being fogged while preventing the evaporator from being frosted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuharu Kakehashi, Yoshiyuki Ogawa, Katsuhiko Samukawa
  • Patent number: 6085639
    Abstract: Foodstuffs are cooked by soaking in a hot liquid followed by a soaking in at least one cold liquid. A tank or a plurality of cooking tanks is provided with a liquid inlet, a heating unit for obtaining hot liquid, a refrigeration unit for obtaining cold liquid and filling pipes for conveying the liquids to the respective inlets of the tanks. The installation has reversible pumps, each designed to permit the liquids to flow in a tank in the direction of the inlet and to permit the liquid to return from the tank inlet, via one of the filling pipes and in the direction of the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Armor Inox SA
    Inventor: Claude Dreano
  • Patent number: 6052998
    Abstract: A method for operating a blower of an vehicle air conditioning (a/c) system after ignition off for purging moisture from an evaporator core includes accumulating a/c system data while the a/c system is operating including a/c on time, duty cycle, ambient temperature and mode of operation. When the ignition switch is turned off terminating operation the a/c system, updated data is saved for use in a look up table. A moisture index is selected from the look up table after ignition off as a function of a/c duty cycle, ambient temperature and mode of operation. The moisture index is a measure of the amount of moisture accumulated on the evaporator core which is a function of the a/c duty cycle, ambient temperature and fresh air or recirculated air mode of operation. The blower operates at a speed and for a duration dictated by the moisture index to purge moisture rather than simply operating for a set period of time regardless of moisture present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Gerhard Allan Dage, John Barkley
  • Patent number: 5899082
    Abstract: A method of drying condensate from the heat exchanger of a vehicle's air conditioning system after operation in order to thwart odor buildup is provided. The method comprises first determining that the engine of the vehicle has been switched off and that the air conditioning system of the vehicle was in operation prior to the engine being switched off. If these two conditions are met, the blower of the vehicle's air conditioning system is operated on a predetermined time schedule to draw air through the heat exchanger and through the air conditioning duct work to dry condensate from the heat exchanger and from interior surfaces of the duct work. In this way, the growth of fungus and bacteria that cause odor is thwarted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventors: Myron Stein, William Brown, Ron Viskil, Glenn R. Reddington
  • Patent number: 5887440
    Abstract: A defrost system 10 for a refrigerated display counter 11 is described. The system 10 comprises a defrost conduit 14 which is adapted to be positioned in close proximity to a refrigeration coil 12 of a refrigerated display counter 11. A heat exchanger 13 has a housing 16 which is adapted to be secured above the refrigerated display counter. The housing is provided with a plurality of fans 18 for directing ambient air into the housing and out through exhaust port 20. A heat exchange coil 22 is provided in the housing 16 and is interconnected with the defrost conduit 14 and through which flows a liquid such as glycol. A pump 28 circulates the defrost liquid through the circuit 24-25 and control valves 26-27 are provided to arrest the liquid flow in a non-defrost mode. In the defrost mode the glycol is heated by the ambient air which is convected through the heat exchange housing 16 and the cool air 9 generated at the outlet ducts 20 is mixed with hotter ambient air. The system is energy efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Serge Dube
  • Patent number: 5867994
    Abstract: The disclosed refrigeration appliance includes a fresh-food compartment and a freezer compartment with a plenum or duct therebetween housing a single evaporator and at least one fan for establishing air flows through the plenum in opposite directions, an air flow pattern through the plenum and the fresh-food compartment alternating with an air flow pattern through the plenum and the freezer compartment. A condenser, a single compressor and a refrigerant circuit serve to complete the refrigeration system. One-way air valves are located at opposite ends of the plenum, on opposing sides of the fan, and provide communication between the food compartments and the plenum. Two one-way air valves are located at each end of the plenum, one in a wall of the freezer compartment and the other in a wall of the fresh-food compartment. The one-way air valves allow an air flow to be established, selectively, either through the plenum in the fresh-food compartment or through the plenum and the freezer compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: William L. Kopko
  • Patent number: 5799728
    Abstract: Apparatus for dehumidifying air comprising two cooling coils operable in a first mode for circulating coolant at a temperature above 32.degree. F. and below the dew point of the air through one of the coils and for circulating coolant at a temperature below 32.degree. F. through the other, and operable in a second mode wherein the circulation of coolant is reversed. In one version of the apparatus, shown in FIG. 1, air flows continuously in one direction first through one coil and then the other; in another version of the apparatus, shown in FIG. 3, the direction of air flow is also reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: MEMC Electric Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Blume
  • Patent number: 5729994
    Abstract: In a radiation type air conditioning system for cooling or heating fluid such as air or refrigerant through heat exchange and supplying the cooled or heated fluid into a radiant panel to radiatively cool or heat a room, the air is cooled by a heat exchanger (evaporator), and the cooled air is supplied onto the radiation face of the radiant panel by a fan to prevent dew condensation on the radiation face of the radiant panel. If the air which is cooled and dried by the evaporator is heated by a heater when it is supplied onto the radiation face of the radiant panel, the dew condensation preventing effect can be enhanced. Further, plural through holes are formed in the radiation panel and the cooled air is blown out onto the radiation face through the through holes, so that the dew condensation preventing effect can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mukaiyama, Masayuki Cho, Tsuyoshi Rakuma, Hiroyuki Takada, Syozo Kato
  • Patent number: 5715690
    Abstract: A microwave thermal heat pump defroster system, utilizing a magnetron tube, or other microwave energy generating device, for the application of heat to the external surfaces of the outside coil of an electric heat pump, while the heat pump is operating in the heating mode for the following purposes, (1) to defrost the outside coil of the heat pump, (2) to inhibit the accumulation of frost on the external surfaces of the outside coil of the heat pump, and (3) to allow heat so applied to the external surfaces of the outside coil of the heat pump to be absorbed into the heat pump system via the outside coil of the heat pump, in a manner that will improve the efficiency of the heat pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Henderson F. Ponder
  • Patent number: 5675976
    Abstract: Freezing is prevented when either of two blow ports of a bidirectional blow air-conditioner is closed. A first blowing fan is disposed on one of the sides of a heat exchanger on the utilization side and a second blowing fan is disposed on the other side. First and second blow ports are so disposed as to correspond to these showing fans, respectively, and a flap is operable to close the first blow port. The blow quantity of the second blowing fan, when the flap closes the first blow port, is controlled to a value greater than the blow quantity of the second blowing fan when the flap does not close the first blow port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Limited
    Inventors: Yukio Tobi, Takashi Matsuzuki, Tetsushi Eguchi
  • Patent number: 5657639
    Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigeration process and apparatus which includes refrigeration means detachably connected by conduits, preferably insulated, to a series of individually refrigerated compartments, preferably drawer units, having evacuation conduits also detachably connected to the drawer units to direct circulating cold air flow through each individual drawer without a vast unrestricted flow of cold air throughout a refrigerator housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Ulf Lidbeck
  • Patent number: 5572881
    Abstract: An air conditioning system suitable for use in an electric vehicle. In the air conditioning system, a refrigerant gas circulatory system of the heat pump type for selectively effecting cooling and heating is disposed inside the electric vehicle and comprises lines which interconnect three heat exchangers, a directional control valve, a compressor and an expansion valve to one another. A control device is provided so as to activate and inactivate the heat exchanger, the directional control valve and the compressor. Before the expected running of the vehicle, at least a portion of the refrigerant gas circulatory system can be operated by the control device using a drive source different from the drive source used for running the vehicle. Accordingly, a comfortable room environment can be established for the expected time on riding by activating the air conditioning system in an unmanned state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Hotta, Akihiro Tajiri
  • Patent number: 5408835
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preventing ice from forming on a cooling system for air by adding an antifreeze to the air being cooled by the cooling system. The cooled air containing the antifreeze is then transferred a turbine engine, wherein the air and antifreeze are burned in the turbine engine. A condensed water and antifreeze mixture is also burned in the turbine engine. The invention also relates to an apparatus for preventing ice from forming on the refrigeration system for cooling air. The apparatus includes a sprayer for spraying the antifreeze onto the refrigeration system and/or the air being cooled by the refrigeration system, a collector for collecting a condensed water and antifreeze mixture, and a pump or transferring means for transferring the condensed water and antifreeze mixture to the turbine engine, where the antifreeze and condensed water mixture is burned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: J. Hilbert Anderson
  • Patent number: 5375428
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance is provided having at least two refrigeration compartments, each compartment having its own access door. The appliance includes a single evaporator located in a plenum which is selectively in communication with each of the compartments, a single compressor, preferably run by a variable speed motor, and a refrigerant circuit including a series of conduits for providing a flow of refrigerant to the evaporator and compressor. A control determines which of the compartments is demanding cooling and operates the refrigeration device until the detected demand for cooling has been satisfied for the particular compartment. Prior to terminating the operation of the refrigeration device, the control determines if the second compartment is demanding cooling or was within a predetermined temperature range prior to demanding cooling. If either condition exists, the refrigeration device is switched to the second compartment until the demand for cooling therein has been satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. LeClear, Kenneth P. Chen, Scott A. Thiele, Nihat O. Cur, Jatin C. Khanpara, Steven J. Kuehl
  • Patent number: 5329781
    Abstract: A frost control system is described for inhibiting and removing frost from the door of a storage locker. Relatively cool air is received by an inlet to the frost control system at an inlet placed above the door. The air is drawn into the system by a blower which forces the air through the ducts of the system. The air passes through strip heaters within the vertical ducts of the defrost system positioned on either side of the door. The warm air is discharged horizontally across the bottom portion of the door and simultaneously rises creating a blanket of relatively warm air in comparison to the ambient area. Discharge apertures are included in the ends of the vertical ducts which blow a portion of the warmed air to the base of the door to enhance coverage of the door by the warmed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventors: Nancy L. Farrey, William W. Hoerner, David P. Leppert, Glenn A. Nicol
  • Patent number: 5249433
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for continuously providing low temperature refrigerated air for freezing and storage of food products, wherein process air is refrigerated by passing over an evaporator coil. Frost build-up on the evaporator coil is removed by periodically spraying the evaporator coil with a food-grade propylene glycol solution. Entrained liquid propylene glycol droplets are removed as the process air passes through a primary mist eliminator, composed of a series of corrugated plates, and an auxiliary mist eliminator, composed of a flat sheet of woven wire mesh incased between two flat sheets of diamond mesh. The use of demisters enables operation at high air face velocities, which in turn reduces equipment size and increases heat transfer coefficients, resulting in lower heat transfer surface area requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Niagara Blower Company
    Inventors: Edward R. Hardison, Randolph S. Coo
  • Patent number: 5203175
    Abstract: A frost control system is described for inhibiting and removing frost from the door of a storage locker. Relatively cool air is received by an inlet to the frost control system at an inlet placed above the door. The air is drawn into the system by a blower which forces the air through the ducts of the system. The air passes through strip heaters within the vertical ducts of the defrost system positioned on either side of the door. The warm air is discharged horizontally across the bottom portion of the door and simultaneously rises creating a blanket of relatively warm air in comparison to the ambient area. Discharge apertures are included in the ends of the vertical ducts which blow a portion of the warmed air to the base of the door to enhance coverage of the door by the warmed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventors: Nancy L. Farrey, William W. Hoerner, David P. Leppert, Glenn A. Nicol
  • Patent number: 5083440
    Abstract: A solvent condenser arrangement for a solvent recovery apparatus comprises at least two solvent condensers of which one is in operation at a time, while the other is defrosted; the at least two solvent condensers are supplied via a pump from a refrigerant container under vaporization pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Herco-Kuhltechnik & Co GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Karthaus, Klaus Hermanns
  • Patent number: 5048303
    Abstract: An open front refrigerated display case having an improved ambient air defrost system which includes a housing with a display compartment area for displaying articles therein and an open front area to facilitate placement and removal of the articles, a main refrigeration duct extends throughout the housing having a primary inlet above the open front area and a primary outlet defined below the front area, a primary refrigeration coil is positioned within the primary refrigeration duct for cooling of air passing therethrough and a primary fan device is positioned within the primary refrigeration duct to facilitate drawing of air through the air inlet and expelling of refrigerated air through the air outlet in such a manner as to form an air curtain across the open front area. An ambient air defrost system is included having an ambient air circulation device such as a fan and an ambient air drive means for powering thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Hill Refrigeration Division of the Jepson Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley J. Campbell, Ronald R. Rosanio
  • Patent number: 5031413
    Abstract: A low-temperature foods preserving case and a temperature control method therefor, in which a plurality of evaporators, each partitioned by partitioning panels, are arranged correctively in a cooling chamber, for which sequential cooling and defrosting operations are instructed by a timer, so that circulatory passage of the cooling air is formed through said cooling chamber, the foods preserving chamber, and the cooling chamber by means of fans installed in each of partitioned air passages separated by said partitioning panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunichi Tsuihiji, Hideaki Furutachi, Mitsuru Kakinuma
  • Patent number: 4974418
    Abstract: The present invention is a technique for a defrosting operation of a heat pump. External air provides the heat for defrosting the exterior heat exchanger by operating the exterior fan during times when the compressor is not operating, the temperature of the exterior heat exchanger is below freezing and the exterior air temperature is above freezing. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the temperature of the exterior heat exchanger and the exterior are measured via separate temperature sensors. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the exterior heat exchanger temperature is measured via a single temperature sensor and the exterior fan is operated for a predetermined interval of time after the compressor is stopped. Thereafter the exterior fan is operated only so long as the temperature remains at freezing. In a still further embodiment, the exterior fan is operated only so long as it remains less than or equal to freezing and does not reach a plateau at less than freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Levine, James Russo, Victor Rigotti, Nicholas Skogler