Retainer Or Flow Director For Atmospheric Condensate Patents (Class 62/285)
  • Patent number: 8701746
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining liquid depth information in a condensate pan of a climate control unit are provided. The systems and methods radiate a light beam into a liquid contained in a condensate pan associated with a climate control unit. The light beam is detected at a point of the condensate pan that is below a surface of the liquid. Information related to the depth of the liquid is determined based at least in part on the detected light beam. The systems and methods disclosed herein can determine if liquid depth in a condensate pan is greater than a threshold depth and can control evacuation of the liquid from the condensate pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric IT Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel J. Rohr
  • Patent number: 8695368
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed, which is able to more desirably carry out a heat exchange action between a hot pipe and a drain guide pipe, which guides defrosting water. The refrigerator comprises a cool air generating chamber and a machine chamber provided above a main body; a defrosting water tray provided inside the cool air generating chamber; a water collecting tray provided below the main body; a hot pipe connecting a compressor with a condenser through the water collecting tray, the compressor and the condenser being provided in the machine chamber; and a drain guide pipe mounted outside the main body and connected to the defrosting water tray and the water collecting tray to guide the defrosting water discharged from the defrosting water tray to the water collecting tray, wherein the hot pipe is provided inside or outside the drain guide pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jongsoo Yoon, Jonggon Kim
  • Patent number: 8683820
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes an air guide that is provided with a defrost water hole and that is inclined toward the defrost water hole. The air guide guides cold air discharged from the cold air fan to a guide duct and also guides, to the defrost water hole, defrost water generated at the cold air fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Youn Seok Lee, Jang Seok Lee, Min Kyu Oh, Kyeong Yun Kim, Su Nam Chae
  • Patent number: 8671710
    Abstract: A ventilation device of a refrigerator is configured to prevent freezing of condensed water. The condensed water does not accumulate at the corresponding portion, and hence formation of ice is prevented. The generation of noise and the change of the efficiency of the ventilation fan do not occur, and the risk of ice contacting the shroud of the ventilation fan is reduced and reliability may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Ho Bae, Soo Kwan Lee, Chang Joon Kim
  • Publication number: 20140053591
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a housing including a front panel provided with at least one opening, and a rear lower panel disposed at a rear side of the front panel, at least one discharge outlet exposed to a front of the front panel through the opening, at least one suction inlet formed in the housing, at least one heat exchanger to exchange heat with external air through the suction inlet, at least mixed-flow fan rotatably disposed between the heat exchanger and the discharge outlet to suction the air having exchanged heat with the heat exchanger and discharge the air through the discharge outlet, and a drain panel disposed at a lower portion of the heat exchanger to collect condensate produced during heat exchange, and integrated with the rear panel through injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Moon Sun SHIN, Jae Youn Cho, Jin Gyun Kim, Yeon Seob Yoon
  • 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
  • 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: 20130319021
    Abstract: A system and method recover water from an ambient airstream. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray. A foam media absorbs the desiccant to increase an exposed surface of the desiccant to the airstream. Fans and valves are used to dynamically control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. An integral heat exchanger adds heat to the chamber during the extraction cycle. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Z124
    Inventors: James Ball, Charles Becze, Michael J. Flynn, Kean Wing Kin Lam, Richard Teltz
  • Publication number: 20130319032
    Abstract: A system and method recover water from an ambient airstream. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray. A foam media absorbs the desiccant to increase an exposed surface of the desiccant to the airstream. Fans and valves are used to control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. An integral heat exchanger, powered by a variety of power sources, adds heat to the chamber during the extraction cycle. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Z124
    Inventors: James Ball, Charles Becze, Michael J. Flynn, Kean Wing Kin Lam, Richard Teltz
  • Publication number: 20130312432
    Abstract: A system and method for removing condensate from an air conditioning unit is disclosed. The system comprises a conduit including an outlet portion that is connected to a chamber of a housing of the unit at a first location. The conduit includes an inlet portion that is connected to the chamber at a second location where condensate accumulates. A gravitational separator portion which extends below the second location is connected to the outlet portion and the inlet portion. A draining portion having an orifice for allowing condensate to exit the conduit is connected to the gravitational separator portion below the second location. The first location is chosen such that during operation of the unit the pressure at the first location is less than the pressure at the second location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: CESSNA AIRCRAFT COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel W. Hodges, Nallusamy Paraman, Robert Ferenc
  • Patent number: 8590334
    Abstract: Provided are a refrigerator and a storing device for the refrigerator. The storing device includes a plurality of water collecting recesses that are recessed from a lower surface of a drawer cover and have variable transparency according to collecting of moisture, to show an inner moisture state of a drawer through the drawer cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Eunjeong Kim, Eunyoung Park, Sangho Oh, Jaehyun Soh
  • Patent number: 8584480
    Abstract: A water harvesting apparatus includes a condenser system and an absorption refrigerator connected to the condenser system. The condenser system has a condenser for condensing water from ambient air. The absorption refrigerator cools the condenser, and derives its heat from waste heat. A method of harvesting water from the air includes the steps of introducing ambient air to a condenser system which has a condenser for condensing water from air, supplying waste heat to an absorption refrigerator to cool a refrigerant, transferring the cooled refrigerant to the condenser to the cool the condenser, and condensing water from ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Michael A. Butkus
  • 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: 8584739
    Abstract: An adiabatic cooling unit (20) comprising a fluid conduit (26), a cooling cell (28), and a building-cooling unit heat exchanger (30) is provided. A cooling fluid (24) flows from the building-cooling unit heat exchanger (30) to the cooling cell (28) and returns to the building-cooling unit heat exchanger (30) through the fluid conduit (26). The cooling cell (28) transfers latent heat from the cooling fluid (24) to the air (22) flowing through the adiabatic cooler unit (20). The building-cooling unit heat exchanger (30) is a heat exchanger permitting the transfer of heat from a fluid (34) flowing through a building (36) and the cooling fluid (24). Additional heat exchangers (46) may be used between the cooling cell (28) and the building-cooling unit heat exchanger (30) to further cool the cooling fluid (24) prior to the cooling fluid (24) reducing the temperature of the fluid (34) flowing through the building (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: United Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. Kinkel
  • Patent number: 8572991
    Abstract: A fluid level sensor and drain fitting is provided that includes a fitting body having a first annular end, a second external-threaded end with an opening therein, and a passage extending from the opening to the first annular end. The drain fitting further includes a plurality of sensors forming an array on the second external-threaded end radially spaced around the opening such that at least one sensor is above the centerline of the opening regardless of the rotational position of the fitting. Each of the sensors are configured to provide an output that changes in response to contact with water. The plurality of sensors are configured to detect a water level relative to the opening in the fitting body based on the number of sensors in the array that provide an output indicative of contact with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Jeffrey N. Arensmeier
  • Publication number: 20130269384
    Abstract: A modular chiller for an aircraft galley beverage cart compartment is disclosed characterized by a cassette that inserts into the galley compartment above the beverage cart and houses an air return duct, a heat exchanger, a fan, and an air supply outlet. The chiller further includes a control valve for controlling the amount of air passing through the heat exchanger, and an electronic control box for control over the chiller, where the cassette is disposed between the beverage cart and a galley work deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Peter John Leslie Burd
  • Patent number: 8555668
    Abstract: A condensate water guide unit of an air conditioner for vehicles which collects and drains condensate water, generated on the evaporator, outside the air conditioner is disclosed. The condensate water guide unit includes a plurality of guide pieces for draining condensate water outside the air conditioner, and a support bar, which connects the guide pieces to each other. The guide pieces are in close contact with the lower end of an evaporator. Each guide piece has a guide slot for drawing condensate water formed on the surface of the evaporator, and a water moving passage for draining the drawn condensate water outside the air conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Byeong Jun Lee
  • Publication number: 20130227983
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes an insulation structure and fastening structure of an ice-making compartment refrigerant pipe disposed at an inside an ice-making compartment configured to directly supply cooling energy by being in contact with an ice-making tray. The refrigerator includes an insulation member configured to surround the ice-making compartment refrigerant pipe, and a fixing member coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the insulation member in a shape of a loop to prevent the insulation member from being widened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin JEONG, Do Hyung KIM, Sang Hyun PARK, Kook Jeong SEO, Jae Koog AN, Yong Sung YOON, Jae Jin LEE, Seung Ah JOO, Qasim KHAN
  • Publication number: 20130213062
    Abstract: The invention describes a condensate return device which is arranged between a condenser and an evaporator of an absorption refrigeration machine and which is designed as a pipe which is open to vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: INVENSOR GMBH
    Inventors: Niels Braunschweig, Soeren Paulussen
  • Patent number: 8511105
    Abstract: A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp, Jeremy M. Swerdlow
  • Publication number: 20130205823
    Abstract: An air conditioner performs heating operation by driving a compressor (21), the heating operation being performed while an indoor heat exchanger (13) serves as the high-temperature portion of refrigeration cycle and an outdoor heat exchanger (23) serves as the low-temperature portion of the refrigeration cycle. The air conditioner also performs defrosting operation for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger (23) by flowing refrigerant in opposite direction of flow of the refrigerant in the heating operation. In the outdoor heat exchanger (23), a large number of fins (30) are affixed to refrigerant pipes (2) so as to close to each other. Air flow passes through between the fins (30) to perform heat exchange. A water introduction section (31, 32) for closing each of the gaps between the fins (30) at one end thereof in the air flow passage direction is provided at the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Takayuki Yagyu
  • Patent number: 8505323
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid. The fluid vapor distillation apparatus also includes a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stephen M. Ent, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp
  • Patent number: 8490420
    Abstract: A refrigerating device for deep-frozen products has a coolant loop including a compressor, a condenser, a throttle, and an evaporator. The device also has a product chamber temperature-impinged by the evaporator, and a control unit provided for deicing, which works together with the coolant loop in such a way that upon deicing, both the evaporator and also a drainage channel provided for receiving the condensed water are heated. The evaporator impinges the temperature of the product chamber via the side wall of the product chamber, and at least the side wall impinged by the evaporator has the drainage channel, the evaporator at least partially heating the drainage channel upon deicing of the product chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: AHT Cooling Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhold Resch
  • Patent number: 8484862
    Abstract: A condensation dryer having a temperature sensor to measure a temperature of a coolant; a first comparator to determine a temperature difference between a first temperature of the coolant and a second temperature of the coolant that is measured after a period of time and to compare the temperature difference with a limiting temperature difference stored in a controller; a counter to ascertain a number of occurrences in which the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the limiting temperature difference; and a second comparator to compare the number of occurrences with a limiting number stored in the controller and to evaluate a number difference between the number of occurrences and the limiting number with respect to the presence of an impermissible operating state. A first impermissible operating state is indicated if the number difference is greater than or equal to a value stored in the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Nawrot, Ulrich Nehring
  • Patent number: 8474282
    Abstract: Mounted in a bottom side of a water discharge device of a refrigeration/air-conditioning system for collecting waste water, a vermin-protective, high-strength and high beauty water pan is disclosed to include a bottom portion, and an upright peripheral wall extending along the border of the bottom portion and having at least one overflow port. The upright peripheral wall has a part curved inwards, defining a recessed open chamber, a recessed wall portion that surrounds the recessed open chamber, a bridge wall portion that suspends above the recessed open chamber and has the topmost edge thereof higher than the topmost edge of the recessed wall portion, and a plurality of ribs that are connected between the recessed wall portion and the bridge wall portion and divide the space in between the recessed wall portion and the bridge wall portion into multiple overflow holes that form one overflow port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Holimay Corporation
    Inventor: Yu-Ming Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8475603
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a system and method for sanitizing a condensate drain to reduce sludge and related pathogens. The system is directed to a sanitizing assembly having a treatment chamber connected to the condensate drain, where the treatment chamber includes a top end and a shaft. A spray assembly is positioned proximate to the top end of the treatment chamber. This spray assembly has a nozzle spray connected to a hot water source. A spray controller within the spray assembly helps disperse a sufficient quantity and pressure of hot water within the shaft to dislodge sludge, when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Stewart Kaiser
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8468848
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator in which an evaporator is mounted in an inside of a barrier partitioning a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber. With the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the evaporator for cooling the refrigerating chamber is received in the barrier portioning the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber, making it possible to increase inner capacity of the refrigerating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ohchul Kwon
  • Publication number: 20130098093
    Abstract: A combination modular drain pan and horizontally positioned cooling coil assembly, providing dual pass dehumidification, including a housing, a plurality of adjacent discrete horizontal cooling coils each receiving air from an air distribution manifold. The air distribution manifold receives air from a inlet air stream and forming a single large horizontally positioned cooling coil module assembly. Each discrete horizontal cooling coil has a respective heat exchange area directly thereabove and a drain pan therebelow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Walter Stark
  • Publication number: 20130098580
    Abstract: An insertable, removable cooling coil in a heat exchange unit includes a heat exchange housing and one or more cooling coils in a heat exchange assembly in the housing. The housing is a pre-assembled housing having one or more respective recesses for insertion or removal of each respective cooling coil of the one or more cooling coils therein. Each cooling coil is slidably insertable upon side angle profile supports within the respective recesses of the heat exchange housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Walter Stark
  • Patent number: 8418378
    Abstract: A condensation dryer is provided which has a heat pump in which a coolant circulates; a compressor; a temperature sensor to measure a temperature of the coolant; and a controller. The controller has a first comparator to compare the temperature of the coolant with an upper limiting temperature of the coolant; a switch to switch the compressor off if the temperature of the coolant is greater than or equal to the upper limiting temperature and to switch the compressor on after each compressor disconnection. A counter ascertains the number of occurrences at which the compressor is switched off. The counter is incremented by 1 each time the compressor is switched off. A second comparator compares the number of occurrences with a prespecified limiting number and evaluates the difference between the number of occurrences and the prespecified limiting number with respect to the presence of an impermissible operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Nawrot, Ulrich Nehring
  • Patent number: 8418492
    Abstract: A condenser assembly for a refrigerator includes a condenser arranged in a frame. The condenser is configured for a flow of a refrigerant therethrough. The frame has at least one evaporation tray that is arranged above the condenser and one evaporation tray that is arranged below the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Cieslik, Jochen Härlen, Michaela Malisi, Berthold Pflomm
  • Patent number: 8397530
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heat exchanger, an air conditioning apparatus, and a method for manufacturing the heat exchanger capable of reducing the scattering of condensate water from curved portions to the downstream side in the direction of airflow. An indoor heat exchanger includes lower fins and upper fins. The upper fins are inclined in the direction of the airflow at an angle formed between the longitudinal axis of the upper fins and the vertical direction, the range of the angle being equal to or greater than the range of an angle formed between the longitudinal axis of the lower fins and the vertical direction, and the upper fins are disposed adjacent to top ends of the lower fins. The upper fins have curved portions that are curved in proximity to the portions bordering the top ends of the lower fins on the downstream side in the airflow direction F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Kitazawa, Takashi Doi, Tetsuya Yamashita, Shinji Nagaoka, Isao Ohgami
  • Patent number: 8359877
    Abstract: A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp, Jeremy M. Swerdlow
  • Patent number: 8333085
    Abstract: An evaporator, in particular for a motor vehicle air conditioner, is provided that includes at least one block constructed largely of tube elements and rib elements, whereby it is possible for a refrigerant to flow through the tube elements, at least one section of the block being provided with a condensation water overflow protection means, which includes at least one restriction plate, the height of the restriction plate in at least one section being lower than a height in at least one second section adjacent to the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Behr Industry GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Hipp-Kalthoff, Klaus Voigt, Alexander Argento
  • Publication number: 20120297810
    Abstract: A freezer chest with a housing (2), of which the trough-shaped and multi-part inner housing (3) has a refrigeration space (6) for products to be refrigerated, in particular frozen, with at least one device (8) for acting thermally upon the refrigeration space (6), the device (8) acting thermally upon the refrigeration space (6) at least partially via at least one side wall (3?) of the inner housing (3), and with a channel (12), provided in the refrigeration space (6), for the capture of possible dew water and/or condensation water (13) from the thermally acted-upon side wall (3?), is shown. In order to provide the freezer chest with an increased service life, it is proposed that the inner housing (3) have a one-piece trough part (15) forming the channel (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: AHT COOLING SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Reinhold Resch
  • Patent number: 8321061
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention delivers water to plants of a specified type which reside in a quantity of soil. A condensing unit is operated at optimum intervals to condense water vapor in the air into water in liquid form. The condensed water is stored in a reservoir connected to an irrigation system, which can deliver water from the reservoir to each of the plants. A database is established that contains horticultural information, wherein the horticultural information comprises a set of values representing the water needed by plants of the specified type at different stages of growth. Estimates of soil moisture content are generated during a specified time period. Optimum watering intervals are computed during the specified time period, at least in part, as a function of the set of values contained in the horticultural database, and also as a function of the estimates of moisture content. The irrigation system is operated to deliver water to each plant during respective optimum watering intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 8292117
    Abstract: A water holding tank with an approximately rectangular bottom wall and four side walls that are connected respectively to the sides of the bottom wall, each side wall has number of upper support platforms that are arranged periodically along one side of the bottom wall, a number of lower support platforms that are arranged alternately relative to the upper support platforms at a distance from the bottom wall, and a number of connecting walls, whereby each connecting wall connects an upper support platform to a lower support platform while leaving open a passage for water, in which the upper support platforms of a side wall are arranged in mirror positions of the lower support platforms of the opposite side wall relative to a 180° rotation and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Aliaxis Participations
    Inventors: Philippe Guibert, Fabien Yvai, Stephane Kugener, Tony Calton
  • Patent number: 8261568
    Abstract: Air conditioning units packaged with condensing gas heat exchangers include a drain line connected to a collector attached to the heat exchanger. In different embodiments, the drain line, or a conduit for the drain line, may extend to the return duct opening for routing of the drain line through the return duct for disposal of the condensate, for instance, within the building, or the drain line may extend through a hole in the floor of the unit. The conduit may protect the drain line from direct heat from the heat exchanger, from freezing where the drain line passes through an outdoor section, or both. In some embodiments, air may be circulated through the conduit to prevent freezing. The conduit may guide the drain line through the unit, roof curb assembly, or roof, or the drain line may be routed through the unit by the manufacturer to the return duct opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Nordyne LLC
    Inventors: Allan J. Reifel, Russell W. Hoeffken, David W. Garvin
  • Patent number: 8240168
    Abstract: A pump assembly and a method for removing condensate from an elevated air conditioner of a transport structure are provided. The air conditioner includes a base pan with a sump. The pump assembly includes a pump, a suction line and a discharge line. The pump is configured to be in electrical communication with the air conditioner. The suction line enters the pump and is configured to be in fluid communication with the sump. The discharge line exits the pump and is configured to be in fluid communication with a hose of a drainage means of the transport structure. The pump operatively moves condensate in the sump to the hose of the drainage means to remove the condensate from the transport structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Dometic LLC
    Inventor: Ricardo Holguin
  • Patent number: 8230613
    Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus is disclosed. The clothes treating apparatus includes a cabinet in which an accommodating space for receiving clothes is defined, a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied into the accommodating space, and a supply unit for supplying the steam, generated in the steam generator, into the receiving space and collecting water condensed from the steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jung Wook Moon, Dae Yun Park, Sog Kie Hong, Jong Seok Kim, Seung Gyu Ryu, Hye Yong Park, Chang Gyu Choi, Dong Won Kim
  • Publication number: 20120180514
    Abstract: A refrigerator may include a drain hose assembly. The refrigerator includes an upper hose, a lower hose connected to the upper hose while being arranged in a machinery chamber, the lower hose being provided with an air inlet hole to introduce outside air, and an opening and closing unit provided at the lower hose to be upwardly pivoted by negative pressure in a storage chamber and to be downwardly pivoted by gravity, in order to open and close the air inlet hole, respectively. As a result, it may be possible to achieve an enhancement in energy efficiency and to reduce the force required to open door according to an improvement of sealing-tightness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Nam LEE, Sang Soo Kim, Sang Gyu Jung, Mu Yeol Sun, Sang Hyeok Park
  • Patent number: 8220282
    Abstract: A refrigerant system includes a dual-connection drain pan for collecting and draining condensate from the exterior surface of a cooling coil. The drain pan includes a first channel and a second channel disposed alongside each other and sloped lengthwise in opposite directions to direct the condensate to either one of two drain outlets at opposite ends of the pan. To drain the condensate to a first outlet, a breakaway removable dam between the two channels is left intact to isolate the second channel from condensate so that the condensate drains from the first channel to the first outlet. Permanently removing the breakaway dam and plugging the first outlet allows condensate to drain from the first channel, into the second channel, and out through the second outlet. In some embodiments, the drain pan, including the two channels and breakaway dam, is formed of a unitary piece of a thermoset polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Hast, Gerald T. Rubitski
  • Patent number: 8209994
    Abstract: A community-scale water condensing system which reclaims and stores double-filtered potable water from the air utilizing at least one condenser unit including polyethylene pipe suspended over a collection tank and shaken by a self-contained power source upon activation of a moisture sensor to release water into the collection tank. Water flows from the collection tank into a storage tank through a ball valve and a water storage filter. At least one dispensing unit operationally communicates with the storage tank, each dispensing unit including at least one feeder line with an output valve that can be accessed by an individual through a water tap or other outlet mechanism. A water usage filter disposed between each output valve and each water tap removes debris from the water prior to dispensing the water from the water tap. An auxiliary dispensing unit selectively dispenses additional water during maintenance or shutdown of the other dispensing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Gary B. Headley
  • 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: 20120096879
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank ventilation system, comprising a refrigerative dehumidifying device having a refrigerating element in contact with air flowing between a vent open to the atmosphere and a fuel tank. Also, a method of dehumidifying air introduced into an aircraft fuel tank via the ventilation system, the method comprising directing atmospheric air from the vent into contact with the refrigerating element, and cooling the refrigerating element so as to remove water vapour from the air flowing from the vent towards the fuel tank by condensation. An aircraft fuel tank ventilation system, comprising a refrigerative dehumidifying device having a refrigerating element in contact with air flowing between a vent open to the atmosphere and a fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph K-W Lam, Franklin Tichborne, Simon Masters, David Parmenter
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8151591
    Abstract: An air conditioning case houses an evaporator for an air conditioning system and a blower unit. A drainage hole for water that condenses on the evaporator is located between the evaporator and the blower unit. An extension wall shields the drainage hole from the air blown by the blower unit. A shielding wall shields a water channel located between the evaporator and the air conditioning case from the blower unit. A partition wall located within the water channel extends from the air conditioning case to the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakamura, Scott Benedict
  • Patent number: 8151592
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for controlling a condensate removal pump, including: a float (102) intended to be placed in a container (20), capable of moving according to the level of condensate in the container, an actuation element (130) driven by the movement of said float (102), wherein said actuation element is configured and mounted so as to act selectively on a first and a second microswitch (110, 120) respectively having a first and a second pushbutton (112, 122) mobile between two positions, so as to define three distinct states: a resting state, in which said pump is stopped, wherein said first pushbutton (112) is in a first position ensuring the stopping of said pump and said section pushbutton (122) is in a second position; an active state, in which said pump is activated, wherein said first pushbutton (112) is in a second position ensuring the implementation of said pump, and said second pushbutton (122) remains in its second position; an alarm state, in which a safety action is activat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sauermann Industrie
    Inventors: Olivier Badia, Antoine Chauvin, Michel Mesrouze
  • Publication number: 20120060518
    Abstract: A cryopump includes: a cryopump housing arranged to define an inner space of the cryopump from an outer environment; an exhaust duct arranged to connect with the cryopump housing so as to exhaust fluid from the inner space of the cryopump to the outer environment; and a filter structure. The filter structure includes: a filter arranged to remove a foreign body from fluid exhausted through the exhaust duct; and a filter mounting member arranged to mount the filter to the exhaust duct, wherein at least a part of a bypass flow passage that diverts fluid from the filter is formed in the filter mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Hidekazu Tanaka