Condensate Retainer Patents (Class 62/291)
  • Publication number: 20150007602
    Abstract: The disclosure can include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include some or all of the following associated functionality: a cooling table plenum, a cross-linking member, a cabinet trim and thermal breaker, a collapsible hood, an internal plenum, an internal bracket, an external rib, an evaporator shroud and condensate drain, and/or a cutting board support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Hoshizaki America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford Czerwonky, Luiz Antonio Lopes, Connor McColl, Kevin Huckaby, Donald Pilkey, Glen Melton, Jeremy Neill, Rob McDonald
  • Publication number: 20150000322
    Abstract: Apparatus for dehumidification of a gas flow, with an outer box and inlet port for the damp air and outlet port for dehumidified air, a first pre-cooling heat exchanger, and second heat exchanger downstream of the first exchanger and passes by a refrigerating fluid, a dampness collection chamber arranged downstream of the second exchanger; providing: a second chamber downstream of the collection chamber and connected to the outside box by the emission mouth; a third chamber not communicating to the second chamber but connected, on one side, to the conduits of the first exchanger, and on the other side connected to the outside box by a respective inlet mouth. Defining a return path from the second to the first exchanger, including a first leg passes through the collection chamber, a second leg passes through the second chamber and respective emission mouth, and a third leg passes through the third chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Chiara Favero
  • Publication number: 20150000321
    Abstract: An outdoor unit capable of promptly discharging dew condensation water dropped from a heat exchanger to an exterior is provided. A drainage port is formed in a bottom frame of an outdoor unit below a heat exchanger. A base leg of the bottom frame is formed to have a U shape section by upper plates abutted with a lower surface of the bottom frame, lower plates fixed to an installment surface, and standing plates connecting the upper plates and the lower plates, and further includes a first part and a second part with respect to the longitudinal direction. The first part is formed to have a U shape section opening outward in the horizontal direction with the lower plate thereof being fixed to the installment surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Mikio Kagawa, Fumiaki Koike
  • Publication number: 20140352333
    Abstract: A method for collecting condensate inside an apparatus, including: providing a condensate collection system with bottom and top collection tanks; a condensate discharge pump to displace liquid from the bottom collection tank to the top collection tank; and an overflow system which displaces the liquid contained in the top collection tank that exceeds an overflow level into the bottom collection tank; collecting a condensed liquid in the bottom collection tank; actuating the condensate discharge pump to displace the condensed liquid from the bottom collection tank into the top collection tank; detecting a low load condition of the condensate discharge pump, actuation of the condensate discharge pump being interrupted upon detection of the low load condition; the actuating time (T2) of the condensate discharge pump, with signalling of a full condition of the condensate collection system when this actuating time (T2) is equal or larger than a maximum time (T2lim).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Askoll Holding S.r.I. a socio unico
    Inventor: Elio Marioni
  • Publication number: 20140352344
    Abstract: An air conditioning unit, which can be located in an enclosed environment comprising at least one duct through which a heat transfer fluid flows. The duct is affected sequentially by at least one compressor, for raising the temperature and pressure of the heat transfer fluid in the gaseous state, at least one condenser, for carrying off heat from the heat transfer fluid and its passage from the gaseous state to the liquid state, at least one lamination element, for lowering the pressure of the heat transfer fluid in the liquid state, and at least one evaporator, for absorbing heat by means of the passage of the heat transfer fluid from the liquid state to the gaseous state. The air conditioning unit comprises elements of natural, not forced, collection and conveyance, toward the condenser, of condensed water which may have formed along the outer surfaces of the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: CLIMA MOTIVE S.R.L.
    Inventor: Matteo Guercio
  • Publication number: 20140331698
    Abstract: A condensate collector for an air conditioner window unit. The condensate collector includes a pan including walled sides. Two or more connectors are provided for connecting the condensate collector to the air conditioner window unit. A first one of the connectors is located on one side of the pan and a second one of the connectors is located on an opposite side of the pan from the first one of the connectors. A sponge is removably positioned within the pan, and a drain is provided including an aperture in the pan. A method of collecting condensate from an air conditioner window unit is further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Everett Kesna Daley
  • Publication number: 20140331707
    Abstract: A culture apparatus includes a heat insulating box main body having an inner box; a culture vessel; a duct and a circulation blower forcing convection of a gas in the culture vessel; a humidifying pan disposed on the bottom of the culture vessel and positioned inside the duct; a heat pipe having a heat insulating section, a heat input section disposed at one end of the heat insulating section and a heat dissipation section disposed at the other end of the heat insulating section. The heat pipe is attached to the culture apparatus with the heat dissipation section being disposed outside the culture apparatus, the heat insulating section passing through the heat insulating box main body and the inner box, and the heat input section being disposed in a gas passage in the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Naoyuki YAMASAKI, Yasuhiro KIKUCHI, Hiroki BUSUJIMA, Yasutoshi OKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140326015
    Abstract: A device is provided for lifting condensates. The device includes a container in which condensates are collected and a lift pump for discharging the condensates present in the container. The container is covered on at least one portion of the submerged inner walls thereof with a biocidal surface treatment and contains at least one wire element made from a bactericidal metal material. The wire element has a diameter of between 0.01 mm and 1 mm and a length chosen in such a way as to provide a contact surface greater than the surface area of the container in contact with the condensates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Antoine David Chauvin, Olivier De Gea, Jean-Pierre Chenard
  • Patent number: 8869548
    Abstract: An air-conditioning system provides a segmented pan with a primary drain segment and a built in auxiliary drain pan segment to receive overflow condensate from the primary drain pan and drains through auxiliary drain lines. The built-in auxiliary drain pan and primary drain pan are plumb with respect to each other and are secured together and/or monolithic. The assembly construction thereby provides reduced time and costs associated with storing, transporting, installing, leveling, and plumbing individual components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Aspen Manufacturing, LLC.
    Inventor: David Piccione
  • Publication number: 20140311175
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a case having an inlet and an outlet, an first heat exchanger arranged in the case, a second heat exchanger positioned below the first heat exchanger to have a region overlapped with the first heat exchanger, a guide member for blocking a space between adjacent edges of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and a water collecting member provided at the guide member for collecting condensed water from the first heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Eunjun CHO, Kiwoong PARK, Beomsoo SEO
  • Publication number: 20140298845
    Abstract: A condensate trap upstream of an engine cylinder is provided. The condensate trap includes a condensate containment shelf positioned within an outlet manifold of an air cooler, above a lower side of the outlet manifold, and extending from a first lateral side of the outlet manifold to a second lateral side of the outlet manifold, the condensate containment shelf and a outlet port housing forming a condensate restriction in direct fluidic communication with an outlet port of the outlet manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Raymond Palm, Charles Allen Cockerill, Shuya Shark Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140298846
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly is disclosed for cooling a power electronics module, such as a variable frequency drive. The heat sink assembly includes a housing and a heat sink structure. The housing defines an interior chamber for enclosing the power electronics module and also defines a cooling air flow channel exterior to the interior chamber. The heat sink structure is disposed in conductive heat transfer relationship with the interior chamber and has a heat transfer surface positioned within the exterior cooling air flow channel in convective heat transfer relationship with the cooling air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Taras, KeonWoo Lee, Mark J. Perkovich, Suresh Duraisamy, XuQiang Liao, Claus E. Jorgensen, Arne F. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8844299
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for water collection from atmospheric moisture in large quantities in uncontrolled outdoor environments where the temperature may be cold and humidity levels low. To extract water from air when the dew point is low, a heat exchanger cools to a point where water vapor is deposited on its surface as ice. The heat exchanger then cycles through a heating phase to melt the ice and generate liquid water. The accumulation of frost is advantageous. Frost accumulation enables water collection when the dew point is low. Disclosed variations enhance efficiency and environmental tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ecoloblue, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ferreira, Henri-James Tieleman
  • Patent number: 8820107
    Abstract: A wind machine for producing water by condensation, includes a wind rotor, an air-dehumidifying unit and at least one electric power generation unit, these being supported by a tower anchored in the ground, the dehumidifying unit including at least one refrigeration compressor, at least one condenser and at least one evaporator that are connected together by a refrigerant fluid circuit, incorporating a member for expanding the fluid, the machine furthermore including elements for recovering and storing condensed water vapor. The at least one electric power generation unit is mechanically coupled directly to the wind rotor via its rotation shaft. The wind machine includes a device for storing and recovering the electric power thus generated and a device for automatically controlling and regulating the dehumidifying unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Marc Hugues Parent
  • Patent number: 8813517
    Abstract: An air conditioner including a humidifier and an air conditioning system. The humidifier is modularized within the air conditioner so that the air conditioner performs humidifying together with air conditioning. Further, the humidifier may be linked in operation to the air conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sunghwa Lee, Younghoon Kim, Bongjo Sung, Jongho Park
  • Publication number: 20140196488
    Abstract: An apparatus extracts water from the air using a single circuit of gas containing a compressor, a cooling element, a heat exchanger and an ion source, where a single stream of air is used to provide water and to pre-cool the inlet air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Philip Mark Shryane ROBERTS, Allan EVANS, Michael Charles TOMLIN, Harry Garth WALTON
  • Patent number: 8769979
    Abstract: An apparatus for draining condensate accumulated by an air handling unit element, the element presenting a footprint area, includes: a substantially unitary plurality of surfaces oriented between a first level and a second level and bounded by a peripheral wall. The first level is generally higher than the second level in an installed orientation. A first surface is situated substantially at the first level and is generally horizontal and presents a generally planar expanse generally coextensive with the footprint area in the installed orientation. A second surface generally extends from the second level at a first end of the apparatus to the first level at two loci separated by the first surface at a second end of the apparatus opposite the first end to orient the first surface in a generally nested relationship with respect to the second surface. At least one third surface joins the first and second surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Lennox Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James Frank Timbs, Christopher D. Beck, John Lawson Bauer, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140182321
    Abstract: A condensate collection tank (1) for an air conditioning system is provided. The tank (1) comprises a body (20) for storing condensate liquid, a lid (10) releasably connectable to the body (20) to form the tank (1) and a mounting bracket (112) for fixing the lid (10) to a mounting surface. The tank (1) further includes an inlet port {50, 90) for condensate liquid from the air conditioning system, an outlet port {40, 80) for condensate liquid from the tank (1), a sensor (104) for determining whether an amount of condensate liquid in the tank (1) exceeds a threshold value, and a controller for controlling removal of the condensate liquid from the tank {1) via the outlet port (40, 80) when the sensor (104) determines that the threshold value has been exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: CHARLES AUSTEN PUMPS LIMITED
    Inventors: Jon Constablle, William Eric Shephe
  • Publication number: 20140130533
    Abstract: An air conditioning condensate drain line assembly. The assembly may include a paddle wheel that is rotatably disposed in a drain hole of a drain housing. The paddle wheel may inhibit contaminants from entering the drain tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence C. Karas, Paul Bryan Hoke, Meghan Crusoe Anderson, Eric R. Yerke
  • Publication number: 20140130534
    Abstract: A refrigeration circuit is disclosed circulating a refrigerant and comprising in the direction of flow of the refrigerant a compressor (2); at least one condenser (14, 16) for rejecting heat to ambient air; an expansion device (8); and an evaporator (10). The refrigeration circuit further comprises a collecting container (12), the output of which being connected to the expansion device (8); a heat rejecting heat exchanger (4) for heat exchange of the refrigerant to a heat pump system, the output of the heat rejecting heat exchanger (4) being connected to the collecting container (12); and means (V1, V2) for connecting the heat rejecting heat exchanger (4) or at least one of the condenser(s) (14, 16) to the output of the compressor (2) depending on the availability of cooling power at the heat rejecting heat exchanger (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Scheumann, Sascha Hellmann
  • Patent number: 8707722
    Abstract: A heat exchanger, having a unit for draining condensed water collected in a lower portion of a heat exchanger core, is provided. The heat exchanger includes an upper header tank and a lower header tank; a plurality of tubes communicating with both the upper header tank and the lower header tank; a plurality of fins provided between neighboring tubes; and a plurality of condensed water drain units provided with respective fitting parts closely fitted onto ends of the tubes, wherein the condensed water drain units drain condensed water, collected in a space defined by the lower header tank, the tubes and the fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: KB Autotech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Hoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20140109602
    Abstract: A system for filtering inlet air of an air conditioner air handler, and method of filtering inlet air without a conventional filter, said system is a structure comprising: an air inlet, an air directing structure, a water chamber, positioned within an internal cavity, a structure for directing condensate from an air handler into said water chamber, a drain positioned to impart a maximum water level of water accumulated in said first water chamber; a second air directing structure configured to direct air from said first internal cavity towards an outlet that is affixed to the inlet of an air conditioner air handler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Nivaldo Cerdan
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140096548
    Abstract: A device that collects water vapor, from the ambient air, through condensation or deposition, on the surface of its unique heat exchangers, which are embodied with opposing intertwined and alternating refrigeration circuits. In a dual refrigeration circuit/dual heat exchanger configuration, one refrigeration circuit is responsible for freezing heat exchanger A and heating heat exchanger B while the other refrigeration circuit is responsible for heating heat exchanger A and freezing heat exchanger B. The alternating refrigeration circuits work together to intermittently freeze then thaw each heat exchanger. The water run-off from the thawing process is then collected for use. The condenser tubes of one refrigeration circuit are positioned proximate to the evaporator tubes of the second refrigeration circuit to facilitate the exchange of heat. The system may further comprise heat exchanger fins in contact with the tubes. Multiple pairs of heat exchangers may be utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Philip Heller
  • Patent number: 8689579
    Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a heat exchanger accommodated inside a indoor unit body which is a housing whose lower face is opened, a drain pan which is disposed below the heat exchanger and receives drain water generated at the heat exchanger, a drain pump which is detachably disposed within the indoor unit body, sucks drain water accumulated in the drain pan and discharges the drain water to the outside, a drain port which is disposed at a bottom face wall section of the drain pan, the port being an opening portion through which the drain pump is insertable, and a drain cap which openably closes the drain pump insertion port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Nobusato Yoshitake, Kenji Gajina, Kazuo Mochizuki, Yousuke Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20140090411
    Abstract: A heat pump system, including a main heat pump system and a directly expanded strong cool-heat radiation plate provided on the building surface and serving as the terminal of the main heat pump system. The directly expanded strong cool-heat radiation plate enables refrigerant in the main heat pump system to circulate therein. Since the heat pump system of the present application adopts the directly expanded strong cool-heat radiation plate as the terminal of the main heat pump system, refrigerant in the main heat pump system may exchange heat with air by means of the directly expanded strong cool-heat radiation plate directly, instead of secondary heat exchange of the refrigerant loop and the water circulation loop, thereby reducing loss in intermediate heat exchange, improving the heat exchange efficiency and heat utilization, and omitting the circulating pump for water circulation. An air-conditioner with the heat pump system is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: GUANGXI UNIVERSITY, GUANGXI JUNFUHUANG GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yingning HU, Biao LI, Jun LIN, Chengyong WANG
  • Patent number: 8683821
    Abstract: Systems and methods for condensate removal are disclosed. A reservoir may include a trap structure and a sediment trap may be disposed within the trap structure. The sediment trap may be positioned within the reservoir so that condensate flowing into the reservoir is filtered before flowing out of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Franklin Electric Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Volk, Ryan A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8683713
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a dryer and a drying method of the same. The dryer includes a condensing unit to change water vapor evaporated from a drying object into condensate water by cooling, a condensate water storage container in which the condensate water is stored, a water level sensing device to detect a level of the stored condensate water, and a microcomputer to calculate a change rate of condensation or of the condensate water level based on the detected water level and to determine a value of dryness of the drying object. The dryer effectively performs a drying operation based on the accurately detected value of dryness of the drying object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Hoon Ha, Jeong Su Han, Jun hoe Choi, Sang Yeon Pyo, Tae Gyoon Noh
  • Publication number: 20140083125
    Abstract: A wind-powered fresh water generator is provided. The wind-powered fresh water generator includes a wind rotation module disposed on a beam, a cooling and fresh water generating module connected to the wind rotation module, and a water collecting system disposed below the cooling and fresh water generating module. The wind-powered rotation module provides a rotation motive power to the cooling and fresh water generating module. The water generated by the cooling and fresh water generating module is collected by the water collecting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Meng-Chyang PENG
  • Publication number: 20140069134
    Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an inlet duct, supply duct, return duct and exhaust duct: a heat exchanger for providing heat transfer between air from the inlet duct and air from the return duct: a cooling coil position in the supply duct: a pan for collecting condensate from the cooling coil; a pump to pump condensate from the pan: and a sprayer coupled to the pump, the sprayer spraying condensate into an air path to increase efficiency of the air conditioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Michel Grabon
  • 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: 20140026607
    Abstract: A drain pan liner for a refrigeration system, comprising a layer configured to be located underneath frost accumulating components of a cooling unit of a refrigeration system. The layer includes a homogenously textured surface configured to receive water from the cooling unit, wherein the homogenously textured surface has a uniform distribution of uniformly dimensioned and separated peaks and valleys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuetter
  • Patent number: 8627673
    Abstract: An atmospheric water harvester includes a cooling member over which humid air flows to condense moisture from the atmosphere. The cooling member may be the evaporator of a conventional, gas vapor-based refrigeration circuit. If a gas vapor-based refrigeration circuit is used, the compressor of the circuit may be variable speed. A fan or impeller used to move air through the system may also be variable speed. A preferred embodiment includes a variable flow geometry thermal economizer section configured such that, to varying degrees, the incoming air may be pre-cooled, before it passes over the cooling member, by heat exchange with colder air that has already flowed over the cooling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Water Generating Systems LLC
    Inventors: James W. Hill, Christopher G. Preston, Michael D. Max
  • Publication number: 20140007606
    Abstract: A monolithic compressed-gas dryer including in series: an inlet chamber, a precooler/reheater chamber, an evaporator chamber, and a sump chamber. The chambers are welded together to form columns where at least one column has a filtration chamber. Further provided is a gas outlet. The system creates a first and second set of heat transfer passages where refrigerant passes through the second set in a heat exchange relationship in a direction perpendicular to incoming gas passing in the first set. The filtration chamber conducts chilled gas from the first set to a third set of heat transfer passages. The third set extends through the precooler/reheater in heat exchange relationship with the first set. Chilled gas passes in heat exchange relationship in a direction perpendicular to the incoming gas so that the incoming gas chilled in the evaporator exchanges heat with the incoming gas in the precooler/reheater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Allan Hoerner, John A. Carlin
  • Publication number: 20140007600
    Abstract: An evaporator includes an inlet manifold, an outlet parallel to the inlet manifold, and a collection manifold parallel and adjacent to the outlet manifold. First flow conduits extend from the inlet manifold to the collection manifold, and at least one second flow conduit extends from the collection manifold to the outlet manifold. The evaporator can be housed within an enclosure to provide a cased evaporator. Air is conditioned by transferring heat from the air to refrigerant as the air passes through the evaporator. The refrigerant is received from outside the enclosure into the inlet manifold, and is directed through first and second refrigerant passes to receive heat from the air. The flow of refrigerant is received from the second pass into a collection manifold, is transferred to an outlet manifold, and is removed from the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Mark W. Johnson, Eric P. Steinbach, George A. Baker, Bradley C. Engel, Gregory T. Kohler
  • Publication number: 20130333405
    Abstract: Water condensate is captured from the exhaust of a generator utilized to provide power to a data center, and the captured water is then utilized for data center purposes such as adiabatic cooling. The exhaust of electrical power generators is passed through a condenser to obtain water condensate from such exhaust. The water condensate is stored in water storage units and is utilized to provide supplemental cooling to the data center. Sporadic usage of water can enable the water storage to be refilled between uses, since water condensate can be obtained from exhaust almost continuously. The level of water is monitored and the level of processing performed by the data center is adjusted to avoid emptying such water storage units. Historical climatological data is utilized to estimate the water required. Additionally, short and long-range weather forecasts can be optionally taken into account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christian L. Belady, Sean M. James
  • 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: 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: 8584481
    Abstract: An integrated air conditioner that controls the operation of a water feed device according to the mode of use. The air conditioner includes a control section that determines whether or not exhaust heat from a condenser 3 is being released outdoors through an exhaust duct 7 according to whether or not an air intake duct 26 or an exhaust duct 7 is fitted, operates a water feed device 8 for leading drain wafer collected in the drain pan to the condenser 3 during both of a cooling operation and a dehumidifying operation if it determines that the heat to be released from the condenser 3 is being released outdoors, and operates the water feed device 8 during the cooling operation and stops the operation of the water feed device 8 during the dehumidifying operation if it determines that the exhaust heat from the condenser 3 is not being released outdoors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tohru Ariga
  • Patent number: 8584482
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a plurality of storage compartments and a cold air generating compartment provided in an upper portion of the cabinet. The cold air generating compartment is in communication with the plurality of the storage compartments and houses a plurality of evaporators, with each evaporator corresponding to a particular storage compartment in the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Su Nam Chae, Kyeong Yun Kim, Jang Seok Lee, Min Kyu Oh, Youn Seok Lee
  • Publication number: 20130277009
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with an aircraft air conditioning machine to provide conditioned air to an aircraft cabin includes a recirculation air mixer to mix recirculation air and cold air from a turbine in the air conditioning machine as mixed air, the recirculation air mixer including a cold inlet, a plenum, a recirculation air inlet connected to an annulus and a plurality of injectors for injecting the recirculation air from the annulus into the plenum; and a condenser connected to the recirculation air mixer, the condenser including an inlet to receive air from a heat exchanger, a chamber where air from the recirculation air mixer enters to condense the air received through the inlet from the heat exchanger, an outlet for transferring the condensed air to the turbine, and an outlet for transferring conditioned air to the aircraft cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Donald E. Army
  • Publication number: 20130276471
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance is provided with a drain pan mounted below a condenser of the refrigerator appliance. The drain pan includes features such as a channel for directing air through the drain pan. The channel can, e.g., increase the efficiency of the condenser and/or promote evaporation of liquid contained within the drain pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Martin Nicholas Austin, Stephanos Kyriacou, Justin Berger
  • 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: 20130255301
    Abstract: A hot gas defrost condensate pan for collecting condensation from a refrigerator evaporator system is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment, the condensate pan includes a heat exchanger with a header forming a closed loop and a tube bank disposed within the closed loop. The upper plane of the tube bank sits below the upper plane of the header, forming a recess in which an inner pan section sits. The header and tube bank collectively define a frame for the condensate pan. Further, the header surrounds the perimeter of the inner pan section, providing defrost heat in ice-prone areas. An outer pan section is provided on the underside of the heat exchanger. The inner pan section and the outer pan section are preferably seam welded to the heat exchanger, to protect the internal components of the condensate pan, and to prevent the ingress of dirt and bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: GUNTNER U.S., LLC
    Inventors: Jorge Antonio Lufin CORREA, Ian Neil RUNSEY
  • Publication number: 20130220905
    Abstract: A water production system with a thermal separation device that defines a cold region and a hot region, a fluid-air heat exchanger located remotely from the thermal separation device and exposed to air, and a fluid circulation loop that thermally connects the cold region of the thermal separation device to the fluid-air heat exchanger so as to cool the fluid-air heat exchanger and condense water from ambient air to produce water pure enough so that with further treatment it can be made potable. Also disclosed are filtration and dispensing features that are appropriate for a potable water supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Infinite Water, Inc.
    Inventor: Infinite Water, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130220906
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) for extracting water from the atmosphere and supplying the extracted water to a domestic water supply to the dwelling, said apparatus being dimensioned and arranged relative to an access opening that leads from the dwelling into a roof space to be small enough to pass through the opening and be located in the roof space, said apparatus further comprising an air intake (12) located to receive humid air from outside the dwelling, a water extractor having a fan (13) operable to draw air in through the air intake (12) and pass the air over a cooling means for condensing water out of the air and means—for collecting the condensed water and supplying the collected water to the water supply tank (30) of the dwelling to replenish water in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: David Stenhouse
  • Publication number: 20130213604
    Abstract: A data center container includes a chassis, a cover, a cooling system, a water outlet, a water tray, and a connecting pipe. The cover is secured to the chassis. The cooling system is located in the chassis and includes a water inflow portion, a water outflow portion, and a drainer tray. The water outlet is located in the chassis. The water outlet communicates with the drainer tray and extends out of the chassis. The drainer tray is secured to the chassis. The water inflow portion and the water outflow portion are located between the cover and the water tray. The connecting pipe connects the water tray with the drainer tray. The water tray receives condensation dripping from the water inflow portion and the water outflow portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: XU YANG
  • 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
  • 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