Condensate Retainer Patents (Class 62/291)
  • Publication number: 20130199221
    Abstract: An apparatus and system to produce purified drinking water from humid air is provided. The apparatus includes a condenser and evaporator coil assembly with a source of germicidal activity. A method to provide purified drinking water from humid air using a stand along apparatus is provided. The apparatus can also dehumidify, improve air-quality and provide air-conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Water Technologies International, LLC
    Inventor: William Scott Tudor
  • Publication number: 20130160475
    Abstract: A refrigerated case (20) has a body (22). The body has a refrigerated compartment (24) and an air flowpath (100). The body includes a lower wall (156) below the air flowpath. A drain pipe (150) protrudes from the lower wall and has a lower outlet (166). A refrigerant air heat exchanger (72) is along a refrigerant flowpath and within the air flowpath. The body further includes a water trap vessel (152) having an upper end (176) secured to the base, a lower portion (174) surrounding the drain outlet, at least one vessel outlet (170) above the drain outlet, and a segmented rim flange. The body includes a plurality of features (240) engaging an underside of the flange along respective segments to vertically and laterally retain the water trap vessel and permit removal of the vessel via a rotation of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sascha Vinz, Sri Nugroho, Markus Schuster
  • Publication number: 20130160476
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprising a refrigerator body having a freezing compartment and a refrigeration compartment; a cooling circuit including a compressor, a first condenser, and a first evaporator to cool the freezing compartment and the refrigeration compartment using a first refrigerant; a thermosiphon that includes a second condenser provided at the refrigeration compartment and a second evaporator provided at the freezing compartment for a second refrigerant to flow; a valve provided to control a flow of the second refrigerant in the thermosiphon; a first heat transfer plate provided between the second condenser and the freezing compartment; a second heat exchange plate provided between the second evaporator and the refrigeration compartment; and a dew collection device provided at an inner side wall of the refrigerator compartment and positioned to correspond to a position of the second heat exchange plate to collect dew formed on the inner side wall of the refrigerator compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Sangbong LEE, Taehee LEE, Younghoon YUN
  • 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: 20130145782
    Abstract: A water condenser includes a fan which draws a primary airflow through an upstream refrigerant evaporator, through an air-to-air heat exchanger and in one embodiment also an air-to-water heat exchanger uses cold water collected as condensate from the evaporator, the airflow to the evaporator being pre-cooled by passing through the air-to-air heat exchanger and the air-to-water heat exchanger prior to entry into the evaporator wherein the airflow is further cooled to below its dew point so as to condense moisture onto the evaporator far gravity collection. The evaporator is cooled by a closed refrigerant circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: FREEDOM WATER COMPANY LTD.
    Inventor: FREEDOM WATER COMPANY LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130139537
    Abstract: A condensate drain pan in particular for use in combination with a HVAC system, comprising a sump, an inlet and an outlet for gases, in particular combustion gases, as well as an outlet for condensate. The sump is made of a non-corrodible or corrosion-resistant material, such as a chemically inert-synthetic plastics material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer, preferably elastic thermoplastic copolyester. The pan may be produced by rotational molding, preferably as one piece. The invention also concerns a HVAC system provided with such condensate drain pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicants: Kumagaya Kunststoffen V.o.f., JMK Heating BV.
    Inventors: JMK Heating B.V., Kumagaya Kunststoffen V.o.f
  • Publication number: 20130133351
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a body installed at an outdoor space, and an air discharge tube to guide cold air discharged from the body to an indoor space. An evaporator and a condenser are installed in the body. The evaporator is disposed at a higher level than the condenser. Accordingly, it possible to transfer condensed water generated from the evaporator to the condenser by gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130125574
    Abstract: One aspect provides a dehumidifier that has a dehumidifying circuit and includes an evaporator, a first portion of a condensing circuit, and a first blower configured to direct a first air stream along a first flow path and through the evaporator and the first portion of the condensing circuit, for reducing the humidity of the first air stream. The dehumidifier also comprises a heat removing circuit, comprising a second blower configured to direct a second air stream along a second flow path and through a second portion of the condensing circuit for removing heat from the second portion of the condensing circuit. The first and second condensing circuits are fluidly coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Robert B. Uselton, Mark Cree Jackson
  • Publication number: 20130098095
    Abstract: A modular drain pan assembly with one-piece construction, having no seams in the condensate collection area and using multiple small drain pans with drip caps to avoid leakage between individual pans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Walter Stark
  • Publication number: 20130098094
    Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes an intake port, a heat exchanger, a fan, and a discharge port. The intake port introduces air. The heat exchanger exchanges heat with the introduced air. The fan is disposed above the heat exchanger. The discharge port discharges the air after exchanging heat with the heat exchanger. The intake port is lower than a center of the fan. The discharge port is higher than the center of the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Kim Hankook
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130081420
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator, which includes a drain pan, a drain pipe, and a drain cap. The drain pan is disposed under an evaporator, and includes a drain port through which defrosted water is discharged. The drain pipe is coupled to the drain port. The drain cap is installed inside of the drain pipe. A flip member disposed inside of the drain cap is integrally formed with the drain cap and is bendable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Kyongbae PARK, Donghoon LEE, Hyoungkeun LIM
  • Patent number: 8408022
    Abstract: An exemplary system includes a first heat exchanger immediately after the compressor that provides direct, conduction-based cooling with condensate recovered from the evaporator. A second heat exchanger cools the forced air that passes over the condenser by evaporating recovered condensate, rainwater, and/or city water into the air as it passes through a breathable water-retaining medium. Finally, a third heat exchanger is described that utilizes recovered condensate, rainwater, and/or city water within an insulated enclosure to obtain additional cooling before the condensed refrigerant enters the expansion valve. Various alternative embodiments are described that include variations of each of these heat exchangers. Additionally, several alternative placements of the heat exchangers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Harold E. Stockton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130047655
    Abstract: An atmospheric water generator and system for condensing and collecting moisture contained in the air serves to cool and dehumidify the air. The collected water is purified and can be dispensed at hot or cold temperatures, on demand. In alternative embodiments, the system can be used in a multi-zone application or to provide cooled air and water to a building. An embodiment primarily for use as an air conditioning unit is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: AWG International, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith White
  • Publication number: 20120324935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger arrangement including an air heat exchanger arranged in a thermally insulated housing chamber; a defrosting device; and a fan, wherein the housing chamber itself forms an air flow cavity and is segmented by the air heat exchanger into an inflow cavity and an outflow cavity, and wherein the air heat exchanger includes adjustable flaps which are configured on an air inlet side and on an air outlet side of the heat exchanger to regulate or block an airflow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Juergen Piechowski
  • Patent number: 8333082
    Abstract: An air conditioning system condensate collection pan or water leak containment pan electrical control switch includes a housing or frame for supporting a switch unit which includes an elongated actuator arm. The housing includes a slot disposed adjacent a distal end of the actuator arm for receiving a water soluble tablet engageable with the actuator arm to bias the arm into a predetermined position of the switch. Abnormal accumulation of condensate or leaking water dissolves the tablet and allows the actuator arm to move to a position to effect actuation of the switch. The switch may be connected to a control unit, a thermostat and/or to an alarm generator including a self-contained unit having battery powered audio and/or visual alarm devices, an on-off switch and a circuit test switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Joe D. Robinson
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120247135
    Abstract: An Air conditioning and potable water generating system in which a cooling element condenses water from atmospheric air is operable two switch between an air conditioning mode, in which cooled atmospheric air from which water has been extracted is supplied to a building's interior environment, and a water generating mode, in which communication of such supply air into the building interior is closed off. The system can thus be operated to collect water regardless of whether cooling of the building interior is required at a particular point in time. Use of the same cooling element in each mode provides and use of return air from the building to mix with incoming fresh air and cool the heat dissipating element of the cooling system make for efficient operation. Controls of the system are operable to change a mixture ratio of the fresh atmospheric air and circulating return air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Abdulrahman Abdulkader Mohammed Fakieh
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120186282
    Abstract: An air cooling system includes a heat exchanger, an inlet duct, an outlet duct, and an outlet header. The inlet duct is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger and is configured to direct relatively warm air from the cabin into the heat exchanger. The outlet duct is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger and configured to direct relatively cool air out of the heat exchanger and back to the cabin. The outlet header is located between the heat exchanger and the outlet duct. The outlet header has a shape configured to collect water from the cool air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven D. Army, Charles J. McColgan
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120159981
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a drain pan that comprises a base pan section having a central air flow opening located therethough and an anchoring rim section located along the air flow opening. A condensate deflector is located at the air flow opening and at an end of the at least one anchoring rim section. The condensate deflector and anchoring rim section form a corner, wherein an upper portion of the corner extends along a same side of the opening as the anchoring rim section. The drain pan further comprises a condensate channel located between an outer perimeter of the base pan section and the condensate deflector. The condensate channel extends from one side of the base pan section to an opposing side of the base pan section. A method of fabricating the drain pan is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher D. Beck, Mike Denley
  • Publication number: 20120151953
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an elongated body member configured to be inserted into a heat ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) plenum, said elongated body member having a middle portion, an upper supporting ledge, and a stop tab integrally formed therewith, and wherein said elongated body member is a unitary piece of bent sheet metal. The present disclosure is also directed to employing the drain rail and drain pan within a plenum housing. A method of fabricating a plenum housing the drain rails is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Advanced Distributor Products LLC
    Inventors: James Timbs, James Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20120151954
    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: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Yu-Ming HSIAO
  • Publication number: 20120131942
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet comprising a storage chamber, a cold air generation chamber provided above the storage chamber, an evaporator provided in the cold air generation chamber, and a refrigerant tube configured to pass through a predetermined wall of the cold air generation chamber, not passing the storage chamber, to be connected with the evaporator. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator which has an efficient installation structure of a refrigerant tube connected with an evaporator provided in a cold air generation chamber provided above a storage chamber to enlarge storage space of the storage chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Youn Seok Lee, Jang Seok Lee, So Hee Park, Su Nam Chae, Min Kyu Oh
  • Publication number: 20120117999
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet comprising a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment, a cold air generation chamber for the freezing compartment provided in an upper portion of the cabinet, in communication with the freezing compartment, the cold air generation chamber configured to accommodate an evaporator for the freezing compartment, a machine room provided in an upper portion of the cabinet, a cold air generation chamber for the refrigerating compartment independently provided from the cold air generation chamber for the freezing compartment, the cold air generation chamber for the refrigerating compartment configured to accommodate an evaporator for the refrigerating compartment, and a defrosted-water treating part configured to receive defrosted-water generated from the evaporator for the freezing compartment and the evaporator for the refrigerating compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Su Nam Chae, Kyeong Yun Kim, Jang Seok Lee, Min Kyu Oh, Youn Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 8177093
    Abstract: A paint tray and/or paint tray insert and method of manufacturing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: John R. Paul
  • Patent number: 8171749
    Abstract: An aircraft-galley chiller, enclosed in a housing, including an evaporator condensate drying device. The galley chiller may operate on DC power and may be transported from one cart to another to provide chilled air to a particular cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Qiao Lu, Timothy Andrew Birkmann, Shon Mattly, Steven Whisler, Richard Rizzo, Michael E. Wright, Edward Bates
  • Patent number: 8161764
    Abstract: A built-in refrigerator comprising a carcass, in the lower rear area of which a machine compartment is formed. Said machine compartment is closed at least in part by means of a rear wall. The rear wall delimits a first air passage of the machine compartment at the level of a support area of the carcass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Benitsch, Siegfried Grasy, Thorsten Kusnik, Wolfgang Nuiding
  • Patent number: 8156956
    Abstract: An assembly mounts between the drain pan that collects condensate water from an air conditioner and the drain line. It includes a housing with a first end connected to the pan. A second end connects to the drain line. A shut off valve shuts off the passage to the pan while maintenance is performed. A connector is mounted on the housing between the valve and the second end. It is a female member of a water hose coupling. A male member of the coupling may be screwed in to seal it in place. Male members may have different terminations at a second end, including a barbed tube for resilient tubing, a compressed air tire valve for delivering gas, a compressed nitrogen coupling, a tapered funnel for the nozzle of vacuum/blower, and a water sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Gregory Coogle
  • 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: 20120073320
    Abstract: An atmospheric water generator includes a refrigeration system. The evaporators may be roll-bond evaporators. Fans cooperate with a radiator and the evaporators to induce an in-flow stream of air from ambient air into and through, firstly, the condenser, and secondly, the radiator. The in-flow stream of air is cooled by the evaporator as the in-flow stream passes through the evaporator. The cooled stream of air then passes through a heated dissipating section of the radiator. The airways between the evaporators in the array are sufficiently long so that the streams of air become turbulently mixed. The evaporators may be planar. Opposed facing surfaces of adjacent evaporators may include turbulent flow trippers to change laminar flow in the airways to turbulent flow. The turbulent flow trippers may include protrusions formed on the opposed facing surfaces or metallic mesh interleaved in the airways between the evaporators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Diego Castanon Seoane
  • Publication number: 20120067075
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator main body having a storage space to store foods and a machine room to accommodate a part of a refrigerant compression cycle apparatus, a condenser disposed between a bottom surface of the refrigerator main body and a lower surface of the storage space, at least one compressor disposed within the machine room, and a blow fan to form an air passage through which external air passed through the condenser is supplied into the compressor and discharged out of the machine room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Chanho JEON, Juyeong HEO, Sunam CHAE, Sung JHEE
  • Publication number: 20120047936
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance, such as a refrigerator, includes a compression stage, a condenser stage, and an evaporation stage. The condenser stage includes a first condenser and a water-cooled final condenser operatively configured between the first condenser and the evaporation stage. A water source is in communication with the final condenser, which operates to reduce refrigerant temperature entering the evaporation stage to ambient temperature or lower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Brent Alden Junge
  • Publication number: 20120042676
    Abstract: The condensate evaporator has a pan that is pivotally mounted on a fulcrum defined by two posts to depress the plunger of a switch as condensate collects in the pan. The switch and posts form a three point support for the pan on a flat surface. The switch is actuated by the pivoting of the pan to deliver power to a heater pad for heating the condensate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Graham
  • Patent number: 8097073
    Abstract: A dehumidifier is provided. The dehumidifier includes a base, a barrier installed on the base to divide front and rear portions of the base, a drain pan formed on an upper portion of the barrier to collect condensed water and provided with a water collecting hole through which the condensed water is discharged, a drain hose connected to the water collecting hole to discharge the condensed water, and a hose fixing unit formed on the barrier to fix the drain hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Won-Suk Jang, Chi-Wan Kim
  • Patent number: 8091376
    Abstract: A bent coil used in a ducted heating and cooling unit improves heat exchange. The bent coil increases the overall surface area of the coil for a given duct volume. Openings in a separation wall focus an air flow from fans towards the bent coil. Fins direct the air through the bent coil, and a net removes turbulence from the air flow prior to moving through the bent coil. The bent coil discharges air both longitudinally and laterally, eliminating the need for any additional ducting downstream from the bent coil to divert air toward the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Carlambrogio Bianchi, Massimiliano Tonin, Davide Baio
  • Publication number: 20120000232
    Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a self-contained refrigeration module having an at least largely complete refrigeration circuit for cooling a refrigeration chamber of a household refrigerator and having a separate housing. At least one evaporator is arranged in the refrigeration circuit, wherein the housing is provided with apertures for passage of air cooled by the evaporator and air to be cooled by the evaporator. The refrigeration apparatus can be used for a household refrigerator which includes a refrigerating chamber housing having at least one refrigerating chamber. A door leaf is arranged on the refrigerating chamber housing for closing the refrigerating chamber. The refrigerating chamber housing has apertures in communication with the apertures of the housing of the refrigeration module for passage of air cooled by the evaporator into the refrigerating chamber and for passage of air from the refrigerating chamber to the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Detlef Cieslik, Christian Hein, Berthold Pflomm
  • Publication number: 20120000231
    Abstract: A drain pain is disclosed. The drain pain includes a base sheet, an extruded covering sheet coupled to the base sheet, the extrusion defining a tube cavity having a heat transfer surface, and a heat tube inserted into the tube cavity. The tube cavity has dimension such that the heat transfer surface is in contact with the heat tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Refrigeration Kool-Air Inc.
    Inventor: Patrice LaFontaine
  • Patent number: 8074463
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blocking element which prevent outside air from introducing into an evaporator while operating a refrigerator, wherein defrost water is prevented from freezing at a connection between a drain pan and a drain hose, as outside air is introduced into the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seon Wook Bang
  • Patent number: 8069676
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III, Prashant Bhat, Ryan LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Otis L. Clapp
  • Publication number: 20110283730
    Abstract: An apparatus and system to produce purified drinking water from humid air is provided. The apparatus includes an air purification device such as a HEPA filter to remove air-borne particulate and biological containments. A method to provide purified drinking water from humid air using a stand along apparatus is provided. The apparatus can also dehumidify, improve air-quality and provide air-conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: William Scott Tudor
  • Publication number: 20110271703
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a bypass pipe, and a valve device. The condenser condenses refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and the expansion valve expands the refrigerant condensed in the condenser. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve, and the bypass pipe allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to move toward an inlet of the evaporator. The valve device allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to selectively move toward the bypass pipe or the condenser. The valve device comprises an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the inlet. The refrigerant is discharged toward the condenser through the first outlet, and is discharged toward the bypass pipe through the second outlet. The first outlet has a diameter larger than that of the second outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Yong-Joo Park, Jong-Min Shin, Bong-Jun Choi, Su-Won Lee, Gyu-Won Shin, Seok-Min Lim
  • Publication number: 20110271704
    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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: LITTLE GIANT PUMP COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: James J. Volk, Ryan A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110265508
    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: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: DAVID PICCIONE
  • Publication number: 20110253129
    Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning a space under an array of solar collectors has a conditioner for conditioning the space under the array, a condensation surface for condensing water vapor in the space, a drip surface for collecting the condensed water vapor, a radiant barrier for insulating the space under the array from a heat radiating from above the radiant barrier, a wall member for enclosing the space under the array, and a cover member for covering a gap between adjacent solar collectors of the array. The apparatus can be adapted for use with a single solar collector or an array of solar collectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Kerry Gordon Daly
  • Patent number: 8037708
    Abstract: A refrigerator and a method for manufacturing the same. The refrigerator includes a main body which has a specified space and a open front surface, and a plate having a specified thickness, in which the plate is inserted into the main body through one side of the open front surface of the main body to sectionalize the space provided in the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Nam Soo Cho, Youn Seok Lee, Kyeong Yun Kim, Su Nam Chae, Sang Oh Kim, Jang Seok Lee
  • Patent number: RE42907
    Abstract: Device for conditioning water produced by environmental conditioning or dehumidification apparatuses or plants, comprising a device (2) for measuring the quantity of water produced by a condenser (1) which transforms atmospheric humidity into water, a feeder (4) of a corrective composition of salts and mineral substances, preferably in the form of tablets (P), for dispensing at least one of them in proportion to the quantity of water measured, a mixing vessel (5) receiving the measured water and at least a tablet (P) provided by the feeder (4), a control and command unit (6) that activates the feeder (4) in proportion to the quantity of water measured and received, and a tank (7) for collecting and filtering the water provided with means (70) for filtering micro-organisms and bacteria and a valve (81) for the exit of potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Osman Akkad