Fluid Recirculating Means Patents (Class 62/310)
  • Publication number: 20010002541
    Abstract: A spray cooling system for semiconductor devices. An ink-jet type spray device sprays droplets of a cooling fluid onto the semiconductor devices. The devices vaporize the liquid, which gets passed through a roll bond panel, or other heat exchanger, and is pumped into a spring loaded reservoir that feeds the spray device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventors: Chandrakant D. Patel, Cullen E. Bash
  • Publication number: 20010002620
    Abstract: A method of exchanging heat is disclosed. Process fluid is passed through a dry indirect contact heat exchange section while a main air stream is also passed through that section. The process fluid is passed through a second indirect contact heat exchange section while a second air stream is passed through that section. A third air stream is passed through a direct contact heat exchange section and mixed with the second air stream to define the main air stream. Evaporative liquid is selectively distributed over the second indirect contact heat exchange section and over the direct heat exchange section. The distribution of evaporative liquid over one section is independent of the distribution of evaporative liquid over the other section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas P. Carter, Branislav Korenic
  • Patent number: 6213200
    Abstract: A system and method of exchanging heat are disclosed. Three heat exchange sections are used: a dry indirect contact heat exchange section, a second indirect contact heat exchange section that is operable in either a wet or dry mode, and a direct contact heat exchange section. The three sections are next to each other in an apparatus to reduce the overall height of the apparatus. The dry and second indirect contact heat exchange sections receive a process fluid in series or in parallel. Separate ambient air streams pass through the second indirect and direct contact heat exchange sections before mixing and entering the dry indirect contact heat exchange section. Another ambient air stream is mixed in upstream of the dry indirect contact heat exchange section when the system is operated in the dry mode. Two independent evaporative liquid distribution systems are included. One selectively distributes evaporative liquid over the second indirect contact heat exchange section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Carter, Branislav Korenic
  • Patent number: 6202429
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an enclosed space proximate a selected comfort level, and for conserving utilities, the apparatus comprising a housing in communicating relation with the enclosed space and the external environment and having an evaporative cooler for cooling the enclosed space and having a predetermined operating efficiency, and a spaced apart air conditioner for either selectively cooling or heating the enclosed space, having a baffle that restricts airflow to the air conditioner and an operating efficiency different from the evaporative cooler, and a control mechanism for automatically and selectively switching back and forth from operation of the evaporative cooler to the air conditioner in response to ambient conditions of the external environment and the operating efficiencies of the evaporative cooler and the air conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Phoenix Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Kinkel, Steven J. Goettl, Peter J. Kinkel
  • Patent number: 6182454
    Abstract: An environmental control system for maintaining a predetermined air temperature and relative humidity level of the interior of an enclosure, such as a wine cellar. A liquid chiller is provided which is adapted to cool liquid being circulated therethrough. An air handler has a cabinet with a heat exchanging unit and a blower disposed therein. The heat exchanging unit is operatively connected to the liquid chiller to receive cooled liquid being discharged therefrom. The blower is adapted to direct air from the enclosure over the heat exchanging unit such that the enclosure air is cooled. A liquid cascade unit has at least one surface with an upper and lower portion and a liquid collection pan attached to that lower portion. The upper portion is operatively connected to the heat exchanging unit such that liquid flows down from the upper portion toward the lower portion and into the liquid collection pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Michael McNeilan
  • Patent number: 6178767
    Abstract: The compact rotary evaporative cooler of this invention includes a case containing a powered rotor mounting a partition that divides the case longitudinally into a wetted chamber and a nonwetted chamber. An annular array of elongated Perkins tubes is supported for rotation with the rotor and each Perkins tube extends through the partition, with the evaporation end section extending into the nonwetted chamber and the condensing end section extending into the wetted chamber. Each Perkins tube mounts a plurality of closely spaced heat conductive fins along its length, and a layer of porous metal is bonded to the entire inner surface of the evaporation section of the tube. A first inlet port introduces hot, dry outside air into the wetted chamber and a first outlet port vents the cooled but humidified air from the wetted chamber to the atmosphere or to a space to be conditioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Milton F. Pravda
  • Patent number: 6142219
    Abstract: A system and methods of extracting heat are disclosed. The system may be arranged as a fluid cooler or as a fluid condenser. Three heat exchange sections are provided: a dry indirect contact heat exchange section; a second indirect contact heat exchange section that is operable in either a wet or dry mode; and a direct contact heat exchange section. As a fluid cooler, a connecting flow path connects the dry indirect contact heat exchange section to the second indirect contact heat exchange section. A bypass flow path extends from the dry indirect contact heat exchange section to the process fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Amstead Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Branislav Korenic, Thomas P. Carter
  • Patent number: 6134905
    Abstract: Evaporative cooler apparatus includes two pumps, a primary pump which pumps water to an evaporative medium and a secondary pump for pumping water from the bottom of the cooler to drain the cooler. The secondary, or drain pump includes a timer so that it is only on to drain water from the bottom of the cooler for a predetermined time, and after a predetermined number of hours of operation of the primary pump. That is, there is a direct relationship between the operation of the cooler apparatus as evidenced by the primary pump, and the draining of the water at the bottom of the cooler by the secondary, or drain pump. The efficiency of the pumps is increased to allow them to pump with a very low water level without cavitation problems by virtue of an impeller design which includes vanes on the bottom of the impeller disk and vanes on top of an impeller disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventors: Harold O. Collins, James J. Hennessy, Gilbert Mancillas
  • Patent number: 6116033
    Abstract: While water sprayed from an air washer is consumed by humidification, excess water which is not consumed accumulates in a circulating water tank and is supplied to the air washer again through a heat exchanger by a circulating pump. Water is supplied to the heat exchanger through a piping to make up for a shortage of water, where the water is cooled and fed to the air washer. Accordingly, the water supplied to the air washer is composed of excess humidification water from the circulating water tank which is circulated by the circulating pump and water supplied through the piping, and the water from two sources is supplied to the air washer after being cooled by the heat exchanger. Thus the excess humidification water stored in the circulating water tank has a temperature lower than the room temperature and can prevent propagation of micro-organisms which can propagate at a room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Yoshiya
  • Patent number: 6112538
    Abstract: A portable evaporative cooling system includes a liquid storage tank, a pump coupled to the tank and a power source coupled to the pump. In addition, the system includes one or more nozzles coupled to the pump for converting a liquid to a relatively fine mist. The pump pumps the liquid from the tank to the one or more nozzles in a substantially non-pulsating manner, thereby providing a substantially continuous misting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Mist 'N Co, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Strussion
  • Patent number: 6101831
    Abstract: A portable evaporative cooler is constructed from a housing having at least one opening fitted with an evaporative medium pad, and an exhaust vent. This cooler includes a pump for dispersing water over the evaporative medium pad, and a bottom pan for receiving the water, the pump cooperating with the bottom pan to permit water to recirculate. A fitting on the housing permits the cooler to be connected to a water source, the fitting including a valve (such as a float valve) for automatically filling the cooler when the water level in the bottom pan is below a predetermined level. An exhaust fan draws air into the housing through the evaporative medium pad and out the exhaust vent. Finally, the housing is fitted with a convenience device (such as a beverage server or tool tray).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: AdobeAir, Inc.
    Inventor: Ted Ciccone
  • Patent number: 6018954
    Abstract: There is provided a heat pump system including two (4, 6), at least similar units in fluid communication with each other, each unit having a housing (8, 8'), a first air/brine heat exchanger (12, 12'), a second brine/refrigerant heat exchanger (24, 24'), a brine inlet (10, 10') for applying brine onto at least one of the heat exchangers, a brine reservoir (14, 14') and a pump (28) for circulating the brine from the reservoir to the inlet. The first and second heat exchangers are in closed loop fluid communication with each other and have a compressor (44) for circulating a refrigerant therethrough in selected directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Gad Assaf
  • Patent number: 5974822
    Abstract: A tank holds a pool of liquid coolant in which spaced, rotatable disks are partially submerged. An air flow is established over exposed portions of the disks, preferably parallel thereto, whereby coolant adhering to the disks upon rotating out of the coolant pool is partially evaporated and the disks and remaining adhering coolant have their temperature lowered and serve to cool the coolant pool upon reentry into the pool from the air space above. A fluid to be cooled is passed through tubes mounted in the tank, below the surface of the liquid coolant, parallel to the surfaces of the disks. Adjacent rows of tubes define spaces therebetween, each of which receives the submerged portion of at least one disk. The evaporative cooler may be used in a refrigeration apparatus in combination with a compressor and an evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: William L. Kopko
  • Patent number: 5956964
    Abstract: The invention provides a conversion means for converting a fixed type evaporative cooler (10) to a mobile type that includes a base with an opening (15), a sump (14) which can be of a size to suit one or more large coolers, means to accommodate a pump in the sump, wheels (24) firmly attached to the sump for support and mobility thereof, a filling station (22) for depositing water into the sump, and means to secure the sump to the base of a large cooler (12). The means to accommodate the pump includes a buoyant platform (16) thereby enabling the pump to remain in communication with fluid in the sump irrespective of the fluid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: F F Seeley Nominees Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Sydney Wright
  • Patent number: 5911745
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for efficiently using various components as a system for cooling air. The apparatus uses the combination of an evaporative cooler, a refrigerated air system with a water-cooled condenser, a swimming pool pump, and a swimming pool or other bulk water storage container. A pump or series of pumps are used to supply water to the evaporative cooler and to the water-cooled condenser from the swimming pool. After the swimming pool water has been supplied to the other components in the system, it is returned to the swimming pool. During cooler weather, the output air from the evaporative cooler is supplied to a series of ducts and is used to cool the interior of a structure such as a home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Leo B. Conner
  • Patent number: 5832739
    Abstract: An air conditioner operating on a compressor-condenser-evaporator circuit utilizes water cooled by air flowing over an evaporative medium through which the water flows to cool a condenser coil located in a continuous serpentine channel in a sump member located at the lower side of the air conditioner unit. The condenser coils include offset intertwined upright coils that provide a large heat exchange surface with water flowing in the channel to a pump intake region of the sump. A pump is provided to supply the evaporative medium with water from the pump intake region of the sump for continuous circulation through the evaporative medium and the sump channel. A water distributor system supplies water uniformly to the top area of the evaporative medium by creating a film of water that is evenly distributed across the top of the evaporative medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: RTI Inc.
    Inventor: Rockney D. Bacchus
  • Patent number: 5816318
    Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus is provided with an indirect evaporative heat exchange section and a direct evaporative heat exchange section. A uniform temperature evaporative liquid is downwardly sprayed into the indirect section to indirectly exchange sensible heat with a hot fluid stream flowing within a series of enclosed circuits which comprise the indirect evaporative heat exchange section. After the evaporative fluid descends through the entire indirect heat exchange section and absorbs heat, it is distributed across fill media within the direct evaporative heat exchange section for cooling. Separate streams of ambient cooling air are simultaneously drawn into each of the heat exchange sections crosscurrently to evaporatively cool the evaporative liquid flowing within each section. The water cooled in the direct heat exchange section is then collected in a sump where it is allowed to mix and resultantly become uniform in temperature before being redistributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Carter
  • Patent number: 5724828
    Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus which can be used as an evaporative condenser, fluid cooler or wet-air cooler, is provided with a direct evaporative heat exchange section overlying an indirect evaporative heat exchange section. An air entry zone common to both heat exchange sections receives an air stream blown into this zone by at least one fan, thereby pressurizing the plenum such that the air stream is forced to split and enter each section while inside the apparatus. This eliminates the need for separate air entries, thus condensing the size and cost of the apparatus, while increasing heat exchange capacity. A countercurrent air flow pattern through the direct section provides a uniformly cooled evaporative liquid for use in the indirect section. The evaporative liquid flow is parallel to the air stream provided in the indirect section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Branislav Korenic
  • Patent number: 5722251
    Abstract: An air cooler including a housing having an air inlet zone and an air outlet zone, a heat exchanger mounted in the housing and defining a first plurality of dry channels extending from the air inlet zone to the air outlet zone. Air is passed through the dry channels from the inlet zone to the outlet zone to be cooled and the cooled air constitutes a total airflow. The heat exchanger also defines a second plurality of moist channels each having an inlet and an outlet and alternating with the dry channels. The moist channels are intended for passing the air to be humidified from their inlets to their outlets and in cross-flow direction to the direction of the total airflow. The air to be humidified constitutes an auxiliary airflow which is formed from a part of the total airflow at the air outlet zone and is extracted from such a section of the air outlet zone, which is situated closer to the outlets of the moist channels than to their inlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Coolsys Maarachot Keroor Mitkadmot B.M.
    Inventors: Fatim Nabiulin, Alexander Stepanov, Igor Kvyat, Isaac Rosenstein, Vladislav Dintcyn
  • Patent number: 5692384
    Abstract: This invention uses an air to air heat exchanger to cool the air passing through an evaporative water cooler. This enables the evaporative water cooler to cool water to a temperature very near to the dewpoint temperature. The water so cooled may be used to remove heat from other media. One use of the cooled water is to remove heat from a habitation. This invention provides in hot arid climates a method of cooling air inside a habitation to a temperature providing comfort to the occupants at a much lower cost and at a much lower usage of electrical energy than previous methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Roy Layton
  • Patent number: 5687576
    Abstract: A water evaporation type cooling system equipped with a hermetically sealed housing and a solid electrolytic membrane placed to divide the hermetically sealed housing into first and second hermetically sealed spaces. Water is reservoired within the first hermetically sealed space, while a condenser is situated to communicate with the second hermetically sealed space. A direct-current voltage is applied to the solid electrolytic membrane, with the result that a water electrolytic reaction takes place on its first hermetically sealed space side surface, while a water production reaction occurs on its second hermetically sealed space side surface. Protons produced by the water electrolysis pass through the solid electrolytic membrane to contribute to a water production reaction. Steam within the first hermetically sealed space is transferred to the second hermetically sealed space whereas the oxygen within the second hermetically sealed space is shifted to the first hermetically sealed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Moriguchi, Shiro Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 5655385
    Abstract: A cooling system typically incorporated in an outdoor rest facility has a substantially vertical tower extending vertically through the roof of the outdoor rest facility and having an air passageway defined vertically therein. The air passageway has an air inlet port defined in an upper end thereof for introducing air into the air passageway. A water ejector is disposed in the upper end of the air passageway for ejecting a shower of water downwardly through the air passageway from the upper end of the air passageway. A water retriever is disposed downwardly of and spaced from the tower, for retrieving the shower of water falling through the air passageway. An air outlet port is defined between an open lower end of the tower and the water retriever, for discharging air cooled by the shower of water out of the air passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Fujita Corporation
    Inventors: Baruch Givoni, Satoshi Yajima
  • Patent number: 5606868
    Abstract: A portable evaporative cooling unit (10) is disclosed. A housing (12) has a front opening (46) and a rear opening (20). Air-permeable water absorption media (22) are disposed across the rear opening (20) of the housing (12). An electric motor driven fan (42) having fan blades (44) is disposed in the front opening (46) of the housing (12) for drawing air through the water absorption media (22). A supply conduit (94) connects a water pump (52) to an elongated horizontal spray bar (64) disposed above the water absorption media (22). The spray bar (64) extends substantially the width of the water absorption media (22) and has a plurality of spaced holes (72) in its upper surface for distributing water. A foam sleeve (68) is disposed around the entire length of the spray bar (64). The foam sleeve (68) absorbs water expelled from the plurality of holes (72) and distributes the water onto the water absorption media (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: General Shelters of Texas S.B., Inc.
    Inventor: Philip D. Calvert
  • Patent number: 5564287
    Abstract: A portable produce cooling apparatus capable of cooling produce loaded into a number of transport vehicles simultaneously is disclosed, the apparatus having a number of ports with air egress means, forced air means and air ingress means, the apparatus having a lower common warm air chamber and an upper common cold air chamber separated by a horizontally mounted air-to-water heat exchanger means, such that warm air from each of the transport vehicles enters the lower common warm air chamber, passes upward through the heat exchanger means, into the upper common cold air means, and out the individual air egress means into the transport vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignees: William P. Hearne, Jr., Packaged Refrigeration Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Hearne, Jr., Stan Badenhop
  • Patent number: 5542260
    Abstract: An underfloor cooling system for cooling a building structure has tubing located in or under a massive floor of the structure for circulating water through the system. The water is directed through a cooling means connected to the tubing to cool the water. The cool water is then returned to the tubing to cool the massive floor and passively cool the structure. The cooling means may be a direct evaporative cooler or an evaporative radiative roof spray system. The cooling means may be located outdoors. The system may additionally include active cooling delivery such as at least one fan coil or at least one hydronic panel, through which cool water from the underfloor tubing is circulated to provide cool air to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventors: Richard C. Bourne, David A. Springer
  • Patent number: 5529536
    Abstract: A device for evaporatively cooling the passenger interior of a motor vehicle, utilizing the vehicle ventiliation ducting and blower. An electrical pump provides water from a vehicle-mounted reservoir to a spray nozzle mounted to discharge into ventilating air entering the outside air inlet of the ventilation ducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventors: Timothy J. Sizemore, Bryan Redd
  • Patent number: 5435382
    Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus is provided with an indirect evaporative heat exchange section and a direct evaporative heat exchange section. A uniform temperature evaporative liquid is downwardly sprayed into the indirect section to indirectly exchange sensible heat with a hot fluid stream flowing within a series of enclosed circuits which comprise the indirect evaporative heat exchange section. After the evaporative fluid descends through the entire indirect heat exchange section and absorbs heat, it is distributed across fill media within the direct evaporative heat exchange section for cooling. Separate streams of ambient cooling air are simultaneously drawn into each of the heat exchange sections to evaporatively cool the evaporative liquid flowing within each section. The water cooled in the direct heat exchange section is then collected in a sump where it is allowed to mix and resultantly become uniform in temperature before being redistributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Carter
  • Patent number: 5433083
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus for personal or general use is disclosed having interior and exterior surfaces and a fluid for dispersion by the exterior surface. The interior surface prevents the fluid from penetrating the interior surface and contacting the person or object to be cooled. The cooling apparatus may also include a fluid collector to collect excess cooling fluid, a device for moving the fluid from the fluid container to the fluid collector, and a return line for recycling at least a portion of the collected fluid. The exterior surface may be wetted by gravity seepage, capillary action, or the like. A band extending around each collector can aid in preventing the fluid from dripping from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Kullapat Kuramarohit
  • Patent number: 5390502
    Abstract: A precooling system for an evaporative cooler for a closed loop cooling fluid system includes a supplemental heat exchanging coil connected in the cooling fluid loop upstream of the main evaporative cooler coils and positioned in the outlet air flow through the evaporative cooler, but above or outside the path of the spray water. The supplemental heat exchanging coil provides enough additional cooling capacity to allow the spray water system to be completely shut off and the spray water sump drained during low outside ambient temperature operation. Freeze up of the sump and other parts of the spray water system are completely eliminated and a substantial saving in spray water consumption and energy for freeze prevention systems is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Oven Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Storbeck, Walter D. Olson
  • Patent number: 5383337
    Abstract: An apparatus for precoooling water supplied to an evaporative cooler of the type known as a "swamp cooler" includes inlet and outlet reservoirs secured by brackets to a bottom surface of the evaporative cooler water pan at substantially the same elevation. The inlet and outlet reservoirs are connected in fluid communication with a subterranean vessel enclosing a cooling coil. In use, water is supplied to the inlet reservoir and maintained at a predetermined level by a float valve assembly. A filtered drain line returns water from the evaporative cooler pan into the inlet reservoir from which it drains by gravity flow into the cooling coil within the subterranean vessel. The water circulates within the coil to precool and thereafter discharges and mixes within the vessel. A pump in the outlet reservoir pumps water from a return line communicating with the vessel back to the evaporative cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: Edward R. Baker
  • Patent number: 5377500
    Abstract: An improved water cooled air conditioner having a compressor, an evaporator, a cooling fan, a low pressure pipe, a high pressure pipe, a radiator, a cooling motor, and a condenser is provided. The apparatus is characterized in that the heat exchanging efficiency between the cooling water and the refrigerant is highly enhanced thereby intensifying the cooling effect and increasing the temperature of the cooling water flowing out of the apparatus to an acceptable degree for use as residential hot water. Further, the heated water from the radiator may be sprayed on to the external surface of the radiator to provide evaporative cooling thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Fast Maker Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ten S. Yang
  • Patent number: 5361600
    Abstract: A preconditioning scrubber device for treating air prior to introduction into an evaporative cooler having spray nozzles in a duct directing a fine mist or spray into the incoming air flow over substantially the entire cross sectional area of the duct. A filter is positioned adjacent the evaporative media. The spray removes dust, pollutants, particulates, dust and pollen from the air and also wets the surface of the evaporative media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Franklyn F. Kelley
  • Patent number: 5337582
    Abstract: A split-type air-conditioning apparatus is disclosed comprising the basic refrigeration component in combination with a chiller system defined by three water chambers, a refrigerant control before bare evaporator coil, a bare evaporator coil confined within said water chambers, a plurality of by-pass cooler tubes connecting two of said three water chambers, a blower means disposed on top of said reservoir, an air duct provided thereat to provide air flow defined by the entrance of air from the by-pass cooler tubes and leading to the blower means, and an endless net mesh disposed between said blower means and air duct directly along said air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Villamor B. Santos
  • Patent number: 5285654
    Abstract: An evaporative cooling system for mounting on the roof of a vehicle in which the sole source of water supply for the evaporative media in the system is contained in a low-profile housing mounted above the roof line of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Suetrak Air Conditioning Sales Corporation
    Inventor: Houshang Ferdows
  • Patent number: 5263336
    Abstract: A portable personal cooling apparatus comprising: an exterior surface of fibrous material having a fluid holding capacity sufficient to allow continuous evaporation of a fluid; an interior surface of waterproof material adapted to avoid wetting of the object to be cooled from the fluid on the exterior surface; a fluid container on one of said surfaces for distributing the fluid to the fibrous material; a fluid collector on one of said surfaces for collecting the accumulated unevaporated fluid; at least one fluid return line for moving fluid in the fluid collector to the fluid container; and at least one of said return lines further including means for preventing fluid from flowing back from the fluid container to the fluid collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Kullapat Kuramarohit
  • Patent number: 5247809
    Abstract: The invention herein provides an air washer and method for economical operation whereby the dew point temperature of air in a conditioned space can be consistantly controlled year-round. The air washer includes a manifold whereby chilled water and recirculated ambient temperature water are mixed to provide an efficient and precise temperature blend for spraying the airstream passing through the air washer into the conditioned space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Austin-Berryhill Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Berryhill
  • Patent number: 5213694
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the amount and concentration of make-up water and chemicals introduce into the recirculating water of a cooling tower system. A float operated make-up valve controls the addition of make-up water to the tower. As make-up water is added to the tower a vacuum is produced at an injector valve which draws chemicals from a chemical holding tank into the make-up water, thereby allowing precise control of the chemical concentration in the make-up liquid. Further, a bleed valve is provided which is responsive to the vacuum produced at the injector valve and bleeds a portion of the recirculating water to waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: American Hydro Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall Craig
  • Patent number: 5076065
    Abstract: A heat exchange process and apparatus for supplying cool air or cool water to a location by cooling a recirculating working fluid utilized in the heat exchange process wherein a primary air stream or second working fluid is cooled by indirect heat exchange with the working fluid and wherein the working fluid is initially evaporatively cooled by heat exchange with a first waste air stream and subsequently divided into separate circulating circuits with a first portion of the working fluid further evaporatively cooled by a second waste air stream which has been indirectly cooled by indirect heat exchange with a second portion of the working fluid prior to the first portion of the working fluid being utilized indirectly to cool the primary air stream or a second working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Aztec Sensible Cooling, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Brogan
  • Patent number: 5050392
    Abstract: There is provided by this invention a method and an apparatus for cooling a heat load that is operable in zero gravity conditions and while in any orientation due to the design of the apparatus. The apparatus' components are also selected so as to comprise a lightweight refrigeration system. The apparatus utilizes direct contact between two fluids, a liquid coolant and a refrigerant, with widely different vapor pressures so that one fluid, the coolant, always remains a liquid in the system. The two fluids may be totally or partially soluble in one another or they may be totally insoluble in one another with the degree of solubility affecting the system's efficiency, but not its reliable operation. The refrigerant, which boils and condenses during the refrigeration cycle, is mixed with the coolant and condensed prior to the portion of the system's cycle in which the heat is rejected to a heat sink and is subsequently separated from the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Craig S. Messmer, Glenn A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5046331
    Abstract: An evaporative condenser having a cylindrical fiberglass housing which provides a circumferential air flow across a plurality of concentrically oriented spiral condensing coils. The planar spiral coils are generated through the compression of a conical winding of tubing formed about a multi-tiered platform, to form an evenly-spaced spiral condensing coil. Each layer of tubing is affixed to a plurality of radial braces, which provide the evaporative coils with sufficient structural integrity to be individually employed. A method and apparatus for producing spiral coils having uniform spacing between adjacent revolutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Russell A Division of Ardco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. O'Neal, Kenneth E. Vogel
  • Patent number: 4984623
    Abstract: An electrode water circulation pump and a plurality of air and water cooling radiators are provided in an electrode water cooling and circulation passage line which is for feeding and draining a prescribed quantity of electrode water so that the temperature and amount of the electrode water in the water rheostat are kept constant. A spray nozzle unit and a motor coupled with a fan are provided in the face of the rear of the body of each of the radiators so that the motor is located behind the spray nozzle unit. The front of the body of each of the radiators is covered with a hood having a steam release port in the top of the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Kouken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kesafumi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 4926656
    Abstract: A heat exchange process and apparatus for supplying cool air to a given location wherein a primary air stream is initially cooled by indirect heat exchange with a recirculating working fluid and thereafter evaporatively cooled by direct heat exchange with the working fluid flowing through a primary humidifying and cooling chamber. The working fluid is initially cooled in at least secondary, and preferably a secondary and intermediate, humidifying and cooling chamber by air streams which are separate from the primary air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Aztec Sensible Cooling, Inc.
    Inventors: Pieter John A. Hickley, Cornelius J. Claassen
  • Patent number: 4910971
    Abstract: This invention relates to an air conditioning system which utilizes the exhaust air from a conditioned space for the conditioning of the supply air to the conditioned space. The invention comprises a supply air heat exchanger and an exhaust air heat exchanger, where the supply air heat exchanger comprises an air-to-air type exchanger. The exhaust air is conditioned by the exhaust air heat exchanger, which may comprise heating or cooling of the exhaust air using dehumidification or evaporative cooling, for example. The conditioned exhaust air is then passed through the supply air heat exchanger so as to condition the supply air. One advantage of the invention is the indirect heat transfer from the exhaust air to the supply air, where any processes that may effect the quality of the exhaust air is not transferred to the supply air, since all or a majority of the exhaust air is discharged to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Hydro Thermal Engineering Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: John L. McNab
  • Patent number: 4905480
    Abstract: A draining device for the removal of excess liquid in devices of the type wherein liquid is pumped from a liquid supply (8) to a location of use and excess liquid is collected and removed periodically, comprises at least one draining conduit (14, 14a) connected to the suction conduit (9) between the liquid supply (8) and the location of use. A valve (15, 16, 28a), keeps the or each draining conduit (14) closed when the amount of collected excess liquid is below a preselected limit value, the location of use then being supplied with liquid only form the liquid supply (8). The or each valve (15, 16, 28a) opens the corresponding draining conduit (14) when the amount of collected excess liquid exceeds the limit value so as to re-circulate the collected excess liquid to the location of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: ABL Alpin Produkter
    Inventor: Roland Bostrom
  • Patent number: 4845959
    Abstract: An inexpensive insulated container and container system for receiving fruits, vegetables, or other plant materials particularly including leafy vegetables, in the field or packing facility, transporting such products and, if desired, storing them. A stackable insulated chest is provided with a lid-mounted ice cavity that may be removed and replaced through an access door without removing the lid or unstacking the containers. An alternative embodiment includes a lid-mounted manifold through which water may be introduced from outside the container, and alternative structures are disclosed for diverting water from stacked containers or circulating it through stacked containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Fort Valley State College
    Inventor: Charles Magee
  • Patent number: 4835982
    Abstract: An evaporative cooling unit is mounted on the roof of a vehicle wherein a plurality of air blowers are arranged in tendem to deliver cooled air through discharge ducts communicating with the interior of the motor vehicle. The cooling components are mounted in an improved housing of elongated low-profile configuration to extend lengthwise of the vehicle roof and has a base panel conforming to the contour of the roof including ribs defining raised mounting pads projecting upwardly from the base to form interruptions therein. Blowers include ribs with attachments for mounting in spaced relation to the roof, and internal frames in the housing define supports cooperating with the ribs to rigidly mount the blowers in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Suetrak Air Conditioning Sales Corporation
    Inventor: Houshang Ferdows
  • Patent number: 4827733
    Abstract: An evaporative cooling system is disclosed which uses a heat pipe device comprising first and second heat exchangers to transfer heat from the space being cooled to an evaporative cooler. Evaporative cooling is produced by passing atmospheric air over wet pads and the first heat exchanger. Evaporation of water removes heat from the atmospheric air and from the first heat exchanger containing refrigerant vapor, causing condensation of a portion of the vapor. The condensate moves to the second heat exchanger which contains liquid refrigerant. Room air is passed through the second heat exchanger and gives up heat to vaporize the liquid refrigerant. Vaporized refrigerant moves to the first heat exchanger where it is condensed as previously described. The cooled atmospheric air is then used to cool the condenser of a vapor compression machine, the evaporator of which is located in the flow path of the room air downstream of the heat pipe, further cooling the room air to desired conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Dinh Company Inc.
    Inventor: Khanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 4798060
    Abstract: An improved portable evaporative cooler utilizes a motor-driven rotatable impeller assembly comprising an evaporator pad mounted on a support as the sole means for driving air to be cooled through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Carl K. Long
    Inventors: Carl K. Long, George E. Kozel
  • Patent number: 4752419
    Abstract: A shroud, including a shield placed on either side of an evaporation pad, increases the length of travel air transit time within the pad. Pressurized water, emitted in jets from a plurality of orifices spaced along a manifold, is directed against a diffuser for dissipation and dissemination to the upper edge of the pad. The pad is wetted intermittently as the result of a timer controlling distribution of the water. An auxiliary reservoir, in combination with relocatable pump, inlet valve and pad frames, provide for alternate downdraft as side draft operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Inventors: Charles J. Sperr, Jr., Douglas C. Sperr
  • Patent number: 4701286
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a water treating composition into the recirculating water of an evaporative system, such as an evaporative cooler. The water treating composition is contained in a container that is suspended in an inverted condition within the housing of the evaporative cooler with the outlet of the container facing downwardly. One end of a drip line is connected through a sealed closure to the interior of the container, and the opposite end of the drip line terminates above the level of water in the reservoir of the evaporative cooler. A manually adjustable needle valve is connected in the drip line and controls the gravity feed of the liquid composition through the drip line to the reservoir. Through the addition of the treating composition, scaling problems in the evaporative system are minimized, corrosion is eliminated and growth of bacteria and algae is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Applied Biochemists Inc.
    Inventors: Neil W. Stillman, John T. Geiger