With Clutch Or Variable Speed Transmission Controlling Compressor Drive Patents (Class 62/323.4)
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Patent number: 11802705Abstract: An HVAC system includes a variable-speed compressor which compresses refrigerant flowing through the HVAC system, a blower which provides a flow of air through the HVAC system at a controllable flow rate, and a controller communicatively coupled to the variable-speed compressor and the blower. The controller receives a demand request which includes a command to reduce power consumption by the HVAC system. In response to receiving the demand request, a speed of the variable-speed compressor is decreased and the controllable flow rate of the flow of air provided by the blower is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2022Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventors: Rakesh Goel, Vijaykumar Sathyamurthi
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Patent number: 11493247Abstract: A cooling system includes a second receiver that receives refrigerant from a low side heat exchanger. A pipe connects the second receiver to a first receiver. A vapor portion of the refrigerant in the first receiver can flow through the pipe to the second receiver. A compressor is used to create a pressure differential in the second receiver relative to the first receiver such that the pressure in the first receiver is greater than the pressure in the second receiver. This pressure differential effectively acts as a pump that pushes the liquid refrigerant in the first receiver towards the low side heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Heatcraft Refrigeration Products LLCInventor: Xi Sun
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Patent number: 11300335Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus (1) includes a main refrigerant circuit (2) including a positive displacement compressor (4), a condenser (6), an expansion valve (8), and an evaporator (10), through which a refrigerant circulates successively in a closed loop circulation, a lubrication refrigerant line (18) connected to the main refrigerant circuit (2) between the condenser (6) and the expansion valve (8) or to the condenser (6), in which circulates a portion of the refrigerant of the main refrigerant circuit (2) and connected to the compressor (4) for lubrication of the compressor (4) with the refrigerant. The lubrication refrigerant line (18) includes, upstream from the compressor (4): a throttle valve (20) adapted to vary the lubrication refrigerant flow entering the compressor (4), a downstream pressure detector (30) configured to measure refrigerant pressure (P3) downstream the throttle valve (20) and upstream the compressor (4).Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Raphael Muller, Antoine Barriere
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Power distribution for end-point failure detection and recovery for a transport refrigeration system
Patent number: 11073330Abstract: A transport refrigeration system including a method for fault tolerant power management. The system includes a first sensor identified as required for operation of the transport refrigeration system and a second sensor operable as a backup for the first sensor. The system also includes a first power supply operably connected to the first sensor and configured to operate the first sensor and a second power supply operably connected to the second sensor and configured to operate the second sensor. The system further includes a controller operably connected to at least the first power supply as well as the first sensor and the second power supply as well as the second sensor, the controller configured to monitor at least the first power supply and the second power supply, if a fault is detected in the first power supply, operate the transport refrigeration system from the second sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Aryn Shapiro, Thomas DeWolf, Daniel L. Waser -
Patent number: 10655893Abstract: A cooling system includes a cooling device, a controller and a defrosting unit. The cooling device has a compressor, a condenser, an expander, an evaporator, a cooling channel and a coolant. The coolant is functioned in the evaporator to thermally exchange with a working fluid in a pipe. The controller is adapted for controlling the temperature of the working fluid by controlling the cooling device. The defrosting unit has a switch disposed on the cooling channel and located between the compressor and the condenser, and a defrosting channel connected with the switch. After passing through the switch, the coolant is optionally fed to anyone of the cooling channel and the defrosting channel. After flowing through the defrosting channel, the coolant passes through the evaporator and then flows back to the compressor. As a result, the cooling system is capable of fast defrosting without using a heater.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2016Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: MPI CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Roy Saint Pierre, Helge Jacob Krystad, Ying-Chiao Chang, Yueh-Ying Lee
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Patent number: 9022760Abstract: A compressor for compressing refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit includes a housing defining a compression chamber. A screw rotor is mounted within the housing and configured to form a pocket of high pressure refrigerant and a pocket of low pressure refrigerant within the compression chamber. The screw rotor has a rotor shaft rotating about an axis. A bearing cavity includes at least one bearing rotatably supporting the rotor shaft. A partition through which the rotor shaft extends separates the bearing cavity from the compression chamber. A contacting seal is sealingly engaged with the rotor shaft and disposed in the bearing cavity proximate the partition. A passage has an opening adjacent the rotor shaft between the contacting seal and the compression chamber and in fluid communication with the pocket of low pressure refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Bakkestuen, Jay H. Johnson
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Patent number: 8839639Abstract: Methods and devices that use an engine load condition of a vehicle, for example, the vehicle's engine intake manifold or plenum vacuum, to promote the efficiency of the engine. The methods and devices are operable to control the compressor of the vehicle's air-conditioning system, enabling the compressor to be shut off when the vehicle is under relatively high loads. The methods and devices operate by sensing a parameter indicative of an engine load condition of the vehicle, determining a difference between a reading of the parameter and an average based on multiple readings of the parameter, and then engaging and disengaging the compressor clutch depending on whether the reading of the parameter is above or below the average of the parameter. The compressor clutch is engaged if the engine operates under a high load for a duration that is dependent on the average of the parameter.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Inventor: Michael Paul Paulson
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Patent number: 8578723Abstract: An air-conditioning system control apparatus for controlling an air-conditioning system of a vehicle equipped with a motive power engine, having: a device for determining whether there is a history of a load that has been applied to a compressor, operated by the output of the motive power engine, equal to or greater than a threshold, during operation of the air-conditioning system; a device for carrying out initial operation process of the air-conditioning system if the load history determination device determines that there is a history of a load equal to or greater than the threshold has been applied to the compressor; and a device for carrying out liquid accumulation resolution process when liquefaction of a refrigerant occurs in the compressor only if the load history determination device determines that there is no history of a load equal to or greater than the threshold has been applied to the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuma Miyazaki
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Patent number: 8560202Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an engine shut-down system that automatically interrupts engine operation when vehicle operation indicates that no torque is required from the engine. An air conditioner compressor operates to cool a passenger compartment of the vehicle and is actuated in a first phase time, and is not actuated in a second phase time. An override system compares the time the compressor is in the enabled first phase time to the time the compressor is in the disabled second phase time. The override system disables the engine shut-down system unless it is determined that a ratio of the disabled second phase time to the enabled first phase time has a low rate of change, that the ratio is greater than a predetermined value, and that the time the compressor is in the disabled second phase is greater than a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kirk Pebley, Kenneth J. Jackson, Thomas Scott Gee
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Patent number: 8491274Abstract: The disclosure describes a system for operating an air conditioning compressor from alternative sources. The system includes primary and secondary torque supply sources, each in communication with the input shaft of an air conditioning compressor by first and second respective pulley belts.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Inventors: Richard D Taylor, Paul E Harris
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Patent number: 8453722Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle is provided that provides a method of operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The method operates the air conditioning system at one capacity when the engine is running, and at a second capacity when the engine is not running. The selection of these capacities is based on the power capacity of the source of electric power from which the air conditioning system is operated. When a storage battery is used to power the air conditioning system during engine off conditions, the second capacity is lower than the capacity at which the system is operated when the engine is running.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
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Patent number: 8327654Abstract: An apparatus to rotate a cooling fan may employ an engine coolant radiator having a radiator inlet tank attached at an end of the radiator. The radiator inlet tank may be filled with engine coolant and transfer heat into a fan system evaporator contained inside the radiator inlet tank. The tank may contain a liquid working fluid capable of absorbing heat from the engine coolant and becoming a gaseous working fluid. A gas expander with an impeller may be employed to receive the gaseous working fluid from the fan system evaporator and impart rotation in a shaft to which the impeller of the gas expander and cooling fan is attached. A fan system condenser may receive the gaseous working fluid from the gas expander and condense the gaseous working fluid to form a liquid working fluid. A pump pumps the liquid working fluid back to the fan system evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.Inventor: Dwayne Robert Taylor
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Patent number: 8256239Abstract: A power unit for air conditioning systems installed on boats, including at least one compressor, of the mass produced type used in the automobile industry, connected to the circuit of the refrigeration device, at least one mechanical pump for circulation of a heat exchange fluid along a circuit and one or more rotating electrical machines. Operation of the power unit is ensured during navigation by an internal combustion engine for marine propulsion, in particular a four stroke gasoline engine, with vertical motor axis, normally used for outboard marine propulsion, mass produced at low costs, while when the boat is in port it is ensured by an electric motor. The fan coils are also of the mass produced type used in the automobile industry.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: FB Design S.R.L.Inventor: Fabio Buzzi
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Publication number: 20120055175Abstract: A hybrid air conditioning system for a combustion engine vehicle. When the combustion engine is running and a rechargeable battery unit is not at full charge, an electric machine is configured by an MCU control unit as mechanically coupled to the combustion engine, and a battery charger is configured as electrically connected to the rechargeable battery unit such that the electric machine generates electric power to recharge the rechargeable battery unit. When the combustion engine stops and air conditioning is required, the rechargeable battery unit is configured by the MCU control unit as electrically connected to a motor drive, and the electric machine is configured as mechanically coupled to the compressor to provide mechanical power to drive the compressor. This allows the automobile air conditioning system to operate for a limited period of time after the combustion engine stops.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Automotive Parts and Accessory Systems R&D Centre LtdInventors: Wai Lam Ting, Ka-Wai Eric Cheng, Yiu Pun Benny Yeung, Wing Wa Chan, Chun Yuen Lam, Wai Fung Choi, Tsz Wang Ng., Chup Chung Wong, Meng Chen, Man Chit Chan
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Publication number: 20120055176Abstract: Methods and devices that use an engine load condition of a vehicle, for example, the vehicle's engine intake manifold or plenum vacuum, to promote the efficiency of the engine. The methods and devices are operable to control the compressor of the vehicle's air-conditioning system, enabling the compressor to be shut off when the vehicle is under relatively high loads. The methods and devices operate by sensing a parameter indicative of an engine load condition of the vehicle, determining a difference between a reading of the parameter and an average based on multiple readings of the parameter, and then engaging and disengaging the compressor clutch depending on whether the reading of the parameter is above or below the average of the parameter. The compressor clutch is engaged if the engine operates under a high load for a duration that is dependent on the average of the parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventor: Michael Paul Paulson
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Publication number: 20120011871Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a system that includes a gas compressor including an engine, a compressor driven by the engine, and a vapor absorption cycle (VAC) system driven by waste heat from the compressor, wherein the VAC system is configured to cool at least one medium. In other embodiments is provided a method that includes generating waste heat while compressing a gas, driving a vapor absorption cycle (VAC) system with the waste heat, and cooling at least one medium via the VAC system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventor: Edward S. Czechowski
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Publication number: 20110296849Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for utilizing waste heat to power a reconfigurable thermodynamic cycle that can be used to selectively cool or heat an environmentally controlled space, such as a room, building, or vehicle. The present invention also integrates an electric machine, which may operate as a motor or generator, or both, and an additional prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine. Different combinations of these components are preferable for different applications. The system provides a design which reasonably balances the need to maximize efficiency, while also keeping the design cost-effective.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventor: Dwayne M. Benson
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Publication number: 20110187123Abstract: An integrated portable power unit including a power pack and a generator mounted within a first compartment and including a second isolated air handling compartment. The air handling compartment may include a fan for moving air through ductwork, a radiator for receiving heated cooling water from the power pack and a heat exchanger connected to a compressor for generating cooled water, the compressor and the fan connected to the power pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Keith Hamm, Chad Konop, James L. Roberts
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Publication number: 20110154841Abstract: A generator-heat pump composite device comprises an internal combustion engine, a transmission device, clutches, a heat pump and a generator, wherein the internal combustion engine is connected to the heat pump and the generator via the transmission device and the clutches, respectively. The fuel for the internal combustion engine may be natural gas or biogas, and the heat pump may be a mechanical vapor compression heat pump. When the internal combustion engine is in operation, the heat pump and/or the generator can be selectively driven by engagement or disengagement of the clutches, for selectively generating electricity and/or cold and heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: Energy Spring Tech. Inc.Inventors: Way-Jone Hsiao, Yu-Hung Huang
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Publication number: 20110067425Abstract: The disclosure describes a system for operating an air conditioning compressor from alternative sources. The system includes primary and secondary torque supply sources, each in communication with the input shaft of an air conditioning compressor by first and second respective pulley belts.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2009Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventors: Richard D. Taylor, Paul E. Harris
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Publication number: 20100212337Abstract: A fuel-powered engine is provided to drive a mobile air conditioning or refrigeration unit such as a portable chiller, a container refrigeration unit, a portable packaged system, a transport tractor-trailer or truck refrigeration unit, etc. A control rapidly changes the engine speed between the predefined set of discreet engine speeds to precisely adjust the capacity of the refrigerant system. If the engine operates only at a single speed, then the control cycles the engine between this operating speed and a zero speed (the engine is shut off). If the engine can operate at multiple discreet speeds, then the control can cycle the engine between any of these speeds (including a zero speed). When a lower capacity is desirable, the engine operates for a longer time interval at a lower speed, and when a higher capacity is desirable, the engine operates for a longer period of time at a higher speed. The cycle rate is selected to control the comfort (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2006Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
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Publication number: 20100170283Abstract: An air-con ECU (10) consists of one type of a control unit producing and transmitting a signal to engage or disengage an electromagnetic clutch (44) of an engine-driven compressor (40), on the basis of environmental parameter signals transmitted from environmental parameter detection means (20 to 25), and also retransmitting the environmental parameter signals. An electromagnetic portion of the electromagnetic clutch (44) engages or disengages the electromagnetic clutch of the engine-driven compressor by selectively receiving the signal to engage or disengage the electromagnetic clutch (clutch engage/disengage signal) transmitted from the air-con ECU, and an electric motor control portion (34) of an electric compressor (30) controls rotation of an electric motor of the electric compressor by selectively receiving the environmental parameter signals (various sensor values) transmitted from the air-con ECU.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2008Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventor: Makoto Shibuya
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Publication number: 20100095694Abstract: A power unit for air conditioning systems installed on boats, including at least one compressor, of the mass produced type used in the automobile industry, connected to the circuit of the refrigeration device, at least one mechanical pump for circulation of a heat exchange fluid along a circuit and one or more rotating electrical machines. Operation of the power unit is ensured during navigation by an internal combustion engine for marine propulsion, in particular a four stroke gasoline engine, with vertical motor axis, normally used for outboard marine propulsion, mass produced at low costs, while when the boat is in port it is ensured by an electric motor. The fan coils are also of the mass produced type used in the automobile industry.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: FB DESIGN S.R.L.Inventor: Fabio Buzzi
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Patent number: 7591303Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle is provided that provides a method of operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The method operates the air conditioning system at one capacity when the engine is running, and at a second capacity when the engine is not running. The selection of these capacities is based on the power capacity of the source of electric power from which the air conditioning system is operated. When a storage battery is used to power the air conditioning system during engine off conditions, the second capacity is lower than the capacity at which the system is operated when the engine is running.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
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Publication number: 20090026035Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting motive power from a combustion engine or from an electric generator/motor to a driven shaft coupled to a rotating device, includes a main shaft having a first end connected to the combustion engine by a first engaging/disengaging device and a second end connected to the driven shaft by a second engaging/disengaging device, said shaft having, mounted thereon, a first electromagnetic clutch, the rotor of which is adapted to selectively receive motive power from a secondary shaft which is connected to the motor/generator, the main shaft being provided with a pulley carrying a drive belt which is wound onto a second pulley mounted idle on said secondary shaft and adapted to transmit motive power to the generator/motor via a third engaging/disengaging device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Piercarlo Boffelli, Claudio Bellotti, Erminio Depoli, Fabio Natale
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Patent number: 7454922Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle that provides operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The system includes a variable speed compressor, a motor, and a controller. The controller receives electric power from the vehicle's electric power generation system when the engine is on to enable operation of the compressor during an engine on condition. When the engine is off, the controller receives electric power from a battery to enable operation of the compressor during the engine off condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
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Patent number: 7448227Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle provides operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The system includes a variable speed compressor, a motor, and a controller. The controller receives electric power from the vehicle's electric power generation system when the engine is on to enable operation of the compressor during an engine on condition. When the engine is off, the controller receives electric power from a battery to enable operation of the compressor during the engine off condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
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Publication number: 20080006045Abstract: An auxiliary system provide auxiliary power and air conditioning for a vehicle while a main engine of the vehicle is not operating. An auxiliary alternator is mounted to and driven directly by the drive shaft of an auxiliary engine. The auxiliary alternator has permanent magnets and three sets of windings, including two sets of windings for generating AC voltage via inverters, and a second set of windings for generating DC voltage for directly recharging a battery of the vehicle via a regulator. An air conditioner compressor also is driven by the auxiliary engine for compressing refrigerant. A condenser is in fluid communication with the compressor for condensing the refrigerant, an evaporator is in fluid communication with the refrigerant condensed by the condenser, and an electric blower moves air through the evaporator into the interior of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2006Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventor: Keiv Brummett
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Patent number: 7296427Abstract: In a hybrid compressor for a vehicle where a vehicle engine is stopped when the vehicle is temporally stopped, a pulley, a motor and a compressor can be driven in independent from each other, and are connected to a sun gear, planetary carriers and a ring gear of a planetary gear. A rotational speed of the motor is adjusted by a controller, so that a rotational speed of the compressor is changed with respect to a rotational speed of the pulley. Accordingly, production cost of the hybrid compressor and the size thereof can be reduced, while a cooling function can be ensured even when the vehicle engine is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Yasushi Suzuki, Shigeki Iwanami, Hironori Asa, Keiichi Uno
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Patent number: 7264046Abstract: An air-conditioning system embodiment for temperature control in a vehicle comprises heater cores, controllably connected to a coolant contour, outletting the conditioned air towards a person sitting in a chair, or into a food compartment. Some cores are mounted inside of chairs' backs situated in front of rear passengers, other cores are mounted in the chair back and inside the chair seat. A refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger provides heat exchange between a refrigerant contour and the coolant contour, cooling the coolant supplied to the cores. A refrigerant compressor is driven by a hydraulic motor, operated by pressurized oil delivered through a hydraulic contour from a first hydraulic pump driven by the vehicle's engine connected to the first pump through an electromagnetic clutch, or alternatively from a second hydraulic pump driven by a substitute engine, connected to the second pump through another electromagnetic clutch, both clutches are controlled by a thermostat.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Inventors: Vladlen Futernik, Boris Futernik
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Patent number: 7260946Abstract: A mobile refrigeration system that includes an engine that is operable at a first speed greater than zero and a second speed greater than zero. A compressor is operable in response to the engine at a first speed and a second speed. The system also includes an evaporator, a first temperature sensor positioned to measure a first temperature, and a second temperature sensor positioned to measure a second temperature. A controller is operable to transition the engine between the first speed and the second speed in response to the first temperature exceeding a first predetermined value and the second temperature falling below a second predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Bradley M. Ludwig, Doug Lenz, Darrell Storlie, Steve Helgeson, Brian Meagher, Gary Connolly
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Patent number: 7177742Abstract: A vehicular air-conditioner includes a compressor to be driven by an engine. The vehicular air-conditioner includes a controller configured to reduce a load on the compressor in response to a braking condition of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Calsonic Kansei CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Makishima, Hiroyasu Nadamoto
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Patent number: 7080521Abstract: A mobile refrigeration system that includes an engine that is operable at a first speed greater than zero and a second speed greater than zero. A compressor is operable in response to the engine at a first speed and a second speed. The system also includes an evaporator, a first temperature sensor positioned to measure a first temperature, and a second temperature sensor positioned to measure a second temperature. A controller is operable to transition the engine between the first speed and the second speed in response to the first temperature exceeding a first predetermined value and the second temperature falling below a second predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Bradley M. Ludwig, Doug Lenz, Darrell Storlie, Steve Helgeson, Brian Meagher, Gary Connolly
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Patent number: 7032393Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling the climate cooling in the passenger cabin of a hybrid motor vehicle. The apparatus includes an internal combustion engine capable of being started and temporarily stopped, an air conditioning compressor and a dedicated electric compressor motor coupled to drive the air conditioning compressor. Moreover, sensors are coupled to monitor selected parameters associated with the motor vehicle. An electronic controller is coupled to the internal combustion engine, the compressor motor and the sensors. The engine when running operates the compressor to provide cabin climate cooling. The controller responds to the selected parameters to selectively drive the compressor motor to selectively drive the compressor when the engine is temporarily stopped so that the climate cooling continues to be supplied to the cabin if certain monitored conditions are met.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Goro Tamai, William L. Aldrich, III
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Patent number: 7017360Abstract: A method for controlling cycling of an air conditioning compressor coupled to an internal combustion engine interrupts normal cycling based on operation conditions. In addition, normal engaged and disengaged cycling durations are adaptively estimated in real-time. The method of the present invention achieves improved fuel economy and improved drive feel. As an example, improved fuel economy is achieved by engaging the compressor during braking or when the engine is being driven by the vehicle. As another example, improved drive feel is achieved by engaging the compressor during transient conditions when drive feel is unaffected.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Allan Joseph Kotwicki, George Blaha, Gerhard A. Dage, John David Russell, Michael John Cullen
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Patent number: 7003968Abstract: The invention proposes an air conditioning installation furnished with an injection computer (42), with an air conditioning apparatus and with an electronic control device (401). The installation furthermore comprises measurement facilities making it possible to establish values relating to the temperature of the external air stream at the inlet of the condenser, to the pressure at the outlet of the compressor (123), and to the pressure at the inlet of the compressor (122). The electronic control device (401) implements the solving of a linear equation, relating the mass flow rate of the refrigerant to the values measured by the measurement facilities so as to calculate an estimate of a quantity relating to the refrigerant. On the basis of this quantity, the electronic device can estimate the power absorbed by the compressor (14).Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Valeo Climatisation S.A.Inventor: Mohamed Ben Yahia
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Patent number: 6895769Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerating cycle supplying the supercritical refrigerant pressurized by the variable displacement compressor to the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve and the indoor heat exchanger, in sequence and subsequently return the supercritical refrigerant to the variable displacement compressor. The apparatus further includes a displacement control unit that establishes a limit value derived from the engine speed and further controls a discharge volume of the compressor prior to the control in the opening degree of the expansion valve, on a basis of the so-established limit value.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Calsonic Kansei CorporationInventors: Yasuhito Okawara, Toshio Yajima
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Patent number: 6874328Abstract: In a hybrid compressor for a vehicle where a vehicle engine is stopped when the vehicle is temporally stopped, a pulley, a motor and a compressor can be driven in independent from each other, and are connected to a sun gear, planetary carriers and a ring gear of a planetary gear. A rotational speed of the motor is adjusted by a controller, so that a rotational speed of the compressor is changed with respect to a rotational speed of the pulley. Accordingly, production cost of the hybrid compressor and the size thereof can be reduced, while a cooling function can be ensured even when the vehicle engine is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2004Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignees: Nippon Soken Inc., Denso CorporationInventors: Yasushi Suzuki, Shigeki Iwanami, Hironori Asa, Keiichi Uno
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Publication number: 20040237556Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid compressor system in which its configuration is simplified, its cost and size are reduced, and its reliability is enhanced. In the hybrid compressor system which selectively transmits a driving force of an engine and a driving force of a motor being mounted on a vehicle to a compressor of a vehicle air conditioning device to drive the compressor, the motor is provided with a one-way clutch which selectively transmits the driving force of the motor to the compressor 1.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Toshikatsu Miyaji, Yasuhiro Sakurai, Hideyuki Takasaki
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Patent number: 6823690Abstract: An integrated electrical generator/starter and air conditioning compressor device driven by a common drive shaft, or other direct linkage. The device includes an electrical generator/starter and a compressor. The electrical generator/starter is coupled to the drive shaft. The compressor is coupled to the electrical generator/starter and to the drive shaft and acts to pressurize a flow of refrigerant in response to rotation of the drive shaft. The electrical generator/starter is operable in first and second states. In the first state, the electrical generator/starter generates electricity in response to rotation of the drive shaft. In the second state, the electrical generator/starter utilizes electrical power from a battery to rotate the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert Michael Runk, John F. O'Brien
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Patent number: 6820438Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, a compressor is driven by a vehicle engine when an actual temperature of an evaporator is higher than a basis temperature that is higher than a target temperature by a predetermined temperature, and is driven by an electrical motor when the actual temperature of the evaporator is lower than the basis temperature. The predetermined temperature is set to be higher as the target temperature of the evaporator decreases such that the basis temperature is not higher than a comfortable limit temperature. Accordingly, the compressor can be driven by the electrical motor in a range where the actual temperature can be controlled to be not higher than the comfortable limit temperature. Therefore, fuel consumption efficiency of the engine can be improved, while a minimum of cooling capacity can be ensured.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventors: Masato Komura, Koji Yamashita
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Publication number: 20040211204Abstract: A compressor torque estimate device is used for a variable displacement compressor whose displacement is variable based on a compressor control signal for estimating a compressor torque of the compressor. The compressor torque estimate device includes a torque calculator and a corrector. The torque calculator calculates a torque required for driving the compressor based on the compressor control signal, thereby obtaining a calculated torque. The corrector corrects the calculated torque by a procedure of first-order lag, thereby obtaining a corrected torque. The corrector also estimates the corrected torque to be the compressor torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Ryo Matsubara, Satoshi Umemura, Shingo Kumazawa, Hiroyuki Nakaima, Masahiro Kawaguchi
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Patent number: 6804969Abstract: A composite auxiliary machine for a vehicle has proper startup performance in starting an engine. The composite auxiliary machine has a compressor for compressing a refrigerant inside a refrigeration cycle device, a rotary machine connected to the compressor and rotated together therewith, a drive pulley for operating the rotary machine in response to a driving force from the vehicle engine, and a clutch device for transmitting and terminating the driving force of the drive pulley. The rotary machine functions as a generator and an electric motor. A variable displacement mechanism is provided in the compressor to vary an amount of discharge per revolution. A control unit controls to engage the clutch device in starting the vehicle engine, and actuates the rotary machine as an electric motor to actuate the vehicle engine. Then, an amount of discharge of a refrigerant is controlled to become smaller than that necessary in the refrigeration cycle device.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., DENSO CorporationInventors: Shigeki Iwanami, Hironori Asa
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Publication number: 20040172955Abstract: An integrated electrical generator/starter and air conditioning compressor device driven by a common drive shaft, or other direct linkage. The device includes an electrical generator/starter and a compressor. The electrical generator/starter is coupled to the drive shaft. The compressor is coupled to the electrical generator/starter and to the drive shaft and acts to pressurize a flow of refrigerant in response to rotation of the drive shaft. The electrical generator/starter is operable in first and second states. In the first state, the electrical generator/starter generates electricity in response to rotation of the drive shaft. In the second state, the electrical generator/starter utilizes electrical power from a battery to rotate the drive shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2003Publication date: September 9, 2004Inventors: Robert Michael Runk, John F. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20040163400Abstract: In a hybrid compressor for a vehicle where a vehicle engine is stopped when the vehicle is temporally stopped, a pulley, a motor and a compressor can be driven in independent from each other, and are connected to a sun gear, planetary carriers and a ring gear of a planetary gear. A rotational speed of the motor is adjusted by a controller, so that a rotational speed of the compressor is changed with respect to a rotational speed of the pulley. Accordingly, production cost of the hybrid compressor and the size thereof can be reduced, while a cooling function can be ensured even when the vehicle engine is stopped.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Yasushi Suzuki, Shigeki Iwanami, Hironori Asa, Keiichi Uno
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Patent number: 6755032Abstract: A method for controlling cycling of an air conditioning compressor coupled to an internal combustion engine interrupts normal cycling based on operation conditions. In addition, normal engaged and disengaged cycling durations are adaptively estimated in real-time. The method of the present invention achieves improved fuel economy and improved drive feel. As an example, improved fuel economy is achieved by engaging the compressor during braking or when the engine is being driven by the vehicle. As another example, improved drive feel is achieved by engaging the compressor during transient conditions when drive feel is unaffected.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Allan Joseph Kotwicki, George Blaha, Gerhard A. Dage, John David Russell, Michael John Cullen
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Patent number: 6755030Abstract: A hybrid compressor system has a hybrid compressor for compressing refrigerant. The compressor is selectively driven by one of a first drive source and a second drive source. The hybrid compressor system also includes a first one-way clutch, a driver for driving the second drive source, a sensor for detecting a rotational state of the first drive source and a controller. The first one-way clutch is arranged on a first power transmission path between the compressor and the first drive source for permitting power transmission from the first drive source to the compressor. The controller is electrically connected to the driver and the sensor. When a drive source of the compressor is switched from the second drive source to the first drive source, the controller orders the driver to stop the second drive source after the rotation of the first drive source is detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Taku Adaniya, Akinobu Kanai, Takahiro Suzuki, Shoichi Ieoka, Naoki Usui, Akihito Yamanouchi
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Patent number: 6745585Abstract: An electric air conditioner sustain system is disclosed. The electric air conditioner sustain system includes a compressor, an engine and an electric motor. The engine and the electric motor selectively rotate the compressor. When the engine is rotating the compressor and the engine stops, the electric motor is synchronously activated to maintain continuous rotation of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2000Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian Robert Kelm, Danny Lee Berg, Robert Joseph Mohan, Richard Eric Luken
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Patent number: 6742350Abstract: In a hybrid compressor for a vehicle where a vehicle engine is stopped when the vehicle is temporally stopped, a pulley, a motor and a compressor can be driven in independent from each other, and are connected to a sun gear, planetary carriers and a ring gear of a planetary gear. A rotational speed of the motor is adjusted by a controller, so that a rotational speed of the compressor is changed with respect to a rotational speed of the pulley. Accordingly, production cost of the hybrid compressor and the size thereof can be reduced, while a cooling function can be ensured even when the vehicle engine is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Denso CorporationInventors: Yasushi Suzuki, Shigeki Iwanami, Hironori Asa, Keiichi Uno
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Patent number: 6735962Abstract: A composite auxiliary machine for a vehicle and an accompanying control unit to control a compressor. The composite auxiliary machine for a vehicle includes a compressor for compressing refrigerant, a rotary machine that acts as an electric motor and a generator, and a torque and power distributing mechanism for distributing engine torque and power from a drive shaft to a compressor shaft and a rotary machine shaft, and from the rotary machine shaft to the drive shaft and compressor shaft. An intermittent mechanism is provided to the torque and power distributing mechanism so as to connect and disconnect any two of the drive shaft, the compressor shaft, and the rotary machine shaft. A locking mechanism is provided for restricting rotation of the compressor shaft. The compressor includes variable displacement mechanism for varying the amount of discharge per turn of the compressor shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Denso CorporationInventors: Shigeki Iwanami, Tsuneyuki Egami, Takuo Sakai, Hironori Asa