Combined Patents (Class 62/331)
  • Patent number: 11933534
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes: a body having a storage compartment; a door pivotally coupled to the body to open and close the storage compartment; a planar heater including first heating wires arranged to surround an edge of the door and second heating wires arranged on only one portion of the edge; a sensor configured to measure at least one of temperature and humidity outside the refrigerator; and a processor configured to control driving of at least one of the first heating wires and the second heating wires based on a measured value of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sangky Je, Jeongbo Kim
  • Patent number: 11927361
    Abstract: An indoor unit includes a housing that houses an electrical-component storage box that includes a body portion, a lid portion, and an engagement mechanism portion that engages the body portion and the lid portion with each other in a detachable manner. The lid portion covers an open region on a side of the body portion. The engagement mechanism portion includes an engagement claw portion provided at one of the body and lid portions and an engagement hole portion into which the claw portion is inserted, and which is formed at the other of the body and lid portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Nakashima, Keisuke Tomomura, Tatsuo Furuta
  • Patent number: 11920862
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for loading, removing, accessing, positioning or preserving one or more items in a presence of dry ice are provided. The apparatus includes a tapered container that has a barrier-like structure which can partition the inner volume of the tapered container into an internal product storage volume and a dry icechamber. Each of the regions remain substantially undisturbed during handling, operation, use and transport of the tapered container. Methods for selectively introducing dry ice into the dry ice chamber of the tapered container and engaging the barrier-like structure within the tapered container can be achieved with a novel guiding assembly apparatus. The methods and apparatuses are particularly useful when loading and retrieving one or more items in the presence of dry ice for tapered containers that have single restrictive access openings and/or other characteristics which make access and handling difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Sever, Ying Zhou, Ranko Bursac
  • Patent number: 11913653
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a condenser unit mounted to a stand includes a base connectable to the stand, a column extending upwardly from the base, the column having a lower portion and an opposite upper portion, the lower portion being connectable to the base, a cover connectable to the upper portion of the column, the cover extending above the condenser unit and being shaped and dimensioned for spanning at least partially over the condenser unit, and a leg projecting from the cover for abutting a wall of the condenser unit, the leg being spaced from the column. A method for installing a cover assembly on a condenser unit mounted to a stand is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: INNOPRO HVAC INC.
    Inventor: François Lanthier
  • Patent number: 11882676
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for designing and implementing power and cooling fluid in a computing environment such as an electronics rack are disclosed. The disclosed methods and systems may provide for a high degree of power distribution and cooling fluid distribution reliability. To provide for a high degree of reliability, the system may include a number of protective features that may reduce the likelihood of connectors used for power and cooling fluid distribution from being damaged. The system may also provide for segregation of power distribution components from cooling fluid distribution components. The rack configurations include codesign of the server and rack to form the physical segregation. The segregation may reduce the chance of these components impacting the operation of other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: BAIDU USA LLC
    Inventor: Tianyi Gao
  • Patent number: 11821672
    Abstract: A mobile cooling box has a box main body and at least one lid for opening the mobile cooling box and providing access to the inside of the mobile cooling box. The mobile cooling box further has at least one air vent 400 located on at least one side wall of the box main body, the at least one air vent comprises at least one opening, preferably in form of an essentially horizontal slot, allowing air flow through the respective side wall of the mobile cooling box. The at least one opening or slot comprises one or more shielding elements that are designed in such a way that the one or more shielding elements at least partly block the view into the inside of the mobile cooling box from the outside of the mobile cooling box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
    Inventors: Peng Wang, Feng Wang, Wenmin Tan, Weixian Guan
  • Patent number: 11808516
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a display module that is movable upward and downward and rotatable. The refrigerator includes a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, a display module coupled to the door, and a sliding plate disposed between the door and display module and coupled to be slidable in upper side and lower side directions with respect to the door and configured to allow the display module to be rotatably coupled thereto. The display module is provided to, when the sliding plate slides in the upper side and lower side directions, slide in the upper side and lower side directions with respect to the door together with the sliding plate, and rotate with respect to the door as the display module rotates with respect to the sliding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Honguk Lee, Simon Ireland, Anthony O'Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11771117
    Abstract: A portable popcorn machine including a housing assembly, cooking assembly, electrical assembly, and popcorn assembly is disclosed. These assemblies in conjunction with one another provide a portable solution to cooking popcorn. Portable popcorn machine is a rectangular apparatus that includes an upper and lower portion. The upper portion includes a hinged door that gives a user access to the cooking cavity. Uncooked kernels are placed within this cavity and cooked via a heating system. The lower portion includes two vertically stacked drawers for the storage of uncooked kernels, popcorn serving bags, and condiments. Adjacent to the drawers in the lower portion, is a digital display for cooking time readout as well as a digital keypad for user cook time input. When the popcorn machine is ready to be moved the back panel of the machine includes two shoulder straps for easy carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: Theresa Mabry
  • Patent number: 11761690
    Abstract: Proposed a gas heat-pump system including: a compressor compressing refrigerant and discharging the compressed refrigerant; an engine providing a drive force to the compressor; a radiator that cools coolant which is heated while passing through the engine; an indoor heat exchanger causing heat exchange to occur between indoor air and the refrigerant and thus cooling or heating an indoor space; an outdoor heat exchanger condensing the refrigerant; a four-way valve switching a flow direction of the refrigerant in such a manner that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows to the outdoor heat exchanger in a cooling operation mode and flows to the indoor heat exchanger in a heating operation mode; and a hot-water storage tank causing the heat exchange to occur between stored water and the refrigerant, and thus cooling the refrigerant in the cooling operation mode and heating the refrigerant in the heating operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Heejoong Jang, Hojong Jeong
  • Patent number: 11754324
    Abstract: A refrigerant control system includes: a reversing valve including: a first inlet configured to receive refrigerant output from a condenser; a first outlet configured to output refrigerant to an inlet of an evaporator located inside of a building; a second inlet configured to receive refrigerant output from the evaporator; and a second outlet configured to output refrigerant to an inlet of a compressor that pumps refrigerant to the condenser; a reversing module configured to: selectively actuate the reversing valve to a first position such that: refrigerant flows directly from the second inlet to the second outlet; and refrigerant flows directly from the first inlet to the first outlet; and selectively actuate the reversing valve to a second position such that: refrigerant flows directly from the second inlet to the first outlet; and refrigerant flows directly from the first inlet to the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Copeland LP
    Inventors: Andrew M. Welch, Winfield S. Morter, Stuart K. Morgan, Brian R. Butler
  • Patent number: 11728495
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a combined cooling circuit for a motor vehicle that provides a method of cooling a fuel cell of a fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignees: AUDI AG, Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Jan-Christoph Albrecht, Jan-Philipp Brinkmeier, Oliver Berger, Frank Jürgen Engler, Carsten Wachsmuth
  • Patent number: 11691800
    Abstract: A transportable enclosure can include a housing, a power source, a container, an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and a controller. The container can be configured to receive a temperature sensitive item therein. The evaporator can be disposed at least partially around the container. The condenser can be positioned near a wall of the housing and can be configured to reject heat from the evaporator to an ambient environment through the wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Thaddeus Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Sanders, William Mohs, Michael Humphries, Stephen Joseph Scully, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11692755
    Abstract: A mobile cooling box has a box main body and at least one lid for opening the mobile cooling box and providing access to the inside of the mobile cooling box. The mobile cooling box further has at least one air vent 400 located on at least one side wall of the box main body, the at least one air vent comprises at least one opening, preferably in form of an essentially horizontal slot, allowing air flow through the respective side wall of the mobile cooling box. The at least one opening or slot comprises one or more shielding elements that are designed in such a way that the one or more shielding elements at least partly block the view into the inside of the mobile cooling box from the outside of the mobile cooling box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
    Inventors: Peng Wang, Feng Wang, Wenmin Tan, Weixian Guan
  • Patent number: 11674742
    Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a refrigerator comprising: a cabinet forming a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage space and provided with a receiving space; a see-through portion extending through the door and communicating with the receiving space; a door light for illuminating a rear space of the door; a transparent panel assembly for shielding the see-through portion and becoming transparent or opaque so as to selectively visualize the see-through portion according to On/Off states of the door light; and a heat insulating member, formed along a perimeter of the transparent panel assembly, for insulating a perimeter portion of the transparent panel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyutae Park, Minsub Kim, Kyongsok Oh, Sangmyung Lee, Hangbok Lee
  • Patent number: 11493269
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are generally directed to beverage chillers for chilling a hot beverage so that the hot beverage can be served as a chilled beverage in real time on demand fashion. The beverage chillers include a beverage collection section, a heat exchanger section, and a dispensing section fluidically connected relative to each other. The beverage collection section receives a beverage in a hot state. The heat exchanger section chills the beverage from the hot state to a predetermined chilled temperature. The dispensing section dispenses the beverage at or near the predetermined chilled temperature. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to methods and systems for chilling a hot beverage in real time on demand fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Roasting Plant, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Robert Caswell, Michael Hodor, David H. Phillips
  • Patent number: 11391475
    Abstract: A radiant air conditioning system for controlling comfortable and healthy indoor environment based on infrared sensing technology is disclosed, which comprises air source heat pump outdoor unit, plate evaporator, circulating water pump, etc. Accurate control of air humidity by installing an indoor dehumidification terminal can reduce the surface temperature of radiant cooling terminal and increase the installed area, which will significantly improve the radiant heat exchange between the terminal surface and the human body surface. Infrared sensor technology, which is adopted to obtain the number of indoor occupants and the required outdoor air flow rate, is integrated with a decoupling control of the indoor humidity and air freshness for the accurate control of outdoor air flow rate, and then the supply outdoor air temperature and humidity are regulated for the accurate control of indoor health level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Xiaozhou Wu, Haichao Wang, Yu Zhao, Shugang Wang, Jihong Wang
  • Patent number: 11321986
    Abstract: An embodiment of this disclosure provides a sealing system for cash bags. The system includes a banknote validator, a head coupled to the banknote validator, a bag of a roll of bags, the bag configured to mount to the head, a first sealing mechanism coupled to the head and configured to seal a top portion of the bag, a second sealing mechanism configured to seal a bottom portion of the bag, and a vacuum pump configured to connect to the bag and configured to pump air from the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Crane Payment Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastien Menot, Jorge Rive, Neil Young
  • Patent number: 11248818
    Abstract: Provided is a server that communicates, via a network, with at least one air conditioner that executes a normal operation or a loosening operation includes a determination unit that determines a heat exposure period for each air conditioning target space, the indoor solar irradiance information indicating a transition of solar irradiance, and the heat exposure period being a time duration in which an environment in the air conditioning target space is likely to be influenced by solar radiation, a generation unit that generates operation plan information of designating a loosening operation period, the loosening operation period being a time duration in which the air conditioner is caused to execute the loosening operation, and a supply unit that supplies the operation plan information to the air conditioner via the network to cause the air conditioner to execute the loosening operation in the loosening operation period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Keisuke Uchida
  • Patent number: 11027963
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly includes a container support section and a pump support section. The container support section securely supports and holds a jug or other conventional container in an inverted position so that an outlet (which is normally facing upward) is instead facing in a generally downward orientation such that any liquids in the container will gravity feed toward the downwardly-facing outlet. A manual pump assembly is held by the pump support section. A conduit generally extends from the container outlet to an inlet of the pump assembly in order to permit fluid to flow from the container to the pump assembly. A reusable cap member having a check valve assembly and quick-connect coupling can be installed on the threaded outlet of the container. Fluid (including, without limitation, thick or highly viscous fluids) can be efficiently dispensed in controlled amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventor: Perry A. Dupuis
  • Patent number: 10744523
    Abstract: A mixing and dispensing apparatus having first and second containers. The first container has a main body portion which retains a first substance. A separate compartment is located in the first container and an internal passageway is formed between the main body portion and the compartment. The second container is configured to retain a second substance, and is compressible. The second container has a top end and a closed spout, wherein the closed spout is located in the compartment with the spout extending through the internal passageway into the main body portion of said first container. A release mechanism is formed by a plunger extending within the second container. The plunger has a first end in communication with the top end of the second container, and a second end aligned with the closed spout. The second end opens the closed spout when the second container is compressed to release the second substance into the main body portion of the first container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Veltek Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Vellutato, Jr., Walter Anthony Baker
  • Patent number: 10721874
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for use in the shipment, delivery, and display of flowers. The apparatus comprises a preferably translucent enclosure with a lid, housing a removable tray assembly. The removable trays have aligned openings for the insertion of flower stems. The enclosure itself is configured to be stacked conveniently on a pallet for bulk shipment and delivery. The system and method comprise providing an interface for users to order flowers contained in the enclosure and delivering the enclosure with a customized multimedia electronic greeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Michael J. Uglialoro
  • Patent number: 10551088
    Abstract: A cooling or heating system creating an open temperature-controlled zone for personnel, the system having HVAC equipment for producing and delivering cooled or heated air, a lower air outlet disposed in a deck member, an upper air outlet disposed in a wall member, and a central air intake disposed between the lower and upper air outlets, whereby conditioned air expelled from the lower and upper air outlets is recycled through the central air intake and HVAC equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: ATHLETIC RECOVERY ZONE, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cothren, William Quillen
  • Patent number: 10240844
    Abstract: A bagger for an ice vending machine provides improved design, operation, and maintenance characteristics. An ice vending machine includes a merchandiser having a door providing access into an interior, an ice maker with a chute, and an ice bagger mounted to the merchandiser in communication with the ice maker. The ice bagger includes a frame having opposed, unitary, first and second frame elements, a spool of bags pivoted to a front of the frame on a swingarm, a cutting element mounted to the frame for reciprocal movement, and a tensioning assembly carried on the frame to provide tension to bags unrolled from the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Premier Ice Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Metzger, Brandon Metzger
  • Patent number: 9497977
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance comprises a cavity in which an ozone generating device is placed. The ozone generating device is configured to maintain in the cavity a concentration of ozone between 0.04 and 0.12 ppm, more preferably between 0.06 and 0.1 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Carolina Biotti, Raffaele Paganini, Davide Parachini, Maria P. Pirovano
  • Patent number: 9072803
    Abstract: To allow uniform and efficient sterilization of facilities selected from clean rooms, cell processing centers for human use (CPCs), medical-supply-manufacturing facilities, animal-rearing facilities (SPF animals), biohazard rooms, food processing facilities, and medical facilities, where walls, floors, ceilings, device surfaces, and spaces, including equipment interiors, can be sterilized while minimizing effects such as corrosion and using the smallest amount of chemical agent as possible, and whereby sterilization can be carried out without problems with residual toxicity and without the need for wiping operations subsequent to sterilization. In addition, an operator can initiate, monitor, and control sterilization from outside the sterilization zone and thus respond to unexpected circumstances such as damage to a sprayer during a sterilization operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: PHARMABIO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akio Sakaki
  • Publication number: 20150143806
    Abstract: Provided is a consumer to industrial scale renewable energy based quintuple-generation systems and energy storage facility. The present invention has both mobile and stationary embodiments. The present invention includes energy recovery, energy production, energy processing, pyrolysis, byproduct process utilization systems, separation process systems and handling and storage systems, as well as an open architecture for integration and development of additional processes, systems and applications. The system of the present invention primarily uses adaptive metrics, biometrics and thermal imaging sensory analysis (including additional input sensors for analysis) for monitoring and control with the utilization of an integrated artificial intelligence and automation control system, thus providing a balanced, environmentally-friendly ecosystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin Lee Friesth
  • Patent number: 8998177
    Abstract: A humidifying and fresh-keeping device for a refrigerator is provided, including a device container and a top cover. The container has a drawer for storing fruits and vegetables, and a containing chamber is disposed at one side of the container. A drawer-type water tank is disposed in the containing chamber, with a water storing box at one end and an ultrasonic humidifying device at the other end. A supply air box is disposed at a wind outlet of the ultrasonic humidifying device, and an atomizing air duct is distributed in the container. An inlet of the atomizing air duct corresponds to an outlet of the supply air box, and outlets of the atomizing air duct are provided in the containertop cover. As a result, the fruits and vegetables preserved in the container have an environment humidity of 90-95%, and can be kept fresh in seven days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Suzhou Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzhi Wang, Xianghua Ren, Hongmei Yu, Bonggil Jin
  • Patent number: 8984900
    Abstract: A decorative member of a refrigerator and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. A refrigerator includes a storage container provided in a storage chamber; and a decorative member provided in the storage container, the decorative configured to generate light refraction and guide a movement of condensate condensed in the storage container, and configured to be capable of displaying humidity inside the storage container according to the movement degree of condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seok Jae Jeong, Young Kyu Kim
  • Publication number: 20150075206
    Abstract: Regarding an engine driven heat pump in which an engine, a compressor, a refrigerant circuit, and a generator are stored in a main body package, an engine actuation battery to actuate the engine, a battery charging circuit to charge the engine actuation battery, and an inverter to convert output power from the generator into a predetermined voltage and a predetermined frequency are stored in a separate body package, which is a separate body with respect to the main body package, and a front surface and a back surface of the separate body package is made up of an area in such a manner as to fit in a side surface of the main body package, and the separate body package is provided on a side surface near to the generator, out of side surfaces of the main body package and supported by the main body package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Shohei Amakawa, Hideshi Okada, Keisuke Taharabaru
  • Publication number: 20150059393
    Abstract: A utility cart comprises a first container configured as an evaporative cooling system having a water reservoir disposed at a bottom end thereof in fluid communication with an evaporative medium. The evaporative cooling system further includes a fan to blow or draw outside air through the wet evaporative medium and out to the surrounding environment as cooled air. The utility cart further includes a second container coupled to the first container, the second container configured as an insulated chest cooler for holding ice and having a drain port for draining out melt water from melting ice disposed in the chest cooler, the drain port being configured to feed melt water into the evaporative cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: PHOENIX MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Stephen Jouas, Lawrence Chavez
  • Publication number: 20150059374
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the contents of a refrigerator. The system comprises a plurality of cameras mounted within a refrigerator, a wireless transceiver adapted to transmit image data to a mobile electronic device, and a computer-based logic for implementing commands relayed to the present system from the mobile electronic device. The cameras are arranged within the interior of the refrigerator to provide users with a complete view of the contents of their refrigerators. The present system assists users in grocery shopping and planning meals when not at home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Logan Hebel
  • Patent number: 8966925
    Abstract: A portable cooling device including an insulated housing and a water cooler system, whereby water stored in a reservoir, or alternatively water introduced into the system through a specific inlet, is directed through a boustrophedonic series of piping to an ancillary misting head and to at least one misting orifice disposed proximal to at least one fan, which fan is directable within a fan housing, when a chilled mist is directionably propelled from the device. The device has a power system including a photocell, a power inlet, and a battery, configureable to different situations to selectively engage the water cooler system and each fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony DeClementi
  • Publication number: 20150047378
    Abstract: A heat pump circuit including a compressor that compresses a working fluid from a gas in a low pressure, low temperature first state to a high pressure, a high temperature second state. A first subflow of the working fluid is condensed into a gaseous/liquid mixture and assumes a third state by the working fluid delivering heat to a first medium. The first subflow of the working fluid is expanded and returns to a gas in the first state by absorbing heat from a second medium, whereupon the working fluid completes the cycle again. A second subflow of the compressed working fluid is expanded from the second state and the energy contents in the second subflow converted into electrical energy, whereafter the expanded working fluid is returned to the compressor after passage of the evaporator, or after expansion in the energy converter from the second to the first state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Hardy Hollingworth
  • Patent number: 8935938
    Abstract: An assembly for filtering water includes a housing, a water inlet for supplying unfiltered water to the housing, and a water filter including an outer casing attached to the housing in communication with the water inlet and a filter medium within the outer casing, the water filter filtering the unfiltered water through filter medium to provide filtered water. A water outlet is attached to the housing for transferring filtered water from the outer casing to a device via the housing. Some sort of indicia is located on the outer casing, and an optical device detects a feature of the indicia to determine if the water filter is properly installed in the housing. Related refrigeration appliances incorporating such devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Russell James Fallon, Jason Andrew May
  • Patent number: 8887521
    Abstract: Provided is an air conditioner for an automobile capable of having uniform perfume performance in a width direction of the automobile by discharging air mixed with a perfume component supplied from a perfume generating unit through a discharging part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Jae Jo Kim, Jin Hyuck Kim, Sung Je Lee, Yong Jun Jee, Sang Chul Byon, Nam Jun Lee, Yong Sung Kwon
  • Publication number: 20140335242
    Abstract: Disclosed are an automatic cocktail machine and an automatic cocktail making method. Water, a carbonic acid gas cylinder and a plurality of cocktail materials are inputted. After a user's cocktail request is received, the cocktail request is compared with a list to determine the requested cocktail and read the cocktail recipe correspondingly. A bartending module is provided for adjusting and mixing water and the carbonic acid gas according to the cocktail recipe to form a carbonated water, and adjusted to a recipe temperature. An output module is provided for mixing an appropriate quantity of cocktail materials with the carbonic acid gas cylinder to output the cocktail. With this simple and convenient automatic cocktail machine, the users can get various cocktails quickly and enjoy different delicious cocktails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: HSIANG-CHI HUANG
  • Publication number: 20140250940
    Abstract: A fan support and storage apparatus for use in cooling a user's torso while the user is positioned adjacent the apparatus includes a base member having upper and lower portions. The apparatus includes a tubular support member having a first end operatively coupled to the base member and a second end opposite the first end. The support member has an elongate tubular configuration extending upwardly from the base member and supported in a vertical configuration above the base member. A fan assembly is slidably coupled to the support member and selectively movable therealong between the first and second ends of the support member. A fan drawer assembly is slidably coupled to the support member adjacent the fan member that is being slidably movable between the first and second ends of the support member. One or more accessory drawer assemblies may be slidably coupled to the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Barbara D. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20140205726
    Abstract: A method of controlling an integrated beverage system that comprises a dispensing module that dispenses one or more ingredients into a beverage container and a blending/mixing module that blends and/or mixes the ingredients in the beverage container, the method comprising: controlling the dispensing module and the blending/mixing module to prepare first and second beverages concurrently or sequentially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Enodis Corporation
    Inventors: Jan Claesson, William E. Smith, Roberto Nevarez
  • Patent number: 8746003
    Abstract: A water filter assembly, and a refrigerator and a water purifier having the same, including: a manifold having a inflow path through which raw water flows in and an outflow path through which filtered water flows out; a case supporting the manifold; and a filter cartridge coupled to a lower side of the case such that it is separable and connected with the outflow port of the manifold, wherein a fluid flow control unit is installed between the manifold and the filter cartridge and rotates according to a rotation of the filter cartridge, the center of the rotation is the same as the center of an outlet of the filter cartridge, and the fluid flow control unit includes a disk having a connection hole allowing the raw water inflow path and an inlet of the filter cartridge to communicate only at a certain position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: WINIMAX Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chul Min Yoon
  • Publication number: 20140123695
    Abstract: A power-generating system comprising an energy-converting module that converts non-electrical waste energy generated by one or more components of an HVAC system into electrical energy, and, a control module that directs the electrical energy to one or more electricity-consuming components of the HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: LENNOX INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventor: Eric Berg
  • Patent number: 8684214
    Abstract: Provided is a degassing container for a refrigerator in which a portion of air within a storage space is forcedly discharged to allow the storage space to become a low pressure state. The degassing container includes a case, a door, a gasket, a pressing part, and a degassing adjustment part. The case has an opened side. The door selectively shields the opened side of the case. The gasket is interposed between the door and the case and elastically deformed and closely attached when the door is shielded. The pressing part is provided in the door and the case and selectively closely attaches the door by a rotation operation. The degassing adjustment part selectively enters and exits air within the case by operating the pressing part. Therefore, the refrigerator has improved storage performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seok-Min Lim, Jong-Min Shin, Bong-Jun Choi, Su-Won Lee, Ill-Shin Kim, Jeong-Yon Kim
  • Publication number: 20140083647
    Abstract: An aircraft is provided including an environmental control system (ECS) having a first ECS pack and a second ECS pack. A duct couples the first ECS pack to the second ECS pack. The duct includes a first bypass conduit configured to form a bypass around a first primary heat exchanger of the first ECS pack. A second bypass conduit configured to form a bypass around a second primary heat exchanger of the second ECS pack. The duct includes a crossover conduit extending between the first bypass conduit and the second bypass conduit. The duct includes a plurality of valves for selectively controlling a flow between the first bypass conduit and the second bypass conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Donald E. Army, JR., Thomas M. Zywiak, David Anderson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140083125
    Abstract: A wind-powered fresh water generator is provided. The wind-powered fresh water generator includes a wind rotation module disposed on a beam, a cooling and fresh water generating module connected to the wind rotation module, and a water collecting system disposed below the cooling and fresh water generating module. The wind-powered rotation module provides a rotation motive power to the cooling and fresh water generating module. The water generated by the cooling and fresh water generating module is collected by the water collecting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Meng-Chyang PENG
  • Patent number: 8677773
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator that includes a main body having a cooling chamber. The refrigerator also includes a door coupled to the main body and configured to open and close the cooling chamber. The refrigerator further includes a home bar positioned at a front surface of the door and configured to provide access to contents of the refrigerator without opening the door. In addition, the refrigerator includes a heater positioned at the home bar and configured to adjust an amount of heat based on an ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Youn-Seok Lee, Kyeong-Yun Kim, Su-Nam Chae, Min-Kyu Oh, Jang-Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 8631665
    Abstract: A portable cooling device including an insulated housing and a water cooler system, whereby water stored in a reservoir, or alternatively water introduced into the system through a specific inlet, is directed through a boustrophedonic series of piping to at least one misting orifice disposed proximal to at least one fan, which fan is directable within a fan housing, whence a chilled mist is directionably propelled from the device. The device has a power system including a photocell, a power inlet, and a battery, configureable to different situations to selectively engage the water cooler system and each fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Anthony DeClementi
  • Publication number: 20140013789
    Abstract: A cooler includes a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion includes a body defining an insulated first compartment. The top portion includes a bottom cover and a top cover. The bottom cover is operable to enclose the first compartment and includes a bottom cover body defining a second compartment. The bottom cover body includes a speaker, a power input, and an auxiliary input, and a top cover operable to enclose the second compartment. The top cover is operable to enclose the second compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Cole A. Conrad, Kyle Harvey, Timothy Janda, Paul Rossetto
  • Publication number: 20140013786
    Abstract: There is provided an efficient steam generation system capable of reducing a temperature difference in heat to be drawn by a heat pump. A first heat pump (2) includes a first evaporator (7) and a second evaporator (8). A second heat pump (3) is connected to the first heat pump (2) via an uppermost condenser (10) serving as the first evaporator (7). A heat source fluid is passed through a second evaporator (8) of the first heat pump (2) and an evaporator (12) of the second heat pump (3) in sequence. Then, steam is generated by application of heat to water in a condenser (5) of the first heat pump (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Masayoshi Kanamaru, Akinori Kawakami, Mika Tasaka, Akio Morita
  • Patent number: 8567211
    Abstract: A generally box shaped portable ice chest for medical supplies and the like includes a plastic housing having a top, bottom, front, back and two sides and an inner compartment within the plastic housing. Between the plastic housing and inner compartment there are three layers of insulation including a Styrofoam polystyrene foam layer, a compressed cork layer and a compressed rubber layer sandwiched between the stainless steel lining and the outer housing. The inner compartment includes three removable vertically stacked drawers and a beverage compartment behind the drawers for receiving a plurality of beverage containers. One of the drawers is adapted to receive dry ice. Each of the drawers includes a plurality of openings. A fan, a solar panel and a rechargeable battery and circuit for charging the battery are disposed in the top of the housing for circulating air through the drawers and beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Hafeth A. Al-Rasheed
  • Publication number: 20130255285
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for disinfecting the air of an air flow (2) inside an air supply duct (1) with a nontoxic disinfectant. The disinfectant is sprayed and injected in the injection direction (31) by means of at least one injection nozzle (30) of an injection device (3), the injection direction (31) approximately corresponding to the direction of the air flow (2). The injection in the region located after a contraction (12) in the duct and the related flow acceleration enables an absorption of the particles on the inner walls (100) of the air supply duct (1), over the entire length of the air supply duct (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Susanne Kocher-Kunz
  • Patent number: 8528302
    Abstract: An ice bagging assembly and related method with a horizontal ice bag cassette, a pair of opposing ice bag ply graspers configured to move an empty ice bag from the horizontal ice bag cassette to a vertical position to receive cubed ice before it is sealed shut and dropped to an ice bag merchandiser. The opposing graspers may be configured as rotating wheels and may have a grasping sensor. The ice bag cassette may be slidably and tiltably supported for easy replacement of horizontal bags. A load sensor, optical or mechanical, may be associated with the ice hopper to sense how much ice has been put in each bag. A pair of angled guides may guide a hopper into a support frame for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: In-Store Bagging Machine Company, LLC
    Inventors: James Shaker, Paul Bareford, Vince Shaker