Processes Patents (Class 62/56)
  • Patent number: 11629909
    Abstract: An artificial intelligent refrigerator is disclosed. The artificial intelligent refrigerator includes: one or more first temperature sensor that senses refrigerating compartment-internal temperature in a refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator; one or more second temperature sensor that senses freezing compartment-internal temperature in a freezing compartment of the refrigerator; and a refrigerator processor that calculates a load accumulation amount for food put in the refrigerator on the basis of the refrigerating compartment-internal temperature or the freezing compartment-internal temperature, and performs a load correspondence operation using the calculated load accumulation amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Junsoo Han, Younghun Yang, Yonghwan Eom, Junseong Jeong, Cholok Han
  • Patent number: 11493223
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner including a plurality of units having an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The plurality of units includes a controller configured to control an input/output and control to operate according to setting and a communication unit configured to transmit and receive data in a wireless communication method between the plurality of units. The communication unit includes a plurality of antenna connection units respectively connected to the plurality of antennas, and a transmission/reception unit configured to apply a signal of a certain frequency band to the plurality of antennas through the plurality of antenna connection units, and to process a signal received from the plurality of antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kyongdo Lee, Juntae Kim, Kwonhyung Lee
  • Patent number: 11440291
    Abstract: A composite material for passive radiative cooling is provided. In some embodiments, the composite material includes a base layer, and at least one emissive layer located adjacent to a surface of the base layer. In some embodiments, the at least one emissive layer is affixed to the surface of the base layer via a binding agent. In some embodiments, the surface of the base layer comprises a reflective substrate comprising an adhesive layer. In some embodiments, the at least one emissive layer is affixed to the base layer via the adhesive layer of the base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: PC Krause and Associates
    Inventor: Alex Heltzel
  • Patent number: 11413930
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle thermal management system (1) comprising at least a refrigerant circuit (2), a loop (3) for heat-transfer liquid, and a first heat exchanger (5) which thermally couples the loop (3) for heat-transfer liquid with the refrigerant circuit (2), the loop (3) for heat-transfer liquid comprising at least one heat exchanger (12, 35) configured to dissipate heat energy into a flow (18, 19) of air, the refrigerant circuit (2) comprising at least a compression device (4), the first heat exchanger (5), a refrigerant accumulation device (6), a first expansion device (16) and a second heat exchanger (17) designed to have passing through it a flow (18) of interior air sent into the interior of the vehicle, characterized in that the refrigerant circuit (2) comprises a leg (20) arranged in parallel with the first expansion device (16) and with the second heat exchanger (17), said leg (20) comprising a second expansion device (21) and a third heat exchanger (22) able to be thermally coupled t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Jugurtha Benouali
  • Patent number: 11397048
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet configured to be formed with a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber, a first door configured to open and close the first storage chamber, a second door configured to open and close the second storage chamber, a first cooler and a heater configured to adjust the temperature of the first storage chamber, a second cooler configured to adjust a temperature of the second storage chamber, and a controller configured to perform a general operation of the first storage chamber in preference to door load response operation of the second storage chamber, of the general operation of adjusting the temperature of the first storage chamber and the door load response operation of the second storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeongwon Park, Giseok Seong, Myungjin Chung, Kyungseok Kim, Yonghun Suh
  • Patent number: 11371760
    Abstract: In a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention, a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture is used. The refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a decompressor, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, and a blower. The blower blows air to the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger. The non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture circulates in a first circulation direction through the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the decompressor, the second heat exchanger, and the third heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger is greater in flow path resistance than the third heat exchanger. The blower forms a parallel flow with the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture that flows through the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 11333416
    Abstract: A vapor compression system that includes a controller. The controller includes instructions for switching between first and second modes of operation of the vapor compression system. The controller activates a first compressor and a second compressor of the vapor compression system in the first mode of operation in response to a temperature level and a humidity level exceeding a threshold temperature and a threshold humidity level, respectively. And in the second mode of operation, the controller activates the first compressor in response to only the humidity level exceeding the threshold humidity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventor: Jay C. Walser
  • Patent number: 11326798
    Abstract: A refrigerant leak detection and mitigation system/method for use in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that incorporates a refrigerant gas sensor (RGS), sensor signal conditioner (SSC), alarm status indicator (ASI), and digital control processor (DCP) is disclosed. The RGS detects ambient refrigerant gas (ARG) and indicates this as a refrigerant sensor voltage (RSV) to the SSC. The DCP and SSC form a closed control loop (CCL) in which the SSC electrical characteristics are adjusted by the DCP such that the RSV is continuously and dynamically recalibrated to account for background refrigerant gas levels, changes in ambient air conditions, RGS manufacturing tolerances, and other field-specific operational conditions that impact the RGS detection capabilities. The DCP is configured to log alarms to the ASI if a RGS refrigerant leak is detected and optionally shutdown one or more HVAC system components such as a specific air handler leaking refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventors: Kenneth Ray Green, Douglas Hiram Morse
  • Patent number: 11313597
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heat pump system which comprises a compressor (110), a mode switch valve assembly (120), a mode switch flow path, and a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a heat recovery heat exchanger respectively connected between the mode switch valve assembly and the mode switch flow path, wherein the mode switch flow path is provided with a first flow path (160), a second flow path (170) and a third flow path (180) which converge at an intersection point, and at least the first flow path and the second flow path are respectively provided with a throttling section (161,171), and the first flow path, the second flow path and the third flow path are controllably switched on/off to realize different function modes. Therefore, a heat pump unit having a heat recovery function is provided, which has advantages of simple structure and high operational reliability, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Guangyu Shen, Jingkai Weng
  • Patent number: 11279205
    Abstract: A method for operating a coolant circuit of a vehicle cooling system in an AC mode and in a heating mode, implemented by a heat pump function, having an evaporator branch including an evaporator and a first expansion element, a coolant compressor, an AC and heat pump branch, having an outer condenser or gas cooler, as a heat pump evaporator having a second expansion element. The AC and heat pump branch is connected to the coolant compressor via a first blocking element and to the evaporator branch via the second expansion element, a heating branch having an inner heating condenser or heating gas cooler and a second blocking element, connected downstream thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Dirk Schroeder, Christian Rebinger
  • Patent number: 11274862
    Abstract: A compressor system includes at least two compressors. A suction equalizing tube fluidly couples the at least two compressors. A plumbing assembly fluidly couples to the first compressor and the second compressor. The plumbing assembly comprises an outlet to each compressor of the at least two compressors. A pressure differential between the at least two compressors is created so as to facilitate maintenance of a desired fluid level in the at least two compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: LENNOX INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Patric Ananda Balan Thobias, Abdul Rehman, Rakesh Goel, Siddarth Rajan
  • Patent number: 11221159
    Abstract: A method of controlling a ceiling type air conditioner including a panel located on a ceiling surface, outlets formed at positions corresponding to four sides of the panel, a first vane group for opening and closing the outlets located at two opposing sides, and a second vane group for opening and closing the outlets located at the other two opposing sides includes performing a dynamic airflow mode in which an indoor temperature reaches a set temperature by controlling rotation angles of the first vane group and the second vane group, and calculating a pleasant airflow index Y for determining a pleasant feeling of a user at the set temperature. The pleasant airflow index is calculated using the indoor temperature, the rotation angle of the first vane group or the second vane group, an air volume, a distance from a floor surface and an airflow position as variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Juyoun Lee, Soojin Kang, Jusu Kim
  • Patent number: 11175074
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle device, comprising: a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant; an outdoor air heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and outside air located outside a target space; an indoor air heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and inside air located inside the target space; a water heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water; a four-way valve located between an indoor port on the indoor air heat exchanger, an outdoor port on the outdoor air heat exchanger, an input port on the compressor, and an output port on the compressor; a bypass refrigerant line connecting the indoor port to the outdoor port; and a controllable valve located on the bypass refrigerant line, the controllable valve being configured to have an open state that passes the refrigerant and a closed state that prohibits passage of the refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Paul Bush
  • Patent number: 11175080
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigeration circuit in which non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture circulates. The refrigeration circuit includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a four-way valve. The four-way valve is configured to assume a first state and a second state. The outdoor heat exchanger includes a plurality of refrigerant flow paths and a linear flow path switching valve configured to switch connections of the plurality of refrigerant flow paths between a series state in which the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows through the plurality of refrigerant flow paths in series and a parallel state in which the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows through the plurality of refrigerant flow paths in parallel. A controller switches the linear flow path switching valve between the series state and the parallel state when a multi-way valve is in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takumi Nishiyama, Kosuke Tanaka, Mitsuru Kawashima
  • Patent number: 11118833
    Abstract: A method of operating a transport refrigeration system including: controlling, using a controller (30), a plurality of components of the transport refrigeration system, the transport refrigeration system comprising a refrigerated trailer (108) and a refrigeration unit (22) configured to provide refrigerated air to the refrigerated trailer, the controlling includes operating at least one of the refrigeration unit and a battery system (190); powering, using an external power source (400), the refrigeration unit when the transport refrigeration system is connected to the external power source; detecting, using the controller, when the external power source is disconnected from the transport refrigeration system; detecting, using the controller, a connection to the battery system when the external power source is disconnected; activating the battery system when the external power source is disconnected; and powering, using the battery system, a select group of components of the refrigeration unit when the externa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ciara Poolman, Robert A. Chopko
  • Patent number: 10876749
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes an indoor introduction air path configured to introduce air into an indoor space and an outdoor discharge air path configured to discharge air to an outdoor space, wherein the outdoor discharge air path includes an air path in which heat exchange is performed with the air introduced into the indoor space, and a by-pass path in which heat exchange is not performed with the air introduced into the indoor space, and the air conditioner further includes a controller configured to control the air discharged to the outdoor space so that the air discharged to the outdoor space flows to one of the air paths, in which the heat exchange is performed, and the by-pass path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: KYUNGDONG NAVIEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Won Jae Jin, Ju Hyuk Lee
  • Patent number: 10808984
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a method comprises determining a liquid outlet temperature setpoint for refrigerant discharged from a liquid outlet of a subcooler. The liquid outlet corresponds to a hot-side path of the subcooler that receives refrigerant directly from a tank, cools the refrigerant by an exchange of heat with a cold-side path of the subcooler that receives the refrigerant from the tank via an inlet expansion valve, and discharges the refrigerant to an evaporator via an outlet expansion valve. The method further comprises determining a superheat setpoint for the refrigerant discharged to a compressor via a vapor outlet of the cold-side path. The superheat setpoint is determined based on the liquid outlet temperature setpoint. The method further comprises adjusting a temperature of the refrigerant discharged to the compressor based on the superheat setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Heatcraft Refrigeration Products LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Hjortland
  • Patent number: 10746447
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a microchannel heat exchanger, a load, a compressor, and a controller. The microchannel heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant. The load uses the refrigerant to remove heat from a space proximate the load. The compressor compresses the refrigerant from the load. The controller determines a discharge temperature of the refrigerant at the compressor and predicts a saturation temperature of the refrigerant between the compressor and the microchannel heat exchanger. The controller also determines a discharge superheat by subtracting the saturation temperature from the discharge temperature and triggers an alarm if the discharge superheat is below a threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Goel, Eric Giles, Siddarth Rajan
  • Patent number: 10684053
    Abstract: A vapor compression system that includes a controller. The controller includes instructions for switching between first and second modes of operation of the vapor compression system. The controller activates a first compressor and a second compressor of the vapor compression system in the first mode of operation in response to a temperature level and a humidity level exceeding a threshold temperature and a threshold humidity level, respectively. And in the second mode of operation, the controller activates the first compressor in response to only the humidity level exceeding the threshold humidity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Jay C. Walser
  • Patent number: 10648711
    Abstract: A DC-powered refrigeration system may include controls configured to switch between available DC power supplies and manage the refrigeration system in accordance with one or more methods. The one or more methods of the control system may include multiple tiers of power management, including, e.g., maximization of power usage when on a photovoltaic power supply to subcool a refrigerated load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SolarXWorks, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Brown, Blake Barthelmess, Tor Hartmann, Donald McGraw
  • Patent number: 10612823
    Abstract: A condenser for a vapor compression system includes a shell and a tube bundle. The shell has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet. The tube bundle includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes disposed inside the shell. Refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant inlet is supplied onto the tube bundle. The heat transfer tubes extend generally parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the shell. The heat transfer tubes are arranged to form a first vapor passage extending generally vertically along a first passage lengthwise direction through at least some of the heat transfer tubes. The first vapor passage has a first minimum width measured perpendicularly relative to the first passage lengthwise direction and the longitudinal axis. The first minimum width is larger than a tube diameter of the heat transfer tubes, and the first minimum width is smaller than four times the tube diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: DAIKIN APPLIED AMERICAS INC.
    Inventor: Louis A. Moreaux
  • Patent number: 10544380
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mixed composition for a refrigerator, the mixed composition containing: a refrigerant containing at least one unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon compound selected from compounds represented by the following molecular formula (1): CpFrHs (1), provided that the compound has one or more carbon-carbon unsaturated bond in a molecule; and a refrigerator lubricating oil containing, as a major component, a polyoxyalkylene glycol compound represented by the following general formula (2), and containing a phenothiazine compound in an amount of 1.0% by mass or more based on the total amount of the refrigerator lubricating oil: R1—[(OR2)m—OR3]n (2). A mixed composition for a refrigerator is provided having a lower possibility of autoignition in a high temperature environment even during unexpected leakage in a refrigerator using a refrigerant containing a slightly flammable refrigerant. A refrigerator lubricating oil is provided that is capable of being applied to the mixed composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: IDEMITSU KOSAN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masato Kaneko
  • Patent number: 10514194
    Abstract: A refrigerating appliance includes a refrigerant line having a compressor and a condenser. A thermal exchange media is delivered from the condenser and through the refrigerant line to at least a freezer evaporator of a plurality of evaporators, wherein the thermal exchange media leaving the freezer evaporator defines spent media that is returned to the compressor. A multi-directional outlet valve selectively delivers the thermal exchange media to the freezer evaporator, wherein the multi-directional outlet valve also selectively delivers the thermal exchange media to at least one secondary evaporator of the plurality of evaporators to define a partially-spent media that is delivered to the freezer evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Amit A. Avhale, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, E. Calvin Pickles, Yan Zhang, Vijaykumar Sathyamurthi
  • Patent number: 10508838
    Abstract: A radiative cooler is provided having a thermally insulated vacuum chamber housing that is configured to support a vacuum level of at least 10?5 Torr, an infared-transparent window that is sealably disposed on top of the thermally insulated vacuum chamber and is transparet in the range of 8-13 ?m, a selective emitter disposed inside the chamber, a mirror cone on the infared-transparent window, a selective emitter inside the chamber and is configured to passively dissipate heat from the earth into outer space through the infared-transparent window and is thermally decoupled from ambient air and solar irradiation but coupled to outer space, a heat exchanger with inlet and outlet pipes disposed below the selective emitter to cool water flowing through the pipe, a sun shade disposed vertically outside the chamber to minimize direct solar irradiation, and a mirror cone to minimize downward atmospheric radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Zhen Chen, Linxiao Zhu, Aaswath Raman, Eli A. Goldstein, Shanhui Fan
  • Patent number: 10480846
    Abstract: A failure determiner is provided to perform a failure diagnosis to successively evaluate functions of the refrigerant circuit and components forming the refrigerant circuit for a plurality of evaluation items. If the failure diagnosis is interrupted, the failure determiner has a restarting function to restart the failure diagnosis from an intermediate point of the failure diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuusuke Fujimoto, Naoki Nakatani, Hisaaki Takaoka, Norio Iga
  • Patent number: 10465273
    Abstract: A process for depositing, with forward progression, graphene on the surface of a metallic or metallized continuous reinforcer, at the periphery of which is positioned a layer of surface metal chosen from copper, nickel and copper/nickel alloys, comprises at least one stage of flame spray pyrolysis (“FSP”), under a reducing atmosphere, of a carbon precursor which generates, in the flame, at least one carbon-based gas such as carbon monoxide which is sprayed onto the surface of the reinforcer in forward progression, and is decomposed thereon to form one or more graphene layers at the surface of the surface metal; an additional stage of graphene functionalization makes it possible to adhere the reinforcer to a polymer matrix such as rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Wendelin Jan Stark, Robert Nikolaus Grass, Milan Fedurco, Antonio Delfino, Jean-Paul Meraldi
  • Patent number: 10295205
    Abstract: A gravity-assisted heat pipe cooling source cold storage system and chiller set. The cold storage system includes a gravity-assisted heat pipe, a cold storage pool, a heat exchanging and cold condensing device, and a heat exchanger pipe. A lower end of the gravity-assisted heat pipe is arranged in the cold storage pool, and an upper end of the gravity-assisted heat pipe is arranged in the heat exchanging and cold condensing device. The heat exchanger pipe is buried underground, and includes a central pipe and a side pipe. Upper ends of the central pipe and the side pipes are communicated with an inlet and outlet of the heat exchanging and cold condensing device, respectively. Lower ends of the central pipe and the side pipes are communicated with each other. The system employs the heat exchanger pipe to provide a cooling source for the gravity-assisted heat pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: NANJING CANATAL DATA-CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL TECH. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weixing Zhang, Zongqin Zhang, Yi Yuan, Lingyun Wang
  • Patent number: 10226980
    Abstract: A system for cooling a battery. The system has a cabin cooling refrigerant pathway including an orifice tube through which refrigerant flows to an evaporator. A battery cooling refrigerant pathway includes a thermal expansion valve (TXV) through which refrigerant flows to a chiller. An accumulator is in receipt of refrigerant from both the cabin cooling refrigerant pathway and the battery cooling refrigerant pathway. A battery coolant loop includes a coolant pathway for directing coolant from the chiller to the battery to cool the battery. The coolant is cooled by the chiller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhiwei Shan, Kota Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 10203127
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a thermostat, and a remote control device. The indoor unit comprises a first variable speed drive (VSD) to control a speed of HVAC rotary components within the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit comprises a second VSD to control a speed of HVAC rotary components within the outdoor unit. The thermostat in communication with the indoor unit and the outdoor unit comprises a communication interface, and a system controller in communication with the communication interface. The remote control device transmits a signal to the system controller to alter the speed of the HVAC rotary components, where the HVAC rotary components operate at a high speed mode which is above the preset speed limit of the respective HVAC rotary component to achieve an enhanced cooling mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Thomas LeRoy, Kirby N. Bicknell, Christopher Blake Smith, John Hughes, Gregory S. Brown
  • Patent number: 10125755
    Abstract: A cryopump includes a cryopanel, a cryocooler which is configured to cool the cryopanel, and includes a cryocooler motor configured to drive the cryocooler and a cryocooler inverter configured to control an operating frequency of the cryocooler motor, and a control unit configured to control the cryocooler to perform a cool-down operation by which a temperature of the cryopanel is decreased from room temperature to a standard operating temperature. The control unit includes an operating frequency determination unit configured to determine an operating frequency of the cryocooler motor within an operating frequency range having an upper limit operating frequency and outputs the operating frequency to the cryocooler inverter, and an upper limit adjustment unit configured to decrease the upper limit operating frequency based on a decrease in a temperature of the cryopanel during the cool-down operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Kakeru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10036587
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed in a cabinet of the refrigerator by a fixed insulation wall, the storage compartment being provided with an access opening. The refrigerator also includes a door rotatably provided to the cabinet to open and close the access opening, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a camera fixed to a ceiling of the storage compartment to photograph both a first region for storing of food arranged in an external space of the drawer and a second region for storing of food arranged in an internal space of the drawer, and a controller configured to separate, through a capturing time of a picture containing both the first region and the second region, a first region picture and a second region picture from the picture to individually divide and store the first region picture and the second region picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kwanhyung Kim, Samnyol Hong, Sungdu Kwon, Ikkyu Lee, Myoungju Lee, Jeonghwan Kim
  • Patent number: 9915471
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed in a cabinet of the refrigerator by a fixed insulation wall, the storage compartment provided with an access opening, a door rotatably provided to the cabinet to open and close the access opening, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a camera fixed to a ceiling of the storage compartment to photograph both a first region for storing of food arranged in an external space of the drawer in the storage compartment and a second region for storing of food arranged in an internal space of the drawer in the storage compartment, and a controller to separate, through a capturing time of a picture containing both the first region and the second region, a first region picture and a second region picture from the picture to individually divide and store the first region picture and the second region picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kwanhyung Kim, Samnyol Hong, Sungdu Kwon, Ikkyu Lee, Myoungju Lee, Jeonghwan Kim
  • Patent number: 9890994
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed in a cabinet of the refrigerator by a fixed insulation wall, the storage compartment being provided with an access opening. The refrigerator also includes a door rotatably provided to the cabinet to open and close the access opening, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a camera fixed to a ceiling of the storage compartment to photograph both a first region for storing of food arranged in an external space of the drawer and a second region for storing of food arranged in an internal space of the drawer, and a controller configured to separate, through a capturing time of a picture containing both the first region and the second region, a first region picture and a second region picture from the picture to individually divide and store the first region picture and the second region picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kwanhyung Kim, Samnyol Hong, Sungdu Kwon, Ikkyu Lee, Myoungju Lee, Jeonghwan Kim
  • Patent number: 9822996
    Abstract: An additive heat transfer unit (AHTU) can be part of or added to an air source heat pump HVAC system. The heat pump system can include a compressor, an expansion valve, first and second air source heat exchangers, and a reversing valve. The system can have a cooling mode and a heating mode, such that in the cooling mode the first air source heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and the second air source heat exchanger functions as a condenser, this being reversed in the heating mode. The AHTU can include a liquid source heat exchanger that can be used to increase the efficiency of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Patent number: 9661872
    Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a carbonated beverage is formed by filling a container with a beverage liquid, adding solid carbon dioxide, sealing the container, and then limiting the development of overpressure within the container. In some embodiments, overpressure within a container may be limited by an adsorber material element. In some embodiments, overpressure within a container may be limited through agitation of a sealed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Taher Shabbir Dawoodi, John A. Eaton, Youssef El-Shoubary, Robert Martin Lowery, Herriot Moise
  • Patent number: 9599118
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors are described. The method generally allows the system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors, to maximize unit modulating capability. The method allows the use of a variable speed compressor that is relatively smaller, which can lead to cost savings, easier installation, manufacturing, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: John Qianghua Zhou, Roger Joseph Voorhis, Caleb Ryan Joiner, Benjamin Hayes, James Philip Crolius, William Hansen
  • Patent number: 9587866
    Abstract: A system or a method for performing capacitive sensing of humidity/liquid, primarily in conductive or non-conductive liquid/gas mixtures, having a control unit and at least first and second sensor electrodes, the capacity between the first and the second electrodes being measured. To measure humidity/liquid in a circulating gas/liquid mixture at least one of the sensor electrodes is formed as a tube which is placed in the liquid/gas mixture. Based on the capacitive measurements, a calculation of at least one dataset for control of a second system is performed. The tube can be more or less filled up with liquid or gas and the capacity can be measured as it depends on the content around or inside the tube, and if a dry gas is there will be one value of capacity and in a situation where the gas is being replaced by liquid, the capacity value will change rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: HP Products A/S
    Inventor: Michael Elstroem
  • Patent number: 9568241
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed in a cabinet of the refrigerator by a fixed insulation wall, the storage compartment being provided with an access opening. The refrigerator also includes a door rotatably provided to the cabinet to open and close the access opening, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a camera fixed to a ceiling of the storage compartment to photograph both a first region for storing of food arranged in an external space of the drawer and a second region for storing of food arranged in an internal space of the drawer, and a controller configured to separate, through a capturing time of a picture containing both the first region and the second region, a first region picture and a second region picture from the picture to individually divide and store the first region picture and the second region picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kwanhyung Kim, Samnyol Hong, Sungdu Kwon, Ikkyu Lee, Myoungju Lee, Jeonghwan Kim
  • Patent number: 9546812
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed in a cabinet of the refrigerator by a fixed insulation wall, the storage compartment being provided with an access opening, a door rotatably provided to the cabinet to open and close the access opening, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, and a camera. The camera is fixed to a ceiling of the storage compartment to photograph both a first region for storing of food in an external space of the drawer in the storage compartment and a second region for storing of food in an internal space of the drawer. The refrigerator also includes a controller that separates, through a capturing time of a picture containing both the first region and the second region, a first region picture and a second region picture from the picture to individually divide and store the first region picture and the second region picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kwanhyung Kim, Samnyol Hong, Sungdu Kwon, Ikkyu Lee, Myoungju Lee, Jeonghwan Kim
  • Patent number: 9528756
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed in a cabinet of the refrigerator by a fixed insulation wall, the storage compartment provided with an access opening, a door rotatably provided to the cabinet to open and close the access opening, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a camera fixed to a ceiling of the storage compartment to photograph both a first region for storing of food arranged in an external space of the drawer in the storage compartment and a second region for storing of food arranged in an internal space of the drawer, and a controller. The controller is configured to separate, through a capturing time of a picture containing both the first region and the second region, a first region picture and a second region picture from the picture to individually divide and store the first region picture and the second region picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kwanhyung Kim, Samnyol Hong, Sungdu Kwon, Ikkyu Lee, Myoungju Lee, Jeonghwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20150143823
    Abstract: A refrigeration system for vaccine storage and/or transportation includes an inner chassis. One or more vertical lift carriages are positioned in the inner chassis and can house a plurality of vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and/or other perishable items. Each vertical lift carriage is contained in an isothermal chamber. One or more isothermal chambers surround a phase change reservoir (PCR), which is positioned at a central location of the inner chassis and contains frozen water or another phase change material. A thermal attenuation layer can be disposed between the PCR and each isothermal chamber to moderate energy transfer between the chamber and the PCR, thereby controlling the temperature range in each isothermal chamber. Methods for making and using the refrigeration system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Slack, Howdy Goudey, Reshma Singh, Shashi Buluswar, Ashok Gadgil
  • Publication number: 20150135736
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a configurable space having a Hall effect integrated circuit configured to detect a magnetic field and generate an electrical signal; a function control device configured to control an environment of the configurable space according to predetermined or preset information and the electrical signal from the Hall integrated circuit; and a storage bin in the configurable space, having a magnet thereon or therein in a location corresponding to the Hall effect integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Jae Sang KIM
  • Publication number: 20150135737
    Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling temperature of a cargo in a refrigerated transportation cargo container includes measuring a temperature of a plurality of portions of the cargo located in the cargo container via a plurality of temperature sensors directed at the portions of the cargo. One or more of the measured cargo temperatures are compared to a preselected threshold. Operation of a refrigeration unit disposed at the cargo container in operable communication with the plurality of temperature sensors is changed based on a result of the comparison. A transportation cargo container refrigeration system includes a plurality of cargo temperature sensors configured to determine a temperature of at least portions of a cargo. A refrigeration unit and controller are connected to the refrigeration unit and the cargo temperature sensors to control operation of the refrigeration unit based on data received from the cargo temperature sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth Cresswell, Yu H. Chen
  • Publication number: 20150128618
    Abstract: An air conditioner that stores data through communication between a plurality of air conditioner devices and a method for operating an air conditioner are provided. Data regarding power consumption quantities of a plurality of outdoor devices may be accumulatively stored in a state in which an additional data collecting device or an additional storage device is not connected to the plurality of outdoor devices, and the data regarding power consumption quantities of the outdoor devices may be transmitted to a device further connected to the plurality of outdoor devices. Consequently, it is possible to utilize data regarding power consumption of the air conditioner, set a target value based on the power consumption of the air conditioner, easily determine a power consumption pattern, and easily take measures to save energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Cheonsu PARK
  • Publication number: 20150121908
    Abstract: In various implementations, air conditioners may include a high pressure portion and a low pressure portion. A bypass line may divert a portion of the refrigerant from the high pressure portion to the low pressure portion to reduce the pressure of at least a part of the high pressure portion. The bypass line may be opened automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Yi Qu, Der-Kai Hung
  • Publication number: 20150122461
    Abstract: A working medium containing 2-methoxy-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFE-356mmz) as a main component is disclosed. This working medium is a new working medium for a boiling-type cooler, which has a light burden on the environment such as the global warming potential, etc., is slightly flammable or flame retardant, has superior thermal and chemical stabilities, and a good compatibility with heat exchangers formed of various metal materials. This medium for the boiling-type cooler can be preferably used as a working medium for a cooler of a PCU (power control unit) of a car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshio Nishiguchi, Satoru Okamoto, Fuyuhiko Sakyu
  • Patent number: 9021817
    Abstract: A monolithic compressed-gas dryer including in series: an inlet chamber, a precooler/reheater chamber, an evaporator chamber, and a sump chamber. The chambers are welded together to form columns where at least one column has a filtration chamber. Further provided is a gas outlet. The system creates a first and second set of heat transfer passages where refrigerant passes through the second set in a heat exchange relationship in a direction perpendicular to incoming gas passing in the first set. The filtration chamber conducts chilled gas from the first set to a third set of heat transfer passages. The third set extends through the precooler/reheater in heat exchange relationship with the first set. Chilled gas passes in heat exchange relationship in a direction perpendicular to the incoming gas so that the incoming gas chilled in the evaporator exchanges heat with the incoming gas in the precooler/reheater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Allan Hoerner, John A. Carlin
  • Publication number: 20150114010
    Abstract: A cooling system for cooling a temperature-dependent power device includes an active cooling device and a controller to generate and transmit a drive signal thereto to selectively activate the device. The controller receives an input from sensors regarding the cooling device power consumption and measured operational parameters of the power equipment—including the power device output power if the device is a power producing device or the power device input power if the device is a power consuming device. The controller generates and transmits a drive signal to the cooling device based on the cooling device power consumption and the measured power device input or output power in order to cause the active cooling device to selectively cool the heat producing power device. A net system power output or total system power input can be maximized/minimized by controlling an amount of convection cooling provided by the cooling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin Sean Myers, Andrew Maxwell Peter, Hendrik Pieter Jacobus de Bock, Patrick Hammel Hart
  • Patent number: 9016072
    Abstract: Method for controlling a device that includes at least a compressor installation and/or a drying device and a heat recovery system. The heat recovery system absorbs heat from the compressor installation, and the device further includes a controller and device for determining one or more system parameters. The controller controls both the compressor installation and/or the drying device and the heat recovery system on the basis of the system parameters, so that the overall efficiency of the device is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Airpower N.V.
    Inventors: Kristof Pascal Hubin, Kris Van Campfort
  • Patent number: 8999190
    Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising R-1234ze (E), R-32 and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Mexichem Amanco Holding S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Robert E Low