With Reheating Patents (Class 62/90)
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Patent number: 5996365Abstract: A duct for leading air into a vehicle compartment is divided by a partition wall into two air passages. A first air passage is capable of taking in the exterior air while a second passage is capable of taking in only the interior air. In the duct, a cooling heat-exchanger is disposed at a downstream side of a blower unit, and a heating heat-exchanger is disposed at a more downstream side of the cooling heat-exchanger. A defroster air outlet opens at a downstream side of the first air passage, a foot-side air outlet opens at a downstream side of the second air passage, and a face-side air outlet opens between the cooling heat-exchanger and the heating heat-exchanger. A face-side door for opening and closing the face-side air outlet is capable of shutting off the air inlet side of the heating heat-exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Masaya Tanaka
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Patent number: 5992162Abstract: A process for the outside-moisture-dependent control of an air conditioner of a motor vehicle equipped with a window wiper system provides that at least one air conditioner component is controlled as a function of a window wiper activation signal for reducing the fogging-up of the windows. The simultaneous use of such a signal, on the one hand, for the operating of window wipers and, on the other hand, as a signal for recognizing moist or wet weather by means of the air conditioner permits the automatic adjustment of an operating condition of the air conditioner by simple means. This avoids or reduces the fogging-up of the vehicle windows.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Dieter Heinle, Wolfgang Volz
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Patent number: 5992161Abstract: A make-up air handler controls temperature, humidity and/or cleanliness of air. The make-up air handler includes a direct expansion chiller system. The direct expansion chiller may be integral to the make-up air handler or remote. A clean room facility uses the make-up air handler to supply air to a clean room. The make-up air handler includes a primary cooling coil and a direct expansion chiller system, and may include a humidifier and a filter. The direct expansion chiller system includes an air stream cooling coil and an air stream heating coil. The heating and cooling coils use a refrigeration fluid which is compressed and circulated by a compressor. Humidity is controlled by removing moisture which is condensed from the air stream by a primary cooling coil and the air stream cooling coil of the direct expansion chiller system. The energy removed by the air stream cooling coil is reintroduced to the air stream by the air stream heating coil. The process of removing moisture directly removes contamination.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: CH2MHill Industrial Design CorporationInventors: Michael D. O'Halloran, Wilmar A. Kohne, David R. Gurock
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Patent number: 5983652Abstract: The evaporator and the condenser are disposed in a duct. First bypass passage is disposed at the side of the condenser and first air mixing damper rotates to control air bypassing amount. Further second bypass passage is formed at the side of the evaporator and second mixing damper rotates to control air bypassing amount. Cooling rate at the evaporator and heating rate at the condenser are varied so that air adjusted in proper temperature is generated and discharged from each outlets into a room. An outside heat exchanger is disposed the outside of the duct. Refrigerant flow is randomly switched among the outside heat exchanger, the evaporator and the condenser so that cooling, heating, dehumidifying, dehumidified-heating and defrosting operations are performed.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Kunio Iritani, Shigeo Numazawa, Kenichi Fujiwara, Yasushi Yamanaka, Akira Isaji, Nobunao Suzuki, Takahisa Suzuki, Keita Honda, Ryoichi Sanada
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Patent number: 5984002Abstract: A temperature and humidity control apparatus includes a humidity control section for controlling humidity when a flow rate of a low temperature fluid in a cooling dehumidifier composed of a heat exchanger is determined; a heater control section for controlling temperature when a flow rate of a high temperature fluid in a heater; and a predicting device for predicting an amount of temperature change caused by an operation of the cooling dehumidifier. The amount of predicted temperature change is canceled when the flow rate of the high temperature fluid in the heater is determined in the heater control section, and the flow rate of the high temperature fluid in the heater is determined so that the setting temperature can be realized.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1995Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Kido, Masaya Shimoji, Nakamasa Satoh
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Patent number: 5960638Abstract: This patent discloses a modular environmental control system for small cleanroom enclosures ("mini-enclosures"). Small environmental control units ("ECUs") are mounted on top of individual mini-enclosures, as near as possible to the process tool within the enclosure. Each ECU has the capability of controlling temperature, humidity, and airflow rate delivered into the enclosure. Temperature is adjusted by first cooling the air inside the ECU followed by reheating it to a selected temperature. The cooling capability is not generated by individual ECUs. Instead, a remote fluid cooling unit supplies chilled fluid to each ECU, which is circulated internally to cool the air. The same remote unit services different ECUs at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Huntair Inc.Inventors: Chuck K. McCabe, Greg A. Marvell
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Patent number: 5927084Abstract: An air conditioning system comprises first (8) and second (13) heat exchangers having first and second counterflow passages, a twin bed gas purification unit comprising (i) first (22) and second (23) parallel filter beds, (ii) valve means for directing air from an inlet to flow through the first filter bed and for directing purified air from the first bed so that a greater proportion flows to an outlet while a smaller proportion flows in counter direction as purge gas through the second bed and then to a purge outlet, (iii) a plurality of heater units (30) at spaced apart locations along each of the filter beds for heating a gas as it flows through the heater bed, and (iv) means for controlling the heater.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1998Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Domnick Hunter LimitedInventor: Robert Michael Fielding
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Patent number: 5913360Abstract: A heat exchanger for dehumidifying an air stream including heat conducting plates which serve as the heat exchange surface for precooling and reheating the air during the dehumidification process. Cooling conduits are positioned in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the heat conducting plates, such that cooling occurs in the intake air stream and heating occurs in the exhaust air stream, and the air flow is redirected in a small plenum chamber located at an end of the channels adjacent to the cooling conduits. A system is also provided which includes a plurality of heat exchangers joined edge corner to edge corner sharing a common cooling coil and a common plenum chamber. The heat exchange system includes a fan for conducting air through the heat exchangers and through the cooling coil, a manifold assembly which includes an intake damper, exhaust damper, and baffle dampers, and a cooling damper disposed in a condensate collection chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1998Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Nautica Dehumidifiers, Inc.Inventor: Walter Stark
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Patent number: 5907954Abstract: A method of and system for regulating mixed air in an air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle provides for feeding fresh air and/or recirculated air to the air conditioning system. For optimizing the energy consumption for automobile air-conditioning systems, the specific enthalpy of the fresh air and the specific enthalpy of the recirculated air and/or of a mixed air are determined and, after a comparison of the specific enthalpies, a feed of fresh air and recirculated air is so adjusted that the mixed air has the specific enthalpy which is in each case most favorable from an energy standpoint.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Max Kammer GmbHInventor: Detlef Kettner
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Patent number: 5893408Abstract: A heat exchanger for cooling and/or dehumidifying a stream of air which eliminates the need for a large air diffusing plenum chamber. Heat conducting channel walls serve as the heat exchange surface for precooling and reheating air during the dehumidification process. The cooling conduits laterally intersect the airflow channels in order to force cooling to occur both in the intake and exhaust airflow channels, and the airflow is redirected 180.degree. in a small plenum chamber located at an end of the channels adjacent the cooling conduits. Adjustable dampers may be added for additional control of airflow in and out of intake and exhaust ports for the purpose of regulating the cooling and dehumidifying processes.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1995Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Assignee: Nautica Dehumidifiers, Inc.Inventor: Walter Stark
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Patent number: 5826434Abstract: A heat recovery and dehumidifier system for ventilating fresh air to a conditioned space. The system is comprised of an enthalpy wheel or body for treating incoming fresh air to remove heat and moisture therefrom and a duct for introducing fresh air to a first segment of the enthalpy wheel or body. An evaporator coil is in communication with the enthalpy wheel or body to receive fresh air having heat and moisture removed therefrom, the evaporator coil further lowering the temperature of said fresh air and a subcooling coil is provided in communication with the evaporator coil to receive fresh air from said evaporator coil, said subcooling coil treating the fresh air to provide conditioned fresh air having the temperature thereof raised after leaving the evaporator coil, the subcooling coil in communication with said space to be conditioned to supply the conditioned fresh air thereto.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1996Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: NovelAire Technologies, L.L.C.Inventors: William A. Belding, Spencer K. Goland
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Patent number: 5823006Abstract: An air conditioning system for heating and cooling a room includes an indoor heat exchanger unit which has a housing and two separate heat exchangers disposed therein. Those two heat exchangers have different heat transmission areas and are connected by refrigerant pipes to respective outdoor heat exchangers. Valving is provided which enables either or both of the indoor heat exchangers to function as evaporators during a cooling mode, or to function as condensers during a heating mode. In other operating modes, either of the indoor heat exchangers functions as an evaporator while the other indoor heat exchanger simultaneously functions as a condenser to heat and humidify the room.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nack-Hun Jung
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Patent number: 5816315Abstract: A heat exchanger for dehumidifying a stream of air including heat conducting channel walls which serve as the heat exchange surface for precooling and reheating air during the dehumidification process. Cooling conduits are positioned in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the heat conducting walls, such that cooling occurs both in the intake and exhaust airstreams, and the airflow is redirected in a small plenum chamber located at an end of the channels adjacent the cooling conduits. A system is also provided which includes a plurality of heat exchangers in series sharing a common cooling coil and a common plenum chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1995Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Nautica Dehumidifiers, Inc.Inventor: Walter Stark
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Patent number: 5782102Abstract: An automotive air conditioner which conditions air making use of radiation of heat of a condenser and absorption of heat of an evaporator effectively. The evaporator 207 and the condenser 203 are disposed in a duct 100. A bypass passageway 150 is provided sidewardly of the condenser 203 in the duct 100, and a flow rate of air bypassing the condenser 203 is controlled by pivotal motion of an air mixing damper 154. Another bypass passage is provided sidewardly of the evaporator 207 in the duct 100, and a flow rate of air bypassing the evaporator 207 is controlled by pivotal motion of a bypass damper 159. Air is conditioned to an optimum blown out air temperature by varying the cooling rate at the evaporator 207 and the heating rate at the condenser 203 and is blown out to a room of an automobile from spit holes 141, 142 and 143.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1997Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunio Iritani, Shigeo Numazawa, Kenichi Fujiwara, Yasushi Yamanaka, Akira Isaji, Nobunao Suzuki
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Patent number: 5761908Abstract: A self-contained ventilation apparatus is disclosed for ventilating buildings, e.g., patient rooms such as hospital rooms, waiting rooms, hospital operating rooms, doctors' offices, and clinics, especially rooms contaminated with infectious microorganisms. One or more blowers is provided. When there are two blowers, a first blower is provided for discharging room air to the atmosphere and a second blower is provided for introducing fresh outside air to the room to provide a continuous supply of fresh air to the room which is free of disease organisms. Both streams of air pass through an air-to-air heat exchanger to adjust the temperature of the incoming air to approach that exhausted from the room. When filters are used, both currents of air are preferably filtered, e.g., with a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter. Provision is made for automatically maintaining room air pressure at the desired value (typically below that of surrounding rooms) as filters gradually become clogged with dust.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1994Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Air Quality EngineeringInventors: Heidi D. Oas, Dennis E. Welch
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Patent number: 5709102Abstract: A heat pump cooling-heating-dehumidifying system for an electric vehicle includes a compressor for compressing refrigerant, a refrigerant throttling device for achieving pressure reduction of the refrigerant, an out-room air-heat exchanger for heat-exchanging between the refrigerant and outside air, a first in-room air-heat exchanger for heat-exchanging between the refrigerant and air to be introduced into a car room, a second in-room air-heat exchanger provided downstream of the first in-room air-heat exchanger for selectively heat-exchanging between the refrigerant and the air which was heat-exchanged at the first in-room air-heat exchanger, and a four-way switching valve for switching a flow passage of the refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Fukumoto, Norio Yoshida
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Patent number: 5706664Abstract: A heat pump type air conditioner for an automotive vehicle includes a vapor-compression refrigeration system which is provided with a compressor. An outer condenser and an inner condenser are serially connected to the compressor through a three-way valve. A bypass passage of the outer condenser communicates the compressor and the inner condenser through the three-way valve. The inner condenser is connected to an inner evaporator through an expansion valve. A refrigerant heater for heating refrigerant of the system is disposed upstream and/or downstream of the inner evaporator. The refrigerant heater is controllably operated by a control unit according to a refrigerant condition indicative signal from a refrigerant condition detector. Therefore, the air conditioner generates a sufficient heating performance even just after the start of an engine of the automotive vehicle while realizing a dehumidifying heating.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1994Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Junichiro Hara
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Patent number: 5689962Abstract: Described are heat pump systems and methods for conditioning air, in which air is dehumidified including the steps of passage over an evaporator to cool and dehumidify the air, followed by passage over a subcooler to heat the air prior to passage into a space to be conditioned. Also described are heat pump systems and methods for conditioning air, in which air is heated by passage over a subcooler followed by passage over a condenser. The methods and systems are readily implemented and highly effective in improving system capacity.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Store Heat and Produce Energy, Inc.Inventor: Alexander P. Rafalovich
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Patent number: 5685162Abstract: The evaporator and the condenser are disposed in a duct. First bypass passage is disposed at the side of the condenser and first air mixing damper rotates to control air bypassing amount. Further second bypass passage is formed at the side of the evaporator and second mixing damper rotates to control air bypassing amount. Cooling rate at the evaporator and heating rate at the condenser are varied so that air adjusted in proper temperature is generated and discharged from each outlets into a room. An outside heat exchanger is disposed the outside of the duct. Refrigerant flow is randomly switched among the outside heat exchanger, the evaporator and the condenser so that cooling, heating, dehumidifying, dehumidified-heating and defrosting operations are performed.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1994Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunio Iritani, Shigeo Numazawa, Kenichi Fujiwara, Yasushi Yamanaka, Akira Isaji, Nobunao Suzuki, Takahisa Suzuki, Keita Honda, Ryoichi Sanada
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Patent number: 5666813Abstract: Apparatus to condition air comprising a blower to effect a flow of air to be conditioned in a path of travel from a first location to a second location; a cooling member along the path of travel adjacent to the first location adapted to initially cool the air flowing therepast, the cooling means having, in association therewith, pipes for circulating a cooling fluid between the cooling member whereat thermal energy is added to the cooling fluid and a location outside the path of travel whereat thermal energy is removed from the first cooling fluid; a condenser along the path of travel adjacent to the second location adapted to reheat the air flowing therepast; an evaporator within the path of travel between the cooling member means and the condenser adapted to further cool the air flowing therepast; a compressor; piping coupling the evaporator, condenser and compressor for circulating cooling fluid therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1994Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Inventor: Paul C. Brune
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Patent number: 5664425Abstract: A reheater is used in air-conditioning system which includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, interconnected by conduits in a closed loop. A first conduit coupling a flow of liquid refrigerant through the expansion valve into the evaporator. A second conduit coupling an outlet of the evaporator to an inlet of the compressor. A third conduit coupling an outlet of the compressor to an inlet of the condenser. A centrifugal pump is coupled to an outlet of the condenser for boosting a pressure of the condensed liquid refrigerant by an incremental pressure sufficient to pressure subcool the refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1996Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Inventor: Robert E. Hyde
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Patent number: 5651258Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes a subcooling heat exchanger for subcooling refrigerant being delivered to an evaporator and for reheating air flow downstream from the evaporator; and a hot vapor heat exchanger, connectable in fluid communication with a refrigerant outlet of a compressor and positioned in the air flow downstream from the evaporator, for further reheating the air flow from the evaporator to further lower the relative humidity of the air flow. The air conditioning apparatus also preferably includes a hot vapor heat exchanger controller for selectively connecting the hot vapor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the refrigerant outlet of the compressor responsive to a sensed temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Heat Controller, Inc.Inventor: Bradford F. Harris
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Patent number: 5642627Abstract: An automotive air conditioner which conditions air making use of radiation of heat of a condenser and absorption of heat of an evaporator effectively. The evaporator 207 and the condenser 203 are disposed in a duct 100. A bypass passageway 150 is provided sidewardly of the condenser 203 in the duct 100, and a flow rate of air bypassing the condenser 203 is controlled by pivotal motion of an air mixing damper 154. Another bypass passage is provided sidewardly of the evaporator 207 in the duct 100, and a flow rate of air bypassing the evaporator 207 is controlled by pivotal motion of a bypass damper 159. Air is conditioned to an optimum blown out air temperature by varying the cooling rate at the evaporator 207 and the heating rate at the condenser 203 and is blown out to a room of an automobile from spit holes 141, 142 and 143.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1994Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunio Iritani, Shigeo Numazawa, Kenichi Fujiwara, Yasushi Yamanaka, Akira Isaji, Nobunao Suzuki
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Patent number: 5615491Abstract: An apparatus for drying the inside of the air duct of a vehicle air conditioner with heating, cooling and drying mode, which includes a first duct part containing a heater unit, a second duct part containing an evaporation unit, the first and second duct parts forming the air duct, an auxiliary blowing fan for introducing in the cooling and drying mode air firstly into the first duct part to heat the air and supply the heated air to the inside of the second duct part, and a main blowing fan for introducing air firstly into the second duct part then to flow towards the heater unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jongsik Bae
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Patent number: 5598887Abstract: An air conditioner for vehicles that prevents icing and lack of visibility from developing on window glass of a vehicle during heating, and which permits a dehumidifying operation to be made without lowering of the air blowing temperature. The air conditioner is of a heat pump type comprising a compressor, an exterior heat exchanger, and a first interior heat exchanger, which are provided together with a second interior heat exchanger used as a heat radiator at least during heating. Further, piping lines are provided for introducing a refrigerant gas for passage through the second interior heat exchanger to the exterior heat exchanger through an expansion means, and for introducing the refrigerant gas for passage through the second interior heat exchanger to the first interior heat exchanger through a first expansion means.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1994Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignees: Sanden Corporation, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Susumu Ikeda, Toshimi Isobe, Atsuo Inoue, Akihiro Tajiri, Choji Sakuma, Nobuyuki Yuri, Mitsuru Ishikawa
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Patent number: 5564281Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid air-conditioning system for fast start-up for controlling the condition of air in a building enclosed space.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: Engelhard/ICCInventors: Dean S. Calton, James A. Coellner
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Patent number: 5551245Abstract: A hybrid air-conditioning system for controlling the condition of air in a building-enclosed space includes a first fan for passing process air from an ambient space through a first pre-cool evaporator coil, through a first zone of a rotatable moisture transfer wheel and then through a first zone of a rotatable heat exchange wheel to an enclosed and conditioned space. A second fan passes regenerative air from the enclosed and conditioned space through a second zone of the heat exchange wheel, through a first condenser coil, through a second zone of the moisture transfer wheel and then to the ambient space. The system further includes first and second compressors. The first compressor is in fluid communication with the first pre-cool evaporator coil and with the first condenser coil. The second compressor has a suction side in fluid communication with a second pre-cool evaporator coil and with a second condenser coil.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1995Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Engelhard/ICCInventors: Dean S. Calton, James A. Coellner, Paul R. Heimann, Douglas C. Scott
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Patent number: 5526650Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus that prevents a state of blowing temperature fluctuation due to magnitude of vehicle speed in a dehumidification mode. A condenser and evaporator are disposed within an air duct, and an exterior heat exchanger is disposed externally. A capillary and check valve are provided in a refrigerant passage between the condenser and exterior heat exchanger, and a capillary is provided in a refrigerant passage between the exterior heat exchanger and evaporator. During dehumidification mode, a four-way switching valve is switched so that the flow passage of refrigerant is from the condenser to the capillary, to the check valve, to the exterior heat exchanger, to the capillary, to the evaporator, and then to an accumulator. In this case, the condenser and exterior heat exchanger function as a refrigerant condenser in a series-connected state, but because in actuality the capillary is provided, the majority of refrigerant discharged from a compressor is condensed by the condenser.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1994Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunio Iritani, Takahisa Suzuki, Akira Isaji
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Patent number: 5493871Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved latent heat extraction combines a run-around coil system with a condenser heat recovery system to enhance the moisture removing capability of a conventional vapor compression air conditioning unit. The run-around coil system exchanges energy between the return and supply air flows of the air conditioning unit. Energy recovered in the condenser heat recovery system is selectively combined with the run-around system energy extracted from the return air flow to reheat the supply air stream for downstream humidity control. A control system regulates the relative proportions of the extracted return air flow energy and recovered heat energy delivered to the reheat coil for efficient control over moisture in the supply air flow. Auxiliary energy in the form of electric heat energy is further added to the recovered heat energy for additional reheat use.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1994Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Inventor: Kenneth L. Eiermann
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Patent number: 5477700Abstract: In order to perform a heating operation with the correct quantity of coolant at all times by retaining an approximately fixed quantity of coolant in a main condenser during the initial stage of a heating operation in an air conditioning system, a first valve is opened and, at the same time, a second valve is closed before executing the heating operation to run the cooling/heating cycle as a cooling cycle for a specific length of time. Then, after opening a bypass passage by opening the second valve, the first valve is closed to close off the passage leading to the main condenser to start the heating cycle. As a result, a fixed quantity of coolant can always be retained within the main condenser, realizing the operation of a heating cycle with a correct coolant quantity.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Zexel CorporationInventor: Masahiro Iio
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Patent number: 5473906Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle having a compressor, an outer heat exchanger, a heat-radiating inner heat exchanger an expansion valve, a heat-absorbing inner heat exchanger which are connected therebetween. A connecting condition of these elements is changed into one of a cooling, a first heating and a second heating, by controlling a refrigerant passage switching device. During the cooling, refrigerant in the air conditioner is circulated in the order of at least the outer heat exchanger, the expansion valve, the heat-absorbing inner heat exchanger and the compressor. During the first heating the refrigerant is circulated in the order of the heat-radiating inner heat exchanger, the expansion valve, the heat-absorbing inner heat exchanger and the compressor while bypassing the outer heat exchanger. During the second heating, the refrigerant is circulated in the order of the heat-radiating inner heat exchanger, the expansion valve, at least the outer heat exchanger and the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1994Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichiro Hara, Takayoshi Matsuoka
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Patent number: 5404938Abstract: A single assembly heat transfer device installed in an environmental control apparatus having a primary evaporator, a two-section heat pipe having an evaporator section and a condenser section, and an end plate. The primary evaporator, the evaporator section and the condenser section are mounted on the end plate, thereby forming a single assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1992Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Assignee: Heat Pipe Technology, Inc.Inventor: Khanh Dinh
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Patent number: 5404729Abstract: A heat pump type air conditioner for an automotive vehicle has a compressor to which an outer heat exchanger and a first inner heat exchanger are connected through a three-way valve. The outer heat exchanger is connected at its refrigerant outlet to the first inner heat exchanger through one-way valve. The refrigerant outlet of the first inner heat exchanger is connected to a second inner heat exchanger through an expansion valve. The refrigerant outlet of the second inner heat exchanger is connected to the compressor. The second and first inner heat exchangers are disposed in turn downstream of a blower for generating an air flow for air-conditioning a passenger compartment of the vehicle. During a cooling drive the three-way valve is set to lead the refrigerant from the compressor to the outer heat exchanger. During a heating drive the three-way valve is set to direct the refrigerant from the compressor to the first inner heat exchanger while bypassing the outer heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1992Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayoshi Matsuoka, Yasuhiro Masumura, Toshio Ohashi
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Patent number: 5400607Abstract: The system in the present invention is an outside air ventilation cooling and room dehumidification system for use in commercial HVAC applications. The system includes a high-efficiency air filter, chilled water or evaporator precooling coil, a refrigeration compressor, an evaporator coil, a heat exchanger for removing heat and moisture from the air entering the evaporator coil and supplying heat to the air leaving the evaporator coil, a condenser coil located in the discharge airstream that reheats the air, and a fan to move the air through the coils. The heat exchanger can be a phase-change heat-pipe-type heat exchanger; a water cooling/heating coil "runaround loop"; an air-to-air plate-type heat exchanger; or a rotary heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1994Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Inventor: James L. Cayce
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Patent number: 5390505Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling, air which apparatus includes an indirect evaporative cooler, an indirect contact chiller, a reheat coil component, an ice-thermal-storage component and an ice-manufacturing refrigeration chiller to provide alternative air-flow paths and alternative component combinations. Alternative fluid-flow paths are provided through electable combinations of the several components to effect the desired lowering of air temperature, relative humidity and air density in the cooled air.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1993Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.Inventors: Glenn W. Smith, William D. McCloskey, Robert E. Cates
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Patent number: 5388421Abstract: A heat pump type air conditioner for an automotive vehicle is provided with a compressor to which an outer condenser and a inner condenser are connected through a three-way valve. The inner condenser is connected to an inner evaporator through an expansion valve. The air conditioner further includes a control unit which defines a relationship among a heating property, a physical amount according to which workload of the compressor is varied, and thermal operating condition of at least one of the inner evaporator and the inner condenser. The control unit determines the physical amount at a value from the relationship for the heating property and the detected thermal operation condition by sensors, and controls the compressor according to the determined physical amount.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1993Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takayoshi Matsuoka
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Patent number: 5375427Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle having a compressor, an outer heat exchanger, a heat-radiating inner heat exchanger an expansion valve, a heat-absorbing inner heat exchanger which are connected thereamong. A connecting condition of these elements is changed into one of a cooling, a heating and a weak heating, by controlling a refrigerant passage switching device. During the cooling, refrigerant in the air conditioner is circulated in the order of at least the outer heat exchanger, the expansion valve, the heat-absorbing inner heat exchanger and the compressor. During the heating the refrigerant is circulated in the order of the heat-radiating inner heat exchanger, the expansion valve, the heat-absorbing inner heat exchanger and the compressor while bypassing the outer heat exchanger. During the weak heating, the refrigerant is circulated in the order of the heat-radiating inner heat exchanger, the expansion valve, at least the outer heat exchanger and the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1994Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichiro Hara, Takayoshi Matsuoka
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Patent number: 5355690Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus suitable for an electric powered automobile, where at least one of a heating and a dehumidifying operation is effected by utilizing a refrigerating cycle. An upstream heat exchanger and a downstream heat exchanger are arranged in a duct through which air passes for air conditioning. An outside heat exchanger with an outside fan are further provided, which act as a condenser in a cooling mode, although a refrigerant passes therethrough when using the heating and the dehumidifying modes. Upon use of a dehumidifying mode, the upstream heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, while the downstream heat exchanger acts as a condenser. The temperature of the refrigerant sensed by a temperature sensor at the outlet of the compressor if higher than a predetermined value (110.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1992Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunio Iritani, Akira Isaji
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Patent number: 5333470Abstract: An air conditioning system uses heat-pipes in combination with a cooling coil to increase either the dehumidification capacity or the efficiency and capacity of an air-conditioning system. In the dehumidification mode, the secondary cooling coil is inactive, and the heat pipes operate as a heat exchanger between the warm return air and the cold supply air of the air conditioning system to precool the return air and reheat the supply air, increasing the latent capacity of the main cooling coil. In the efficiency and capacity boosting mode, the secondary cooling coil is activated by introducing a portion of the cooling fluid from the air-conditioning system. This results in a neutralization of the effect of the heat pipes as well as an increase in effective heat-exchange area between the cooling fluid and the air, therefore produces an increase in the capacity of the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1991Date of Patent: August 2, 1994Assignee: Heat Pipe Technology, Inc.Inventor: Khanh Dinh
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Patent number: 5329782Abstract: A reheater is used in air-conditioning system which includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, interconnected by conduits in a closed loop. A first conduit coupling a flow of liquid refrigerant through the expansion valve into the evaporator. A second conduit coupling the an outlet of the evaporator to an inlet of the compressor. A third conduit coupling an outlet of the compressor to an inlet of the condenser. A centrifugal pump, coupled to an outlet of the condenser, for boosting a pressure of the condensed liquid refrigerant by an incremental pressure sufficient to pressure subcool the refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1993Date of Patent: July 19, 1994Inventor: Robert E. Hyde
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Patent number: 5309725Abstract: The system in the present invention is an outside air ventilation cooling and room dehumidification system for use in commercial HVAC applications. The system includes a high-efficiency air filter, chilled water or evaporator precooling coil, a refrigeration compressor, an evaporator coil, a heat exchanger for removing heat and moisture from the air entering the evaporator coil and supplying heat to the air leaving the evaporator coil, a condenser coil located in the discharge airstream that reheats the air, and a fan to move the air through the coils. The heat exchanger can be a phase-change heat-pipe-type heat exchanger; a water cooling/heating coil "runaround loop"; an air-to-air plate-type heat exchanger; or a rotary heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1993Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Inventor: James L. Cayce
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Patent number: 5299431Abstract: An automotive air conditioner which conditions air making use of radiation of heat of a condenser and absorption of heat of an evaporator effectively. The evaporator 207 and the condenser 203 are disposed in a duct 100. A bypass passageway 150 is provided sidewardly of the condenser 203 in the duct 100, and a flow rate of air bypassing the condenser 203 is controlled by pivotal motion of an air mixing damper 154. Another bypass passage is provided sidewardly of the evaporator 207 in the duct 100, and a flow rate of air bypassing the evaporator 207 is controlled by pivotal motion of a bypass damper 159. Air is conditioned to an optimum blown out air temperature by varying the cooling rate at the evaporator 207 and the heating rate at the condenser 203 and is blown out to a room of an automobile from spit holes 141, 142 and 143.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1992Date of Patent: April 5, 1994Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunio Iritani, Shigeo Numazawa, Kenichi Fujiwara, Yasushi Yamanaka, Akira Isaji, Nobunao Suzuki
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Patent number: 5265433Abstract: An air conditioning method and apparatus comprising a compressor, condenser and evaporator with lines in a primary loop for moving a working fluid in a continuous and automatic cycle of operation between such components; a first reheater located subsequent to the evaporator for heating the post evaporator air with a first supplemental loop coupling the first reheater to the post condenser line; a second reheater located subsequent to the first reheater with a second supplemental loop coupled with the post compressor lines; a valve in the first supplemental loop controlled by a humidistat; and a valve in the second supplemental loop controlled by a thermostat.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1992Date of Patent: November 30, 1993Inventor: William R. Beckwith
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Patent number: 5228302Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved latent heat extraction combines a run-around coil system with a condenser heat recovery system to enhance the moisture removing capability of a conventional vapor compression air conditioning unit. The run-around coil system exchanges energy between the return and supply air flows of the air conditioning unit. Energy recovered in the condenser heat recovery system is selectively combined with the run-around system energy extracted from the return air flow to reheat the supply air stream for downstream humidity control. A control system regulates the relative proportions of the extracted return air flow energy and recovered heat energy delivered to the reheat coil for efficient control over moisture in the supply air flow. Auxiliary energy in the form of electric heat energy is further added to the recovered heat energy for additional reheat use.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1992Date of Patent: July 20, 1993Inventor: Kenneth L. Eiermann
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Patent number: 5193352Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling, air which apparatus includes an indirect evaporative cooler, a direct-contact ice-water chiller, a reheat coil component, an ice-thermal-storage component and an ice-manufacturing refrigeration chiller to provide alternative air-flow paths and alternative component combinations. The method provides alternative fluid-flow paths through electable combinations of the several components to effect the desired lowering of air temperature, relative humidity and air density in the cooled air.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1991Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Assignee: AMSTED Industries, Inc.Inventors: Glenn W. Smith, William D. McCloskey, Robert E. Cates
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Patent number: 5179998Abstract: A heat recovery ventilating dehumidifier provides fresh, cool, low relative humidity air to a building or room during warm weather, and warm fresh air during cold weather. Fresh air is drawn into the heat recovery ventilating dehumidifier, cooled and dehumidified by heat exchange by exhausting stale air in a first heat exchanger, then further cooled and dehumidified by passage through a refrigerant coil. After passage through the refrigerant coil the fresh cool air passes through a second heat exchanger, cooling exhausting stale air and in exchange becoming less cool to reduce the relative humidity. The cool, fresh air having a lowered relative humidity is then used to ventilate a building or room. The cooled exhausting stale air then passes through the first heat exchanger cooling the fresh warm incoming air. In the winter time the refrigerant coil is replaced by a heater and heat is recovered from the exhausting stale air and transferred to the incoming fresh air.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1992Date of Patent: January 19, 1993Inventor: Nicholas H. Des Champs
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Patent number: 5159972Abstract: A system of sealed heat pipes enclosing a working fluid. In the heating mode, the working fluid is evaporated and the latent heat of vaporization is transported through the heat pipes to the condenser region. The condensate returns to the evaporator region through a liquid bypass line containing a liquid storage reservoir and a heating control valve. In the cooling mode, a cooling control valve is opened to increase the specific volume of the heat pipe system. During operation, heat is absorbed from the evaporator region and transferred by the working fluid vapor through the heat pipe system to the cold media. Condensate returns to the external evaporator by a liquid return line containing a liquid storage reservoir and a cooling control valve. Electric resistance heating can be incorporated to heat the reservoir. Vapor from the reservoir passes into the heat pipe system through a check valve vapor line. Shutdown and system control are regulated by the reservoir cutoff valve and electric heating.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1991Date of Patent: November 3, 1992Assignee: Florida Power CorporationInventors: Fred S. Gunnerson, F. Dave Sanderlin, Joy R. Iurato, Antonio A. Padilla
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Patent number: 5056588Abstract: The invention provides an evaporatively enhanced cold storage system wherein a warm air stream is cooled and the cooled air stream is thereafter passed into contact with a cold storage unit. Moisture is added to the cooled air stream prior to or during contact of the cooled air stream with the cold storage unit to effect enhanced cooling of the cold storage unit due to evaporation of all or a portion of the added moisture. Preferably at least a portion of the added moisture comprises water condensed during the cooling of the warm air stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1990Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Assignee: Instatherm CompanyInventor: Peter Carr
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Patent number: 4984433Abstract: An air conditioning system with a variable sensible heat ratio. The system includes a servomechanism that monitors the sensible and latent heat in the air being conditioned and adjusts the operation of the system accordingly. A microprocessor calculates the respective rates of change in sensible and latent heat and adjusts the operation of the system so that the desired amount of sensible and latent heat is removed at the same time, thereby conserving energy. The system includes a variable speed supply air fan and a plurality of subcooling coils. Under a first set of conditions, the fan is slowed down and the subcooling of the refrigerant fluid is increased. Under a second set of conditions, the fan is sped up and the subcooling is decreased.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1989Date of Patent: January 15, 1991Inventor: Donald J. Worthington
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Patent number: 4971139Abstract: The present invention discloses a heat tube device through which a working fluid can be circulated to transfer heat to air in a conventional air conditioning system. The heat tube device is disposable about a conventional cooling coil of the air conditioning system and includes a plurality of substantially U-shaped tubes connected to a support structure. The support structure includes members for allowing the heat tube device to be readily positioned about the cooling coil. An actuatable adjustment device is connected to the U-shaped tubes for allowing, upon actuation thereof, for the heat tubes to be simultaneously rotated relative to the cooling coil for allowing the heat transfer from the heat tube device to air in the air conditioning system to be selectively varied.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1990Date of Patent: November 20, 1990Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Mukesh K. Khattar