Abstract: A heat exchanger for an air conditioner outdoor unit includes tubing of the microchannel type which is internally partitioned into separate, parallel refrigerant flow passages and a wrapping of heat conductive flexible heat transfer material, commonly known as spine fin. The heat exchanger provides for greater heat transfer and a more compact package. Further, such heat exchangers allow for a reduced refrigerant charge in the air conditioning unit in which they are used.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 5, 1997
Date of Patent:
October 19, 1999
Assignee:
American Standard Inc.
Inventors:
Mark O. Bergman, Richard E. Cawley, Stephen S. Hancock
Abstract: A condensate drain pan arrangement with a positive slope. The drain pan arrangement comprises a housing including a first wall with a first aperture, a second wall with a second aperture where the first and second walls are spaced; a coil located in the space in the housing and between the first and second walls; and a drain pan having a condensate receiving portion within the housing and located under the coil. The drain pan includes a first end cap with a drainage attachment proximal the first aperture and positively engaged to the first wall, and a second end cap proximal the second aperture. The second end cap includes an engagement portion and a bottom portion. The drain pan arrangement includes an access plate including a lifting portion operably engaged to the bottom portion and raising same predetermined amount, and a securing portion operably engaged with the engagement portion to prevent movement of the second end cap, the second end cap is fixed with relation to the second wall.
Abstract: A fill valve has a main valve with a valving surface contacted by a valve disk. A series of offset radial paths separated by a toroidal path permit free radial flow at full open and quiet tortuous flow as the valve closes. Removal of a cap permits access to the main valve for cleaning. Indicia in the valve body provide easy height adjustments. A riser base is made up of easily molded locking parts and provides a variable height adjustment structure that is shielded from view. A flexible cup performs multiple functions including serving as a pilot valve, a vacuum breaker valve and a seal. A float for operating the pilot valve is pivotally mounted without extra parts or fasteners.
Abstract: A faucet fitting system having interchangeable components useable in both single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. The component system is designed to allow the same putty plate with breast plate, waterway spout, aerator and mounting nuts to be used with the various escutcheons, metering valves and waterways associated with the single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. Specially constructed water valves, putty plates and escutcheon constructions useable in conjunction with the system are also disclosed.
Abstract: A method of controlling compressor minimum capacity. The method comprises the steps of: measuring a first condition; comparing the first condition to a first setpoint to determine a first conditioned error; modulating compressor capacity relative to the first condition error; measuring a second condition; comparing the second condition to a second setpoint to determine a second condition error; and modulating compressor capacity relative to the second condition error if the magnitude of the second conditioned error is greater than the magnitude of the first conditioned error.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 8, 1997
Date of Patent:
September 14, 1999
Assignee:
American Standard Inc.
Inventors:
Jonathan M. Meyer, Ronald W. Okoren, Lee L. Sibik, Daniel C. Leaver, Sean A. Smith
Abstract: An air conditioning unit comprising: a housing having a first half and a second half; the first half of the housing containing an indoor heat exchange coil and a blower moving air through said coil from at least a housing inlet to a housing outlet. The blower discharges into a diffuser duct having a diffuser section with a first segment and a second segment where the first and second segments have first and second respective and differing angles of diffusion.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 22, 1998
Date of Patent:
August 31, 1999
Assignee:
American Standard Inc.
Inventors:
William A. Smiley III, Glenn J. McClellan
Abstract: An air conditioning system. The system comprises an indoor section and an outdoor section arranged in side-by-side arrangement. The indoor section includes an indoor tangential fan having an axis aligned in a first direction, an indoor heat exchange coil, and a supply air aperture which longitudinally extends in the first direction and avoids line of sight noise transmission from the indoor fan. The system includes an axis commonly supporting and operably coupling the indoor fan and the motor, and a scroll housing within the indoor section and arranged about the indoor tangential fan. The indoor tangential fan, motor and axis are assembled to form a first module, the scroll housing forms a second module and the first module is independently removable from the second module without the necessity of disengaging any connection between the first and second modules. The system includes a fan support bracket supporting a first end of the axis, and the motor supporting a second end of the axis.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 10, 1998
Date of Patent:
July 20, 1999
Assignee:
American Standard Inc.
Inventors:
Dale E. Fromm, Walter Earhart, Jr., William A. Smiley, III, Dwayne L. Johnson, Mark E. Smith