Patents Examined by Chen Wen Jiang
  • Temperature control circuit
    Patent number: 8418930
    Abstract: The temperature control circuit, to keep a temperature of an enclosed space within a temperature range, comprises a cooling unit to keep the temperature of the enclosed space below a maximum temperature of the temperature range, a heating unit to keep the temperature of the enclosed space above the minimum temperature of the temperature range, and an indicating unit to indicate whether the temperature is within the temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Zhao Huang
  • Refrigerator and control method thereof
    Patent number: 8413457
    Abstract: Disclosed are a refrigerator and a control method thereof, wherein operation of an icemaker can be controlled according to time or function. A sleep mode to control operation of an icemaker according to time is set to prevent generation of noise due to an ice-separating operation implemented at night. In the setting of the sleep mode, a control range of the sleep mode is selected according to a desired operating function (ice-making function or ice-separating function) of the icemaker and also, a period of the sleep mode in units of days/weeks/months (or an operating term) is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok Jun Son, Young Gwl Park
  • Refrigeration apparatus
    Patent number: 8413456
    Abstract: There is provided a refrigeration apparatus in which a refrigerant accumulating in non-operating outdoor units is supplied to an outdoor unit being operated in which a shortage of refrigerant occurs without starting the compressors of the non-operating outdoor units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu General Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Tomioka, Hideya Tamura, Tetsuya Ito, Takahiro Matsunaga, Takamitsu Kurokawa, Shintaro Sanada
  • Refrigeration apparatus
    Patent number: 8408018
    Abstract: A refrigeration device includes a switching valve control section for outputting a switching signal for controlling a four-way switching valve to a predetermined switching state when starting a compression mechanism; and a switching determination section which, when starting only a first compressor as a start-up of the compression mechanism, outputs a low differential pressure signal if a differential pressure between a high-pressure port and a low-pressure port in the four-way switching valve falls below a determination value in a determination operation after the switching signal being outputted by the switching valve control section. After the switching determination section outputs the low differential pressure signal, a capacity control section starts a second compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Takegami, Satoru Sakae
  • Apparatus for heating and cooling by surface contact
    Patent number: 8402772
    Abstract: A thermal treatment apparatus is built around an enclosure having pairs of separate compartments with each pair separated by a portal gate. The enclosure has a means for securing it in intimate contact with a skin surface. A chemically activatable substance is enclosed within one or more of the compartments and an activator is enclosed under pressure within one or more further compartments. A thermal sensor is positioned in contact, or near contact, with the skin surface, and a means for opening the portal gate, in accordance with a set point temperature and the actual temperature of the skin surface, is provided. Upon opening the portal gate, the activator is driven into contact with the chemically activatable substance thereby producing a chemical reaction causing a thermal exchange between the enclosure and the skin surface so as to cool or heat it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Superior Inventions Group, LLC
    Inventors: Landon Duval, Edwin M. First
  • Device for controlling a condensate lift pump, and corresponding capacitive detector and system
    Patent number: 8397525
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling a condensate lift pump, comprising a means for detecting at least two condensate levels in a container, and a means for activating and for stopping the pump according to the levels, in which the detection means comprises a capacitive detector comprising at least three electrodes: a ground electrode; a first level detection electrode; and a second level detection electrode, and a processing means comprising a means for measuring the capacitance between the electrodes. According to the invention, the lengths of the first level detection electrode and second level detection electrode are defined so as to come into contact with the condensates, when the condensates respectively reach the first level and the second level in the container; these electrodes are produced on distinct supports not having a submergible physical continuity between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sauermann Industrie
    Inventors: Antoine Chauvin, Fabrice Leze, Michel Baillon
  • Integrated dehumidification system
    Patent number: 8397522
    Abstract: A dynamic system controls indoor relative humidity and temperature to achieve specified conditions by applying multiple stages of dehumidification. In addition to a stage that increases dehumidification by reducing the speed of the indoor blower, the system uses a reheat coil and multiple valves that allow the reheat coil to function as either a subcooling coil or a partial condenser. Thus the system can maintain specified indoor temperature and humidity conditions even at times when no heating or cooling is needed. The system may have an outdoor condensing unit including a compressor and a condenser operably connected via refrigerant lines to an indoor unit to form a “split system” refrigerant loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Davis Energy Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Springer, Marc A. Hoeschele, James H. Phillips
  • Refrigerator and operating method thereof
    Patent number: 8393168
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating a refrigerator, including: providing a plurality of usage environment information which includes national information; selecting the usage environment information corresponding to a nation or region where the refrigerator is used among the plurality of usage environment information; and controlling operation of the refrigerator based on the selected usage environment information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Lee, Young-woon Kwon, Se-jin Sohn, Jin-kyu Jung, Yong-seok Kim, Man-ki Kwon, Sang-ho Byeon
  • Air conditioner
    Patent number: 8387404
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a cabinet positioned on an indoor ceiling. The air conditioner also includes a front panel that is coupled to the cabinet and has an air inlet. The air conditioner further includes a suction panel coupled to the front panel and configured to move to open or close the inlet. In addition, the air conditioner includes a sensor unit positioned on the suction panel, configured to detect a position of an indoor person, and configured to move downward with respect to the suction panel in response to an operation instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: In Ho Choi, Jong Chan Park, Han Lim Choi, Dong Whan Choi, Nam Sik Yim
  • Sanitized water dispenser
    Patent number: 8387409
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sanitizing a water dispenser that dispenses water for human consumption is disclosed. The dispenser can be in the form of any dispenser that dispenses water for human consumption employing a reservoir that dispenses water through one or more spigots. Water in the reservoir is sanitized with an air/ozone gas mixture that is transmitted to a porous polymeric diffuser having a central bore and a porous wall. The porosity of the porous wall defines bubble size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: S.I.P. Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Davis, James J. Shelton
  • Wireless user interface for an HVAC controller and method of operating the same
    Patent number: 8376242
    Abstract: A wireless user interface for an HVAC controller, a method of operating a wireless user interface for an HVAC controller and an HVAC system incorporating the wireless user interface or the method. In one embodiment, the wireless user interface includes: (1) a chassis having a display and at least one control button and containing a temperature sensor and wireless communication circuitry and (2) a microcontroller configured to cause the wireless communication circuitry to generate outbound data packets for wireless transmission to the HVAC controller containing temperature readings from the temperature sensor and when the at least one control button is pressed and receive inbound data packets from the HVAC controller that determine a content of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Uselton
  • Low-noise fan control for refrigeration cycle
    Patent number: 8375733
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a multi-PID controller system where a variable such as the temperature of a fluid in a reservoir is stabilized using two or more PID controllers to optimize the control of an actuator, such as a flow control valve of a refrigeration system, to control a flow rate. The system also allows for the optimization of the PID control of a fan speed based on the optimized regulation of the control valve and a comparison with other input variables. The setpoint temperature is further stabilized by setting up in proximity of the desired setpoint a deadband analysis to prevent overlap of the PID-driven heat regulation and the multi-PID-driven cold regulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Polyscience
    Inventors: Philip K. Preston, Phil A. Emms
  • Inverter system for on-vehicle air conditioner
    Patent number: 8365545
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide an on-vehicle air conditioner that can prevent breakage or the like caused by applying a high voltage. In an inverter system 20 that controls an operation of a motor 30 of a compressor for the on-vehicle air conditioner, a motor control microcomputer 24 operates by converting a voltage supplied from an on-vehicle battery power source 50 into a low voltage. Thus, the motor control microcomputer 24 is operated to perform failure diagnosis of a high voltage circuit Cb without a high voltage power source 40 being turned on. The failure diagnosis can be performed without power being supplied from the high voltage power source 40 to the high voltage circuit Cb, thereby preventing the high voltage circuit Cb from being broken by applying the high voltage even when there is some failure in the high voltage circuit Cb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiro Adachi, Koji Nakano, Takashi Nakagami, Makoto Hattori, Kazuki Niwa, Takayuki Takashige
  • Automatic temperature control with simplified microprocessor interface
    Patent number: 8366012
    Abstract: An automatic temperature control for a washing machine or the like may adopt in a first embodiment a single triac switched between a hot-water valve and cold-water valve by mechanical switch elements to provide for a range of temperature control via a microprocessor receiving a temperature command input. In a second embodiment two triacs may be used to permit a range of temperature controls to be effected by voltage signals generated by low-voltage low current switches implemented on an integrated circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric K. Larson, David C. Gill, Juan J. Barrena, Mark A. Romo
  • Screw compressor drive control
    Patent number: 8365544
    Abstract: An embodiment of method used to control operation of a screw compressor of a refrigeration system may include receiving status signals regarding operation of the screw compressor of the refrigeration system. The method may further include determining an operating point of the screw compressor based upon the received status signals, and selecting a torque profile for the screw compressor based upon the operating point. The method may also include driving the screw compressor per the selected torque profile. Refrigeration systems and compressor systems suitable for implementing the method are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Foye, Nathan T. West, Dennis M. Beekman, John R. Sauls
  • Water heating control system and method
    Patent number: 8360334
    Abstract: The water heating control system and method tracks, monitors and controls energy consumed by systems and/or equipment including, but not limited to, hot water, HVAC, pools, and spas. The system and method controls a given device by utilizing historical and real-time information collected from a system of similar devices at the same and similar locations, as inputs to control processes which, utilizing the blended real-time and historical data, improve device management, including energy savings and maintenance of the entire system of devices over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Steve Nold, Thomas J Debin
  • Valves and methods for regulating the flow rate of a liquid to a fixture
    Patent number: 8360335
    Abstract: Embodiments of valves permit liquids such as water to flow therethrough at a relatively high flow rate when the temperature of the water is below a predetermined level. The valves reduce the flow rate when the temperature of the water is at or above the predetermined level. The valves can thus facilitate purging of cold water from the hot-water supply piping upstream of the valves at a relatively fast rate, while reducing the flow rate of the water once the water reaching the valves has warmed to a comfortable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Lloyd A. Gross
  • Communication powered building automation system actuator
    Patent number: 8356761
    Abstract: An actuator includes at least one drive arrangement configured to generate output mechanical power from input electrical power. The actuator also includes a communication line input port and a control unit. The communication line input port is configured to connect to a communication line, and is configured to obtain electrical power from the communication line. The control unit is configured to obtain first information from the communication line via the communication line input port, and is further configured to adjust the operation of the at least one drive arrangement based on the first information and based upon information identifying electrical power available for use as input electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Pankaj V. Kalore
  • Injection of refrigerant in system with expander
    Patent number: 8356489
    Abstract: A refrigerant system incorporates an expander. At least a portion of refrigerant bypasses an evaporator and is injected into the compression process to cool main refrigerant vapor flow and compressor elements. In disclosed embodiments, the injected refrigerant may be partially expanded in the expander and routed either into the compressor suction or to an intermediate point in the compression process. A valve may control the amount of the injected refrigerant to achieve desired operational characteristics for the refrigerant system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras
  • Refrigerating appliance comprising an ice-making machine
    Patent number: 8353171
    Abstract: A refrigerating appliance is provided that includes an inner compartment for storing refrigerated or frozen goods, a cold generator, a refrigerating appliance control system for operating the cold generator, a mains connection for supplying the cold generator and the refrigerating appliance control system with an electrical voltage, and an ice-making machine arranged in the inner compartment. The ice-making machine includes its own control system for its own operation, which controls all functions of the ice-making machine independently of the refrigerating appliance control system. A connection is also provided from the ice-making machine and the ice-making machine control system to the mains connection of the refrigerating appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Adolf Feinauer, Klaus Flinner