Patents Examined by Elizabeth Martin
  • Patent number: 9816739
    Abstract: A refrigeration circuit comprises in the direction of flow of a refrigerant at least one compressor; at least one heat rejecting heat exchanger; at least one expansion device; and at least one evaporator. The refrigeration circuit further comprises at least one heat recovery heat exchanger having a refrigeration circuit side and heat recovery system side and being configured for transferring heat between the refrigeration circuit side and the heat recovery system side, wherein the refrigeration circuit side is fluidly connected in parallel to the at least one heat rejecting heat exchanger; and at least one regulation valve, configured for regulating the flow of refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration circuit side of the at least one heat recovery heat exchanger. The at least one regulation valve is switchable between an open position, a closed position, and at least one intermediate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander Tambovtsev, Christian Scheumann
  • Patent number: 9815488
    Abstract: A temperature control device for temperature control of a steering device, characterized in that the temperature control device has at least one heat-conducting device, at least one thermoelectric device, and at least one fluid transport apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: GENTHERM GMBH
    Inventors: John David Lofy, Michael Weiβ, Denise Philipp, Martin Adldinger
  • Patent number: 9816738
    Abstract: An approximately conical passage-forming member is disposed inside a body in which a swirling space for swirling a refrigerant is formed, and an ejector defines therein a nozzle passage that functions as a nozzle for depressurizing a refrigerant that has flowed out from the swirling space between an inner circumferential surface of the body and the passage-forming member, and a diffuser passage that pressurizes a mixed refrigerant obtained from a refrigerant sprayed from the nozzle passage and a refrigerant drawn from a suction-passage. A plurality of driving passages through which a refrigerant is introduced from a distribution space to the swirling space are formed in the body. In this case, the driving passages are formed in a manner such that a refrigerant flowing in from each driving passage into the swirling space flows along an outer circumference of the swirling space and flows in directions different from each other. Accordingly, nozzle efficiency is sufficiently improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryota Nakashima, Etsuhisa Yamada, Haruyuki Nishijima, Yoshiaki Takano
  • Patent number: 9802458
    Abstract: A car having a water box comprising an outer face, an inner face, an air inlet opening, an air outlet opening and a water outlet opening. The inner face forms a water separating space that is connected to the air inlet and outlet openings and the water outlet opening. The water outlet opening discharges water out of the separating space. An air conditioner is connected to the air outlet opening to feed air from the water box into the air conditioner. An air feeding unit sucks the air into the air conditioner via the air inlet opening. The air feeding unit is designed as a suction fan. The water box comprises a wall that comprises fibers forming a non-woven fabric i.e. felt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: WEIDPLAS GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Harke
  • Patent number: 9795699
    Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area at target wavelengths and/or target intensities. The target wavelength ranges and/or target intensity ranges of the ultraviolet radiation sources can correspond to at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations including a storage life preservation operating configuration, a disinfection operating configuration, and an ethylene decomposition operating configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shur, Maxim Shatalov, Timothy James Bettles, Yuri Bilenko, Saulius Smetona, Alexander Dobrinsky, Remigijus Gaska
  • Patent number: 9789632
    Abstract: A machine for a temperature regulation arrangement that includes a closed area within the machine leading a temperature regulating chamber positioned adjacent a heat source, in which there are a number of liquid collectors arranged so that each has a feed take off that provides a elevated passage way from one liquid collector to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: RITEMP PTY LTD
    Inventor: Malcolm Barry James
  • Patent number: 9784484
    Abstract: A solar powered absorption cooling system employing refrigerant-absorbent solutions such as water and lithium bromide and hybrid storage capabilities, and a method of employing the system in refrigeration and air conditioning units. The system includes a first temperature control valve and second temperature control valve that together regulate the flow of solar heating fluid into the generator and substantially reduce absorbent crystal formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Maged A. I. El-Shaarawi, Ali Abdulaziz Al-Ugla
  • Patent number: 9784478
    Abstract: A mechanical leverage system comprising an expansive side and a compressive side, wherein the compressive side comprises a compressor which is in controlled fluid communication with a first evaporator and a first condenser, wherein the expansive side comprises an expander which is in controlled fluid communication with a second evaporator and a second condenser, wherein the second evaporator absorbs heat from a space such as an attic and drives the expander, and thus, the compressor to which the expander is connected, and wherein there is a difference between the properties of the refrigerant used in the expansive side and the compressive side, such that the difference in refrigerant properties influences the mechanical advantage ratio of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Arthur F. Hurtado
  • Patent number: 9777949
    Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a compressor, two or more cylinders coupled with the compressor, and an airproof container enclosing the cylinders and filled with air or other gas. Each cylinder is provided with a piston, an inlet valve coupled with the compressor, and an outlet valve coupled with a condenser. When inlet valves are open, outlet valves are closed, and pistons move from bottom to top of cylinders, refrigerant flows from compressor into cylinders through inlet valves; and when inlet valves are closed and outlet valves are open, refrigerant flows from cylinders into condenser through outlet valves. Then, air pressure in cylinders drops, and pressure in airproof container forces pistons to move to the bottom of cylinders. The pressure in airproof container is utilized by cylinders to produce electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Bingxin Gong
  • Patent number: 9777950
    Abstract: A cycle enhancement apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a first side entrance line and exit line, both connected to a first side of a refrigerant line, and a second side entrance line and exit line, both connected to a second side of the refrigerant line. One-way valves prevent flow through the first side entrance line toward the first side, through the first side exit line away from the first side, through the second side entrance line toward the second side, and through the second side exit line away from the second side. The apparatus has a cycle enhancement line. The cycle enhancement line has an entrance portion, connected to the first side entrance line and the second side entrance line, an exit portion, connected to the first side exit line and the second side exit line, and a cycle enhancement between the entrance portion and the exit portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Uselton
  • Patent number: 9776473
    Abstract: Examples of an electrically powered transport refrigeration unit (TRU) are disclosed. In one example, the TRU may include a refrigeration circuit that includes an electrically powered compressor, an evaporator equipped with an electrically powered blower, and a gas cooler equipped with an electrically powered blower. The TRU may also include a control circuit and a power regulator unit. The power regulator unit may be configured to supply variable DC and/or AC outputs to power components of the refrigeration circuit, and the control circuit may be configured to regulate the variable DC and AC outputs of the power regulator unit so as to control the operation of the TRU. The electrically powered TRU may be configured to use R774 as refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michal Kolda, Michal Hegar, Vladimir Kmoch, Vaclav Rajtmajer
  • Patent number: 9772122
    Abstract: An isothermal turbo-compressor-condenser-expander (ITCCE) arrangement includes heat-transferring fan blades that are mounted on, or surround, individual conduits to promote air exchange and heat transfer. The open framework rotates in free air to promote heat exchange. An ITCCE bladed assembly includes a driven central hub assembly with a first fluid coupling. A first inner plenum is in fluid communication with the fluid coupling. A plurality of compressor conduits extend radially, and pass fluid from, the first inner plenum to an outer plenum that acts as an equalizing line. A return path is provided to a second inner plenum from the outer plenum. The conduits can be formed as metal extrusions, including internal ribs separating a plurality of ports formed therebetween along an entire length of the conduits. The conduits can define an airfoil shape and/or are axially twisted, generating axial airflow. The return path can include return multiport conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Appollo Wind Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Peter A. Swett, Randell B. Drane
  • Patent number: 9772128
    Abstract: An intermittent operation based continuous absorption system (IOBCAS) which supports cooling effect during the daytime without the use of a solution pump is provided. The IOBCAS may utilize an isochoric process for pressurization of the system and the system may include a plurality of generator-absorber units that intermittently operate in succession to provide a continuous refrigeration cooling effect during the daytime. The system of the present disclosure enables the plurality of generator-absorber units to switch between a generation, absorption, and heat recovery mode of operation to provide cooling effect during the daytime which a higher coefficient of performance compared with conventional intermittent system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Syed Ahmed Mohammad Said, Muhammad Umar Siddiqui
  • Patent number: 9769955
    Abstract: A printed board on which a power module is mounted, a cooling pipe that is a refrigerant pipe of a refrigerant circuit, and a cooler attached to the power module and the cooling pipe are disposed in a casing. A support member by which the cooler is attached to the printed board and supported on the printed board, and a fixing member by which the printed board is fixed to the casing and supported on the casing are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Teraki, Akihiko Oguri
  • Patent number: 9751381
    Abstract: Methods and system for operating a vehicle climate control system are described. In one example, the vehicle climate control system includes high and low temperature coolant loops that operate in conjunction with a heat pump. The systems and methods may be incorporated into electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine propelled vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Franco Ragazzi
  • Patent number: 9746213
    Abstract: For more efficient operation of an air cooled chiller, a refrigerant pump and bypass valve connected in parallel feed refrigerant from the condenser to a receiver. The pump is activated in response to pressure in the condenser; the bypass is used otherwise. Further efficiency is provided by controlling the condenser fan based on power consumption by the air cooled chiller and/or resetting a set point of the evaporator to meet load conditions. An expansion valve for the evaporator is controlled based on chilled water temperature, such as Delta T, or information from an air handling unit. Feedback of valve setting or position, air temperature, valve size, and/or importance of an air handling unit may be used to control the flow of chilled water. In addition to or an alternative to control of the chilled water flow, the refrigerant temperature may be controlled based on information from the air handling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc
    Inventor: Duane D. Warren
  • Patent number: 9745496
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing heating in a high temperature heat pump comprising condensing a vapor working fluid comprising Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene, in a condenser, thereby producing a liquid working fluid. Also disclosed herein is a method of raising the maximum feasible condenser operating temperature in a high temperature heat pump apparatus comprising charging the high temperature heat pump with a working fluid comprising Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene. Also disclosed herein is a composition comprising: (a) Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene; (b) 2-chloropropane; and (c) at least one lubricant suitable for use at a temperature of at least about 150° C.; is wherein the 2-chloropropane is present in an amount effective to form an azeotrope or azeotrope-like combination with the Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene. Also disclosed herein is a high temperature heat pump apparatus containing a working fluid comprising Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: THE CHEMOURS COMPANY FC, LLC
    Inventor: Konstantinos Kontomaris
  • Patent number: 9746232
    Abstract: The disclosure presents a heat exchanger assembly for a heat pump system, having a heated condensate drainage system. The heat exchanger assembly includes a manifold with a plurality of pins extending substantially in the direction of gravity. A condensate drainage tray is positioned beneath the manifold. The drainage tray includes a plurality of drainage holes corresponding with the number and position of the pins. The pins extend from the manifold and through the corresponding the drainage holes of the drainage tray. Each of the plurality of pins includes a diameter smaller than the diameter of the drainage hole to allow for condensate to drain through the drainage hole. At least one of the pins includes a distal end and is tapered toward the distal end. The drainage tray may be tilted with respect to the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventor: Wayne O. Forrest
  • Patent number: 9746229
    Abstract: An ice maker includes a harvest motor and an ice tray operably coupled to the harvest motor. The ice tray has a plurality of heat sinks coupled to a bottom section of ice forming cavities on the ice tray. The harvest motor is operable to twist the ice tray for causing the plurality of heat sinks to move relative to each other for releasing ice pieces from the ice forming cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Whilpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry M. Visin, Lindsey Wohlgamuth
  • Patent number: 9739497
    Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a cooling unit having a cooling coil and a fan, the cooling unit for cooling recirculated air from a return duct; a bypass duct providing an air pathway bypassing the cooling unit; a phase change material (PCM) module including a PCM and a PCM fan for drawing makeup air over the PCM; and a supply duct fluidly coupled to the cooling unit and the PCM module, the supply duct for supplying conditioned air to a space to be conditioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gregory M. Dobbs