Patents Examined by John E Bargero
  • Patent number: 11686469
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system, method, and apparatus comprising a direct steam generator configured to generate saturated steam and combustion exhaust constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: XDI Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: James Charles Juranitch
  • Patent number: 11680707
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating water comprises a main burner, a pilot burner, a valve assembly with a main valve and a pilot valve having a shutter, a magnetic thermoelectric safety assembly with a thermocouple device holding the pilot valve open in the presence of a flame in the pilot burner, a button member mounted on a rod that is slidingly guided in the valve assembly and an electrical ignition member supplied via an electrical connection circuit, a switch device in the circuit being designed to be switched by means of the button member so as to close the electrical circuit when said button member is pressed in order to carry out actuation of the magnetic assembly so as to open the passage of gas through the pilot valve towards the pilot burner and to ignite the pilot flame by means of the sparks generated by the ignition member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: SIT S.P.A.
    Inventors: Michele Benvenuto, Michele Ciscato
  • Patent number: 11674685
    Abstract: A multi-circulation heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) for steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD)/Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) processes comprises a steam drum internally partitioned to provide a clean side and a dirty side. The clean side downcomer pipe supplies water to one or more generating banks as part of a clean circuit located in a high heat flux zone of the boiler. Boiler water is fed from the clean side of the drum to the dirty side of the drum via natural head differential. Water is then fed through a corresponding downcomer to a dirty generating bank, which is located in a low heat flux zone of the boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Gary R Barker, Dong Chen, Jonathan D Fleming, Colin Malcolm MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 11662094
    Abstract: A gas powered water heater includes a storage tank, a main burner, a flame sensor assembly, and a controller communicatively coupled to the flame sensor assembly. The flame sensor assembly includes a probe positioned proximate the main burner to couple an electric current to the main burner through a flame on the main burner and not to couple an electric current to the main burner when the flame is not present on the main burner, and a detector that provides signals representative of the electric current provided through the probe. The controller is programmed to determine a length of time taken for a transition between a signal representative of no electric current and a signal representative of a steady state electric current, and determine, based at least in part on the determined length of time, a strength of the flame on the main burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: John F. Broker
  • Patent number: 11639813
    Abstract: In an immediate hot water supply operation mode in which a circulation pump is activated while a hot water supply faucet is closed, a water heating apparatus forms an immediate hot water supply circulation path by an inner path including a water entry path, a heat exchanger, and a hot water output path and an outer path bypassing the hot water supply faucet, as being combined. A controller stores as an actual flow rate value for each immediate hot water supply operation mode, a flow rate detection value by a flow rate sensor at predetermined timing, and calculates a flow rate learning value based on a plurality of stored actual flow rate values. When the flow rate detection value becomes larger than a criterion value set in accordance with the flow rate learning value, use of the hot water supply faucet is detected and the circulation pump is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: NORITZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahide Hasegawa, Atsushi Ushio
  • Patent number: 11635203
    Abstract: A premixing flow path forming member of a premixing device includes a member whose attachment mode can be changed, and flow path resistance of a fuel gas flow path can be changed when the attachment mode of the member is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: NORITZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyohei Ogawa, Keiichi Miura, Tsuneo Funabiki, Tatsuya Karaki
  • Patent number: 11603996
    Abstract: A combination boiler provides heated water to a boiler loop and domestic hot water (DHW) to a domestic water loop. The combination boiler includes a primary heat exchanger (PHE) connected to the boiler loop and a burner to provide heat to the primary heat exchanger. A secondary heat exchanger (SHE) transfers heat energy from the boiler loop to the domestic water loop. A controller monitors a PHE inlet temperature and a DHW output temperature, obtains a pre-heat initialization temperature threshold and a pre-heat cancellation temperature threshold, and detects a low temperature condition. A pre-heat operation is initiated responsive to the low temperature condition by circulating heated water from the PHE to the SHE. The burner is selectively fired at least in part according to an outlet temperature of the PHE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Lochinvar, LLC
    Inventor: Curtis George Gagne
  • Patent number: 11592176
    Abstract: Provided is an RPM control method for an inducer for a gas furnace that induces a flow of combustion gas produced in a burner from a heat exchanger to an exhaust pipe. The RPM control method for an inducer for a gas furnace includes: (a) initiating a heating operation for the gas furnace; (b) determining whether the operation time during which the heating operation is performed is equal to or longer than a first time period; (c) if it is determined that the operation time is equal to or longer than the first time period, detecting whether a pressure switch is turned OFF; and (d) if the pressure switch is detected as turned OFF, increasing the RPM of the inducer by a first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jusu Kim, Doyong Ha, Yongki Jeong, Janghee Park, Hansaem Park
  • Patent number: 11592174
    Abstract: A gas burner includes a burner body that defines a plurality of forced induction flame ports. An air outlet orifice is mounted to an injet body at an outlet of an air passage such that the air outlet orifice is oriented for directing a flow of air towards the plurality of forced induction flame ports. A gas outlet orifice is mounted to the injet body at an outlet of a gas passage such that the gas outlet orifice is oriented for directing a flow of gaseous fuel towards the plurality of forced induction flame ports. A pneumatically actuated gas valve is positioned within the injet body. The pneumatically actuated gas valve is configured to adjust from a closed configuration to an open configuration in response to the flow of air through the air passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Bryan Cadima
  • Patent number: 11555633
    Abstract: A heating and hot water supply system, including: a combustion unit combusting a fuel to generate a combustion gas; a heat exchange unit heating a heat medium and hot water according to heat exchange with the combustion gas; an exhaust unit that exhausting the combustion gas after heat exchange. The heat exchange unit includes a plate type heat exchanger by laminating vertically-upright rectangular plates with gaps, and is configured to heat the heat medium by causing the combustion gas and the heat medium to alternately flow through the gaps. An inlet for the heat medium is provided at lower corner of the plate type heat exchanger, a discharge opening for the heat medium is provided at upper corner farthest from the inlet, and a hot water passage through which hot water flows in the plate type heat exchanger is provided at upper corner above the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: NORITZ CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaki Kondo
  • Patent number: 11549692
    Abstract: A heating and hot water supply system includes: a combustion means; a heat exchanger; a heating terminal; a circulation passage that connects the heat exchanger and the heating terminal; a circulation means; a bypass passage branched from the circulation passage and bypassing the heating terminal; a distribution means for distributing a heating medium to the circulation passage and the bypass passage; a hot water supply heat exchanger for the bypass passage; and a hot water supply passage; wherein the distribution means can adjust the distribution ratio so as to correspond to a heating operation, a hot water supply operation, and a simultaneous heating and hot water supply operation, and when the distribution ratio on the circulation passage side of the distribution means is smaller than a prescribed value during the simultaneous heating and hot water supply operation, the blowing operation of the blower at the heating terminal is prohibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: NORITZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Morimoto, Naoki Tsuda, Akihisa Kageyama, Takehito Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 11543121
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that enables a single person to remove and replace a part, for example a burner housing, from an industrial piece of equipment such as oilfield equipment. A base of the apparatus attaches, either removeably or permanently, to a portion of the equipment such as an exhaust stack, that is above the part. The apparatus has a plurality of arms which swing out from the base, including a beam which is rotated to be aligned with the part. Straps attached to the beam are tightened around the part, and the arms are then extended to remove the part from the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Dragonfire Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ty Freeman Davis
  • Patent number: 11543153
    Abstract: A gas-fired water heater including a water tank, a combustion chamber, a burner assembly disposed within the combustion chamber, a gas valve for controllably supplying gas to the burner assembly, a temperature sensor coupled to the combustion chamber, wherein the temperature sensor generating a signal related to the temperature of the combustion chamber, and a controller having an electronic processor and memory. The controller is configured to receive the signal at a first predetermined time and at a second predetermined time, calculate a change in temperature based on the signal received at the first predetermined time and the signal received at the second predetermined time, compare the change in temperature to a rate of change threshold to produce a first comparison, and shut the gas valve in response to the change in temperature being less than the rate of change threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff L. Lyons, George W. Kraus, II, Roy L. Smith, J. Eric Arnold, Steven L. Tilson
  • Patent number: 11541727
    Abstract: A cargo transport heating system is utilized for a truck that includes a cargo containment and a combustion engine having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. The cargo transport heating system includes a heat exchanger, a coolant pump, and a combustion engine coolant having a low toxicity. The heat exchanger is disposed in the cargo containment, and is in fluid communication with the first coolant inlet. The coolant pump is in fluid communication with the coolant outlet and the heat exchanger, and pumps the combustion engine coolant through the first coolant inlet, the coolant outlet, and the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Swab
  • Patent number: 11523708
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable roaster used when outdoor cooking or camping is enjoyed. The portable roaster with improved portability and handleability can be changed into a single briefcase form so that it is easy for the user to carry it, can accommodate a windshield, a vertical transfer part, a charcoal plate, and a grill inside the body of the portable roaster so that meat can be grilled and eaten by, e.g., a barbecue grilling method outdoors through easy assembly, it is convenient to store portable roaster in a vehicle or warehouse, and the handling of the portable roaster is very convenient, and allows a cover to be used as a substitute for a table so that the portable roaster is highly versatile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Inventor: Tae Sik Cho
  • Patent number: 11524552
    Abstract: A vehicle heater includes a heater housing (12?), through which heating air to be heated can flow, with a heating air inlet area and with a heating air outlet area. A burner unit is arranged in the heater housing. A combustion air blower (46?) is arranged in the heater housing for delivering combustion air to the burner unit. A heat exchanger unit is arranged in the heater housing (12?). Heating air flowing through the heater housing (12?) can flow around the heat exchanger unit. A combustion air intake muffler (76) is arranged essentially in the heater housing (12?). A muffler housing (78) made in one piece with the heater housing (12?) is associated with the combustion air blower (46?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Eberspächer Climate Control Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Humburg, Hans Jensen
  • Patent number: 11499717
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a combustion structure that can achieve stable combustion by addressing the aforementioned drawbacks in the prior art such as low flame stability, backfire, deflagration, blockage and/or any other drawbacks. The combustion chamber structure in accordance with the disclosure can include: a grate structure including a first set of elongated components, a fire retention structure including a second set of elongated components. The first set of first elongated components can be arranged along an axial direction within the combustion chamber structure. The second set of elongated components can be arranged along the axial direction in a same direction as the first elongated components. The second set of elongated components can be configured to generate a negative pressure zone within the combustion chamber. The first set of elongated components can form apertures that can be aligned with apertures formed by the second set of elongated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Zhejiang Liju Boiler Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rongxin Zhao, Guoliang Chen, Yongqiang Wang, Erpeng Qiu, Bingyuan Shen
  • Patent number: 11499750
    Abstract: Provided is a gas furnace including a primary heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger through which a combustion gas produced by the combustion of a fuel gas flows. The gas furnace includes: a coupling box serving as an intermediary to connect the primary heat exchanger and the secondary heat exchanger; a collect box connected to the secondary heat exchanger, for letting in the combustion gas passed through the secondary heat exchanger; an inducer connected to the collect box, for inducing a flow of the combustion gas; and a bypass pipe connected to one side of the coupling box and including a bypass pipe for guiding the combustion gas passed through the primary heat exchanger to a hot water supply tank for supplying hot water to an indoor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jusu Kim, Doyong Ha, Yongki Jeong, Janghee Park, Hansaem Park
  • Patent number: 11486584
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of heating and ventilating an enclosed area comprising a floor arranged as a number of floor zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: Joan Philomena Jones
  • Patent number: 11479084
    Abstract: A fuel connection unit (10) for a fuel-operated vehicle heater (18) includes a connection unit body (12), which can be arranged at a heater housing (16). A fuel release line connection area (32) connects a fuel release line leading to a combustion chamber. A fuel feed line connection area (46) projects from the connection unit body (12) for connecting a fuel feed line. At least one functional unit (50), for influencing the flow of fuel in a fuel flow volume (36) formed in the connection unit body (12), is provided in the connection unit body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Eberspächer Climate Control Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Haefner, Hans Jensen