Patents Examined by Leonard R. Leo
  • Patent number: 8584741
    Abstract: A heat exchanger has a plurality of chamber units. The chamber units include an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, and a plurality of walls defining a chamber interior. The inlet receives a heat exchange medium flowing in a first flow direction in an initial line of flow. Disposed within the chamber interior is a medium directing member, having an inclined surface, which diverts the heat exchange medium from the initial flow direction so that it disperses within the chamber interior in at least two distinct flow patterns. Directional flow of the medium may be facilitated by two medium directing channels disposed within one or more of the chamber walls. Protrusion members on one or more chamber walls enhance dispersion of the heat exchange medium, causing a turbulent flow pattern within the chamber interior. The heat exchange medium exits the chamber, via the outlet, in the initial line of flow. The chambers are interconnected to form assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Mikutay Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Nitta, Takeyoshi Nitta
  • Patent number: 8584734
    Abstract: An energy storage and transfer system and method includes the use of a containment vessel holding a first solid/liquid phase change heat transfer medium and at least one second containment vessel located at least partially within the first phase change heat transfer medium and holding a second solid/liquid phase change medium. The second phase change heat transfer medium is heated from an external source of energy and gives up its absorbed heat to the first phase change heat transfer medium. A heat exchange loop is partially contained within the first phase change heat transfer medium for removing energy therefrom and transferring it to an external source for use. The second phase change heat transfer material has a higher melting temperature and higher heat of fusion value than the first phase change heat transfer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Navatek, Ltd
    Inventor: Gary Shimozono
  • Patent number: 8579019
    Abstract: An exemplary heat dissipation device includes a base plate, two fin groups, a core, a fan holder coupled to a top of the core, a fan located over the fin groups and secured by the fan holder, and two heat pipes. The two fin groups cooperate to define a central hole in a center thereof and have a plurality of fins extending radially and outwardly from the central hole. The core is placed on the base plate and received in the central hole. Each heat pipe comprises an evaporation section sandwiched between the core and the base plate, an arc-shaped condensation section sandwiched between the two fin groups and an adiabatic section connecting the evaporation section and the condensation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shou-Biao Xu, Shi-Wen Zhou, Chun-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 8573285
    Abstract: A variety of methods of forming polymer manifolds and the resulting manifold structures are described. The described manifolds are well suited for use in heat exchangers and a variety of other applications. In one aspect a polymer manifold includes a multiplicity of tubes having first ends that are received by a manifold housing. A polymer film is secured to the manifold housing and to the ends of each of the tubes. The film is arranged to seal the housing while leaving the openings of the tubes exposed to thereby create a manifold. In some embodiments, a potting material is used to reinforce the film. In a method aspect, a manifold may be formed by positioning first ends of the tubes in a manifold housing and welding a polymer film to the manifold housing and to distal tips of the tubes. Openings for the tubes are then formed in the film by directing heat towards the film which melts or vaporizes the film in the regions of the tube openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Richard O. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8567484
    Abstract: An exemplary heat dissipation device includes a heat sink and a fixing frame. The heat sink defines receiving depressions at an outer peripheral surface thereof. The fixing frame includes a peripheral side plate encircling the heat sink, fixing legs extending downwards from the side plate, and an elastic member disposed on the side plate. Protruding members extend inwardly from the fixing legs. The heat sink is rotatably received in the fixing frame. When the heat sink is in an unlocked state, the protruding members align with the receiving depressions, respectively. When the heat sink is rotated to a locked state, the protruding members abut a bottom of the heat sink thereby limiting axial movement of the heat sink relative to the fixing frame and the elastic member is received in a corresponding receiving depression and limit rotation of the heat sink in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heng Liu, Jing Zhang
  • Patent number: 8561679
    Abstract: A heat exchanger (such as a radiator) that provides for a consistent tank-to-header joint location. The header generally includes a drafted wall that is movable adjacent to or within a tank and may include a curved fillet to maintain header alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Richardson Cooling Packages, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Richardson, Brian Meier
  • Patent number: 8561678
    Abstract: A heat exchanger (such as a radiator) that provides for a consistent tank-to-header joint location. The tank generally includes at least two indentations and at least one isolator having a base at least partially disposed in one of the indentations and a coupler extending from the base for coupling the tank to at least one other component of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Richardson Cooling Packages, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Richardson, Brian Meier
  • Patent number: 8550152
    Abstract: A metallic heat exchanger tube (1) with a tube wall (2) and with integrally formed ribs (3) which run around on the tube outside (21) and which have a rib foot (31), rib flanks (32) and a rib tip (33), the rib foot (31) projecting essentially radially from the tube wall (2), and the rib flanks (32) being provided with additional structural elements which are formed as material projections (4) arranged laterally on the rib flank (32), the material projections (4) having a plurality of boundary faces (41, 42), at least one of the boundary faces (42) of at least one material projection (4) being curved convexly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Wieland-Werke AG
    Inventors: Andreas Beutler, Jean El Hajal, Achim Gotterbarm, Ronald Lutz
  • Patent number: 8540011
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single shell-pass shell-and-tube heat exchanger with helical baffles, where within a single pitch, the helical baffles are separated into inner and outer parts along the radial direction of the shell. In the central portion of the inner space of the shell, an inner non-continuous helical form is employed; in other portion outside the central portion, doughnut shaped helical baffles with continuous curved surfaces are arranged to form an outer continuous helical baffle, and the outer helical baffles are arranged to surround the inner helical baffles. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a multiple shell-pass shell-and-tube heat exchanger with helical baffles, in which complete continuous helical baffles are provided in shell-sides other than the inner shell-pass, while non-continuous helical baffles or other flow guide means are employed in the inner shell-pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Xi'an Jiaotong University
    Inventors: Qiuwang Wang, Qiuyang Chen, Dongjie Zhang, Min Zeng, Yining Wu, Qiang Gao
  • Patent number: 8534346
    Abstract: A modular, water-to-air heat exchanger with flexible tubes is adjustable in length to conform to different size cooling coils and thus provides an inexpensive, retro-fittable run-around heat recovery for pre-existing air handling systems. The heat exchanger comprises multiple heat exchange tubes formed of flexible material in a shape that permits them to be lengthened or shortened by simply moving the headers toward or away from each other. Preferably, the tubes are formed of a flexible, non-resilient material such as copper, and are shaped in a serpentine or helical manner. In this way, the tubes can be drawn out to elongate the heat exchanger or compressed to shorten it, depending on the dimension of the cooling coil in the air handler. One convenient way to control the length of the flexible tubes is to support the headers on one or more adjustment bars, each having a threaded adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: ClimateCraft Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter P. Mecozzi
  • Patent number: 8499824
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly comprises a base having one or more slots, and further comprises one or more fins, each having an end configured for insertion into a respective one of the slots. Each fin end has a first surface that is configured for conformally engaging a first slot sidewall for good thermal conduction from the base into the fin, and has a second surface configured for cold welding to a second slot sidewall for good mechanical fastening of the fin to the base. The combined thermal bonding and cold-welding engagement are produced by pressing the fin ends of the fins into the base slots at a controlled pressing rate. Further, leading and/or trailing edges of the fins may be beveled to improve airflow directed edgewise across the fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Elektronische Bauelemente Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Hans Peter Peschl
  • Patent number: 8453720
    Abstract: A condensing type dryer uses a heat exchanger in which condensed water can be smoothly discharged through a water-discharging slot formed in a rear end portion of a rear cover of the heat exchanger. The water-discharging slot prevents an air flowing resistance which can be caused by condensed water pooling at the rear end portion of the rear cover. Also, leakage-preventing walls enhance the heat exchanging function by ensuring a uniform flow of cold external air through the heat changer. The leakage-preventing walls prevent external air from leaking around the lateral edges of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung-Ho Song, Jung-Geun Oh, Sang-Ik Lee, Yoon-Seob Eom, Han-Yong Jung, Sang-Hun Bae
  • Patent number: 8448693
    Abstract: A sealed thermal interface component minimizes or eliminates the exudation of fluids, such as silicone oils, while preserving the excellent thermal conductivity of silicon-based thermal pad materials and enhancing the conformability of the component. In an example embodiment, one or more thermal pads are formed of conformable thermal management material that may exude fluid under elevated temperatures or over time. Film encapsulates the thermal pad or pads, forming a sealed and partially evacuated thermal interface component. In one embodiment of the invention, the thermal pad or pads are formed of an elastomeric silicon-based thermally conductive material and the film is made of polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Lundell Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Lundell, Thomas L. Lundell
  • Patent number: 8443869
    Abstract: A condenser-type heat exchanger having a set of welded plates that together define fluid systems that interpenetrate each other, comprises at least two modules of welded plates. Each module presenting an independent cooling system (CF1, CF2), fluid (CF2) being preferably colder than fluid (CF1), and a connecting chamber that connects the two modules in series in the system of fluid to be condensed such that the direction in which the fluid to be condensed flows is reversed when it changes from one module to the next module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Vicarb
    Inventors: Michel Lavanchy, Jean-Pierre Concolato, Claude Roussel
  • Patent number: 8439102
    Abstract: A refractory brick assembly unit is provided, including a refractory brick member having an inner passageway extending therethrough from a first opening at an inlet end face to an opposed second opening at an outlet end face thereof. A vector tile is also included, having an annular portion that is coaxially arranged with respect to a longitudinal extension axis of the inner passageway of the refractory brick member positioned in a portion of the inner passageway of the refractory brick member and located proximate the second opening at the outlet end face thereof, and having a domed portion extending from a first surface of the annular portion at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal extension axis of the inner passageway of the refractory brick member so as to occlude at least a portion of the second opening of the refractory brick member at the outlet end face thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Blasch Precision Ceramics
    Inventors: Edwin L. Collins, III, Jeffrey J. Bolebruch, Nathaniel Teator
  • Patent number: 8424591
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tube sheet assembly for a waste heat boiler employed in a chemical process plant and which makes use of metal ferrules for protecting the inlets of the exchange tubes of the tube sheet. The tube sheet assembly includes at least one thermal insulator which is located inside an inlet opening of a tube sheet of the tube sheet assembly, and which covers a portion of a respective ferrule of the tube sheet assembly, thereby providing thermal insulation between the tube sheet and the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa (Pty) Ltd
    Inventors: Edgar Noel Creed, Patrick Otto Taylor
  • Patent number: 8408285
    Abstract: A heat dissipation apparatus includes fins each including a body and blades extending radially outwardly from the body. The blades define cutouts therebetween. The fins are stacked together in such a manner that the cutouts of the fins cooperatively form airflow guiding channels each extending spirally from top to bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhi-Sheng Lian, Gen-Ping Deng
  • Patent number: 8408281
    Abstract: A pulsed-jet active flowfield control actuation system enhances the rate of heat transfer and heat removal in a heat exchanger for better management of thermal loads. The pulsed jet actuators impart an unsteady component of velocity to the working fluid of the heat exchanger. This design increases the convective heat transfer, and avoids increases in heat exchanger volume and weight for a given performance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Hamstra, Daniel N. Miller, Kerry B. Ginn
  • Patent number: 8403031
    Abstract: A heat transmission unit includes a channel conducting a coolant, and a channel conducting a fluid to be cooled. The two channels are separated from each other by a wall provided with ribs extending therefrom into at least one of the two channels. The channel conducting the fluid to be cooled includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The channel is separated by a partition wall, arranged in flow direction, into a first and a second partial channel having a first partial inlet for fluid and a second partial inlet for fluid, and a first partial outlet for fluid and a second partial outlet for fluid. At least the first partial inlet for fluid is adapted to be shut off by a first shut-off device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Pierburg GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Ulrich Kühnel, Dieter Jelinek, Peter Heuer, Dieter Thonnessen
  • Patent number: 8403030
    Abstract: A cooling manifold and a method for manufacturing the cooling manifold are provided. The cooling manifold includes a housing that defines an interior region having a serpentine flow path therein. The housing has a first plurality of grooves extending from a first surface of the housing into the housing. The grooves do not fluidly communicate with the interior region. The first plurality of grooves receive a portion of a thermally conductive member therein to conduct heat energy from the thermally conductive member to the housing. The cooling manifold further includes a top cap configured to seal a first end of the housing and a bottom cap configured to seal a second end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventor: Josh Payne