Patents Examined by Malik N. Drake
  • Pulse tube refrigeration system having ride-through
    Patent number: 6560969
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a ridethrough reserve for a pulse tube refrigerator (PTR) (12) includes a pressurized tank (42) containing a fluid used to provide fluid pressure and auxiliary power to a PTR (12) during an electrical power supply failure. A pressure regulation valve (pressure valve) (44) releases the fluid from the pressurized tank (42) into the PTR (12). A power regulation valve (power valve) releases from the pressurized tank (12) a driving gas volume for driving a pneumatic motor (46). The pneumatic motor (46) in turn drives a rotary valve (22) of the PTR (12). A release valve (50) releases fluid from the PTR (12) so as to lower the fluid pressure to a predetermined pressure range and enable fluid oscillation in the PTR (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology, Co., LLC
    Inventor: Phillip William Eckels
  • Separation of hydrogen-hydrocarbon gas mixtures using closed-loop gas expander refrigeration
    Patent number: 6560989
    Abstract: A method for the recovery of hydrogen and one or more hydrocarbons having one or more carbon atoms from a feed gas containing hydrogen and the one or more hydrocarbons, which process comprises cooling and partially condensing the feed gas to provide a partially condensed feed; separating the partially condensed feed to provide a first liquid stream enriched in the one or more hydrocarbons and a first vapor stream enriched in hydrogen; further cooling and partially condensing the first vapor stream to provide an intermediate two-phase stream; and separating the intermediate two-phase stream to yield a further-enriched hydrogen stream and a hydrogen-depleted residual hydrocarbon stream. Some or all of the cooling is provided by indirect heat exchange with cold gas refrigerant generated in a closed-loop gas expander refrigeration cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Julian Roberts, Christopher Francis Harris, Christopher Michael Ott, Howard Charles Rowles, Daniel Lewis Longhurst, Brian Alfred McNeil
  • Non-hydrocarbon ultra-low temperature system for a refrigeration system
    Patent number: 6557358
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-hydrocarbon design of ultra-low temperature refrigeration systems, which are particularly suited a non-hydrocarbon ultra-low temperature refrigeration system that can safely be transported and applied in the field as needed without the risks associated with hydrocarbon ultra-low temperature refrigeration system are disclosed. An application of the non-hydrocarbon design of ultra-low temperature refrigeration system method and apparatus to freezers and the like is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chuan Weng, Allan Kelly
  • Fluid conduit with enhanced thermal conducting ability
    Patent number: 6557352
    Abstract: A fluid conduit includes a hollow inner tube which is made of a heat-conducting material and which confines a first chamber, and a hollow outer tube which is made of a heat-conducting material, which is disposed concentrically around the inner tube, and which cooperates with the inner tube to form a second chamber. One of the first and second chambers is adapted to permit passage of fluid therethrough. The other one of the first and second chambers has opposing closed ends, and is filled with a superconductor material so as to provide the fluid conduit with an enhanced thermal conducting ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Kuang Luo
  • Cryogenic tunnel for chilling products, especially food products
    Patent number: 6553781
    Abstract: Cryogenic tunnel for chilling products, especially food products, comprising a horizontal conveyor belt (1) for products and means for blowing a cold gas thereover and for limiting the escape of cold gas from the tunnel and/or the admission of external gas into the tunnel. The tunnel comprises at least one fan (2) placed above the conveyor belt, the blades of which extend transversely with respect to the belt over virtually the entire width thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Robert Taylor
  • Carcass chilling process and apparatus
    Patent number: 6550267
    Abstract: A method for chilling an animal carcass comprises spraying the outer surface of the carcass with a liquid, preferably water, which will freeze on the outer surface of the carcass to form a solid shell to prevent moisture loss from the carcass. Preferably, the liquid is sprayed onto the outer surfaces of the carcass at a critical point in the chilling process at which the outer surface of the carcass reaches a temperature close to the freezing point of the liquid. The liquid is preferably sprayed onto the carcass within a spray cabinet which is preferably positioned along a conveyor line in a refrigeration chamber through which the carcass is conveyed. The spray cabinet comprises heated side walls which maintain a temperature inside the cabinet greater than the freezing point of the liquid, which is sprayed onto the carcass by a plurality of nozzles located within the spray cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Maxwell, Ross H. Maxwell, Andrew M. Butler, George J. Chamberlain
  • Stirling refrigeration system with a thermosiphon heat exchanger
    Patent number: 6550255
    Abstract: An enclosure for a refrigerated space. The enclosure may include a thermosiphon and a Stirling cooler. The thermosiphon may include a condenser end and an evaporator end. The ends may be connected by a small diameter pipe and a large diameter pipe. The Stirling cooler may drive the thermosiphon to cool the refrigerated space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignees: The Coca-Cola Company, Global Cooling BV
    Inventors: Arthur G. Rudick, David M. Berchowitz
  • Batch distillation
    Patent number: 6550274
    Abstract: An improved process and apparatus used to perform the process for batch distillation of a multi-component mixture containing three or more components is provided. The process and apparatus uses at least three distillation zones. For a time period during distillation operation, the component of intermediate volatility is collected along with the collection of either the volatile component and/or the heavy component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Rakesh Agrawal
  • Cooling air supplying device in refrigerator
    Patent number: 6543249
    Abstract: A cooling air supplying device of a refrigerator is provided. According to the cooling air supplying device, it is possible to supply cooling air to the respective cells divided by shelves of a chilling chamber, to thus impartially supply the cooling air to the chilling chamber. Accordingly, it is possible to uniformly maintain the spread of temperature of the chilling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Bae Kim, Young Seok Choi, Byung Gyu Kang
  • Refrigeration system and method of operation therefor
    Patent number: 6539732
    Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a compressor for increasing a temperature and a pressure of a refrigerant vapor, a condenser fluidly coupled to the compressor for condensing the refrigerant vapor, an expansion device for decreasing the temperature and pressure of a refrigerant liquid, and an evaporator fluidly coupled to the expansion device for evaporating the refrigerant liquid by transferring thermal energy between the refrigerant liquid and a second fluid. The refrigeration system also comprises a heat exchanger having a first flow path fluidly coupled to the compressor and the evaporator and a second flow path fluidly coupled to the condenser and the expansion valve. The heat exchanger is adapted to superheat the refrigerant vapor in the first flow path and subcool the refrigerant liquid in the second flow path by transferring thermal energy between the refrigerant in the first and second flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: E-Pak Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian E. Guckin
  • Food freezing system
    Patent number: 6532752
    Abstract: A food freezing system wherein refrigeration is generated by compressing, cooling and then expanding a defined multicomponent refrigerant mixture, which, after providing refrigeration to the food, is warmed against itself to effect the cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bayram Arman, Dante Patrick Bonaquist, Arthur Edward Holmer, Raymond Paul Roberge
  • Method and system for densifying cryogenic propellants
    Patent number: 6532750
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for densifying liquids, specifically the densification of cryogenic propellants. A preferred system of the present invention subcools and densifies liquid propellants by utilizing a countercurrent gas or liquid flow. The countercurrent flow preferably utilizes a gas having a lower boiling point than the propellants. A packed tower may then be used, at or above atmospheric pressure, to introduce the countercurrent flow to the propellant. This methodology avoids the costs and problems associated with subatmospheric operation. A preferred embodiment is directed toward the densification of liquid oxygen, with a similar embodiment directed toward the simultaneous densification of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. Systems and methods of the present invention may also be used to densify other liquids in similar fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: PHPK Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Charles B. Hood
  • Cryogenic neon refrigeration system
    Patent number: 6523366
    Abstract: A system for generating low temperature refrigeration for use such as cooling superconducting cable wherein a neon based refrigerant fluid is work expanded by a sealed turboexpander/loader to generate refrigeration which is used to cool heat transfer fluid for provision to the use point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dante Patrick Bonaquist, Jalal Zia, Nancy Jean Lynch, Michael John Stanko
  • Hydrogen-based ecosystem
    Patent number: 6519951
    Abstract: A complete infrastructure system for the generation, storage, transportation, and delivery of hydrogen which makes a hydrogen ecosystem possible. The infrastructure system utilizes high capacity, low cost, light weight thermal hydrogen storage alloy materials having fast kinetics. Also, a novel hydrogen storage bed design which includes a support/heat-transfer component which is made from a highly porous, high thermal conductivity, solid material such as a high thermal conductivity graphitic foam. Finally a material including at least one particle having atomically engineered local chemical and electronic environments, characterized in that the local environments providing bulk nucleation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rosa T. Young
  • Method of storing a gas
    Patent number: 6516619
    Abstract: A method of storing a gas comprises absorbing a gas into or onto an absorbent medium, in one example by cryosorbing the gas. The cryosorbed gas is then encapsulated. Encapsulating the cryosorbed gas increases the temperature at which the absorbent medium can be kept before the cryosorbed gas is released. The encapsulation layer can be provided by freezing a material that has a lower vapour pressure than the gas. One suitable material for forming the encapsulation layer in this way is water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Roy Clampitt
  • Two-stage refrigeration system
    Patent number: 6516626
    Abstract: A two-stage refrigeration system includes an intermediate slurry tank for receiving and storing a refrigerant vapor and a slurry of solid sublimatable refrigerant particles in a liquid. The intermediate slurry tank has a first outlet for outflow of the slurry from the tank, a second outlet for outflow of the refrigerant vapor, a first inlet for receiving at least the liquid, and a second inlet for receiving the refrigerant. The refrigeration system also includes a compression system having a first low pressure inlet and second intermediate pressure inlet, and having a high pressure outlet. A conduit connects the second outlet of the intermediate slurry tank to the intermediate pressure inlet of the compression system so as to compress the vapor with less energy than would be needed to compress low pressure refrigerant vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Grant Escobar, Jon Almon Hocker, Håkan Ohlsson, John Richard Strong
  • Method and arrangement for evaluating effective flow resistance of patient breathing circuit
    Patent number: 6510851
    Abstract: In a method and arrangement for evaluating effective flow resistance of a patient breathing circuit connected to a mechanical breathing assist device, a flow controller is operable to temporarily introduce an occlusion to the gas flow within the breathing circuit at a time after the end of an inspiration phase of a breathing cycle provided by the breathing assist device. A sensor unit 34 has a flow sensor for measuring gas flow within the circuit and a pressure sensor for measuring gas pressures within the circuit. An evaluating unit receives measurements from the sensor unit, to determine for a measured gas flow a value of a pressure drop within the breathing circuit after the introduction of the occlusion, and establishes a relationship between the calculated pressure drop and the measured gas flow, such as based on the known Blasius formula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens-Elema AB
    Inventors: Göran Rydin, Christer Ström, Johan Bennarsten
  • Separation of purified water and nutrients from agricultural and farm wastes
    Patent number: 6508078
    Abstract: Methods and systems for separation of purified water and nutrients from organic waste. Separated purified water can be used as fresh water in agricultural and farm operations, and nutrients can be converted to fertilizers. Treated organic waste includes complex organic waste with settleable and nonsettleable material that has not been subjected to a conventional lagoon primary treatment. These methodology eliminates the need for land application of residual waste stream and it comprises operations such as controlled freezing and thawing, and optionally evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Crystal Peak Farms
    Inventor: Larry P. Sower
  • Gas absorption and release apparatus and method of controlling the apparatus
    Patent number: 6508063
    Abstract: Pressure detection means are provided to detect a gas pressure in a gas absorption and release container. A judgment portion judges the limit of gas absorption and release on the basis of comparison between the gas pressure detected by the pressure detection means and a setting pressure predetermined in a setting portion. A control portion sends out a control signal to a heat medium means, a gas supply means and a gas transportation means on the basis of the result of the judgment to thereby switch over the operation between gas absorption and gas release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Sato
  • Hot water supply system with heat pump cycle
    Patent number: 6508073
    Abstract: In a hot water supply system with a heat pump cycle, an oil separator for separating refrigerant and oil flowing from a compressor from each other is provided, and oil separated from refrigerant in the oil separator returns to the compressor through an oil returning passage after passing through an oil passage of a water heat exchanger. The water heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanging portion in which refrigerant from the oil separator and water from a tank are heat-exchanged, and a second heat exchanging portion in which oil from the oil separator and water from the tank are heat-exchanged. In the heat exchanger, a flow direction of water is set opposite to that of refrigerant and oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignees: DENSO Corporation, Tokyo Electric Power Company, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry
    Inventors: Shinya Noro, Hisayoshi Sakakibara, Tomoaki Kobayakawa, Kazutoshi Kusakari, Michiyuki Saikawa