Patents Examined by Mark Shulman
  • Patent number: 6868689
    Abstract: A condensate drain pan comprises a compound-sloped floor surface having intersecting sloped faces which slope from a high point to a low point. The intersecting sloped faces form creases therebetween to facilitate condensate elimination, and the floor surface includes condensate directing embossments which further facilitate condensate elimination. The condensate drains to a drain opening at the low point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Buffalo Air Handling Company
    Inventors: Donald A. McNeil, James M. Wakefield, James C. Land
  • Patent number: 6786059
    Abstract: Water is used as a refrigerant, and a humidification cooler (41) which evaporates the water to generate cold heat and a dehumidifier (42) are provided. A compressor (50) which compresses water vapor separated by the dehumidifier (42) is provided. A moisture discharging device (60) which discharges water vapor compressed in the compressor (50) is provided. The compressor (50) is driven by a steam turbine (80) capable of generating rotational power from thermal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-cheng Piao, Manabu Yoshimi, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Yuji Watanabe, Kazuo Yonemoto
  • Patent number: 6748752
    Abstract: An aqua-ammonia absorption cooling and/or heating system actively controls the flow of weak liquor from the generator to the absorber, using one or more valves operated in response to weak liquor temperature, and/or pressure and/or concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventors: Paul Sarkisian, Lance Kirol, Uwe Rockenfeller
  • Patent number: 6739138
    Abstract: A heating and cooling apparatus to be applied to an object to control the temperature of the object. A number of thermoelectric modules are adapted to be positioned in contact with the object in a pattern. A voltage source is adapted to apply a voltage to the thermoelectric modules to cause a temperature change in each thermoelectric module so as to control the temperature of the object in accordance with the pattern and with the voltage applied to thermoelectric modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: John Saunders, Jamey D. Jacob, Dayong Gao, Michel A. Myers
  • Patent number: 6735966
    Abstract: A method for automatically controlling an air conditioning device includes determining vehicle interior and exterior temperatures, and supplying a mixture of fresh air and circulating air to the air conditioning device in a hot start when the interior temperature exceeds the exterior temperature. An air conditioning device for a motor vehicle includes a hot start mode and a normal mode. In the hot start mode when the vehicle interior temperature exceeds the vehicle exterior temperature, a mixture of fresh air and circulating air is supplied to the air conditioning device. The air conditioning device operates in the normal mode when the vehicle exterior temperature exceeds the vehicle interior temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Andreas Lissner, Markus Schoellhorn, Wolfgang Straub
  • Patent number: 6710220
    Abstract: A formulation effective in reducing the pH in a menstruating vagina or in a tampon inserted therein to below pH 5.5, comprising (a) 3-80% by weight of a solid organic acid polymer; (b) 92-15% by weight of a solid organic acid, and (c) 5-30% of a wetting agent. Also disclosed is a delivery system for releasing an active agent comprising: (a) a deposition comprising the active agent; and (b) a polymeric support on which the deposition is deposited. The delivery system is especially useful in a catamenial tampon for insertion in a human vagina which comprises (a) an inner core comprising an absorbent material; (b) an outer layer comprising a liquid permeable material; and (c) the delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Hi-Gienic Ltd.
    Inventors: Ram Kluger, Simon Benita, Theodor Stern
  • Patent number: 6708520
    Abstract: The scroll compressor includes a scroll compression mechanism portion in combination of an orbiting scroll and a fixed scroll, a frame for supporting the compression portion, a rotary shaft fitted in the orbiting scroll, a motor portion coupled to the rotary shaft, and a hermetic chamber incorporating the above-mentioned components. Windings of a stator of a motor in the motor portion are formed of aluminum wires which are coated with fluororesin compound, that is, the aluminum wires are coated with fluororesin and is molded with a resin material. Ammonia group refrigerant is used in the scroll compressor. Further, a refrigerating system using the above-mentioned scroll compressor, is incorporated therein with a circuit for injecting ammonia group refrigerant into a compression room in the compression mechanism portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi Ltd. trustee for the benefit of Hitachi Air Conditioning Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Yasunori, Kenji Tojo, Mutsunori Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 6701739
    Abstract: A modular refrigeration system having an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and expansion device fluidly connected by a plurality of conduits. The modular refrigeration system includes an integral base plate to which the evaporator, condenser, expansion device, and compressor are mounted. A compressor mount is formed in the base plate and includes at least one integrally formed stud extending from the base plate. The compressor has at least one mounting flange in which the stud is received. A fastener is affixed to the stud to secure the compressor to the base plate. A drain pan is formed in the base plate beneath the compressor to collect condensate. A drain basin is located beneath the evaporator and is fluidly connected to the drain pan via a trough. Condensate from the evaporator drains to the drain pan where it is evaporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Robert L. Morse
  • Patent number: 6701726
    Abstract: Data points are determined for an absorption chiller system which relate a position of the capacity valve to the heat input into the system. A continuous curve is determined which estimates the relationship between the position of the capacity valve and the heat input for all of the data points and all the points in between. The slope of this curve is the valve gain. The error for the system is defined as the difference between the setpoint and the leaving chilled water temperature. The leaving chilled water temperature of the system is measured to determine the actual error for the system, after which a linearizing gain derived as a function of the inverse of the valve gain is used in the system control algorithm to linearize the overall valve gain, thereby eliminating capacity valve hunting and producing an improved transient response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Kolk, David M. Martini
  • Patent number: 6698235
    Abstract: A refrigerant cycle system includes a condenser having a condensation portion for condensing refrigerant discharged from a compressor, and a receiver for separating refrigerant from the condensation portion into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and for storing the liquid refrigerant. In this system, refrigerant from the condensation portion flows into the receiver through a first communication hole, and liquid refrigerant in the receiver is discharged through a second communication hole in which a pressure loss is generated. Further, gas refrigerant at an upper side in the receiver is discharged to a downstream side of the second communication hole through a gas bypass pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuji Nobuta, Ryouichi Sanada, Satoshi Sumiya
  • Patent number: 6694640
    Abstract: A calender, a system, and a method of regulating the humidity in a calender. The calender includes a housing having at least two side pieces and a roll stack located at least partially between the side pieces, wherein a space is formed by the roll stack and the web between the side pieces, and a fan positioned to blow dry air into the space. The system is for regulating the humidity in a calender, the calender being used to treat a moisture-containing material web and including a housing having at least two side walls and a roll stack, the calender defining a space bounded at least by the roll stack, the web, and the at least two side walls, and includes a device for reducing the humidity of the space, wherein the humidity level in the space is reduced to a level which is below a saturation point. The method includes reducing the humidity of the space, wherein the humidity level in the space is reduced to a level which is below a saturation point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Kayser
  • Patent number: 6681596
    Abstract: A dryer for a refrigerant circuit of a refrigerator includes a housing with a first and a second passage orifice. The cross-section of the first passage orifice includes a circular main portion, which is provided for receiving an evacuating line, and a lateral bulge, which is provided for receiving a capillary tube. A method for mounting the dryer is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kentner, Helmut Steichele
  • Patent number: 6679083
    Abstract: A sorber comprised of at least three concentric coils of tubing contained in a shell with a flow path for liquid sorbent in one direction, a flow path for heat transfer fluid which is in counter-current heat exchange relationship with sorbent flow, a sorbate vapor port in communication with at least one of sorbent inlet or exit ports, wherein each coil is coiled in opposite direction to those coils adjoining it, whereby the opposed slant tube configuration is achieved, with structure for flow modification in the core space inside the innermost coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Donald C. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6672103
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high power density sorption heat store, preferably for storing low-temperature heat, and is characterized in that a tube jacket 2 is provided with tube bottoms 3, 3′, and with heat exchange tubes 4, which penetrate the sorption layer 5 between the carrier floors 6, 6′; the mat layers 9, 9′ are in each case located in between; the tube jacket 2 essentially is enclosed by a working fluid tank 10 comprising the working fluid lines 11, 11′ including the valves 12, 12′, which in turn are in connection with the mat layers 9, 9′; and the dip tank 13, in the bottom area, comprises the passage 16; and heat exchange tubes 4 are proportionally equipped with ribs 27, and are loosely guided through openings 29 of the carrier floor 6′ and through the mat layer 9′ but are fixedly connected with the tube bottoms 3, 3′; and the ribs 27 are enclosed by a finely perforated network 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Helmut Stach, Peter Muenn, Bernd Fuesting, Hartmut Welke
  • Patent number: 6672100
    Abstract: In this porous part producing method, a head part (11A, 11B) in the interior of a compressor, which is a sintered part, is subjected at least to vacuum substitution or heat blow cleaning, whereby after oils causing contamination and/sludge, such as rust-preventive oil, in the head part (11A, 11B) in the interior of the compressor is discharged therefrom, the head part (11A, 11B) is immersed in alkyl benzene type oil serving as refrigerator oil. Thereby, deterioration-inducing substances in the head part (11A, 11B) in the interior of the compressor is replaced with the refrigerator oil; thus, it is possible to produce a porous part which will not bring about contamination and/or sludge even if used as a component for refrigerators for a long time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeharu Taira, Atsushi Endou
  • Patent number: 6666037
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to enable heat sources to be surely utilized in accordance with order of priorities and to prevent a overshooting of a temperature of cold water supplied from an evaporator even when a load is immediately changed. A flow of exhaust hot water supplied from a low-temperature heat source supply pipe to a low-temperature water regenerator is forcibly controlled to be the maximum. In such a state, when the cold water temperature measured by a temperature sensor becomes lower than a primary setting value of 7° C., the flow of exhaust hot water supplied from the low-temperature heat source supply pipe to the low-temperature water regenerator is controlled by starting again a PID control using 6° C. lower than the primary setting value of 7° C. as reference. Moreover, a flow of exhaust gas supplied from a high-temperature heat source supply pipe to a high-temperature regenerator is forcibly controlled to be zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Air Conditioning Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hoshino, Masahiro Furukawa
  • Patent number: 6658883
    Abstract: The present invention teaches systems and methods for improving the thermal efficiency of an existing refrigeration system having a heat exchanger comprising: an enclosure having side walls for enclosing at least a portion of the heat exchanger and being removably attached to the existing refrigeration system; a venting system for flowing cooling air within proximity with the heat exchanger and releasing the cooling air to an outside environment in order to increase a release of heat from the heat exchanger, wherein the enclosure is operable for reducing heating of an inside environment by the existing refrigeration system, or by functionally channelling the heat so it increases heat when desirable while minimizing the impact to refrigeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sun-RG
    Inventor: John Rainbolt
  • Patent number: 6658871
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying condensate from the heat exchanger of a vehicle's air conditioning system after operation in order to thwart odor buildup is provided. The apparatus and method operate regardless of whether the system's blower control circuit is positively or negatively switched. The apparatus includes relays that bypass the normal operating electrical routing to the air conditioning system's blower motor to operate the blower directly. The method comprises determining that the engine of the vehicle has been switched off and that the air conditioning system of the vehicle was in operation prior to the engine being switched off. If the conditions are met, the air conditioning system's blower is operated on a predetermined time schedule to circulate air in the air conditioning system to dry condensate therefrom. In this way, growth of odor-causing fungus and bacteria is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: AirSept, Inc.
    Inventor: Myron Stein
  • Patent number: 6658879
    Abstract: A direct cooling type refrigerator includes: a main body with a certain space for keeping food items; a freezing chamber formed at an upper portion of the main body and keeping frozen food items; a refrigerating chamber sectioned by a barrier with the freezing chamber, formed at a lower portion of the main body and keeping refrigerated food items; a freezing chamber evaporator buried in a side wall of the freezing chamber and directly heat-exchanged with air inside the freezing chamber; and a refrigerating chamber evaporator buried in a side wall of the refrigerating chamber and directly heat-exchanged with air inside the refrigerating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jin-Koo Park, Yang-Kyu Kim, Se-Young Kim
  • Patent number: 6655173
    Abstract: An evaporator for a refrigerating system which prevents droplets of refrigerant from blowing upwards, and a refrigeration apparatus using thereof are provided. The evaporator for a refrigerating system includes a container into which the refrigerant is introduced, and heat exchanger tubes disposed in the container through which a cooled object flows. The evaporator further includes a prevention plate disposed above the heat exchanger tubes so that droplets of the refrigerant, which are blown upwards due to a boiling of the refrigerant, hit the prevention plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichiro Iritani, Akihiro Kawada, Yoshinori Shirakata, Wataru Seki, Koji Hirokawa