Patents Examined by Phillip E Decker
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Patent number: 9897335Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus is fixed with respect to a ceiling, and includes an indoor unit casing having an air inlet and plural air outlets, plural airflow direction adjusting plates disposed in the air outlets, and an airflow direction adjusting control unit to independently adjust rotational states of the adjusting plates in order to adjust the airflow direction of conditioned air blown out from the air outlets. The control unit causes an entire body of at least one of the adjusting plates to be positioned inside a corresponding one of the air outlets in an air volume reducing state to reduce volume through the air outlet or a suppressing state to suppress flow from the air outlet toward an opposite side relative to an air inlet side.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiteru Nouchi
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Patent number: 9877928Abstract: An air damper assembly for regulating an air flow includes a frame, a plurality of elongated damper blade rotatably mounted to the frame, and a drive mechanism for actuating the damper blades between open and closed positions. The drive mechanism includes a gear fixedly secured to a distal end of each of the damper blades and an elongated rack slidably coupled to the frame. The rack meshingly engages the gears such that linear movement of the rack in a first linear direction results in rotational movement of the damper blades in a first rotational direction and linear movement of the rack in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction results in rotational movement of the damper blades in a second, rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Air Systems, Inc.Inventors: Barton Tinsley, Charles Shepard
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Patent number: 9851110Abstract: A method of controlling a heating system includes: obtaining, from a power supply source, information specifying an output modulation period during which power consumption by a heat pump unit is to be reduced; and controlling, based on the information obtained in the obtaining, an amount of heat generated by the heat pump unit. In the controlling, the heat pump unit is caused to generate a first amount of heat per unit time in a period other than the output modulation period, and generate a second amount of heat per unit time during the output modulation period, the second amount of heat being less than the first amount of heat.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Gaku Hayashida, Shinichi Takasaki
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Patent number: 9849753Abstract: A heating system for a vehicle having a power plant with a power plant coolant loop, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The heating system may include a HVAC module and a heater core coolant loop. The HVAC module includes a heater core. The heater core coolant loop includes a three-way valve having an inlet engaging the heater core for receiving a coolant, a first outlet that directs the coolant back into the heater core coolant loop, and a second outlet that directs the coolant into the power plant; a coolant pump for pumping the coolant through the heater core coolant loop; and a coolant heater located upstream of the heater core that selectively heats coolant flowing therethrough. Also, a coolant line receives the coolant from a heater core outlet of the power plant and directs the coolant into the heater core coolant loop.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew J. Martinchick, Mark D. Nemesh, Sowmyalatha Jayaraman
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Patent number: 9845805Abstract: Dual operation centrifugal fan apparatus and methods of operating same that may be used, for example, to cool the internal heat-generating components of an information handling system or other device. The dual operation centrifugal fan apparatus may be implemented in one embodiment as a self-cleaning blower apparatus that is operated in a first normal cooling direction to dissipate heat from internal components of an information handling system, and operated in second cleaning direction to reverse airflow and expel accumulated dust from the interior of the information handling system.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.Inventors: Gurmeet Bhutani, Cheng-Kuo Wang, Hung-Pin Chien, Li-Chung Liu, Tien Hsiang Wu
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Patent number: 9829207Abstract: A device for realizing a cooling effect in a space comprises: a housing with a heat-conducting wall, which housing bounds a chamber through which air can flow; an air inlet which connects to the chamber and to said place, —an air outlet connecting to the chamber; air transport means for transporting air from the air inlet via the chamber to the air outlet; and moistening means for moistening the inner surface of the wall; this such that air supplied by the air transport means is introduced into the chamber via the air inlet, passes along the moistened inner surface of the wall in the chamber and is discharged from the chamber via the air outlet, whereby the water present on the inner surface of the heat-conducting wall evaporates and is entrained by the air flowing by, and the wall is cooled.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2010Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Lux et Libertas B.V.Inventor: Matthijs Dirk Meulenbelt
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Patent number: 9810449Abstract: A method controls an air handler that generates heated air from hot water generated by a water heater. The method includes generating a signal in the presence or absence of an indicia of water flow associated with the water heater; initiating operation of a pump associated with the air handler when the signal indicates that water flow associated with the water heater is at least at a selected level to supply hot water to the air handler sufficient to generate heated air; and/or terminating operation of the pump and/or a blower/fan associated with the air handler when the presence or absence signal indicates that the water flow associated with the water heater is less than the selected level.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Rinnai America CorporationInventors: James York, Hugh L. Allen-Magande
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Patent number: 9791166Abstract: An air handler that provides for noise reduction without reducing the pressure of air supplied to a space below minimum levels. The air handler includes a plenum, which forms a passageway for air through the air handler; the plenum having a return side and a supply side, a fan positioned in the plenum to move air through the plenum, the fan having a suction side and a pressure side, and a conditioning apparatus in the plenum for conditioning air passing through the plenum. The air handler further includes a sound-attenuating panel, which has a first side and an opposed second side and is positioned in the plenum so that the panel extends at least partially across the plenum. The panel is configured and positioned to interact with the flow of air in the plenum to attenuate sound. The fan provides a pressure boost to air flowing through the plenum to counteract a pressure drop resulting from interaction between the air and the panel in the plenum and the conditioning apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2008Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Melanie H. Rainey, David L. Lawson, Carl J. Shell, Chris C. Hord
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Patent number: 9791161Abstract: Provided is a local clean zone forming apparatus which has an excellent operability and can provide an excellent clean air space without restricting the installation location or the purpose of an operation. In the local clean zone forming apparatus, a pair of push hoods having air blowing surfaces between which an airflow alignment mechanism is formed to form uniform airflows, are disposed so that the uniform airflows discharged from the push hoods are opposite to and collide with each other in a positional relationship wherein the air blowing surfaces are parallel to each other, and the centers of the air blowing surfaces are not directly opposite to each other; and the uniform airflows are obliquely discharged at an angle with respect to the air blowing surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Koken Ltd.Inventors: Yuki Fujishiro, Kozo Nitta, Yuji Kubota
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Patent number: 9765980Abstract: Biosafety units, methods of making, and sealing the same are disclosed herein. The units comprise at least one controlled air, sealable, sterilizable cleanroom; and a mechanical system room adjacent to the cleanroom comprising: at least two air handling units in a support room adjacent the cleanroom that provide redundant air to the cleanroom with at least Class 100,000 air purity, the air handling units connected to a one or more supply ducts to the cleanroom, and an exhaust duct in communication with the cleanroom and the air handling unit exhaust, wherein a pressure gradient is formed between the cleanroom and the exterior of the structure; and at least two power supplies that provide redundant power to electrical outlets in the cleanroom, wherein the at least two power supplies are connectable to one or more external power sources and the structure is pre-validatable or validated for pharmaceutical manufacturing.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: G-CON MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: R. Barry Holtz, Troy Arledge, Philip B. Maples, David M. Shanahan
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Patent number: 9758008Abstract: In an air conditioning system, a control unit controls an adjusting unit to adjust a ratio between an amount of a first part of introduced air passing through a heater core and an amount of a second part of the introduced air bypassing the heater core to a first ratio at which the amount of the first part of the introduced air decreases from a maximized amount of the first part of the introduced air according to an increase in temperature of the heater core by a warming unit. When a setting temperature for air conditioning is increased by an input unit, the control unit controls the adjusting unit to change the ratio from the first ratio to a second ratio at which the amount of the first part of the introduced air increases.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Hideki Hashigaya, Kensuke Momose
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Patent number: 9759444Abstract: An arrangement for ventilating a room contains a supply air duct arranged above an aisle region for delivering air into a room and, arranged above the supply air duct, an exhaust air duct for discharging exhaust air. The supply air duct contains two lateral air delivery portions which extend along the aisle region and each contain air outlet openings from which the supply air exits laterally. A substantially airtight central separating portion separates the first and the second air delivery portions from one another. The exhaust air duct contains two slot-like suction openings which extend substantially parallel to the supply air duct and are arranged in the ceiling such that there is formed on both sides of the aisle region a rolling air flow via which supply air heated in the region of work tables passes in a vertical direction into the region of the ceiling.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2011Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: H. Luedi + Co. AGInventor: Hansjürg Lüdi
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Patent number: 9752436Abstract: A tunnel ventilation system located in an upper section of a tunnel has a ventilation section divided into two or three ventilation ducts. One or more of the ducts are connected to reversible fan units so the ducts can serve as either an air infeed or an air exhaust system. The ducts contain a series of remotely controlled flaps which can be opened to ventilate different tunnel zones or closed to isolate other parts of the tunnel. Air blowers at tunnel entrances create an air screen that prevents unintended air circulation into the tunnel. Heat, smoke and other sensors and a software control system enable the system to detect smoke and fire, then to isolate and control ventilation in the fire zone. A fire suppression system using low oxygen air or other fire suppression fluids to blanket and smother the fire operates in conjunction with the ventilation system.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Inventors: Ivor Pavetic, Svibor Pavetic
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Patent number: 9746195Abstract: A ceiling mounted ventilation fan comprises a main housing including a first opening communicating with a duct and a second opening communicating with inside of a room, and a fan unit including a fan casing having an air inlet opened in the main housing, and the fan casing includes a first engagement part releasably engaged with the first opening of the main housing, and a second engagement part releasably engaged with an inner wall of the main housing, positioning of the fan casing in an installation position is achieved in a state that the first engagement part is engaged with the first opening and the second engagement part is engaged with the inner wall of the main housing, and a state of the engagement can visually be confirmed through the second opening in a state that the positioning is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignees: PANASONIC ECOLOGY SYSTEMS GUANGDONG CO., LTD., PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Decong Yang, Yannong Wu
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Patent number: 9730360Abstract: A shroud that includes a body, a cavity, a curved outlet, and at least one non-linear channel. The body can have a top end and a bottom surface, as well as a first end and a second end located opposite the first end. The cavity can be located under the top end of the body and disposed toward the first end. The curved outlet can be disposed toward the second end of the body and have a banana-shaped vent that traverses at least two sides of the body. Each linear channel can include a bent passage, a third end, and a fourth end, where the third end adjoins the cavity, and where the fourth end adjoins a portion of the banana-shaped vent of the curved outlet. The curved outlet and the at least one non-linear channel can prevent substantially all liquids and solids outside the body from entering the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Joseph Michael Manahan, Graig E. DeCarr, Hans D. Haselbacher
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Patent number: 9714602Abstract: A vehicle engine compartment airflow directing member for use with an airflow introducing and directing system includes a base portion and a bottom breather airflow directing portion. The base portion is configured to be secured to support rods provided in the vehicle engine compartment and to enclose a space disposed immediately rearward of the vehicle bumper beam. The bottom breather airflow directing portion extends from the base portion and narrows a bottom breather airflow path within the vehicle engine compartment while also preventing bottom breather airflow from recirculating to a position underneath the vehicle bumper beam.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michael W. Maurer, Michael R. Missig, Jason A. Widmer, Sukwon Kim, Karl Forster
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Patent number: 9711808Abstract: A heating system for optimizing execution of heating tasks in a fuel cell vehicle is disclosed, the system including a stack coolant loop with a fuel cell stack, a primary pump, and a radiator module. A bypass coolant loop is disposed parallel with and is connected to the stack coolant loop between the fuel cell stack and the radiator module. The bypass loop including a cabin heat exchanger and a coolant heater, along with a secondary pump for pumping coolant through the heaters when desired.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Sebastian Lienkamp, Remy Fontaine
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Patent number: 9702567Abstract: A heater having a combustion chamber. The heater includes a hopper and a chute extending from an outlet of the hopper to the combustion chamber. The heater includes a chute extending from the hopper to the combustion chamber, a screw extending through the chute into the hopper, and a drive connected to the screw for turning the screw in a direction in which the flight would, but for downward forces, lift the fuel. The heater has a vane rotatably attached to the screw that rotates downward along the screw in absence of upward forces counteracting gravity. The vane is cambered to produce upward forces when turning with the screw beneath an upper surface of the fuel. The vane is biased toward the upper surface of the fuel to level the upper surface of the fuel and prevent the fuel from rat holing and arching.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Inventor: William D. Owen
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Patent number: 9657632Abstract: A system for controlling an aerodynamic shutter of a vehicle includes an ambient temperature estimation module that determines an ambient temperature. A shutter control module that determines whether to actuate the shutter based on the ambient temperature. The shutter control module also determines a predetermined period before selectively applying a predetermined torque value to the shutter. The predetermined period is selected based on the ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Edward J. Abeska, David J. Verbrugge, Scott P. Charnesky, John C. Remy, Brian A. Macfarlane, John F. Larsen, David W. Turner
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Patent number: 9617006Abstract: The present invention relates to an emergency power system for an aircraft having at least one fuel cell unit for producing electric power, wherein the fuel cell unit is cooled via at least one cooling circuit which includes at least one heat exchanger, and wherein the heat exchanger is connected to at least one air distribution system of the aircraft cabin so that exhaust air heated by the heat exchanger in the operation of the emergency power system can be distributed via the air distribution system in the aircraft cabin.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbHInventors: Ralf Brugger, Jörn Frick, Jacques Herzog, Dirk Metzler