Patents by Inventor Charles F. Kutscher

Charles F. Kutscher has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6378605
    Abstract: The heat exchanger includes a fin and tube assembly with increased heat transfer surface area positioned within a hollow chamber of a housing to provide effective heat transfer between a gas flowing within the hollow chamber and a fluid flowing in the fin and tube assembly. A fan is included to force a gas, such as air, to flow through the hollow chamber and through the fin and tube assembly. The fin and tube assembly comprises fluid conduits to direct the fluid through the heat exchanger, to prevent mixing with the gas, and to provide a heat transfer surface or pathway between the fluid and the gas. A heat transfer element is provided in the fin and tube assembly to provide extended heat transfer surfaces for the fluid conduits. The heat transfer element is corrugated to form fins between alternating ridges and grooves that define flow channels for directing the gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Charles F. Kutscher, Keith Gawlik
  • Patent number: 5692491
    Abstract: An unglazed transpired solar collector using solar radiation to heat incoming air for distribution, comprising an unglazed absorber formed of low thermal-conductance material having a front surface for receiving the solar radiation and openings in the unglazed absorber for passage of the incoming air such that the incoming air is heated as it passes towards the front surface of the absorber and the heated air passes through the openings in the absorber for distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Craig B. Christensen, Charles F. Kutscher, Keith M. Gawlik