Patents by Inventor Der-Kai Hung

Der-Kai Hung 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).

  • Publication number: 20240044528
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a reheater, a first valve, a second heat exchanger, a four-way valve, a cap tube, and a blower. The compressor compresses a refrigerant. The blower moves air proximate the second heat exchanger to the reheater. During a cooling mode of operation, the four-way valve is configured to direct refrigerant from the first heat exchanger to the compressor; the compressor compresses the refrigerant received from the first heat exchanger; and the cap tube is configured to allow refrigerant to bypass the reheater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Der-Kai Hung, Lin Lan, Christopher John Drury
  • Patent number: 11885570
    Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second microchannel heat exchangers and first and second pipes. The first heat exchanger includes a first inlet, a second inlet, a first tube, a second tube, a first outlet, and a second outlet. Refrigerant at the first inlet is directed through the first tube to the first outlet and the first pipe. Refrigerant at the second inlet is directed through the second tube to the second outlet and the second pipe. The second heat exchanger includes a third inlet, a fourth inlet, a third tube, a fourth tube, a third outlet, and a fourth outlet. The third inlet directs refrigerant from the first pipe through the third tube towards the third outlet. The fourth inlet directs the refrigerant from the second pipe through the fourth tube towards the fourth outlet. The first pipe overlaps the second pipe between the two heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Vijaykumar Sathyamurthi, Der-Kai Hung, Hong Lin
  • Patent number: 11828486
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a reheater, a first valve, a second heat exchanger, a four-way valve, a cap tube, and a blower. The compressor compresses a refrigerant. The blower moves air proximate the second heat exchanger to the reheater. During a heating mode of operation, the four-way valve is configured to direct refrigerant from the compressor to the second heat exchanger; the second heat exchanger is configured to use the refrigerant from the compressor to heat air proximate the second heat exchanger; and the cap tube is configured to allow refrigerant to bypass the reheater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Der-Kai Hung, Lin Lan, Christopher John Drury
  • Publication number: 20230053380
    Abstract: A metering device may automatically control fluid flow through a valve. A control system may alter the automatic control of a metering device. In some implementations, a predetermined event may occur to alter the automatic control of the metering device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Eric Perez, Shawn Niemann, Colin Clara, Der-Kai Hung
  • Patent number: 11573038
    Abstract: A system comprising a compressor, a first valve coupled to the compressor and coupled to a first coil, a first expansion valve coupled to the first coil, a second coil, and a second expansion valve. The second expansion valve coupled to a third coil, a second valve coupled to the compressor and the third coil. A controller operable to operate the first valve, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, and the second valve. The second coil is coupled to the compressor and the refrigerant flows from the second coil to the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Der-Kai Hung
  • Patent number: 11512882
    Abstract: A metering device may automatically control fluid flow through a valve. A control system may alter the automatic control of a metering device. In some implementations, a predetermined event may occur to alter the automatic control of the metering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Perez, Shawn Niemann, Colin Clara, Der-Kai Hung
  • Patent number: 11493250
    Abstract: A system comprising a compressor, a first valve coupled to the compressor and to a first coil, a first expansion valve coupled to the first coil, and a second expansion valve. The second expansion valve coupled to a second coil. A second valve is coupled to the second coil and the compressor. A third valve is coupled to the compressor and a third coil. In response to receiving a heating demand that is below a threshold heating demand, a controller induces an artificial heating demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Der-Kai Hung
  • Publication number: 20220307755
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes an outdoor heat exchanger. A first indoor heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the outdoor heat exchanger and disposed in a first zone. A second indoor heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the outdoor heat exchanger and disposed in a second zone. A compressor is fluidly coupled to the outdoor heat exchanger, the first indoor heat exchanger, and the second indoor heat exchanger. A first circulation fan is positioned to circulate air around the first indoor heat exchanger and a second circulation fan is positioned to circulate air around the second indoor heat exchanger. A first zone controller is electrically coupled to the first indoor heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Ben HOBSON, Hongbing LIAN, Der-Kai HUNG, Steve MERSH, Lin LAN, Shahn MARKARIAN
  • Publication number: 20220282927
    Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second microchannel heat exchangers and first and second pipes. The first heat exchanger includes a first inlet, a second inlet, a first tube, a second tube, a first outlet, and a second outlet. Refrigerant at the first inlet is directed through the first tube to the first outlet and the first pipe. Refrigerant at the second inlet is directed through the second tube to the second outlet and the second pipe. The second heat exchanger includes a third inlet, a fourth inlet, a third tube, a fourth tube, a third outlet, and a fourth outlet. The third inlet directs refrigerant from the first pipe through the third tube towards the third outlet. The fourth inlet directs the refrigerant from the second pipe through the fourth tube towards the fourth outlet. The first pipe overlaps the second pipe between the two heat exchangers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Vijaykumar Sathyamurthi, Der-Kai Hung, Hong Lin
  • Patent number: 11397040
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes an outdoor heat exchanger. A first indoor heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the outdoor heat exchanger and disposed in a first zone. A second indoor heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the outdoor heat exchanger and disposed in a second zone. A compressor is fluidly coupled to the outdoor heat exchanger, the first indoor heat exchanger, and the second indoor heat exchanger. A first zone controller is electrically coupled to the first indoor heat exchanger. The first zone controller is configured to measure a temperature in the first zone, compare the measured temperature to a setpoint temperature of the first zone, and responsive to a difference between the measured temperature and the setpoint temperature, adjust a speed of a first circulation fan independent of the speed of a second circulation fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Ben Hobson, Hongbing Lian, Der-Kai Hung, Steve Mersh, Lin Lan, Shahn Markarian
  • Patent number: 11384987
    Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second microchannel heat exchangers and first and second pipes. The first heat exchanger includes a first inlet, a second inlet, a first tube, a second tube, a first outlet, and a second outlet. Refrigerant at the first inlet is directed through the first tube to the first outlet and the first pipe. Refrigerant at the second inlet is directed through the second tube to the second outlet and the second pipe. The second heat exchanger includes a third inlet, a fourth inlet, a third tube, a fourth tube, a third outlet, and a fourth outlet. The third inlet directs refrigerant from the first pipe through the third tube towards the third outlet. The fourth inlet directs the refrigerant from the second pipe through the fourth tube towards the fourth outlet. The first pipe overlaps the second pipe between the two heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Vijaykumar Sathyamurthi, Der-Kai Hung, Hong Lin
  • Publication number: 20220107097
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a reheater, a first valve, a second heat exchanger, a four-way valve, a cap tube, and a blower. The compressor compresses a refrigerant. The blower moves air proximate the second heat exchanger to the reheater. During a heating mode of operation, the four-way valve is configured to direct refrigerant from the compressor to the second heat exchanger; the second heat exchanger is configured to use the refrigerant from the compressor to heat air proximate the second heat exchanger; and the cap tube is configured to allow refrigerant to bypass the reheater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Der-Kai Hung, Lin Lan, Christopher John Drury
  • Patent number: 11255553
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a reheater, a first valve, a second heat exchanger, and a blower. The compressor compresses a refrigerant. The blower moves air proximate the second heat exchanger to the reheater. During a first mode of operation: the first heat exchanger removes heat from a first portion of the refrigerant from the compressor, the first valve opens such that a second portion of the refrigerant from the compressor flows to the reheater, the second heat exchanger uses the first portion of the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger and the second portion of the refrigerant from the reheater to cool air proximate the second heat exchanger, and the reheater uses the second portion of the refrigerant from the compressor to heat the air moved by the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Der-Kai Hung, Lin Lan, Christopher John Drury
  • Publication number: 20210341197
    Abstract: A system comprising a compressor, a first valve coupled to the compressor and coupled to a first coil, a first expansion valve coupled to the first coil, a second coil, and a second expansion valve. The second expansion valve coupled to a third coil, a second valve coupled to the compressor and the third coil. A controller operable to operate the first valve, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, and the second valve. The second coil is coupled to the compressor and the refrigerant flows from the second coil to the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: Der-Kai Hung
  • Patent number: 11092368
    Abstract: A system comprising a compressor, a first valve coupled to the compressor and coupled to a first coil, a first expansion valve coupled to the first coil, a second coil, and a second expansion valve. The second expansion valve coupled to a third coil, a second valve coupled to the compressor and the third coil. A controller operable to operate the first valve, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, and the second valve. The second coil is coupled to the compressor and the refrigerant flows from the second coil to the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Der-Kai Hung
  • Publication number: 20210140700
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes an outdoor heat exchanger. A first indoor heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the outdoor heat exchanger and disposed in a first zone. A second indoor heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the outdoor heat exchanger and disposed in a second zone. A compressor is fluidly coupled to the outdoor heat exchanger, the first indoor heat exchanger, and the second indoor heat exchanger. A first circulation fan is positioned to circulate air around the first indoor heat exchanger and a second circulation fan is positioned to circulate air around the second indoor heat exchanger. A first zone controller is electrically coupled to the first indoor heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Ben Hobson, Hongbing Lian, Der-Kai Hung, Steve Mersh, Lin Lan, Shahn Markarian
  • Publication number: 20210140693
    Abstract: A system comprising a compressor, a first valve coupled to the compressor and to a first coil, a first expansion valve coupled to the first coil, and a second expansion valve. The second expansion valve coupled to a second coil. A second valve is coupled to the second coil and the compressor. A third valve is coupled to the compressor and a third coil. In response to receiving a heating demand that is below a threshold heating demand, a controller induces an artificial heating demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventor: Der-Kai Hung
  • Publication number: 20210063030
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a reheater, a first valve, a second heat exchanger, and a blower. The compressor compresses a refrigerant. The blower moves air proximate the second heat exchanger to the reheater. During a first mode of operation: the first heat exchanger removes heat from a first portion of the refrigerant from the compressor, the first valve opens such that a second portion of the refrigerant from the compressor flows to the reheater, the second heat exchanger uses the first portion of the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger and the second portion of the refrigerant from the reheater to cool air proximate the second heat exchanger, and the reheater uses the second portion of the refrigerant from the compressor to heat the air moved by the blower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Der-Kai Hung, Lin Lan, Christopher John Drury
  • Publication number: 20210048251
    Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second microchannel heat exchangers and first and second pipes. The first heat exchanger includes a first inlet, a second inlet, a first tube, a second tube, a first outlet, and a second outlet. Refrigerant at the first inlet is directed through the first tube to the first outlet and the first pipe. Refrigerant at the second inlet is directed through the second tube to the second outlet and the second pipe. The second heat exchanger includes a third inlet, a fourth inlet, a third tube, a fourth tube, a third outlet, and a fourth outlet. The third inlet directs refrigerant from the first pipe through the third tube towards the third outlet. The fourth inlet directs the refrigerant from the second pipe through the fourth tube towards the fourth outlet. The first pipe overlaps the second pipe between the two heat exchangers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Vijaykumar Sathyamurthi, Der-Kai Hung, Hong Lin
  • Patent number: 10801765
    Abstract: A temperature control system that includes a sensor, a variable speed blower, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an air temperature measurement from the sensor and determine a temperature value based on the received air temperature measurement. The controller is further configured to compare the determined temperature value to a first threshold value and a second threshold value and to operate the variable speed blower based on the comparison. The controller is configured to set the variable speed blower to a first fan speed when the temperature value is below the first threshold value and to a second fan speed when the temperature value is above the second threshold value. The controller is further configured to set the variable speed blower to a third fan speed that linearly correlates with temperature when the temperature value is between the first threshold and the second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Der-Kai Hung, Roger Hundt