Patents by Inventor Frank Highland HILL

Frank Highland HILL 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: 7895852
    Abstract: A control algorithm for controlling an economizer circuit in a chiller system is provided. The control algorithm opens and closes a port valve in the economizer circuit in response to predetermined criteria to engage and disengage the economizer circuit. The predetermined criteria can include an operating parameter of a compressor and a level of liquid refrigerant in a flash tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis Christian Crane, Frank Highland Hill, IV, Glenn Eugene Nickey
  • Patent number: 7743617
    Abstract: A noise control method is provided for a cooling system having at least one refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, at least one condenser fan, and an evaporator. Noise control is only performed periodically in response to requirements for reduced operation at predetermined times. The request for reduced noise triggers the commencement of the noise control method. The noise control method involves reducing the operating speed of the compressor, as well as reducing the operating speed of at least one condenser fan, to within a predetermined range of allowable reduced operating speeds. The noise control method temporarily overrides the ability of the cooling system to fully respond to increased cooling or heating demands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis Christian Crane, Frank Highland Hill, IV, Andrew John Graybill, Ian Michael Casper
  • Publication number: 20080184721
    Abstract: A control algorithm for controlling an economizer circuit in a chiller system is provided. The control algorithm opens and closes a port valve in the economizer circuit in response to predetermined criteria to engage and disengage the economizer circuit. The predetermined criteria can include an operating parameter of a compressor and a level of liquid refrigerant in a flash tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicants: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, YORK INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Curtis Christian CRANE, Frank Highland HILL, Glenn Eugene NICKEY
  • Patent number: 7353659
    Abstract: A control algorithm for controlling an economizer circuit in a chiller system is provided. The control algorithm opens and closes a port valve in the economizer circuit in response to predetermined criteria to engage and disengage the economizer circuit. The predetermined criteria can include an operating parameter of a compressor and a level of liquid refrigerant in a flash tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis Christian Crane, Frank Highland Hill, IV, Glenn Eugene Nickey
  • Patent number: 7003971
    Abstract: A chiller system includes a refrigerant loop, the refrigerant loop further including a compressor, an air-cooled condenser arrangement and an evaporator arrangement connected in a first closed refrigerant loop. A motor is connected to the compressor to drive the compressor, a drive is connected to the motor to power the motor and a power/control panel controls the refrigerant loop. The power/control panel and the condenser arrangement are connected in a second closed coolant loop. The second closed coolant loop provides cooling to the enclosure and/or components within the enclosure disposed on a chill plate. Condensation is substantially prevented from forming inside the enclosure, despite the enclosure lacking a humidity control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Alan Kester, Harold Robert Schnetzka, Mustafa Kemel Yanik, John F. Judge, Mahesh Valiya Naduvath, Frank Highland Hill, IV
  • Patent number: 6941769
    Abstract: A flash tank configuration for an economizer is provided that is inexpensive and simple to construct, reliable to operate, and efficient for use in an economizer compression refrigeration system. The configuration includes an upper baffle and a lower baffle configured and arranged within the flash tank so as to separate the liquid and gas phases of intermediate pressure refrigerant, and to convey each phase to other components in the refrigeration systems. The flash tank has a generally cylindrical shape, and is dimensioned so as to provide adequate internal volume for expansion of refrigerant to a desired pressure, separation of the resulting refrigerant gas and refrigerant liquid phases, and temporary storage of the refrigerant phases before conveying the liquid phase to the main refrigerant line between the condenser and the evaporator, and returning the gas phase to the compressor. Additionally, methods are provided for using the flash tank to separate refrigerant phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Highland Hill, IV, Curtis Christian Crane, Michael Lee Buckley, Blake Evan Stabley