Patents by Inventor Glenn Zubillaga
Glenn Zubillaga 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).
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Patent number: 11154073Abstract: Versatile temperature control systems adaptable to many different applications employ different states and proportions of a pressurized dual phase medium in direct contact with a thermal load. In one aspect of the invention, thermal energy generated by pressurization of a gaseous medium is stored at a selected temperature level so that it is later readily accessible. In addition, in accordance with the invention temperature control of a two-phase medium can be exercised across selectable dynamic ranges and with different resolutions. In accordance with such features, the control can be exerted by varying the input flow rate of a mixture applied to a thermal load, or by controlling the back pressure of the flow through the thermal load. In accordance with another feature of the invention, substantial energy conservation can be effected by employing an ambient temperature evaporator configuration between the thermal load and the input to the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Patent number: 10386101Abstract: In a temperature control system using a controlled mix of high temperature pressurized gas and a cooled vapor/liquid flow of the same medium to cool a thermal load to a target temperature in a high energy environment, particular advantages are obtained in precision and efficiency by passing at least a substantial percentage of the cooled vapor/liquid flow through the thermal load directly, and thereafter mixing the output with a portion of the pressurized gas flow. This “post load mixing” approach increases the thermal transfer coefficient, improves control and facilities target temperature change. Ad added mixing between the cooled expanded flow and a lesser flow of pressurized gas also is used prior to the input to the thermal load. A further feature, termed a remote “Line Box”, enables transport of the separate flows of the two phase medium through a substantial spacing from pressurizing and condensing units without undesired liquefaction in the transport lines.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Patent number: 10342241Abstract: A temperature control system is disclosed where thermal energy generated by pressurization of a gaseous medium is stored at a selected temperature level so that it is later readily accessible. Temperature control of a two-phase medium is exercised across selectable dynamic ranges and with different resolutions and the control can be exerted by varying the input flow rate of a mixture applied to a thermal load, or by controlling the back pressure of the flow through the thermal load.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Publication number: 20160282024Abstract: In a temperature control system using a controlled mix of high temperature pressurized gas and a cooled vapor/liquid flow of the same medium to cool a thermal load to a target temperature in a high energy environment, particular advantages are obtained in precision and efficiency by passing at least a substantial percentage of the cooled vapor/liquid flow through the thermal load directly, and thereafter mixing the output with a portion of the pressurized gas flow. This “post load mixing” approach increases the thermal transfer coefficient, improves control and facilities target temperature change. Ad added mixing between the cooled expanded flow and a lesser flow of pressurized gas also is used prior to the input to the thermal load. A further feature, termed a remote “Line Box”, enables transport of the separate flows of the two phase medium through a substantial spacing from pressurizing and condensing units without undesired liquefaction in the transport lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Publication number: 20160262419Abstract: A temperature control system is disclosed where thermal energy generated by pressurization of a gaseous medium is stored at a selected temperature level so that it is later readily accessible. Temperature control of a two-phase medium is exercised across selectable dynamic ranges and with different resolutions and the control can be exerted by varying the input flow rate of a mixture applied to a thermal load, or by controlling the back pressure of the flow through the thermal load.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Patent number: 9372020Abstract: In a temperature control system using a controlled mix of high temperature pressurized gas and a cooled vapor/liquid flow of the same medium to cool a thermal load to a target temperature in a high energy environment, particular advantages are obtained in precision and efficiency by passing at least a substantial percentage of the cooled vapor/liquid flow through the thermal load directly, and thereafter mixing the output with a portion of the pressurized gas flow. This “post load mixing” approach increases the thermal transfer coefficient, improves control and facilities target temperature change. Ad added mixing between the cooled expanded flow and a lesser flow of pressurized gas also is used prior to the input to the thermal load. A further feature, termed a remote “Line Box”, enables transport of the separate flows of the two phase medium through a substantial spacing from pressurizing and condensing units without undesired liquefaction in the transport lines.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Patent number: 9360243Abstract: Versatile temperature control systems adaptable to many different applications employ different states and proportions of a pressurized dual phase medium in direct contact with a thermal load. In one aspect of the invention, thermal energy generated by pressurization of a gaseous medium is stored at a selected temperature level so that it is later readily accessible. In addition, in accordance with the invention temperature control of a two-phase medium can be exercised across selectable dynamic ranges and with different resolutions. In accordance with such features, the control can be exerted by varying the input flow rate of a mixture applied to a thermal load, or by controlling the back pressure of the flow through the thermal load. In accordance with another feature of the invention, substantial energy conservation can be effected by employing an ambient temperature evaporator configuration between the thermal load and the input to the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Publication number: 20150040586Abstract: In a temperature control system using a controlled mix of high temperature pressurized gas and a cooled vapor/liquid flow of the same medium to cool a thermal load to a target temperature in a high energy environment, particular advantages are obtained in precision and efficiency by passing at least a substantial percentage of the cooled vapor/liquid flow through the thermal load directly, and thereafter mixing the output with a portion of the pressurized gas flow. This “post load mixing” approach increases the thermal transfer coefficient, improves control and facilities target temperature change. Ad added mixing between the cooled expanded flow and a lesser flow of pressurized gas also is used prior to the input to the thermal load. A further feature, termed a remote “Line Box”, enables transport of the separate flows of the two phase medium through a substantial spacing from pressurizing and condensing units without undesired liquefaction in the transport lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: BE AerospaceInventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Patent number: 8532832Abstract: In a temperature control system using a controlled mix of high temperature pressurized gas and a cooled vapor/liquid flow of the same medium to cool a thermal load to a target temperature in a high energy environment, particular advantages are obtained in precision and efficiency by passing at least a substantial percentage of the cooled vapor/liquid flow through the thermal load directly, and thereafter mixing the output with a portion of the pressurized gas flow. This “post load mixing” approach increases the thermal transfer coefficient, improves control and facilities target temperature change. Ad added mixing between the cooled expanded flow and a lesser flow of pressurized gas also is used prior to the input to the thermal load. A further feature, termed a remote “Line Box”, enables transport of the separate flows of the two phase medium through a substantial spacing from pressurizing and condensing units without undesired liquefaction in the transport lines.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Patent number: 8453468Abstract: A system and method for controlling cooling of a thermal load having different cooling requirements in different sections based on direct thermal exchange using a two-phase refrigerant employs the pressure/temperature characteristics of the refrigerant to particular benefit for this multi-level cooling system. The two-phase refrigerant is first adjusted to have temperature/enthalpy characteristics chosen as the starting level for different cooling demands at related temperatures. After appropriate generation of a mixture of two-phase refrigerant initial reference temperature and pressure are established. Thereafter, incremental changes in the comprising hot gas and expanded cooled liquid/vapor, an temperature cooling medium area made by lowering the pressure by predetermined amounts, or alternatively by bypassing the pressure drop and proceeding to the next stage.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Patent number: 8240160Abstract: In a thermal control system of the type employing a two phase refrigerant that is first compressed and then is divided into a variable mass flow of refrigerant into a hot pressurized gas form and a differential remainder flow of cooled vapor derived from condensation and then thermal expansion, transitions between different temperature levels are enhanced by incremental variations of the mass flow at different control rates.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, Matthew Antoniou, Glenn Zubillaga, William W. Cowans
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Publication number: 20100076611Abstract: In a temperature control system using a controlled mix of high temperature pressurized gas and a cooled vapor/liquid flow of the same medium to cool a thermal load to a target temperature in a high energy environment, particular advantages are obtained in precision and efficiency by passing at least a substantial percentage of the cooled vapor/liquid flow through the thermal load directly, and thereafter mixing the output with a portion of the pressurized gas flow. This “post load mixing” approach increases the thermal transfer coefficient, improves control and facilities target temperature change. Ad added mixing between the cooled expanded flow and a lesser flow of pressurized gas also is used prior to the input to the thermal load. A further feature, termed a remote “Line Box”, enables transport of the separate flows of the two phase medium through a substantial spacing from pressurizing and condensing units without undesired liquefaction in the transport lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Publication number: 20090248212Abstract: In a thermal control system of the type employing a two phase refrigerant that is first compressed and then is divided into a variable mass flow of refrigerant into a hot pressurized gas form and a differential remainder flow of cooled vapor derived from condensation and then thermal expansion, transitions between different temperature levels are enhanced by incremental variations of the mass flow at different control rates.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, Matthew Antoniou, Glenn Zubillaga, William W. Cowans
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Publication number: 20070169491Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature of a process tool uses the vaporizable characteristic of a refrigerant that is provided in direct heat exchange relation with the process tool. Pressurized refrigerant is provided as both condensed liquid and in gaseous state. The condensed liquid is expanded to a vaporous mix, and the gaseous refrigerant is added to reach a target temperature determined by its pressure. Temperature corrections can thus be made very rapidly by gas pressure adjustments. The process tool and the operating parameters will usually require that the returning refrigerant be conditioned and processed for compatibility with the compressor and other units, so that cycling can be continuous regardless of thermal demands and changes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Kenneth Cowans, William Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga, Isaac Millan
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Publication number: 20070095097Abstract: Improvements in systems and methods which employ a two-phase fluid, such as a refrigerant, as a saturable fluid in direct heat transfer relation to a thermal load, are realized by extraction of vapor from the saturated fluid before heat exchange. Moreover, automatic changing of the paths under command of a controller enables charges to be effected between different modes at higher rates than in other systems by employing the variety of modes available in the direct transfer system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Kenneth Cowans, William Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Publication number: 20050269067Abstract: Systems and methods for heat exchange in accordance with the invention define adequately long-interchange distances for two fluids by wrapping a tube containing a first fluid about the wall of an inner cylindrical tank, within a gap formed with a second concentric tank. A second fluid is transmitted in the space defined between the turns of the tube and the two walls, providing effective short length thermal interchange through the tube walls. The tube is in the line contact with both tank walls and the fluids can flow rapidly over an adequately long length, so that high efficiency is provided in a low cost system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2005Publication date: December 8, 2005Inventors: Kenneth Cowans, William Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Publication number: 20050183432Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature of a process tool uses the vaporizable characteristic of a refrigerant that is provided in direct heat exchange relation with the process tool. Pressurized refrigerant is provided as both condensed liquid and in gaseous state. The condensed liquid is expanded to a vaporous mix, and the gaseous refrigerant is added to reach a target temperature determined by its pressure. Temperature corrections can thus be made very rapidly by gas pressure adjustments. The process tool and the operating parameters will usually require that the returning refrigerant be conditioned and processed for compatibility with the compressor and other units, so that cycling can be continuous regardless of thermal demands and changes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2005Publication date: August 25, 2005Inventors: Kenneth Cowans, William Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga, Isaac Millan
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Patent number: 6209334Abstract: An arrangement is provided for insuring that excessive demand is not placed on a refrigeration unit that supplies pressurized subcooled refrigerant to different channels having independent needs for use of refrigeration capacity. A separate reference channel receives a portion of the refrigerant and expands the refrigerant fully to a gas phase to establish a minimum level reference temperature. In the operative channels the refrigerant flows into individual evaporators/heat exchangers at rates set by external command signals, the refrigerant being in heat exchange relation with thermal transfer fluid in the evaporator/heat exchanger. Evaporation of refrigerant in each channel thus brings the thermal transfer fluid for that channel to the target temperature. By comparing the post evaporation temperature in each channel to the reference temperature and reducing the refrigerant flow rate whenever the difference is below a threshold, individual channels are not overtaxed and the system remains stable.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: B/E AerospaceInventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Patent number: 6109047Abstract: An arrangement is provided for insuring that excessive demand is not placed on a refrigeration unit that supplies pressurized subcooled refrigerant to different channels having independent needs for use of refrigeration capacity. A separate reference channel receives a portion of the refrigerant and expands the refrigerant fully to a gas phase to establish a minimum level reference temperature. In the operative channels the refrigerant flows into individual evaporators/heat exchangers at rates set by external command signals, the refrigerant being in heat exchange relation with thermal transfer fluid in the evaporator/heat exchanger. Evaporation of refrigerant in each channel thus brings the thermal transfer fluid for that channel to the target temperature. By comparing the post evaporation temperature in each channel to the reference temperature, and reducing the refrigerant flow rate whenever the difference is below a threshold, individual channels are not overtaxed and the system remains stable.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: B/E AerospaceInventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga