Patents by Inventor Herman H. Viegas

Herman H. Viegas 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: 10351042
    Abstract: A transport refrigeration system (TRS) for refrigeration of a transport unit is disclosed. The TRS includes an eutectic device, including an eutectic medium, connected to a refrigerant circuit and a cooling fluid circuit. A method for cooling with the eutectic device is also disclosed. The eutectic device including the eutectic medium is cooled with one or both of the cooling fluid circuit and/or the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit directs a refrigerant from a transport refrigeration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Herman H. Viegas, Samvit Dutta
  • Patent number: 10101081
    Abstract: A method of temperature control in a cryogenic temperature control apparatus. The method includes operating the cryogenic temperature control apparatus in a first mode, and delivering a first flow rate of cryogen from a storage tank to an evaporator coil in the first mode. The cryogenic temperature control apparatus is operated in a second mode after operating the cryogenic temperature control apparatus in the first mode for a predetermined time duration. A second flow rate of cryogen that is lower than the first flow rate is delivered to the evaporator coil in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Herman H. Viegas, David J. Vander Woude, Suresh Kumar, Joseph L. Glentz
  • Patent number: 9868336
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling condenser/radiator airflow in a TRS are provided. In particular, methods and systems are provided to control a fan speed of condenser fan(s) of a TRS based on a condenser/radiator performance parameter, a traveling speed of a refrigerated transport unit, and/or a compressor discharge pressure a compressor of the TRS. The fan speed of the condenser fan(s) can be increased when necessary to limit a negative impact on TRS performance caused by a static pressure at an outlet of the condenser fan(s) or under high ambient temperature conditions. The fan speed of the condenser fan(s) can be reduced to reduce noise levels generated by the TRS when the static pressure at the outlet of the condenser fan(s) does not negatively impact the performance of the TRS or when the refrigerated transport unit is not located in an area with a high ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Herman H. Viegas, Rodney H. Volk
  • Patent number: 9688181
    Abstract: A method for controlling a transport refrigeration system (TRS) for refrigeration of a transport unit is disclosed. The TRS includes a TRS controller connected to the TRS for operating the TRS, a eutectic device including a eutectic medium, a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) having a refrigerant circuit for directing a refrigerant fluid there through, and a cooling fluid circuit in thermal contact with the eutectic medium for directing a cooling fluid to be in thermal contact with the eutectic medium. The method includes the TRS controller receiving a selection of a cooling mode for the TRS, and cooling an inside of a transport unit according to the cooling mode selected. The cooling includes one or more of a first cooling type and a second cooling type. The cooling mode for the TRS includes a manual cooling mode, a local automatic cooling mode, a dynamic cooling mode, and a preset cooling mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Samvit Dutta, Herman H. Viegas
  • Publication number: 20160185400
    Abstract: Embodiments to help improve an airflow using e.g., an airflow director, an aerodynamic tail, etc. for a transport unit are disclosed. Structures and methods herein are related to directing airflow to low pressure areas in relation to the transport unit which can improve energy efficiency, counter turbulent airflows, and/or reduce drag. Surface features, such as one or more openings, louvers, tunnels, baffles, air directors, deflectors, inverters, etc. are strategically arranged or positioned on the aerodynamic faring to help direct an airflow toward a transport refrigeration unit when the temperature controlled transport unit is in motion. An aerodynamic tail can direct an airflow to a relatively low pressure region at a rear end of the transport unit when the transport unit is in motion to reduce or eliminate the relatively low pressure region. The features may be stored within a storage structure attached to a rear door of the transport unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Ferdy Martinus, Robert Michael Lattin, Matthew Srnec, David J. Dykes, Herman H. Viegas, Michael T. Nelson, James Joseph Wiltzius, Yahia A. Abdelhamid, William O'Driscoll, Wilson Samuel Jesudason Lawrence, Abhijith Balakrishna
  • Publication number: 20160144763
    Abstract: A device and method for cooling an air inside a cargo space by freezing an eutectic solution of an eutectic device. The eutectic device is installed inside a cargo space of a refrigerated transport unit. A cryogen is provided to a cryogen circuit of the eutectic device that is connected to a transport unit. Then the cryogen is circulated through the cryogen circuit, transferring heat from the eutectic medium to the cryogen. This transfer of heat freezes the eutectic medium. The frozen eutectic medium is used to cool a cargo space of a container of the transport unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: David J. VANDER WOUDE, Herman H. VIEGAS
  • Publication number: 20160144764
    Abstract: A method for controlling a transport refrigeration system (TRS) for refrigeration of a transport unit is disclosed. The TRS includes a TRS controller connected to the TRS for operating the TRS. The TRS includes an eutectic device including an eutectic medium, a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) having a refrigerant circuit for directing a refrigerant through the TRU and capable of directing the refrigerant to the eutectic device for cooling the eutectic medium. The TRS includes a cooling fluid circuit in thermal contact with the eutectic medium, wherein the cooling fluid circuit directs a cooling fluid to be in thermal contact with the eutectic medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Samvit DUTTA, Herman H. VIEGAS
  • Publication number: 20160144765
    Abstract: A transport refrigeration system (TRS) for refrigeration of a transport unit is disclosed. The TRS includes an eutectic device, including an eutectic medium, connected to a refrigerant circuit and a cooling fluid circuit. A method for cooling with the eutectic device is also disclosed. The eutectic device including the eutectic medium is cooled with one or both of the cooling fluid circuit and/or the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit directs a refrigerant from a transport refrigeration unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Herman H. VIEGAS, Samvit DUTTA
  • Publication number: 20160089956
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling condenser/radiator airflow in a TRS are provided. In particular, methods and systems are provided to control a fan speed of condenser fan(s) of a TRS based on a condenser/radiator performance parameter, a traveling speed of a refrigerated transport unit, and/or a compressor discharge pressure a compressor of the TRS. The fan speed of the condenser fan(s) can be increased when necessary to limit a negative impact on TRS performance caused by a static pressure at an outlet of the condenser fan(s) or under high ambient temperature conditions. The fan speed of the condenser fan(s) can be reduced to reduce noise levels generated by the TRS when the static pressure at the outlet of the condenser fan(s) does not negatively impact the performance of the TRS or when the refrigerated transport unit is not located in an area with a high ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Herman H. Viegas, Rodney H. Volk
  • Patent number: 9145877
    Abstract: A refrigerant compressor system including a prime mover, a compressor, and an unloader device that couples the compressor to the prime mover. The unloading device includes a centrifugal clutch and an electric clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Herman H. Viegas
  • Patent number: 8534084
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a frame, a prime mover, an alternator, a cabin, a HVAC system, and a power source. The prime mover is operable in a first mode that is configured for driving the vehicle and a second mode that is configured for standby operation of the vehicle. The cabin includes walls that define a space and that have insulation to insulate the space. The HVAC system is in communication with the cabin to condition the space, and includes a cooling system, a heating system, and a sorption system that dehumidifies air provided to the space. The power source has a battery that is in electrical communication with the alternator and the HVAC system to supply power to the HVAC system from the battery when the prime mover is in the first mode and when the prime mover is in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Herman H. Viegas, William F. Mohs
  • Publication number: 20130129530
    Abstract: A refrigerant compressor system including a prime mover, a compressor, and an unloader device that couples the compressor to the prime mover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Herman H. Viegas
  • Publication number: 20120011870
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a frame, a prime mover, an alternator, a cabin, a HVAC system, and a power source. The prime mover is operable in a first mode that is configured for driving the vehicle and a second mode that is configured for standby operation of the vehicle. The cabin includes walls that define a space and that have insulation to insulate the space. The HVAC system is in communication with the cabin to condition the space, and includes a cooling system, a heating system, and a sorption system that dehumidifies air provided to the space. The power source has a battery that is in electrical communication with the alternator and the HVAC system to supply power to the HVAC system from the battery when the prime mover is in the first mode and when the prime mover is in the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Herman H. Viegas, William F. Mohs
  • Patent number: 8051670
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a frame, a prime mover, an alternator, a cabin, a HVAC system, and a power source. The prime mover is operable in a first mode that is configured for driving the vehicle and a second mode that is configured for standby operation of the vehicle. The cabin includes walls that define a space and that have insulation to insulate the space. The HVAC system is in communication with the cabin to condition the space, and includes a cooling system, a heating system, and a sorption system that dehumidifies air provided to the space. The power source has a battery that is in electrical communication with the alternator and the HVAC system to supply power to the HVAC system from the battery when the prime mover is in the first mode and when the prime mover is in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Herman H. Viegas, William F. Mohs
  • Patent number: 8037704
    Abstract: A refrigeration system configured for use with a trailer including a container having a roof, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration unit configured to couple to the trailer and operable to condition the container. The refrigeration system also includes a duct in fluid communication between the refrigeration unit and an opening in the first sidewall. The duct is configured to direct an airflow in at least one of a first direction toward the refrigeration unit and a second direction away from the refrigeration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventor: Herman H. Viegas
  • Patent number: 8020407
    Abstract: A temperature-controlled vehicle including a cascade refrigeration system having a booster cooling line configured to supplement the cooling capacity of the cascade refrigeration system by expanding and venting a portion of a cryogenic refrigerant to the atmosphere during peak demands while the cascade refrigeration system continues to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventor: Herman H. Viegas
  • Publication number: 20090288438
    Abstract: A refrigeration system configured for use with a trailer including a container having a roof, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration unit configured to couple to the trailer and operable to condition the container. The refrigeration system also includes a duct in fluid communication between the refrigeration unit and an opening in the first sidewall. The duct is configured to direct an airflow in at least one of a first direction toward the refrigeration unit and a second direction away from the refrigeration unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Herman H. Viegas
  • Publication number: 20090277195
    Abstract: A refrigeration system for providing conditioned air to a space includes a compressor operable to compress a refrigerant, a condenser configured to receive the refrigerant from the compressor, an expansion device configured to receive the refrigerant from the condenser, a desiccant operable to adsorb moisture from an airflow flowing through the desiccant such that the airflow is substantially dehumidified, and an evaporator assembly configured to receive the refrigerant from the expansion device and the airflow from the desiccant. The evaporator assembly is operable to condition the airflow prior to discharge from the evaporator assembly. The refrigeration system also includes a heat exchanger configured to selectively receive the refrigerant from at least one of the compressor and the condenser. The heat exchanger is in communication with the desiccant such that the refrigerant in the heat exchanger desorbs moisture from the desiccant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Herman H. Viegas, William F. Mohs
  • Publication number: 20090277202
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a frame, a prime mover, an alternator, a cabin, a HVAC system, and a power source. The prime mover is operable in a first mode that is configured for driving the vehicle and a second mode that is configured for standby operation of the vehicle. The cabin includes walls that define a space and that have insulation to insulate the space. The HVAC system is in communication with the cabin to condition the space, and includes a cooling system, a heating system, and a sorption system that dehumidifies air provided to the space. The power source has a battery that is in electrical communication with the alternator and the HVAC system to supply power to the HVAC system from the battery when the prime mover is in the first mode and when the prime mover is in the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Herman H. Viegas, William F. Mohs
  • Publication number: 20090266100
    Abstract: A temperature-controlled vehicle including a cascade refrigeration system having a booster cooling line configured to supplement the cooling capacity of the cascade refrigeration system by expanding and venting a portion of a cryogenic refrigerant to the atmosphere during peak demands while the cascade refrigeration system continues to operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Herman H. Viegas