Patents by Inventor Joe A. Akin

Joe A. Akin 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: 12163692
    Abstract: The invention relates to an HVAC apparatus, method, and system. Aspects of the invention include a supplemental heat source with an air handler unit for a conventional forced air heating and cooling system. The supplemental heat source in one example is a hydronic subsystem. It can be used alone or to supplement the forced air subsystem. Another aspect of the invention includes an air handling subsystem that has a housing that can be highly flexible in configuration and installation. The housing can support internal components, including a hydronic or other supplemental heat source with the forced air components. At least two sides of the housing can be configured for access for maintenance and repair. A control system can be designed to eliminate need for defrost cycle for forced air refrigeration-type subsystem and/or for better maintenance for comfort in the air conditioned space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: AUBURN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Joe A. Akin, David F. Dyer
  • Patent number: 11454407
    Abstract: The invention relates to an HVAC apparatus, method, and system. Aspects of the invention include a supplemental heat source with an air handler unit for a conventional forced air heating and cooling system. The supplemental heat source in one example is a hydronic subsystem. It can be used alone or to supplement the forced air subsystem. Another aspect of the invention includes an air handling subsystem that has a housing that can be highly flexible in configuration and installation. The housing can support internal components, including a hydronic or other supplemental heat source with the forced air components. At least two sides of the housing can be configured for access for maintenance and repair. A control system can be designed to eliminate need for defrost cycle for forced air refrigeration-type subsystem and/or for better maintenance for comfort in the air conditioned space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: AUBURN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Joe A. Akin, David F. Dyer
  • Patent number: 10072856
    Abstract: The invention relates to an HVAC apparatus, method, and system. Aspects of the invention include a supplemental heat source with an air handler unit for a conventional forced air heating and cooling system. The supplemental heat source in one example is a hydronic subsystem. It can be used alone or to supplement the forced air subsystem. Another aspect of the invention includes an air handling subsystem that has a housing that can be highly flexible in configuration and installation. The housing can support internal components, including a hydronic or other supplemental heat source with the forced air components. At least two sides of the housing can be configured for access for maintenance and repair. A control system can be designed to eliminate need for defrost cycle for forced air refrigeration-type subsystem and/or for better maintenance for comfort in the air conditioned space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: Joe A. Akin, David F. Dyer