Patents by Inventor Kenneth A. Banks

Kenneth A. Banks 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: 11949527
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for performing operations for providing a shared augmented reality experience in a video chat. A video chat can be established between a plurality of client devices. During the video chat, videos of users associated with the client devices can be displayed. During the video chat, a request from a first client device to activate a first AR experience can be received, and in response, and body parts of users depicted in the videos are modified to include one or more AR elements associated with the first AR experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SNAP INC.
    Inventors: Nathan Richard Banks, Nathan Kenneth Boyd, Amanda Durham, Alex Edelsburg, Maxim Maximov Lazarov, Ryan Thomas
  • Patent number: 11841174
    Abstract: A method for controlling ejector capacity in a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. A parameter value being representative for a flow rate of liquid refrigerant from the evaporator(s) (8, 10) and into a return pipe (12, 13) is obtained, and the capacity of the ejector(s) (6) is adjusted based on the obtained parameter value. Ejector capacity may be shifted between low pressure ejectors (liquid ejectors) (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) and high pressure ejectors (gas ejectors) (6e, 6f).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Lars Finn Sloth Larsen, Jan Prins, Kenneth Bank Madsen
  • Publication number: 20230366598
    Abstract: A refrigeration system including one or more first compressor(s) for compressing a carbon dioxide (CO2) refrigerant, a main heat rejection system for cooling the CO2 refrigerant, one or more high pressure expansion device(s) for reducing the pressure of the CO2 refrigerant, a receiver for storing the CO2 refrigerant, one or more high pressure expansion device(s), an evaporator and a receiver pressure regulating device. The refrigeration system further includes an auxiliary refrigeration system including an auxiliary compressor arranged to compress at least part of the CO2 refrigerant and thereafter to direct the compressed CO2 refrigerant to a heat rejection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: ADVANSOR A/S
    Inventors: Kenneth Bank MADSEN, Michael KAUFFELD, Peter BJERG, Egill EIRÍKSSON, Lasse Hjul ANDERSEN
  • Patent number: 11460230
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed, the vapour compression system (1) comprising at least one expansion device (8) and at least one evaporator (9). For each expansion device (8), an opening degree of the expansion device (8) is obtained, and a representative opening degree, ODrep, is identified based on the obtained opening degree(s) of the expansion device(s) (8). The representative opening degree could be a maximum opening degree, ODmax, being the largest among the obtained opening degrees. The representative opening degree, ODrep, is compared to a predefined target opening degree, ODtarget, and a minimum setpoint value, SPrec, for a pressure prevailing inside a receiver (7), is calculated or adjusted, based on the comparison. The vapour compression system (1) is controlled to obtain a pressure inside the receiver (7) which is equal to or higher than the calculated or adjusted minimum setpoint value, SPrec.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Jan Prins, Frede Schmidt, Kenneth Bank Madsen, Kristian Fredslund
  • Patent number: 11340000
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. A mass flow of refrigerant along a part of the refrigerant path is estimated, based on measurements performed by one or more pressure sensors (10, 12, 13) for measuring a refrigerant pressure at selected positions along the refrigerant path and one or more temperature sensors (11, 14) for measuring a refrigerant temperature at selected positions along the refrigerant path. A refrigerant pressure or a refrigerant temperature at a selected position a pressure sensor (10, 12, 13) or temperature sensor (11, 14) along the refrigerant path is derived, based on the estimated mass flow. The vapour compression system (1) is allowed to continue operating, even if a sensor (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) is malfunctioning or unreliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Frede Schmidt, Jan Prins, Kristian Fredslund, Kenneth Bank Madsen
  • Publication number: 20220003473
    Abstract: A method for controlling ejector capacity in a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. A parameter value being representative for a flow rate of liquid refrigerant from the evaporator(s) (8, 10) and into a return pipe (12, 13) is obtained, and the capacity of the ejector(s) (6) is adjusted based on the obtained parameter value. Ejector capacity may be shifted between low pressure ejectors (liquid ejectors) (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) and high pressure ejectors (gas ejectors) (6e, 6f).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Lars Finn Sloth Larsen, Jan Prins, Kenneth Bank Madsen
  • Patent number: 11162724
    Abstract: A method for controlling ejector capacity in a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. A parameter value being representative for a flow rate of liquid refrigerant from the evaporator(s) (8, 10) and into a return pipe (12, 13) is obtained, and the capacity of the ejector(s) (6) is adjusted based on the obtained parameter value. Ejector capacity may be shifted between low pressure ejectors (liquid ejectors) (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) and high pressure ejectors (gas ejectors) (6e, 6f).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventors: Lars Finn Sloth Larsen, Jan Prins, Kenneth Bank Madsen
  • Patent number: 10962262
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed, the vapour compression system (1) comprising at least one compressor (2, 16), a heat rejecting heat exchanger (3), a high pressure expansion device (4, 15, 17), a receiver (5), an evaporator expansion device (6), an evaporator (7) and a gas bypass valve (8), arranged in a refrigerant path. It is registered that the gas bypass valve (8) is malfunctioning or saturated, and a pressure value for a pressure prevailing inside the receiver (5) is obtained. Finally, the vapour compression system (1) is controlled in order to control a gaseous refrigerant supply to the receiver (5) to adjust the pressure prevailing inside the receiver (5) to reach a target pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Kristian Fredslund, Kenneth Bank Madsen, Jan Prins, Frede Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10941964
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vapour compression system, the vapour compression system including a compressor unit with one or more compressors. At least one of the compressors is connectable to a gaseous outlet of a receiver, and at least one of the compressors is connectable to an outlet of an evaporator. A parameter of the vapour compression system is measured, an enthalpy of refrigerant leaving the heat rejecting heat exchanger being derivable from the measured parameter. A setpoint value for a pressure inside the receiver is calculated, based on the measured parameter, and the compressor unit is operated in accordance with the calculated setpoint value, and in order to obtain a pressure inside the receiver which is equal to the calculated setpoint value. The vapour compression system is operated in an energy efficient manner over a wide range of ambient temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Kristian Fredslund, Frede Schmidt, Kenneth Bank Madsen, Jan Prins
  • Patent number: 10816245
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vapour compression system in an energy efficient and stable manner, the vapour compression system (1) including at least two evaporator groups (5a, 5b, 5c), each evaporator group (5a, 5b, 5c) including an ejector unit (7a, 7b, 7c), at least one evaporator (9a, 9b, 9c) and a flow control device (8a, 8b, 8c) controlling a flow of refrigerant to the at least one evaporator (9a, 9b, 9c). For each evaporator group (5a, 5b, 5c) the outlet of the evaporator (9a, 9b, 9c) is connected to a secondary inlet (12a, 12b, 12c) of the corresponding ejector unit (7a, 7b, 7c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventors: Jan Prins, Frede Schmidt, Kenneth Bank Madsen, Kristian Fredslund
  • Patent number: 10775086
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vapour compression system having an ejector includes, in the case that a pressure difference between a pressure prevailing in the receiver and a pressure of refrigerant leaving the evaporator decreases below a first lower threshold value, the pressure of refrigerant leaving the heat rejecting heat exchanger is kept at a level which is slightly higher than the pressure level providing optimal coefficient of performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventors: Jan Prins, Frede Schmidt, Kenneth Bank Madsen, Kristian Fredslund
  • Publication number: 20200103151
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. The vapour compression system (1) comprises an ejector (6) and a liquid separating device (10) arranged in a suction line. A liquid level sensor (18) is arranged in the liquid separating device (10). A liquid level in the liquid separating device (10) is monitored by means of the liquid level sensor (18). In the case that the liquid level in the liquid separating device (10) is above a predefined threshold level, a control parameter of the vapour compression system (1) is adjusted in order to increase a flow rate of refrigerant from the liquid separating device (10) to the secondary inlet (15) of the ejector (6) and/or decrease a flow rate of liquid refrigerant from the evaporator(s) (9) to the liquid separating device (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Jan Prins, Kenneth Bank Madsen, Lars Finn Sloth Larsen
  • Patent number: 10598414
    Abstract: A method for controlling a variable capacity ejector unit (7) arranged in a refrigeration system (1) is disclosed. An ejector control signal for the ejector unit (7) is generated, based on an obtained temperature and an obtained pressure of refrigerant leaving a heat rejecting heat exchanger (3), or on the basis of a high pressure valve control signal for controlling an opening degree of a high pressure valve (6) arranged fluidly in parallel with the ejector unit (7). The ejector control signal indicates whether the capacity of the ejector unit (7) should be increased, decreased or maintained. The capacity of the ejector unit (7) is controlled in accordance with the generated ejector control signal. The power consumption of the refrigeration system (1) is reduced, while the pressure of the refrigerant leaving the heat rejecting heat exchanger (3) is maintained at an acceptable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventors: Kenneth Bank Madsen, Jan Prins, Kristian Fredslund
  • Patent number: 10544971
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vapor compression system (1) is disclosed, the vapor compression system (1) comprising an ejector (5). The method comprises controlling a compressor unit (2) in order to adjust a pressure inside a receiver (6), on the basis of a detected pressure of refrigerant leaving an evaporator (8). The portion of refrigerant leaving the evaporator (8) which is supplied to a secondary inlet (15) of the ejector is maximized and the portion of refrigerant supplied directly to the compressor unit (2) is minimized, while ensuring that the pressure of refrigerant leaving the evaporator (8) does not decrease below an acceptable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventors: Kristian Fredslund, Frede Schmidt, Kenneth Bank Madsen, Jan Prins
  • Patent number: 10508850
    Abstract: A vapour compression system (1) includes an ejector (6) and a liquid separating device (10) arranged in a suction line. At least one evaporator (9) is allowed to be operated in a flooded state. A flow rate of refrigerant from the liquid separating device (10) to the secondary inlet (15) of the ejector (6) is detected, and it is determined whether or not the flow rate is sufficient to remove liquid refrigerant produced by the evaporator(s) (9) from the liquid separating device (10). In the case that it is determined that the flow rate of refrigerant from the liquid separating device (10) to the secondary inlet (15) of the ejector (6) is insufficient to remove liquid refrigerant produced by the evaporator(s) (9), the flow rate of refrigerant from the liquid separating device (10) to the secondary inlet (15) of the ejector (6) is increased, and/or a flow rate of liquid refrigerant from the evaporator(s) (9) to the liquid separating device (10) is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Jan Prins, Frede Schmidt, Kenneth Bank Madsen, Kristian Fredslund
  • Publication number: 20190353413
    Abstract: A method for controlling ejector capacity in a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. A parameter value being representative for a flow rate of liquid refrigerant from the evaporator(s) (8, 10) and into a return pipe (12, 13) is obtained, and the capacity of the ejector(s) (6) is adjusted based on the obtained parameter value. Ejector capacity may be shifted between low pressure ejectors (liquid ejectors) (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) and high pressure ejectors (gas ejectors) (6e, 6f).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Lars Finn Sloth Larsen, Jan Prins, Kenneth Bank Madsen
  • Publication number: 20190301780
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. A mass flow of refrigerant along a part of the refrigerant path is estimated, based on measurements performed by one or more pressure sensors (10, 12, 13) for measuring a refrigerant pressure at selected positions along the refrigerant path and one or more temperature sensors (11, 14) for measuring a refrigerant temperature at selected positions along the refrigerant path. A refrigerant pressure or a refrigerant temperature at a selected position a pressure sensor (10, 12, 13) or temperature sensor (11, 14) along the refrigerant path is derived, based on the estimated mass flow. The vapour compression system (1) is allowed to continue operating, even if a sensor (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) is malfunctioning or unreliable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Frede Schmidt, Jan Prins, Kristian Fredslund, Kenneth Bank Madsen
  • Publication number: 20190299132
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. Malfunctioning of a gas bypass valve (8) is registered. An actual opening degree of the gas bypass valve (8) is derived, and a target opening degree of the gas bypass valve (8) is derived, based on one or more control parameters of the vapour compression system (1). The actual opening degree is compared to the target opening degree, and the vapour compression system (1) is controlled based on the comparison, and in order to match a mass flow of gaseous refrigerant through the gas bypass valve (8) to the actual opening degree of the gas bypass valve (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Jan Prins, Frede Schmidt, Kenneth Bank Madsen, Kristian Fredslund
  • Publication number: 20190301773
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed, the vapour compression system (1) comprising at least one compressor (2, 16), a heat rejecting heat exchanger (3), a high pressure expansion device (4, 15, 17), a receiver (5), an evaporator expansion device (6), an evaporator (7) and a gas bypass valve (8), arranged in a refrigerant path. It is registered that the gas bypass valve (8) is malfunctioning or saturated, and a pressure value for a pressure prevailing inside the receiver (5) is obtained. Finally, the vapour compression system (1) is controlled in order to control a gaseous refrigerant supply to the receiver (5) to adjust the pressure prevailing inside the receiver (5) to reach a target pressure level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Kristian Fredslund, Kenneth Bank Madsen, Jan Prins, Frede Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10378796
    Abstract: A method for controlling a valve arrangement (12), e.g. in the form of a three way valve, in a vapor compression system (1) is disclosed, the vapor compression system (1) comprising an ejector (6). The valve arrangement (12) is arranged to supply refrigerant to a compressor unit (2) from the gaseous outlet (11) of a receiver (7) and/or from the outlet of an evaporator (9). The vapor compression system (1) may be operated in a first mode of operation (summer mode) or in a second mode of operation (winter mode). When operated in the second mode of operation, it is determined whether or not conditions for operating the vapor compression system (1) in the first mode of operation are prevailing. If this is the case, the valve arrangement (12) is actively switched to the first mode of operation by closing a first inlet (13) towards the evaporator (7) and fully opening a second inlet (14) towards the receiver (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Kristian Fredslund, Jan Prins, Kenneth Bank Madsen, Frede Schmidt