Patents by Inventor Kurt KNAPKE

Kurt KNAPKE 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: 10969165
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes first and second compressors, a condenser, first and second evaporators, and a valve. The first compressor is fluidly connected to first suction and discharge lines. The second compressor is fluidly connected to second suction and discharge lines. The second suction line is fluidly connected to the first discharge line. The condenser receives refrigerant from the second compressor. The first evaporator receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the first suction line. The second evaporator receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the second suction line. The valve is disposed between the first evaporator and the first suction line. The first suction line receives refrigerant when the valve is in a first position. The second suction line receives refrigerant when the valve is in a second position. The first compressor is bypassed when the valve is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Saunders, Rajan Rajendran, Kurt Knapke
  • Patent number: 10830532
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes first and second compressors, a condenser, first and second evaporators, and a valve. The first compressor is fluidly connected to first suction and discharge lines. The second compressor is fluidly connected to second suction and discharge lines. The second suction line is fluidly connected to the first discharge line. The condenser receives refrigerant from the second compressor. The first evaporator receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the first suction line. The second evaporator receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the second suction line. The valve is disposed between the first evaporator and the first suction line. The first suction line receives refrigerant when the valve is in a first position. The second suction line receives refrigerant when the valve is in a second position. The first compressor is bypassed when the valve is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Saunders, Rajan Rajendran, Kurt Knapke
  • Publication number: 20180195794
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes first and second compressors, a condenser, first and second refrigeration cases, and a system controller. The first and second compressors are fluidly connected to respective first and second suction and discharge lines. The second suction line is fluidly connected to the first discharge line. The condenser receives refrigerant from the second compressor. The first and second refrigeration cases operate within respective first and second temperature ranges, the first range being lower than the second range. The first case includes a first evaporator that receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the first suction line. The second case includes a second evaporator that receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the second suction line. The system controller identifies when maintenance is necessary based on a first discharge temperature of the refrigerant in the first discharge line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. SAUNDERS, Rajan RAJENDRAN, Kurt KNAPKE, John WALLACE, Gregory MICKELSON
  • Publication number: 20180195773
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes first and second compressors, a condenser, first and second evaporators, and a valve. The first compressor is fluidly connected to first suction and discharge lines. The second compressor is fluidly connected to second suction and discharge lines. The second suction line is fluidly connected to the first discharge line. The condenser receives refrigerant from the second compressor. The first evaporator receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the first suction line. The second evaporator receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the second suction line. The valve is disposed between the first evaporator and the first suction line. The first suction line receives refrigerant when the valve is in a first position. The second suction line receives refrigerant when the valve is in a second position. The first compressor is bypassed when the valve is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. SAUNDERS, Rajan RAJENDRAN, Kurt KNAPKE
  • Publication number: 20170176079
    Abstract: An ice machine may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, an evaporator, an ice tray, and a water pump. The first heat exchanger may receive compressed working fluid from the compressor. The expansion device may receive working fluid from the first heat exchanger. The evaporator may receive working fluid from the expansion device. The ice tray may be in a heat transfer relationship with the evaporator. The ice tray may include a plurality of ice molds. The water pump may be in fluid communication with the ice molds and may be configured to pump water from a water source to the ice molds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay BAHEL, Natarajan RAJENDRAN, Kurt KNAPKE