Patents by Inventor Michael Edward Lacefield

Michael Edward Lacefield 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: 6769978
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an airflow control apparatus having a plurality of doors and outlets for controlling the airflow in a vehicular HVAC system. In one aspect, the apparatus (100) has a first chamber (106) controlled by a first door (126) and having a first outlet (110) and a first passage (127). A second chamber (129) is coupled to the first passage and also controlled by the first door. The second chamber has a second outlet (130) and a third outlet (160) which are each controlled by the second and third doors (232, 242). According to another aspect, a method of controlling airflow in a vehicular HVAC system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving (702) airflow into a first chamber; controlling the airflow out of the first chamber with a first door; controlling (704) the airflow from a second chamber to a driver zone with a second door; and controlling (706) the airflow from said second chamber to a passenger zone with a third door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael Edward Lacefield
  • Publication number: 20030119439
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an airflow control apparatus having a plurality of doors and outlets for controlling the airflow in a vehicular HVAC system. In one aspect, the apparatus (100) has a first chamber (106) controlled by a first door (126) and having a first outlet (110) and a first passage (127). A second chamber (129) is coupled to the first passage and also controlled by the first door. The second chamber has a second outlet (130) and a third outlet (160) which are each controlled by the second and third doors (232, 242). According to another aspect, a method of controlling airflow in a vehicular HVAC system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving (702) airflow into a first chamber; controlling the airflow out of the first chamber with a first door; controlling (704) the airflow from a second chamber to a driver zone with a second door; and controlling (706) the airflow from said second chamber to a passenger zone with a third door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Edward Lacefield