Patents by Inventor Robert R. Willis

Robert R. Willis 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).

  • Publication number: 20160169562
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for a thermal energy storage liquid-suction heat exchanger (TES-LSHX) for air conditioning and refrigeration (AC/R) applications. The disclosed embodiments allow energy to be stored and aggregated over one period of time, and dispatched at a later period of time, to improve AC/R system efficiency during desired conditions. Not only are the benefits of LSHX stored and aggregated for later use, but when dispatched, the discharge rate can exceed the charge rate thereby further enhancing the benefit of demand reduction to utilities. The disclosed embodiments allow great flexibility and can be incorporated into OEM AC/R system designs, and/or bundled with condensing units or evaporator coils. These TES-LSHX systems can be retrofit with existing systems by installing the product at any point along the existing AC/R system's line set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Parsonnet, Robert R. Willis, Dean L. Wiersma
  • Publication number: 20080034760
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and device for a refrigerant-based thermal energy storage and cooling system with isolated external melt cooling. The disclosed embodiments provide a refrigerant-based ice storage system with increased reliability, lower cost components, and reduced power consumption compared to a single phase system such as a glycol system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: ICE ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Ramachandran Narayanamurthy, Mark W. Stewart, Robert R. Willis
  • Patent number: 4098540
    Abstract: A roller skate wheel is disclosed having a plastic body portion with a central axial bore into which is received precision bearing units. The bearing units are received on the axle of a wheel truck and the wheel is provided with a substantial outward overhanging portion from the bearings which is formed with a series of tapered counterbores, which provide superior gripping of the surface on which the wheel engages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Inventor: Robert R. Willis
  • Patent number: D251263
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Quality Products, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert R. Willis