Patents by Inventor Roger J. Voorhis

Roger J. Voorhis 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: 11035357
    Abstract: Method and system for controlling a compressor and a supply fan in a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system are disclosed. The system includes a compressor having a startup state and a running state, a supply fan, and a controller configured to control the compressor and the supply fan in the HVAC system. The compressor and the supply fan are controlled based on a dehumidification map and/or an efficiency map. The system also includes a cooling coil configured to receive a fluid in heat exchange relationship with refrigerant from an evaporator to cool air. The supply fan is configured to deliver the cooled air from the cooling coil to a conditioned space as supply air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: John Zhou, Roger J. Voorhis, Thomas J. Clanin
  • Patent number: 10852075
    Abstract: Embodiments of a refrigerant distributor for a micro-channel heat exchanger (MCHEX) are described. The refrigerant distributor may be configured to have orifices and/or a flow valve that are inside a header of the MCHEX. The MCHEX can be used as an evaporator in a cooling cycle, where refrigerant is distributed into the header(s) through the orifices and the flow valve may be generally in a closed state that generally prevents a refrigerant flow through the flow valve. In a heating cycle, the flow valve of the refrigerant distributor may be configured to be in an open state that allows the refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant distributor and to be directed out of the MCHEX through the refrigerant distributor. In some embodiments, the refrigerant distributor may be configured to receive liquid refrigerant, so as to eliminate the need of an expansion valve in a HVAC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Roger J. Voorhis, Jun Wang
  • Patent number: 10309685
    Abstract: A combined heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (“HVACR”) system including an HVAC sub-system and a refrigeration sub-system. The HVAC sub-system is in communication with an open space of an indoor environment and includes a first condenser, a first evaporator, and a first compressor at least partially defining a first refrigerant circuit circulating a first refrigerant for selectively conditioning an airflow within the HVAC sub-system that conditions the open space. The refrigeration sub-system is in communication with an enclosed space within the indoor environment and includes a second condenser, a second evaporator, and a second compressor and at least partially defining a second refrigerant circuit circulating a second refrigerant for selectively conditioning the enclosed space. Heat from the second refrigerant is selectively transferred to the airflow within the second condenser to reheat the airflow prior to the airflow being discharged into the open space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Norm E. Street, Roger J. Voorhis, Doron Shapiro
  • Publication number: 20190154318
    Abstract: Embodiments of a refrigerant distributor for a micro-channel heat exchanger (MCHEX) are described. The refrigerant distributor may be configured to have orifices and/or a flow valve that are inside a header of the MCHEX. The MCHEX can be used as an evaporator in a cooling cycle, where refrigerant is distributed into the header(s) through the orifices and the flow valve may be generally in a closed state that generally prevents a refrigerant flow through the flow valve. In a heating cycle, the flow valve of the refrigerant distributor may be configured to be in an open state that allows the refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant distributor and to be directed out of the MCHEX through the refrigerant distributor. In some embodiments, the refrigerant distributor may be configured to receive liquid refrigerant, so as to eliminate the need of an expansion valve in a HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Roger J. VOORHIS, Jun WANG
  • Patent number: 10228170
    Abstract: Embodiments of a refrigerant distributor for a micro-channel heat exchanger (MCHEX) are described. The refrigerant distributor may be configured to have orifices and/or a flow valve that are inside a header of the MCHEX. The MCHEX can be used as an evaporator in a cooling cycle, where refrigerant is distributed into the header(s) through the orifices and the flow valve may be generally in a closed state that generally prevents a refrigerant flow through the flow valve. In a heating cycle, the flow valve of the refrigerant distributor may be configured to be in an open state that allows the refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant distributor and to be directed out of the MCHEX through the refrigerant distributor. In some embodiments, the refrigerant distributor may be configured to receive liquid refrigerant, so as to eliminate the need of an expansion valve in a HVAC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Roger J. Voorhis, Jun Wang
  • Patent number: 10161685
    Abstract: Embodiments of a heat exchanger, e.g. a micro-channel heat exchanger are disclosed. The heat exchanger may include a plurality of rows of micro-channel tubes, each of which can be configured to direct a working fluid in a specific direction. The heat exchanger may include one or more distributors in a distribution header of the heat exchanger, each of which can be connected to a different application circuit (e.g. a refrigeration circuit) so that a capacity of the heat exchanger may be regulated. The heat exchanger as disclosed herein can be used as an evaporator and/or a condenser in a refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Roger J. Voorhis, Jr., Jun Wang, Brian Westfall, Sean A. Smith, Tao Zhou, William B. Fox, Felix Quintero, Michael W. Groen, Justin S. Winters, Robert F. Schult
  • Publication number: 20180087498
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a system that includes a variable speed compressor are described. The method can provide improved accuracy in the control of a system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes a variable speed compressor, and can reduce a compressor cycling frequency of the compressor when a required capacity is below a minimum capacity of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: John ZHOU, Roger J. VOORHIS, Thomas J. CLANIN
  • Patent number: 9777724
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a system that includes a variable speed compressor are described. The method can provide improved accuracy in the control of a system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes a variable speed compressor, and can reduce a compressor cycling frequency of the compressor when a required capacity is below a minimum capacity of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: John Zhou, Roger J. Voorhis, Thomas J. Clanin
  • Publication number: 20170261221
    Abstract: A combined heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (“HVACR”) system including an HVAC sub-system and a refrigeration sub-system. The HVAC sub-system is in communication with an open space of an indoor environment and includes a first condenser, a first evaporator, and a first compressor at least partially defining a first refrigerant circuit circulating a first refrigerant for selectively conditioning an airflow within the HVAC sub-system that conditions the open space. The refrigeration sub-system is in communication with an enclosed space within the indoor environment and includes a second condenser, a second evaporator, and a second compressor and at least partially defining a second refrigerant circuit circulating a second refrigerant for selectively conditioning the enclosed space. Heat from the second refrigerant is selectively transferred to the airflow within the second condenser to reheat the airflow prior to the airflow being discharged into the open space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Norm E. Street, Roger J. Voorhis, Doron Shapiro
  • Patent number: 9696059
    Abstract: A combined heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (“HVACR”) system including an HVAC sub-system and a refrigeration sub-system. The HVAC sub-system is in communication with an open space of an indoor environment and includes a first condenser, a first evaporator, and a first compressor at least partially defining a first refrigerant circuit circulating a first refrigerant for selectively conditioning an airflow within the HVAC subsystem that conditions the open space. The refrigeration sub-system is in communication with an enclosed space within the indoor environment and includes a second condenser, a second evaporator, and a second compressor and at least partially defining a second refrigerant circuit circulating a second refrigerant for selectively conditioning the enclosed space. Heat from the second refrigerant is selectively transferred to the airflow within the second condenser to reheat the airflow prior to the airflow being discharged into the open space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Norm E. Street, Roger J. Voorhis, Doron Shapiro
  • Patent number: 9395106
    Abstract: A system and method for cooling power electronics using heat sinks, and including a heat pump. The heat pump includes a main refrigerant circuit having a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger, and a reversing valve. A biflow expansion valve is configured to receive condensed liquid refrigerant and to expand the refrigerant. A cooling circuit in fluid communication with the main refrigerant line includes an expansion device configured to receive a portion of condensed liquid refrigerant from the main refrigerant circuit and to expand the portion of condensed liquid refrigerant. A heat sink is configured to receive the expanded portion of refrigerant from the expansion device. Power electronics are coupled to the heat sink such that the portion of expanded refrigerant from the expansion device passes through the heat sink and cools the power electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Roger J. Voorhis
  • Publication number: 20160201990
    Abstract: Embodiments of a heat exchanger, e.g. a micro-channel heat exchanger are disclosed. The heat exchanger may include a plurality of rows of micro-channel tubes, each of which can be configured to direct a working fluid in a specific direction. The heat exchanger may include one or more distributors in a distribution header of the heat exchanger, each of which can be connected to a different application circuit (e.g. a refrigeration circuit) so that a capacity of the heat exchanger may be regulated. The heat exchanger as disclosed herein can be used as an evaporator and/or a condenser in a refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Roger J. VOORHIS, JR., Jun WANG, Brian WESTFALL, Sean A. SMITH, Tao ZHOU, William B. FOX, Felix QUINTERO, Michael W. GROEN, Justin S. WINTERS, Robert F. SCHULT
  • Publication number: 20160195345
    Abstract: A condensate drain device includes an elongate base having a first end, a second end and side edges extending between the first and second ends; a plurality of teeth extending away from a side edge of the base; and a lip formed on the side edge of the base opposite from the teeth. Each tooth includes a free end and two side edges. The condensate drain device is configured to be attached to a microchannel coil to collect condensate including a plurality of tubes and a plurality of fins coupled to the tubes, with each tooth being received in a space formed between two adjacent fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Fredrick SCHULT, Jun WANG, Roger J. VOORHIS, Justin Slade WINTERS
  • Publication number: 20150345843
    Abstract: Embodiments of a refrigerant distributor for a micro-channel heat exchanger (MCHEX) are described. The refrigerant distributor may be configured to have orifices and/or a flow valve that are inside a header of the MCHEX. The MCHEX can be used as an evaporator in a cooling cycle, where refrigerant is distributed into the header(s) through the orifices and the flow valve may be generally in a closed state that generally prevents a refrigerant flow through the flow valve. In a heating cycle, the flow valve of the refrigerant distributor may be configured to be in an open state that allows the refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant distributor and to be directed out of the MCHEX through the refrigerant distributor. In some embodiments, the refrigerant distributor may be configured to receive liquid refrigerant, so as to eliminate the need of an expansion valve in a HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Roger J. VOORHIS, Jun WANG
  • Publication number: 20150337831
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a system that includes a variable speed compressor are described. The method can provide improved accuracy in the control of a system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes a variable speed compressor, and can reduce a compressor cycling frequency of the compressor when a required capacity is below a minimum capacity of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: John ZHOU, Roger J. VOORHIS, Thomas J. CLANIN
  • Publication number: 20150153075
    Abstract: A heat pump includes a main refrigerant circuit having a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger, and a reversing valve. A biflow expansion valve is configured to receive condensed liquid refrigerant and to expand the refrigerant. A cooling circuit in fluid communication with the main refrigerant line includes an expansion device configured to receive a portion of condensed liquid refrigerant from the main refrigerant circuit and to expand the portion of condensed liquid refrigerant. A heat sink is configured to receive the expanded portion of refrigerant from the expansion device. Power electronics are coupled to the heat sink such that the portion of expanded refrigerant from the expansion device passes through the heat sink and cools the power electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Roger J. Voorhis
  • Patent number: 8950201
    Abstract: A heat pump includes a main refrigerant circuit having a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger, and a reversing valve. A biflow expansion valve is configured to receive condensed liquid refrigerant and to expand the refrigerant. A cooling circuit in fluid communication with the main refrigerant line includes an expansion device configured to receive a portion of condensed liquid refrigerant from the main refrigerant circuit and to expand the portion of condensed liquid refrigerant. A heat sink is configured to receive the expanded portion of refrigerant from the expansion device. Power electronics are coupled to the heat sink such that the portion of expanded refrigerant from the expansion device passes through the heat sink and cools the power electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventor: Roger J. Voorhis
  • Patent number: 8561426
    Abstract: A flow restriction or metering device for a refrigerant system includes a crimped or otherwise formed tubular insert that is installed within a standard flare fitting. The flare fitting can be similar to those used for coupling two refrigerant lines, or the fitting can be part of a service valve, such as those used for charging, discharging, or servicing refrigerant systems. The insert provides a fixed orifice having a predetermined flow coefficient. The insert is removably clamped within the fitting and extends into a refrigerant line that connects to the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventor: Roger J. Voorhis
  • Publication number: 20130255292
    Abstract: A heat pump includes a main refrigerant circuit having a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger, and a reversing valve. A biflow expansion valve is configured to receive condensed liquid refrigerant and to expand the refrigerant. A cooling circuit in fluid communication with the main refrigerant line includes an expansion device configured to receive a portion of condensed liquid refrigerant from the main refrigerant circuit and to expand the portion of condensed liquid refrigerant. A heat sink is configured to receive the expanded portion of refrigerant from the expansion device. Power electronics are coupled to the heat sink such that the portion of expanded refrigerant from the expansion device passes through the heat sink and cools the power electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Roger J. Voorhis
  • Publication number: 20130167577
    Abstract: A combined heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (“HVACR”) system including an HVAC sub-system and a refrigeration sub-system. The HVAC sub-system is in communication with an open space of an indoor environment and includes a first condenser, a first evaporator, and a first compressor at least partially defining a first refrigerant circuit circulating a first refrigerant for selectively conditioning an airflow within the HVAC subsystem that conditions the open space. The refrigeration sub-system is in communication with an enclosed space within the indoor environment and includes a second con-denser, a second evaporator, and a second compressor and at least partially defining a second refrigerant circuit circulating a second refrigerant for selectively conditioning the enclosed space. Heat from the second refrigerant is selectively transferred to the airflow within the second condenser to reheat the airflow prior to the airflow being discharged into the open space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: HUSSMANN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norm E. Street, Roger J. Voorhis, Doron Shapiro