Patents by Inventor William H. Wilkinson
William H. Wilkinson 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).
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Patent number: 5070703Abstract: A hybrid air-conditioning system having an absorption refrigeration subsystem for sensible heat loads and a cooperating liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem for latent heat loads incorporates additional apparatus for effecting the efficient transfer of available absorber element heat from the absorption refrigeration subsystem to the desiccant dehumidification subsystem desiccant regenerator element to improve the total system Coefficient of Performance (C.O.P.) over a wide range of latent heat load to sensible heat load proportions.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1991Date of Patent: December 10, 1991Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 5058394Abstract: A hybrid air-conditioning system having an absorption refrigeration subsystem for sensible heat loads and a cooperating liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem for latent heat loads incorporates additional apparatus for effecting the efficient transfer of available heat between the subsystems to improve the total system Coefficient of Performance (C.O.P.) over a wide range of latent heat load to sensible heat load proportions. Available heat recovery and system internal load generation are utilized in high and low latent load ratio regions, and modulated heat transfer using an additional series absorption refrigeration cycle loop is optionally utilized in the mid-latent heat load ratio region.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1990Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 5056329Abstract: Heat pump systems (principally FIG. 3; also FIGS. 5, 7 or 9) comprising, in circuit of fluid, an injected compressor 113, communicating a compressed gas discharge 137 to a condenser 100, communicating an at least partly liquid output 130 to an expansion valve 101, communicating therefrom 131 to a separator 110, communicating liquid therefrom 134 to a capillary tube 111, and communicating gas therefrom 132 to a control valve 112 that is responsive to ambient temperature; 111 communicating the liquid therefrom 135 to an evaporator 102, communicating gas therefrom 136 to an inlet of the injected compressor 113; the control valve 112 communicating gas therefrom 133 to an injection input of the injected compressor 113; and the expansive valve 101 being adjustable 176,171 responsive to the temperature of the gas communicating 136 from the evaporator 102 to the injected compressor 113. Where the fluid comprises a non-azeotropic refrigerant blend (NARB), the system (FIG. 5; also FIG.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1990Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 5029449Abstract: A refrigeration and heat pump system of the refrigerant gas compression type having selectively operable first and second heat exchangers, respectively, in heat exchange relationship with a heat sink or source and a heating or cooling load, and with a an internal combustion engine driving a plurality of refrigerant gas compressors with more than one of the compressors selectively engagable when the system is operated in the heat pumping mode and the heat source is at low ambient temperature. The system includes at least one speed increaser connected between the plurality or compressors, so that the compressors operate at difference speeds although driven by the same engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1990Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 5022241Abstract: A residential-type hybrid air conditioning system having a conventional refrigeration subsystem which handles system sensible heat loads and a liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem which handles system latent heat loads additionally incorporates an evaporative cooler which cooperates with and receives heat from the dehumidification subsystem to increase the performance efficiency of the total system.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1990Date of Patent: June 11, 1991Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 5020334Abstract: A building hybrid air conditioning system having a conventional refrigeration subsystem in combination with a liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem that dehumidifies make-up ventilation air is provided with an additional and localized dehumidifier assembly that cooperates with the dehumidification subsystem liquid desiccant central supply to remove excess moisture from its localized zone in by-pass relation to system dehumidification of the make-up ventilation air.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1990Date of Patent: June 4, 1991Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 5009086Abstract: A double-effect absorption refrigeration system is provided with a novel, generally concentric and vertically-elongated high-pressure condenser chamber, low-pressure desorber, and low pressure condenser combination. Such combination further includes novel annular liquid collection cups located at the combination lower extremes to receive high-pressure liquid refrigerant, low pressure concentrated refrigerent solution, and low-pressure liquid refrigerent. Flow restrictor devices are incorporated in distribution lines connecting the collection cups to a system evaporator/absorber assembly to further enhance temperature, concentration, and pressure conditions imparted to the liquids flowed for absorption purposes.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1989Date of Patent: April 23, 1991Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 4991400Abstract: The heating and cooling of structures is accomplished by driving a compressor of an air conditioning system with an internal combustion engine. The engine also drives an electrical generator to provide electrical power to the various components of the heating and cooling subsystem such as fans, motors, pumps, and controls. A constantly variable transmission apparatus and a differential power transmission are cooperatively connected to the engine to provide substantially constant speed operation of the generator.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1990Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 4955205Abstract: A hybrid air conditioning system for an enlcosed space in a building is comprised of a refrigeration subsystem handling the enclosed space sensible heat load and of a liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem handling the enclosed space latent heat load. The dehuymidification subsystem primarily utilizes available heat from the refrigeration subsystem for liquid desiccant regeneration and dehumidifies ventilation air from the ambient atmosphere for subsequent mixing with enclosed space recirculated air to control the relative humidity within the enclosed space to a desired level. Total system performance efficiency is improved by a novel method of operation of system elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1989Date of Patent: September 11, 1990Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 4936111Abstract: A system and apparatus for compressing gaseous fluids, especially refrigerant gas vapors operating in refrigeration cycles, combining reciprocating pistons in a rotating cylinder member which is mounted for rotation in a stationary frame and is driven by an external source of rotative power. The cylinder block rotates in an encircling port ring member which contains inlet, interstage, and outlet port sets with the number of port sets, numbering more or less than the number of cylinders, to provide a vernier effect in the timing of connections between the port sets and the cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1988Date of Patent: June 26, 1990Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: William H. Wilkinson, James H. Saunders
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Patent number: 4926659Abstract: A absorption refrigeration system having cooling and heating modes of operation functions with a double-effect or "split" refrigeration cycle having approximately the same refrigerant concentration span in each cycle loop. The system includes a novel direct expansion combined evaporator and absorber assembly with improved heat transfer characteristics and with interchangeable liquid flows accomplished through actuation of a conventional reversing valve. Also, the system is provided with improved recuperative heat exchangers to further increase system energy conversion efficiencies.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1989Date of Patent: May 22, 1990Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventors: Richard N. Christensen, Anthony C. DeVuono, William H. Wilkinson, D. Karl Landstrom
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Patent number: 4905479Abstract: A hybrid air conditioning system for an enclosed space in a building is comprised of a refrigeration subsystem handling the enclosed space sensible heat load and of a liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem handling the enclosed space latent heat load. The dehumidification subsystem primarily utilizes available heat from the refrigeration subsystem for liquid desiccant regeneration and dehumidifies ventilation air from the ambient atmosphere for subsequent mixing with enclosed space recirculated air to control the relative humidity within the enclosed space to a desired level. Total system performance efficiency is improved by a novel arrangement and control of system elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1989Date of Patent: March 6, 1990Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 4667485Abstract: An absorption refrigeration/heat pump system of the four chamber multiple subsystem type in which an absorption power module is employed having a desorber, condenser, and second desorber combined for more effective heat transfer and thermal efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1986Date of Patent: May 26, 1987Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventors: David A. Ball, William T. Hanna, William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 4567732Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to regulate the environment in a greenhouse where food and flower production is carried out, and in which outside air is inducted into the enclosure of the greenhouse through an evaporative cooler. A portion of the inducted air is recirculated, selectively heated or cooled and dehumidified, and mixed with the inducted air after contact with the agriculture in the greenhouse.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1983Date of Patent: February 4, 1986Inventors: D. Karl Landstrom, William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 4477396Abstract: Countercurrent flow absorber and desorber devices are provided for use in absorption cycle refrigeration systems and thermal boosting systems. The devices have increased residence time and surface area resulting in improved heat and mass transfer characteristics. The apparatuses may be incorporated into open cycle thermal boosting systems in which steam serves both as the refrigerant vapor which is supplied to the absorber section and as the supply of heat to drive the desorber section of the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1981Date of Patent: October 16, 1984Assignee: Battelle Development Corp.Inventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 4470405Abstract: A method, apparatus and system is provided for controlling the rate of insolation transmission through the roof of a building, such as a greenhouse. The roof is provided with translucent panels through which liquid containing opaquing material passes. Control is effected by varying the amount of opaquing material passing through the panels, according to preselected optimum fulfillment of the combined heating, cooling and insolation needs of the building under varying atmospheric conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1981Date of Patent: September 11, 1984Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: D. Karl Landstrom, Sherwood G. Talbert, William H. Wilkinson, George H. Stickford, Jr., Frank E. Jakob
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Patent number: 4441332Abstract: An absorption refrigeration and heat pump system in which a higher temperature subsystem and a lower temperature subsystem are combined with the desorber means of the higher temperature subsystem in heat exchange relationship with the condenser means of the lower temperature subsystem, and in which the evaporators of each subsystems are in heat exchange relationship with either the load in one mode of operation or the heat sink in another mode of operation, and the absorbers and condenser of the lower temperature subsystem are in heat exchange relationship with the heat sink in the first mode of operation and with the load in the other mode of operation. Means are provided to balance the system including a condensate pump between the higher temperature condenser and the higher temperature desorber. Alternate means are provided to improve lower temperature heat pumping by restricting the refrigerant flow through one of the expansion valves and diverting it to the solution pump.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1982Date of Patent: April 10, 1984Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 4424688Abstract: A power unit combining a generator and a condenser for an adsorption heat exchange system including apparatus comprising a plurality of coaxially substantially vertical chambers in which desorption and condensation take place simultaneously in opposite walls of the chamber. Means may be provided to convey the refrigerant solution pair from one chamber to the next.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1982Date of Patent: January 10, 1984Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 4407131Abstract: A system is provided which improves the ability of cogeneration facilities to meet varying electrical power and process steam demands. One or more thermal boosting systems each having a Rankine cycle evaporator coupled with a solution heat pump cycle is integrated with the turbines of the cogeneration facility to maintain full steam flow through the turbines and provide a portion of the process steam demands on the facility. Optionally, a bottoming turbine is added to the system to further improve its flexibility to meet varying demands.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1980Date of Patent: October 4, 1983Assignee: Battelle Development CorporationInventor: William H. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 4337625Abstract: Absorption cycle refrigeration processes and systems are provided which are driven by the sensible waste heat available from industrial processes and other sources. Systems are disclosed which provide a chilled water output which can be used for comfort conditioning or the like which utilize heat from sensible waste heat sources at temperatures of less than 170.degree. F. Countercurrent flow equipment is also provided to increase the efficiency of the systems and increase the utilization of available heat.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1981Date of Patent: July 6, 1982Assignee: Battelle Development Corp.Inventor: William H. Wilkinson