Patents Issued in November 25, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100293941
    Abstract: An electro-thermal actuator device includes a case defining a cavity in which are housed a thermal actuator, an electrical heater and, at least partially, an actuating shaft. The device comprises a multipolar connector for the rapid, secure and reliable coupling to a respective source of electrical power supply for the heater. The connector can be configured as an adapter unit distinct from the case, suitable to transform a traditional electro-thermal actuator device into the actuator device described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ELTEK S.P.A.
    Inventors: Costanzo GADINI, Renato GAJ, Marco MORO
  • Publication number: 20100293942
    Abstract: A flow control device for a turbocharger, the flow control device comprising a variably restricting flow restrictor for restricting flow in a turbocharger inlet by a variable amount, the flow control device being arranged such that the flow restrictor position varies flow restriction in response to force acting on a surface of the flow restrictor caused by a pressure pulse in a flow direction, the flow restrictor being biased in a direction opposed to the flow direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: IMPERIAL INNOVATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Ricardo Martinez-Botas
  • Publication number: 20100293943
    Abstract: A power plant includes an engine configured to receive charge air and produce exhaust. A first turbo machine is configured to be driven by the exhaust and drive a compressor that receives air. The compressor is configured to produce the charge air. A second turbo machine is configured to receive a portion of the exhaust and rotationally drive a pump in response thereto. High temperature and low temperature EGR heat exchangers are arranged in the exhaust gas recirculation passage serially relative to one another upstream from the pump. A heat exchanger arranged in the exhaust gas recirculation passage upstream from the pump. A water separator is arranged in the exhaust gas recirculation passage fluidly between the heat exchanger and the pump. An EGR catalyst is arranged in the exhaust gas recirculation passage upstream from the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Ho Teng, Gerhard Regner, Gary Hunter
  • Publication number: 20100293944
    Abstract: A power plant includes an engine configured to receive charge air and produce exhaust. A first turbo machine is configured to be driven by the exhaust and drive a compressor that receives air. The compressor is configured to produce the charge air. A second turbo machine is configured to receive the charge air and rotationally drive a pump in response thereto. The pump is configured to receive an EGR from the exhaust and introduce the pumped EGR to the charge air. The power plant also includes an exhaust gas recirculation passage. The second turbo machine includes a turbine rotationally coupled to the pump. The turbine has an expanded air passage, and the pump is arranged in the exhaust gas recirculation passage. A pre-cooler is arranged in the expanded air passage and in the exhaust gas recirculation passage upstream from the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Hunter
  • Publication number: 20100293945
    Abstract: An energy-creating and storage device and method wherein a stored natural fluid is used to generate electricity which is both used and stored, and the fluid, after having driven the electricity producing turbine, is recirculated to be used again or channeled to a series of cascading units to capitalize on the remaining energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Richard M. Connell
  • Publication number: 20100293946
    Abstract: An annular design heat exchanger is formed from an arrangement of wedge-shaped stacks of wafers. Each wafer includes sheets of material separated by peripheral and supporting walls that define interior flow channels through which a first fluid can flow. Holes in the sheets provide inlets and outlets to the channels, and walls surrounding the holes mate with neighboring wafers in the stack, forming integral inlet and outlet manifolds, while ensuring uniform spacing between the wafers. A second fluid can flow around the manifolds and through the spaces between the wafers in a counterflow pattern. In the annular assembly, the manifolds are oriented substantially axially, and the flow channels are oriented substantially radially. The heat exchanger can be formed from a ceramic material, and can be incorporated into an engine assembly or a heat-recirculating combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J. Vick
  • Publication number: 20100293947
    Abstract: This invention publishes a kind of nuclear reactor, including shell body, lighter system, starting system and fuel system, the shell body is installed magnetic force bearing axle, which is installed flywheel axle, which is installed flywheel, which is installed gas-mixed room, and there is air inlet in the middle of gas-mixed room, cylinder installed on the outside of flywheel. There is an air outlet on the outside of the air-mixed room, air inlets on cylinder bottom, the air outlets and inlets are interconnected. There are lighters equipped in cylinder, which's spraying direction and flywheel semi diameter form the included angle ?1. it adopts the new manner of nuclear reaction, which can realize every kind of nuclear reaction, realize the nuclear fusion and realize the reaction of ganta into energy, safe and reliable and without any nuclear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Jiubin Chen
  • Publication number: 20100293948
    Abstract: A method is provided for primary control of a steam turbine installation in network operation, which provides at least two pressure stages, these being a high-pressure and a low-pressure steam turbine stage, in which for storing reserve power a live steam valve along an operating-steam feed line to at least one pressure stage of the steam turbine is operated in a throttled manner, the live steam valve, in the case of a reducing network frequency and network frequency boosting which is necessary as a result of this, is transferred to an at least less throttled state. At least some of the partially expanded operating steam which issues from the high-pressure steam turbine stage is introduced directly without reheating, into the low-pressure steam turbine stage for further expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Olaf BERKE, Franz-Josef HÖLY, Karsten MÜLLER, Reinhard Johannes Severin CLOPPENBURG
  • Publication number: 20100293949
    Abstract: Apparatus for recovering energy from water is disclosed. Water is heated by application of electrical energy to heaters and contacting the water with the heaters in a manner and under pressure and temperature conditions such that it is instantaneously converted to gas. Energy in excess of that supplied to the heaters results from the rapid conversion of water to gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Richard E. Aho
  • Publication number: 20100293950
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manufacturing a housing of an antipollution device including one or more bricks supported by one or more mats therein. One or more main portions are formed, the main portion of the housing defining a formed chamber in which the brick(s) compress the mat(s) between the brick(s) and the main portion to a predetermined density. One or more end portions are formed, for connection of the antipollution device in an exhaust system. When one or more transition portions are formed to connect the main portion(s) and the end portion(s), the main portion(s) is engaged by the apparatus to resist deformation of the formed chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Richard Sojak, Clifford Bailey, James Ramandt, Guy Devine
  • Publication number: 20100293951
    Abstract: A hybrid electrical motor includes a shaft, an electrical subsystem, and a gas subsystem. The electrical subsystem is operable to output a force that rotates the shaft. The gas subsystem is also operable to output a force that rotates the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Fleming
  • Publication number: 20100293952
    Abstract: The present application provides a swirler for a turbine combustor. The swirler may include an outer wall, a passage defined by the outer wall, and an end wall. The end wall may include a number of apertures therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Praveen Babulal Jain, Shiva Srinivasan, Dheeraj Sharma
  • Publication number: 20100293953
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas-turbine engine including a burner head, a combustion chamber disposed downstream of the burner head, a swirler for creating a swirling flow of air in the combustion chamber, and a fuel nozzle disposed in the burner head. The fuel nozzle is disposed giving rise to a first angle of exit of the fuel from a downstream face of the burner head of >±0° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the combustor, this first angle lying in a first plane passing through the longitudinal axis. The fuel also exits at a second angle from the downstream face of >±0° with respect to the first plane, the second angle lying in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Nigel Wilbraham
  • Publication number: 20100293954
    Abstract: The structure and operation of a fuel nozzle for a gas turbine combustor is disclosed where the fuel nozzle provides for flameholding protection and, more specifically, to such a nozzle that provides for nondestructive protection from flamebolding. The nozzle provides for differential thermal expansion between tubes forming fuel passages to allowing for the nondestructive venting of fuel during a flameholding condition. Upon extinguishing the flameholding condition, the nozzle returns to normal operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: STANLEY KEVIN WIDENER
  • Publication number: 20100293955
    Abstract: A system comprising a fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle includes a mounting base and an inlet flow conditioner extending directly from the mounting base in a downstream direction. Moreover, the inlet flow conditioner structurally supports the fuel nozzle without a central support member extending directly from the mounting base inside the inlet flow conditioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan Dwight Berry, Kevin Weston McMahan, Carl Robert Barker
  • Publication number: 20100293956
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle auxiliary vane comprising a vane mountable base comprising a fuel inlet, wherein the vane mountable base is configured to mount to a surface of a main vane disposed in an airflow path of a fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle auxiliary vane also includes a body extending from the vane mountable base, wherein the body comprises a fuel passage that turns from the fuel inlet to a fuel outlet, and the fuel outlet has a fuel outlet direction generally crosswise to a fuel inlet direction through the fuel inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Vaibhav Nadkarni
  • Publication number: 20100293957
    Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes an engine wall. The engine wall includes a cold-side and a hot-side. The engine wall includes one or more dilution holes, wherein each of the one or more dilution holes includes a first opening on the cold-side, a second opening on a hot-side, and a section of thermal barrier coating (TBC) applied on the cold-side and having an opening that generally circumscribes the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Jesse Edwin Trout, Jeffrey Lebegue
  • Publication number: 20100293958
    Abstract: An exhaust mixer for a gas turbine engine including a plurality of circumferentially distributed alternating inner and outer lobes, where each of the inner lobes is configured with a circumferential offset between the base and the tip thereof, and a direction of the circumferential offset defined from the base to the tip of each of the inner lobes is the same for all of the inner lobes and opposite to that of a swirl component of a main gas path flow entering the exhaust mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Sami GIRGIS, David F. Glasspoole
  • Publication number: 20100293959
    Abstract: A power supply device or system for aeronautics, having a hydrocarbon supply for supplying an engine with hydrocarbon fuel and a hydrogen supply having a fuel reformer for producing hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuel from said hydrocarbon supply. The hydrogen supply is connected to a hydrogen-powered fuel cell for producing electric power and to a hydrogen injecting system for injection of hydrogen into a combustion chamber of the engine. Further, the invention relates to an aircraft having an engine that can be supplied by that power supplying device or system, and to a method for operating said engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Airbus SAS
    Inventors: Sebastien Remy, Jean Botti
  • Publication number: 20100293960
    Abstract: A method of starting a gas turbine engine by use of a start sequence is provided. Turbine speed and fuel delivery are coordinated so as to provide a fuel/air mixture at an ignition device allowing a successful ignition. If a successful ignition has not occurred by end of the start sequence the gas turbine engine is purged and the start sequence is repeated after the purging of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Gareth Huw Davies, John Wilkinson, Stuart Wilkinson, Maria Helen Kathakin Wilkinson, Richard Woods
  • Publication number: 20100293961
    Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provides stepping speed control of a gas turbine engine to reliably light-off a gas turbine engine. During starting, the speed of the gas turbine engine is incremented by stepped amounts through the light-off window from a minimum speed value to a maximum speed value, with the speed of the gas turbine dwelling at each stepped value for a period of time before incrementing the speed of the engine to the next stepped level. If the gas turbine engine is stepped through the entire light-off window without success, the controller decreases the speed of the gas turbine engine to the minimum value and begins the process again. The process continues until successful light-off is initiated or until the light-off window is traversed a certain number of times, after which the start process is aborted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bing Tong, Timothy J. Sullivan, Paul E. Hilgeman, Tarrence L. Mack
  • Publication number: 20100293962
    Abstract: A CHP system can include one or more heat sources generating heat output and producing emissions. The CHP system can further include one or more power converters configured to convert the heat into a useful power output. The power converters can deliver the balance of heat to one or more thermally-activated devices (TADs) configured to convert the heat into a useful thermal (heating and cooling) output. The method for configuring the CHP system can comprise the steps of: representing the useful power output by the power converters as a function of the heat output by the heat sources; representing the useful thermal output by the TADs as a function of the heat output by the heat sources; representing the specific emission output as a function of the heat output by the heat sources; and determining the values of the individual heat source heat output which are sufficient to attain the pre-defined levels for useful power output and useful thermal output, while meeting the regulated specific emission levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy C. Wagner, Alexander Chen, Mark E. Marler
  • Publication number: 20100293963
    Abstract: On a two-shaft gas turbine, on at least one of an inner peripheral side or an outer peripheral side of a main flow passage, an outlet of a high-pressure turbine is lower than an inlet of a low-pressure turbine, an outer periphery of a flow channel that connects the outlet of the high-pressure turbine and the inlet of the low-pressure turbine includes a first casing shroud that is supported by a casing and located on an outer peripheral side of a final-stage rotor vane of the high-pressure turbine, and an initial-stage stator vane of the low-pressure turbine, and a connection position of the first casing shroud and the initial-stage stator vane of the low-pressure turbine is closer to the inlet of the initial-stage stator vane of the low-pressure turbine than the outlet of the final-stage rotor vane of the high-pressure turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chihiro Myoren, Ryou Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20100293964
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a nacelle and a breather duct. The breather duct provides communication between a component of the engine within the nacelle and the exterior of the nacelle and opens at an exhaust port on the external surface of the nacelle. There is a clean air outlet slot located downstream of the exhaust port and arranged to expel, in use, a sheet flow of clean air to form an aerodynamic barrier between the external surface of the nacelle and a flow of breather air expelled from the exhaust port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Christopher T.J. SHEAF, Zahid M. Hussain
  • Publication number: 20100293965
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an improved method and system for reducing energy in a beverage machine. The disclosure provides for a reduced operation of a mixer motor in the beverage machine that still allows for testing product conditions and ensuring product quality unique to the needs of beverage dispensing. The product remains cooled or frozen longer, thus reducing compressor operation in a refrigeration system and heat input into the surrounding environment, such as a store, that further reduces the cooling needs of the environment for an overall reduced energy consumption with the beverage machine. The invention departs from the standard of continuous mixing to ensure product quality and reduces the energy input into the mixer motor and energy input into the product chamber, thus reducing the compressor reactivation frequency for significant energy savings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: FBD PARTNERSHIP, LP
    Inventors: Jimmy I. FRANK, Craig CLOUD
  • Publication number: 20100293966
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes a first heat exchanger, wherein air around the first heat exchanger is supplied into a vehicle compartment, a heat storage unit, an in-vehicle circuit that connects between the first heat exchanger and the heat storage unit, a second heat exchanger, wherein air around the second heat exchanger is sent outside a vehicle, a vehicle system, wherein the vehicle system generates exhaust heat, an out-vehicle circuit, a connection circuit that connects between the in-vehicle and the out-vehicle circuits, a plurality of valves operating so that the in-vehicle circuit and the out-vehicle circuit are connected or disconnected from each other through the connection circuit and a control device for controlling states of the valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Naoya YOKOMACHI, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Hidehito Kubo, Hirohisa Kato, Hirokuni Akiyama, Naoto Morisaku, Junya Suzuki, Noritaka Nishimori
  • Publication number: 20100293967
    Abstract: A system and method according to which a compressor having a first shaft is provided, and an aeroderivative gas turbine for driving the compressor is provided, the aeroderivative gas turbine including a gas generator and a power turbine coupled to the gas generator, the power turbine having a second shaft directly coupled to the first shaft of the compressor for directly driving the first shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: DRESSER-RAND COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle W. Liskow, Kevin M. Frank, Patrice C. Bardon
  • Publication number: 20100293968
    Abstract: In recent years piezoelectric actuation has been identified as a promising means of driving miniature Stirling devices. It supports miniaturization, has a high power to volume ratio, can operate at almost any frequency, good electrical to mechanical efficiencies, and potentially has a very long operating life. This invention uses a valve-less hydraulic amplification, creating an oscillating pressure wave sufficiently large to drive a high frequency miniature pulse tube cryocooler. The actuator may be separated from the main body of the cryocooler. The system lack of rubbing parts in the power conversion processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: TECHNION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LTD.
    Inventors: Isaac Garaway, Gershon Grossman
  • Publication number: 20100293969
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods and systems that distribute an additive in solid carbon dioxide in an interior of food processing equipment. The additive may be injected into a flow of liquid carbon dioxide upstream of an expander at or adjacent to the interior. Injection of the additive into the interior may be alternated with directing a flow of expanded carbon dioxide into the interior. In some embodiments, the freezing point of the additive with or without a diluent composition and/or additive(s) is lower than a temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: David C. BRAITHWAITE, Meenakshi SUNDARAM, Vasuhi RASANAYAGAM
  • Publication number: 20100293970
    Abstract: A cooler for beverage containers, comprising an outer holder (5) and at least one inner holder (17), received in the outer holder (5), provided with: at least a series of receiving positions (28) within the inner holder, for beverage containers (30); a cooling device (13) for froming an ice layer between the at least one inner holder and the outer holder; pumping means (22) for drawing coolant from the at least one inner holder (17) and lifting coolant between the inner holder (17) and the outer holder (5); at least one overflow (32) for reintroducing lifted coolant into the inner holder (17)
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: HEINEKEN SUPPLY CHAIN B.V.
    Inventors: Ronald Johannes Mooijer, Hans-Peter Voss, Patrick Johannes Blom
  • Publication number: 20100293971
    Abstract: A compact rapid liquid chilling apparatus and method are provided. A liquid is placed in a container having an inherent void volume. The housing includes a container-securing space dimensioned to receive ice and maintain substantially all of the ice atop the container placed therein and in thermal communication with the container without allowing substantially any of the ice to fall below the container. A rotating mechanism disposed in the housing rotates the container placed in the container-securing space. As the ice melts as it chills the rotating container, the resulting water falls freely below the container as substantially all of the unmelted ice remains above the container. A lid preferably closes around the container to form a portion of the container-securing space when closed. The lid preferably includes an ice supply window, and an ice measuring bin preferably is attachable to the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
    Inventors: Gregory H. Loibl, George Sidebotham, Michael B. Gutierrez
  • Publication number: 20100293972
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for detecting ice crystal formation on a heat exchange surface in an ice-making machine comprises at least one microphone monitoring the sound made by a rotating blade assembly within the ice-making machine during ice slurry formation. A filter filters the output of the microphone to remove background noise. A comparator receives the output of the filter and compares the filtered microphone output with a threshold to determine if the filtered microphone output signifies ice crystal formation on the heat exchange surface. The operation of the ice-making machine can then be adjusted in a manner to allow the formed ice crystals to be removed from the heat exchange surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Vladimir Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20100293973
    Abstract: An ammonia absorption refrigeration apparatus is disclosed that has advantageous features to enable it to be integrated with a power plant comprised of a combustion turbine plus a heat recovery steam generator (e.g. a combined cycle plant), in a manner so as to enhance the performance of the power plant. Exhaust heat from the power plant powers the AAR, and refrigeration from the AAR chills the inlet air to the combustion turbine. Thus the power plant output is markedly increased on hot days at high efficiency, with little or no parasitic penalty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Charles Erickson
  • Publication number: 20100293974
    Abstract: An air conditioning equipment having an in-room unit connected to one end of the refrigerant pipes and an out-room unit connected to the other end of the refrigerant pipes. The air conditioning equipment includes signal coupling portions which are respectively disposed at both end parts of the refrigerant pipes. Each of the signal coupling portions couples an alternating current (AC) control signal to the refrigerant pipes and exhibits a predetermined impedance with respect to an AC electric signal. The configuration of the air conditioning equipment brings forth the advantages that the electrical insulation devices used in the prior art are dispensed with, and the signal transmissions between the in-room unit and the out-room unit can be performed by a simple apparatus configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyasu HIGUMA, Noriyuki Kushiro, Yoshiaki Koizumi
  • Publication number: 20100293975
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a compressor, first and second heat exchangers connected with high pressure piping, low pressure piping connecting the second heat exchanger to a compressor suction port, a pressure reducing mechanism arranged to reduce pressure in the high pressure piping, a bypass passageway, a vessel connected to the bypass passageway, and first and second opening/closing mechanisms. The first heat exchanger is connected to a compressor discharge port. The bypass passageway is arranged to divert refrigerant from the high pressure piping to the low pressure piping without passing through the second heat exchanger. The first opening/closing mechanism is arranged to open/close a first portion of the bypass passageway that connects the high pressure piping to the vessel. The second opening/closing mechanism is arranged to open/close a second portion of the bypass passageway that connects an upper part of the vessel to the low pressure piping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kawano, Masahiro Oka, Kazuhiko Tani, Atsushi Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20100293976
    Abstract: To provide a low-cost and highly reliable indoor unit and an air-conditioning apparatus having the same by obtaining a dew point temperature at the outlet side without installing a humidity sensor and a dew point temperature detector at the outlet side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tsutsumi
  • Publication number: 20100293977
    Abstract: The refrigeration system has an energy saving operation mode performing: a first action in which a compressor (11) and an internal fan (16) are driven while the cooling capacity of an evaporator (14) is regulated; a second action in which, when the blow-off-side air temperature in a cold storage is kept at a set value in the first action, the cooling capacity of the evaporator (14) is increased to lower the blow-off-side air temperature to a lower limit temperature of a desired temperature range containing the set value and the compressor (11) and the internal fan (16) are then stopped; and a third action in which, when the blow-off-side air temperature after the second action rises to an upper limit temperature of the desired temperature range, the first action is restarted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Shigeto Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20100293978
    Abstract: An expansion valve (1) comprising an inlet opening (2) and a distributor (4) being arranged to distribute fluid medium received from the inlet opening to at least two parallel flow paths (3). At least two outlet openings (3) are adapted to deliver fluid in an at least partially gaseous state, and each outlet opening is fluidly connected to one of the parallel flow paths. A first valve part (7) and a second valve part (5) are arranged movably relative to each other in such a manner that the mutual position of the first valve part and the second valve part determines the opening degree of the expansion valve. Since the distributor (4) forms part of the expansion valve, it distributes the fluid medium to the parallel flow paths prior to or during expansion of the fluid medium, i.e. while the fluid medium is in a substantially liquid state. This makes it easier to control the distribution of fluid medium to the parallel flow paths in a uniform manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Claus Thybo, Leo Bram, Jens Pawlik
  • Publication number: 20100293979
    Abstract: A temperature controlled food serving having at least one channel of thermally conductive material for receiving at least one food-holding pan. The at least one channel defines an elongate pan receiving cavity for placement of the at least one food-holding pan at any desired location along the cavity. A temperature control system comprises at least one heating element for heating the at least one channel to maintain food products held in the food-holding pans at a food holding temperature. The at least one channel has at least two different temperature zones along a length of the channel so that food products in different temperature zones can be held at different food holding temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: DUKE MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Dennis Headberg
  • Publication number: 20100293980
    Abstract: A conical-shaped distributing member 41 is disposed in a refrigerant distributing portion 32 distributing refrigerant, an orifice 34 is disposed by being positioned at an axis 16X of the conical body, the orifice 34 is held by a stop ring 37, and the stop ring 37 urges the orifice 34 in a flow direction of the refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Kazuhiro SHIMAOKA, Kenichi Nakajima, Jun Yamauchi, Shintaro Sugimoto, Yoshimi Kusama
  • Publication number: 20100293981
    Abstract: A dehumidifier is provided. The dehumidifier includes a base, a barrier installed on the base to divide front and rear portions of the base, a drain pan formed on an upper portion of the barrier to collect condensed water and provided with a water collecting hole through which the condensed water is discharged, a drain hose connected to the water collecting hole to discharge the condensed water, and a hose fixing unit formed on the barrier to fix the drain hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Won-Suk Jang, Chi-Wan Kim
  • Publication number: 20100293982
    Abstract: The distributor unit (10) is coupled to a heat pump (12) and to various circuits for collecting (24, 28, 30) and for delivering (38, 40, 52, 56) heat, with the unit serving to provide selective interconnection therebetween in application of various predetermined combinational schemes for fluid distribution by automatically controlling an integrated network of stop valves (200). The schemes define modes of operation such as natural cooling or freeze-proofing, producing hot water and/or air conditioning from a single installation by optimizing transfers of heat between the circuits so that the heat pump is always operating in its thermodynamically optimum zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: HADES
    Inventor: Georges Favier
  • Publication number: 20100293983
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator configured to expand the inner space thereof by improving the structure of a refrigerator door to achieve the slimness of the refrigerator door provided with an ice-making device, and the refrigerator is further provided with a basket or a special freezing chamber adapted for storing foods. The refrigerator includes a main body including a storage chamber, a door rotatably coupled to the main body, an ice-making device provided to the door and configured to make ice, and a special freezing chamber provided to the door and including a communication hole to introduce cool air of the ice-making device. The slimed refrigerator door of the refrigerator is configured to receive a food basket, and the space for foods in the refrigerator is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Dong-Jeong Kim, Seung-Hwan Oh, So-Hee Park, Wook-Yong Lee
  • Publication number: 20100293984
    Abstract: A bottom mount household refrigerator is provided with an apparatus to permit the dispensing of ice. According to one embodiment, a sealed ice making compartment is provided within the fresh food compartment. The sealed ice making compartment may be located at the bottom, at the top, or along a side wall within the fresh food compartment. According to another embodiment, ice is made in the ice compartment, and lifted upward to a dispensing location through the door of the fresh food compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOSEPH R. ADAMSKI, JASON COLSCH, TIM L. COULTER, GLENN E. GOETZ, STEVEN G. HERNDON, TODD E. KNIFFEN, BILL J. KOONS, LOU MONTUORO, JOHN H. TENHUNDFELD, DAVID THALACKER, BRETT VLADIKA
  • Publication number: 20100293985
    Abstract: A water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing position and extended to support a container under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald L. Voglewede
  • Publication number: 20100293986
    Abstract: Provided is a water supply device of a refrigerator. The water supply device includes a dispenser housing, a removable water tank, a dispensing lever, and a valve unit. The dispenser housing is disposed at an opening of a refrigerator door. The removable water tank is disposed on a side of the dispenser housing. The dispensing lever is rotatably coupled to the refrigerator door and manipulated to supply water from the water tank. The valve unit communicates with outside air and is coupled to a side of the dispenser housing to receive the water tank and is adapted such that supply of the water is controlled by operation of the dispensing lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Eunkyung Jung
  • Publication number: 20100293987
    Abstract: An elongated polymeric ribbon is mounted to the cabinet of a refrigerator/freezer or the door and at least one electrical conductor is integrally formed in the ribbon, which also integrally includes at least one fluid conduit. In one embodiment, the ribbon is mounted in association with an elongated spine, such that a module can be mounted anywhere along the spine and coupled to the polymeric ribbon for receiving operating utilities therefrom. This system provides the manufacturer with the capability of positioning a module requiring operating utilities at any desired location within a refrigerator/freezer cabinet and/or on the doors of the refrigerator/freezer. The ribbon connector is accessed by connections which allow dealers to customize refrigerators for individual consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: GALE R. HORST, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, KAREN J. QUERFURTH, AMERESH B. VISWANATHAN, RONALD L. VOGLEWEDE, MICHELE E. WILCOX
  • Publication number: 20100293988
    Abstract: A device (10) for retaining beverage cooling means (11) within a vessel (12) is disclosed. The device (10) comprises a vessel engaging portion (14) and means (16) for engaging the beverage cooling means (11). The vessel engaging portion (14) comprises biasing means (16) which biases the means for engaging the beverage cooling means to the base of the vessel (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: David Derek Grant Spratley
  • Publication number: 20100293989
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compact sorption cooling unit, comprising at least one adsorber/desorber unit (1) having a heat exchanger and sorption material, at least one condenser heat exchanger (5), and at least one evaporator heat exchanger (6), wherein these building blocks are located in a common, vacuum-tight metal outer housing, and having connection and coupling elements and pipe ducts for the hydraulic interconnection and operation of the unit. The invention provides a sandwich structure, wherein the at least one adsorber/desorber unit (1) is located in an inner or partial inner housing. The condenser heat exchanger (5) and the evaporator heat exchanger (6) are disposed at a distance from each other, and the inner housing having the adsorber/desorber unit (1) is provided in the intermediate space thereof. The separating surfaces (2) of the inner housing directed toward the condenser heat exchanger (5) and toward the evaporator heat exchanger (6) receive steam valves (8, 9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: SORTECH AG
    Inventors: Thomas Buttner, Walter Mittelbach
  • Publication number: 20100293990
    Abstract: The invention provides a valve comprising a house and a drum rotatable in the house. The house comprises a plurality of substantial identical tubular mid-section house members, a bottom house member, and a top house member. When connecting the house members to each other, a continuous outer wall surrounding a house cavity, a port, and a plurality of nozzles being in fluid communication with the house cavity is provided. The drum comprises a plurality of substantial identical tubular mid-section drum members, a bottom drum member, and a top drum member. When connecting the drum members to each other, an inner wall having an outer surface being adapted for rotation in contact with a corresponding inner surface of the outer wall, the inner wall comprising a plurality of conduits is provided. During rotation of the drum, the conduits can be brought into and out off fluid communication with the nozzles in order to provide passages between the port and the nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Allan Juhl Moustgaard, Sune Prytz, Hans Kurt Petersen