Patents Issued in October 27, 2011
  • Publication number: 20110258997
    Abstract: A wave energy converter comprising: a linear generator comprising an armature and a stator; a float connected by a linkage to the armature; wherein the weight of the armature and the linkage bear downwards upon the float and one of the armature and stator comprises electrical coils and the other of the armature and stator comprises a stack of permanent magnets, the arrangement being such that during the ascending portion of a passing wave, the buoyancy of the float causes the armature to rise, and as the wave falls away, the combined weight of the float, linkage and armature causes the armature to fall, electricity thereby being generated upon the upstroke and the downstroke, the stack of permanent magnets or electrical coils of the armature being sufficiently sized in terms of deadweight to procure that the combined weight of the armature, linkage and float and any other travelling components act sufficiently against the electromotive force being generated by the linear generator upon the downward stroke to
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: TRIDENT ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Hugh-Peter Granville Kelly
  • Publication number: 20110258998
    Abstract: A device for a winch-operated wave-power plant with a self-tightening winch connecting a wave-energy-absorbing body via a winch wire to a reference point. A winch cable drum is connected via a mechanical energy absorption- and conversion system to a rotating outgoing axle. The mechanical energy absorption- and conversion system is connected to a slip clutch. The slip clutch is arranged between the winch axle and the outgoing axle. The slip clutch can be set to slip, thereby reducing the flow of mechanical rotational energy from the rotating winch through the mechanical energy absorption- and conversion system, so that the amount of energy per time unit absorbed by the mechanical energy absorption- and conversion system is limited by how much the slip clutch slips. The system further includes a governing system controlling the slip clutch by acting upon excessive speed and/or forces in the winch and the winch axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: STRAUMEKRAFT AS
    Inventors: Ingvald Straume, Sivert Straume
  • Publication number: 20110258999
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for optimizing heat transfer within a device or system used to compress and/or expand a gas, such as air, are described herein. For example, systems, methods and devices for optimizing the heat transfer within an air compression and expansion energy storage system are described herein. A compressor and/or expander device can include one or more of various embodiments of a heat transfer element that can be disposed within an interior of a cylinder or pressure vessel used in the compression and/or expansion of a gas, such as air. Such devices can include hydraulic and/or pneumatic actuators to move a fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) within the cylinder or pressure vessel. The heat transfer element can be used to remove heat energy generated during a compression and/or expansion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL COMPRESSION, INC.
    Inventors: Eric D. Ingersoll, Justin A. Aborn, Matthew Blieske, Iain Ridley
  • Publication number: 20110259000
    Abstract: A thermoacoustic engine includes first and second stacks disposed in parallel in a looped tube and a heat storage unit disposed in the looped tube. A circuit length between a center of the first stack and a center of the heat storage unit is equal to a circuit length between a center of the second stack and the center of the heat storage unit. A first acoustic circuit including the first stack and the heat storage unit has a circuit length which is equal to a circuit length of a second acoustic circuit including the second stack and the heat storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Haruo NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20110259001
    Abstract: In various embodiments, efficiency of energy storage and recovery systems compressing and expanding gas is improved via heat exchange between the gas and a heat-transfer fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Alexander Bell, Benjamin R. Bollinger
  • Publication number: 20110259002
    Abstract: An epitrochoidal Stirling type engine operating on a Carnot cycle. The engine has a hot end and a cool end. Each end has a three-lobed rotary piston or rotor eccentrically mounted. Each rotor is in a four-lobed housing. There are connections for fluid flow between pairs of lobes with regenerators in the connections. The thermodynamic cycle corresponds to that of the Stirling engine. Heat is applied to one end of the engine and heat is discharged at the other end. As each rotor moves in and out of the housing lobes, a hydrodynamic fluid film of gas is produced between the rotor and the housing which keeps the rotor from contacting the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Goodwin F. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20110259003
    Abstract: A thermoacoustic engine includes a first stack and a second stack disposed in a gas-filled looped tube. The first stack has a first end to which heat is inputted and a second end to which cooling water is inputted, and the second stack has a first end to which the cooling water is inputted after passing through the second end of the first stack, and a second end provided with a cooling device. The thermoacoustic engine further includes a flow controller for controlling the flow rate of the cooling water to be inputted to the second end of the first stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yosuke YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20110259004
    Abstract: Disclosed is a brake actuator unit capable of improving the pedal feeling. The brake actuator unit includes a housing, a master cylinder connected to one end of the housing and provided therein with first and second pistons arranged in parallel to each other, an operating fluid reservoir coupled to an upper portion of the master cylinder to store operating fluid, a simulator accommodated in the master cylinder to provide repulsive force of a pedal, an input shaft moving back and forth according to an operation of the pedal, a control plunger slidably moving back and forth together with the input shaft, first and second output shafts positioned corresponding to first and second pistons to move back and forth together with the control plunger, and a pedal displacement sensor connected to the input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Seung Hyup BAE, Hong Ki Kim, Chang Bok Ko
  • Publication number: 20110259005
    Abstract: Provided is a brake controller which can be made smaller. The brake controller (100) has a hydraulic control mechanism (150), which comprises a master cylinder (250) which generates a hydraulic fluid pressure on the basis of an input piston (182) and a control piston (190) that move when a braking operation is performed, motors (290, 296), and a moving mechanism (200) which moves the aforementioned control piston as the aforementioned motors turn, and a motor control unit (300) for regulating the turning of the aforementioned motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Kikuchi, Daisuke Yasukawa, HIrofumi Watanabe, Takuya Obata, Takayuki Ohno
  • Publication number: 20110259006
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a versatile thermal solar system for producing hot water up to high temperatures. Thermal solar installation, comprising a battery (1) of two or more flat or vacuum-tube solar collectors (2), heat-transfer-fluid circulation pump (4), valve system (3) and control system (6), characterized by its wide operating range in terms of available temperature of the heat-transfer fluid (from +40° C. to +150° C.), also ensuring a constant flow of heat-transfer fluid, a constant temperature, or both parameters simultaneously. The control system (6) will act on the valve system (3), as well as on the speed of the circulation pump (4) to provide control over said parameters. All the components of the installation shall comply with the standards required to withstand temperatures up to 180° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Francisco Javier CUMPLIDO MATESANZ
  • Publication number: 20110259007
    Abstract: Provided is a concentrated solar power gas turbine that enables efficient operation to allow a reduction in capacity of the start-up driving source used for compensating for the shortage of solar heat quantity at the start-up/acceleration. The concentrated solar power gas turbine (GT1) includes a compressor (1) for taking in air and increasing the pressure thereof, the compressor (1) being provided with a start-up driving source for start-up/acceleration; a solar central receiver (2) for heating the high-pressure air, the pressure of which has been increased by the compressor (1), by the heat of sunlight collected by a heliostat to increase the temperature thereof; and a turbine (3) for converting thermal energy possessed by the high-temperature/high-pressure air to mechanical energy, wherein the fluid flow in the solar central receiver (2) is shut off to store heat in the period from the shutdown of the turbine (3) to the start-up thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kuniaki Aoyama, Kei Inoue, Kazuta Kobayashi, Masashi Tagawa, Toshiyuki Osada, Masahiro Masuda
  • Publication number: 20110259008
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed circuit operating according to a Rankine cycle, comprising a circulation and compression pump (12) for a working fluid in liquid form, a heat exchanger (20) swept by a hot source (22) for evaporation of said fluid, expansion means (28) for expanding the fluid in vapour form and a cooling exchanger (32) for condensation of this fluid, traversed by a cooling fluid between an inlet face (38) and an outlet face (40). According to the invention, this circuit comprises thermopiles (44) for capturing and converting (42) the calorific energy coming from cooling exchanger (32) to electric energy and said thermopiles are arranged in the heated cooling fluid stream coming from outlet face (40) of the cooling exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Cyprien TERNEL
  • Publication number: 20110259009
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to an engine for converting heat into mechanical output using a working fluid in a closed circulating system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the engine includes a pump to pressurize the working fluid, a regenerative heat exchanger to transfer heat from a first portion of the working fluid to a second portion, a heating device to heat the working fluid, and a scroll expander to expand the working fluid and generate the mechanical output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: SECCO2 ENGINES, INC.
    Inventor: Preston Henry Carter
  • Publication number: 20110259010
    Abstract: The present invention provides a waste heat recovery system, comprising a closed fluid circuit through which an organic motive fluid flows, heat exchanger means for transferring heat from waste heat gases to the motive fluid, means for flashing the motive fluid which exits the heat exchanger means into a high pressure flashed vapor portion, means for flashing liquid non-flashed motive fluid producing a low pressure flashed vapor portion, a high pressure turbine module which receives said high pressure flashed vapor portion to produce power, and a low pressure turbine module which receives a combined flow of motive fluid vapor comprising the low pressure flashed vapor portion and discharge vapor from the high pressure turbine module whereby additional power is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Ormat Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Lucien Y. Bronicki, Yoram Bronicki
  • Publication number: 20110259011
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for converting heat into a usable form of energy, where the system and method are designed to utilize at least two separate heat sources simultaneously, where one heat source stream has a higher initial temperature and a second heat source stream has a lower initial temperature, which is transferred to and a multi-component working fluid from which thermal energy is extracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: KALEX, LLC
    Inventor: Alexander I. Kalina
  • Publication number: 20110259012
    Abstract: A working vehicle has a cooling fan provided on a first side of an engine to blow air to the engine; a muffler main body provided on a second side thereof in a position lower than an upper surface of a head cover of the engine; and an exhaust pipe exposed in a position facing an air blowing path of the cooling fan higher than the upper surface of the head cover of the engine to discharge exhaust from the muffler main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki TADA, Masato ASAHARA, Yoshihiro UEDA, Eiji SATO, Akira MINOURA
  • Publication number: 20110259013
    Abstract: A system for a gas turbine engine includes a combustor assembly coupled to a plurality of first nozzles having outlet passageways coupled to a first fuel source and first passageways coupled to a second fuel source. The system also includes the combustor assembly coupled to a second nozzle that has second passageways coupled to the second fuel source. An associated control system, coupled to the combustor assembly, is configured to channel a first fuel from the first fuel source through the outlet passageways, and channel a second fuel from the second fuel source through the second passageways when the engine attains a predetermined load. The control system is further configured to channel the second fuel from the second fuel source through the first passageways and to reduce a flow of the first fuel entering the first nozzles when the engine is at a load greater than a first predetermined load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Carey Edward Romoser
  • Publication number: 20110259014
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing refinery residuals. In one embodiment, the system may include a gasifier configured to produce syngas from refinery residuals. A gas turbine engine may produce power from the syngas, and the power may be provided to a desalination system. A portion of the syngas may be provided to a shift reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gary Daniel Miller, Benjamin Jason Crew, Keith Alan White, Evan Kent Dawson
  • Publication number: 20110259015
    Abstract: A combustion section for a gas turbine includes a casing defining a chamber, a plurality of combustor cans disposed in the casing and oriented in an annular pattern, and a plurality of transition pieces each coupled with one of the combustor cans. The transition pieces direct products of combustion from the combustor cans into contact with rotating buckets of the gas turbine. Each of the transition pieces is angled in two planes to effect turning of the products of combustion and to shorten the gas turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: David Richard Johns, Craig Steven Humanchuk
  • Publication number: 20110259016
    Abstract: A method of starting a gas turbine engine includes maintaining the gas turbine engine at the dwelling speed after light-off until a predetermined magnitude of combustor warm-up is determined then increasing the speed of the starter motor to accelerate the gas turbine engine after the predetermined magnitude of combustor warm-up is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Winston, Andre M. Ajami
  • Publication number: 20110259017
    Abstract: A cooling system for a hot gas path component is disclosed. The cooling system may include a component layer and a cover layer. The component layer may include a first inner surface and a second outer surface. The second outer surface may define a plurality of channels. The component layer may further define a plurality of passages extending generally between the first inner surface and the second outer surface. Each of the plurality of channels may be fluidly connected to at least one of the plurality of passages. The cover layer may be situated adjacent the second outer surface of the component layer. The plurality of passages may be configured to flow a cooling medium to the plurality of channels and provide impingement cooling to the cover layer. The plurality of channels may be configured to flow cooling medium therethrough, cooling the cover layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Benjamin Paul Lacy, Ronald Scott Bunker, Gary Michael Itzel
  • Publication number: 20110259018
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a thermoelectric module including a first substrate and a second substrate that are opposite to each other and spaced from each other; first and second electrodes that are disposed on the inner side surfaces of the first and second substrates, respectively; and a thermoelectric element that is interposed between the first and second electrodes and is electrically bonded to the first and second electrodes, wherein at least any one of the first and second substrates has an insulating layer disposed on one surface and a fluid flowing line for moving a fluid transferring heat therein, and a method for manufacturing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Ho Lee, Yong Suk Kim, Tae Kon Koo, Young Soo Oh, Sung Kwon Wi
  • Publication number: 20110259019
    Abstract: An environment control apparatus for cultivating plants includes a casing having a bottom with first and second holes. A thermoelectric cooling module is mounted in the first hole and includes first and second sides. The first side faces the casing. A temperature control pipe includes two ends connected to a heat reservoir. The temperature control pipe includes a heat exchanging section in contact with the second side of the thermoelectric cooling module. A first power device is mounted on the temperature control pipe. An auxiliary heat pipe includes two ends connected to the heat reservoir. The auxiliary heat pipe includes a heat dissipating section located in the second hole. A processor is coupled to the thermoelectric cooling module and the first power device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Chung-Liang CHANG
  • Publication number: 20110259020
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for storing a beverage, the container having a container body and a closure and defining an inner chamber, the inner chamber defining an inner volume and including a specific volume of the beverage. The container further includes a cooling device having a housing defining a housing volume. The cooling device includes at least two separate, substantially non-toxic reactants causing an entropy-increasing reaction producing substantially non-toxic products in a stoichiometric number. The at least two separate substantially non-toxic reactants initially being included in the cooling device are separated from one another and causing an entropy-increasing reaction and a heat reduction of the beverage of at least 50 Joules/ml beverage. The cooling device further includes an actuator for initiating the reaction between the at least two separate, substantially non-toxic reactants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Jan Norager Rasmussen, Steen Vesborg, Martin Gerth Andersen
  • Publication number: 20110259021
    Abstract: Improved brine solutions and uses thereof for uncontaminatedly and/or efficiently freezing items such as foods, and biological samples. In accordance with one embodiment, a brine solution containing a sufficient amount of dye in conferring the solution a distinctive color is used in the freezing process. In accordance with another embodiment, a brine solution containing deionized water is used for improving the freezing efficiency and/or freezing capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Barnet L. LIBERMAN, Peter H. GLIDDEN, SR., Kevin C. VANDERVOORT, Robert J. PEACOCK, II
  • Publication number: 20110259022
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin and an effective amount of stabilizer that may be an epoxide, fluorinated epoxide or oxetane, or a mixture thereof with other stabilizers. The stabilized compositions may be useful in cooling apparatus, such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, chillers, and heat pumps, as well as in applications as foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosol propellants, fire extinguishants, and sterilants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew Edward Feiring, Viacheslav A. Petrov, Barbara Haviland Minor, Mario Joseph Nappa, Nandini C. Mouli, Thomas J. Leck, Jon Lee Howell
  • Publication number: 20110259023
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting performance degradation in a refrigeration system. Specifically, the present invention provides systems and methods for detecting, at a very early stage, a low refrigerant charge and degradation in condenser performance of a refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Martin Luther Doll, JR., John C. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20110259024
    Abstract: A heat pump type speed heating apparatus, comprising: a cooling cycle circuit to circulate a first refrigerant to operate air conditioning, the cooling cycle circuit including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion apparatus, and an indoor heat exchanger, a hot water supply compressor to compress a second refrigerant, a hot water supply heat exchanger to condense the compressed second refrigerant and to heat water, a hot water supply expansion apparatus to expand the second refrigerant from the hot water supply heat exchanger, and a cascade heat exchanger, connected to the cooling cycle circuit, to evaporate the second refrigerant expanded at the hot water supply expansion apparatus, and the first refrigerant to undergo condensation, expansion, and evaporation in the cooling cycle circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Noma PARK, Heewoong Park, Hwanjong Choi
  • Publication number: 20110259025
    Abstract: A heat pump type speed heating apparatus is provided that may include a cooling cycle circuit (including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion apparatus, and an indoor heat exchanger), a hot water supply heat exchanger connected to the cooling cycle circuit through a hot water supply flow path for a refrigerant from the compressor to condense, expand, and evaporate in the cooling cycle circuit after being used for a hot water supply, a refrigerant controller to control a flow direction of the refrigerant from the compressor such that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the hot water supply heat exchanger or bypasses the hot water supply heat exchanger, and a heat exchanger bypass flow path to guide the refrigerant that has passed the hot water heat exchanger between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger to bypass either of the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Jinhee NOH, Noma PARK, Heewoong PARK, Hwanjong CHOI
  • Publication number: 20110259026
    Abstract: An airflow driving device includes an airflow-guiding member for receiving and guiding an airflow. The airflow-guiding member includes a first opening and a second opening. The open areas of the first opening and the second opening are different such that a pressure difference is generated between the first opening and the second opening. According to the pressure difference, a flow rate of the airflow passing through the airflow driving device is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Zhao-Wei Huang, Yung-Hung Tsou
  • Publication number: 20110259027
    Abstract: A heat pump-type hot water supply apparatus may be provided that includes: a refrigeration cycle circuit (including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, expansion devices, and an indoor heat exchanger); a hot water supply heat exchanger connected to the refrigeration cycle circuit to use the first refrigerant discharged from the compressor for a hot water supply; a cascade heat exchanger connected to the refrigeration cycle circuit to allow the first refrigerant passing through the hot water supply heat exchanger to evaporate a second refrigerant and thereafter, to be condensed, expanded, and evaporated in the refrigeration cycle circuit; a heat storage compressor compressing the second refrigerant evaporated in the cascade heat exchanger, a heat storage tank to heat water using the second refrigerant compressed by the heat storage compressor, and a heat storage expansion device to expand the second refrigerant condensed in the heat storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Hwanjong CHOI, Noma Park, Heewoong Park
  • Publication number: 20110259028
    Abstract: A temperature regulating device includes a C-shape portion, at least a solar panel and a small fan. A space is provided in the C-shape portion. Several outlets are disposed on top of the C-shape portion. Several inlets are disposed on the bottom of the C-shape portion and are in fluid communication with the space. The solar panel is disposed on the outer side of the C-shape portion to absorb sunlight so as to convert it to electricity. The small fan is electrically connected with the solar panel and is disposed in a space of the C-shape portion. Therefore, a user may wear the device and uses the solar panel to generate electricity. The device is easy to carry and use and is environmentally friendly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Shih-Hsien LEE
  • Publication number: 20110259029
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for a building is provided that includes a heat sink, a heat source and a heat pump, the heat pump having a plurality of hollow elements especially comprising an adsorption agent. A heat-transporting fluid for heat exchange with the heat source and/or the heat sink can be distributed in a variable manner between a plurality of flow paths associated with the hollow elements, by means of a rotary valve, whereby the hollow elements are brought into thermal contact with the fluid at a variable temperature. Air in the building can be conditioned by means of the hollow elements by a temperature difference between the heat source and the heat sink. The heat pump is designed as a decentrally arranged structural unit spatially separated from at least either the heat source or heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Roland BURK
  • Publication number: 20110259030
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a case that defines a product display area with an opening. The case includes a base that has an air inlet located adjacent the product display area. The refrigerated merchandiser also includes a canopy that is disposed substantially above the product display area, and that has an air outlet located adjacent the product display area. A primary passageway fluidly connects the air inlet with the air outlet to direct a first refrigerated airflow from the air outlet across the opening. The refrigerated merchandiser further includes a shelf coupled to the case within the product display area, and a duct apparatus removably coupled to the shelf and in direct fluid communication with the primary passageway. The duct apparatus defines a secondary air passageway between the primary passageway and the product display area to direct a second refrigerated airflow from the duct apparatus across the opening below the canopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy D. Anderson, Ken Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20110259031
    Abstract: A merchandiser including a case that has an air inlet and defines a product display area with a customer access opening. The merchandiser also includes a canopy that has a first air outlet and a second air outlet, a first passageway connecting the air inlet with the first air outlet to direct a first airflow through the first air outlet at least partially across the opening to define a primary air curtain, and a second passageway in fluid communication with a HVAC system by ducting coupled between the merchandiser and the HVAC system to direct a second airflow defining a secondary air curtain from the HVAC system through the second air outlet at least partially across the opening. The primary and secondary air curtains cooperate with each other to minimize infiltration of ambient air into the product display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy D. Anderson, Ken Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20110259032
    Abstract: A humidity-adjusting air conditioner includes a casing, a heat exchanger, a humidifier and an airflow driving device. The heat exchanger is disposed within the casing for transferring heat of an airflow. The heat exchanger includes a primary duct and a secondary duct. The secondary duct includes a valve. The valve is selectively opened or closed to control whether the secondary duct transfers heat of the airflow. The humidifier is disposed beside a flow path of the airflow for humidifying the airflow. The airflow driving device is disposed within the casing for driving the airflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Zhao-Wei Huang, Yung-Hung Tsou
  • Publication number: 20110259033
    Abstract: An appliance for dispensing product is provided including a storage compartment located within the appliance, a dispensing unit located on the exterior of the appliance including a dispensing outlet, and an actuating mechanism located on the exterior of the storage compartment. The actuating mechanism is configured to be moved from a neutral position to at least a first position and a second position. The first position is configured to trigger a release of a first type of product, and the second position is configured to release a second type of product, respectively, from the dispensing outlet. In one example, a switch can be provided to detect the position of the actuating mechanism, and each position triggers the release of a different type of product from within the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Kurt Froehlich
  • Publication number: 20110259034
    Abstract: A refrigerator with an ice maker (211) comprises a freezing chamber (3), a refrigerating chamber (2), door bodies (21, 31) selectively opening and closing the refrigerating chamber (2) and the freezing chamber (3), and an ice maker (211) provided in the freezing chamber (3), the refrigerating chamber (2) or the door body (21, 31) for making ice. The ice maker (211) is connected with a refrigerating system independent from the freezing chamber (3) and the refrigerating chamber (2) so that the ice maker (211) is not affected by the refrigerating conditions of other chambers and can make ice independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Haier Group & Qingdao Haier Joint Stock Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dongning Wang, Minghua Zhao, Jie Ma, Lei Chen, Hongyan Yang
  • Publication number: 20110259035
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a shell body (1) divided into a refrigerating chamber (2) and a freezing chamber (3), and a door body (20) selectively opening and closing the refrigerating chamber (2) and the freezing chamber (3), and further comprises an ice-making chamber (21) and movable supporting mechanisms (213, 214) connecting the ice-making chamber (21) and the inner wall of the shell body (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicants: Qingdao Haier Joint Stock Co., Ltd., Haier Group
    Inventors: Dongning Wang, Minghua Zhao, Jie Ma, Lei Chen, Hongyan Yang
  • Publication number: 20110259036
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a drawer to be pushed into or pulled out of a storage compartment. An ice-making unit is integrally mounted in the drawer so as to be pushed into or pulled out of the drawer through an opening perforated in a front wall of the drawer, resulting in improved use convenience and space utilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Lim, Dae Jin Hong, Sung Il Park, Ji Sick Hwang
  • Publication number: 20110259037
    Abstract: An ice maker includes an ice mold and a sweeping element. The ice mold includes a plurality of cavities and is configured to be rotatable about an axis that is spaced apart from the cavities and extends longitudinally with respect to the ice mold. The sweeping element is configured to be rotatable about the axis and includes a shaft with a plurality of fingers radially extending from the shaft. Each of the fingers is configured to extend into a corresponding one of the cavities upon rotation of the shaft about the axis. During a harvesting step, the ice mold is configured to rotate in a first direction about the axis while the sweeping element is configured to rotate in a second direction about the axis that is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Woodrow McCollough, Edward M. Young, Aaron Arvia
  • Publication number: 20110259038
    Abstract: A storage cabinet (16) is provided for an ultra-low temperature freezer (10). The cabinet (16) includes a base platform (62a), a plurality of side structural insulated panels (45, 50, 55) each defining a side wall of the storage cabinet (16), and a plurality of generally vertically oriented posts (40) extending from the base platform (62a). Each of the plurality of vertically oriented posts (40) has a slot (40a) for receiving an edge portion (45a, 50a, 55a) of one of the insulated panels (45, 50, 55) therealong. The slot (40a) may have a generally U-shaped profile that surrounds the edge portion (45a, 50a, 55a) of one of the insulated panels (45, 50, 55). At least one of the generally vertically oriented posts (40) has a channel (40c) that extends along a longitudinal dimension thereof, the channel (40c) being configured to receive one of insulation, tubing, or wiring of the freezer therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC (ASHEVILLE) LLC
    Inventors: Dennis H. Smith, Todd Swift, Kevin D. Bramlett, Santosh Nerur, Walter Jeff Tipton, Wendell Morris
  • Publication number: 20110259039
    Abstract: A thermally driven heat pump includes a low temperature evaporator for evaporating cooling fluid to remove heat A first heat exchanger located at an outlet of a converging/diverging chamber of a first ejector receives a flow of primary fluid vapor and cooling fluid vapor ejected from the first ejector for condensing a portion of the cooling fluid vapor An absorber located in the first heat exchanger absorbs cooling fluid vapor into an absorbing fluid to reduce the pressure in the first heat exchanger A second heat exchanger located at an outlet of a converging/diverging chamber of a second ejector receives primary fluid vapor and cooling fluid vapor ejected from the second ejector for condensing the cooling fluid vapor and the primary fluid vapor A separator in communication with the second ejector, the low temperature evaporator and the primary fluid evaporator separates the primary fluid from the cooling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
    Inventors: Hongbin Ma, Joseph A. Boswell, Peng Cheng
  • Publication number: 20110259040
    Abstract: A refrigeration circuit (3) for household appliances comprises a compressor (4) suitable for compressing a predetermined cooling fluid and for allowing circulation thereof within said circuit (3), a first heat exchanger (5) or condenser in fluid communication with the compressor (4) for allowing cooling and the consequent condensation of the cooling fluid going therethrough, and a second heat exchanger (7) or evaporator in fluid communication with the first exchanger (5) through a circuit with a special device (6) suitable for decreasing the pressure of the cooling fluid and acting at a space (2) to be cooled (normally inside the refrigerator). The second exchanger (7) allows the cooling fluid to evaporate, by heat absorption, thus cooling the space (2) and returning through the tubing (17) to the compressor (4). The cooling fluid circulates from the compressor (4) towards the first exchanger (5), from the latter towards the second exchanger (7), then returning to the compressor (4) for a subsequent cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: INDUSTRIE ILPEA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Damiano Cataldo, Paolo Cittadini
  • Publication number: 20110259041
    Abstract: A high efficiency condenser, in one embodiment, includes a phase change material in thermal contact with the condenser to assist in cooling the condenser during operation and particularly during pull-down operation to improve the cooling capacity of a compressor. In a preferred embodiment of such a system, a coaxial tube carrying the refrigerant through the condenser includes an inner conduit for the refrigerant and a coaxially arranged outer jacket with phase change material for extracting heat from the compressed refrigerant. In another embodiment, a secondary condenser is provided in a secondary coolant circuit and is in thermal contact with the primary condenser. Variable speed fans are associated with the condenser(s) and can be operated in the high speed (turbo) mode during pull-down of a refrigeration system for providing sufficient cooling capacity during a pull-down mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: STEVEN J. KUEHL, GUOLIAN WU, JEFFREY J. ANSELMINO, MARY ANN ANSELMINO
  • Publication number: 20110259042
    Abstract: An integrated unit is formed by integrally assembling an ejector, a first evaporator that evaporates refrigerant discharged from the ejector, a second evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant drawn into the ejector, a refrigerant dividing portion that adjusts a flow amount of refrigerant flowing in and divided to the nozzle portion and the second evaporator, and a joint in which a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet are formed. In the joint, there is formed a gas-liquid separation portion that causes refrigerant flowing therein to swirl to separate it into gas and liquid. The ejector, refrigerant dividing portion and joint are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the ejector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Nishino, Tomohiko Nakamura, Hiroshi Oshitani, Hirofumi Futamata
  • Publication number: 20110259043
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of purifying an ionic liquid by means of fractional crystallization in which a part of the ionic liquid is crystallized and the crystals formed are separated off from the residual liquid. In this process a certain amount of at least one entrainer substance is added to the ionic liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Axel König, Manfred Stepanski, Andrzej Kuszlik
  • Publication number: 20110259044
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing liquid natural gas from heat exchange with liquid nitrogen or air is provided. The produced liquid natural gas may be used as vehicle fuel. After heat exchange, the vaporized liquid nitrogen or air may be routed in the system to regenerate a heat exchange unit and/or a natural gas pretreatment unit. After assisting with the regeneration, the vaporized nitrogen or air may be safely vented to atmosphere. In one embodiment, a system for liquefying natural gas using a refrigerant includes a first treating unit configured to remove a contaminant from the natural gas; a first exchanger unit for liquefying the natural gas using the refrigerant; a second exchanger unit configured to receive the refrigerant from the first exchanger unit, wherein the first exchanger unit and the second exchanger unit operate on alternating cycles; a second treating unit configured to receive the refrigerant from the second exchanger unit; and a storage unit for the receiving the liquid natural gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Ned P. Baudat, Bill R. Minton
  • Publication number: 20110259045
    Abstract: A refrigerant compressor circuit for use in a liquefaction plant includes a first compression string driven by a first driver; a second compression string driven by a second driver, a pre-cooling refrigerant compression stage arranged in the first compression string to receive a stream of pre-cooling refrigerant at an inlet pressure and discharge the pre-cooling refrigerant at an outlet pressure, a first compression stage arranged in the first compression string to compress a mixed refrigerant gas from a first pressure to a second pressure, and, a second compression stage arranged in the second compression string to compress the mixed refrigerant gas from the second pressure to a third pressure. The pre-cooling refrigerant compression stage and the first compression stage of the circuit are co-axially mounted on a first shaft drivingly coupled to a first driver in the first compression string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: WOODSIDE ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Geoffrey Brian Byfield, Prabhu Pandalaneni
  • Publication number: 20110259046
    Abstract: A process for producing a gaseous component of air under pressure by cryogenic separation is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude ET L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Frédéric Bachelier, Shao-Hua Sun