Patents Issued in December 12, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130327033
    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: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: SUSTAINX, INC.
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Alexander Bell, Benjamin R. Bollinger, Andrew Shang, David Chmiel, Horst Richter, Patrick Magari, Benjamin Cameron
  • Publication number: 20130327034
    Abstract: Disclosed is an energy retriever system and methods for absorbing energy and using that energy elsewhere or converting it to other useful forms of energy or work. The energy retriever system consists of a series of components interconnected by a plurality of conduits containing a fluid. Working as a self-contained thermodynamic system, the energy retriever system allows the fluid to circulate through all of these elements. Heat added to the energy capture subsystem heats the fluid. The fluid becomes more pressurized and moves into the expansion cycle subsystem. The energy extraction subsystem transforms the thermal energy of the fluid into work, kinetic energy or thermal energy. The reservoir subsystem compresses the fluid and reintroduces it into the energy capture subsystem. One-way valves are used throughout the system to keep the flow of the fluid in one direction and separate sections of the system that contain different pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Harlequin Motor Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul W. Corley
  • Publication number: 20130327035
    Abstract: Provided is an intake air cooling system for a marine vessel having a turbocharger. The intake air cooling system for the marine vessel includes: a turbocharger which compresses the intake air introduced from the outside using a portion of the exhaust gas generated by the engine, wherein the turbocharger has a front end through which the intake air is introduced and a rear end through which the compressed intake air is supplied to the engine; a cooling part which cools at least one of the intake air compressed in the turbocharger and the exhaust gas passing through the turbocharger, wherein the cooling part includes one or more cooling units disposed along the flow of the intake air or the exhaust gas; and an absorption cooling device which receives heat from the working fluid circulated through the cooling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Heavy Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eun Kyung Kim, Sung Jae Lee, Ki Jung Kim, Da Ra Heo, Gun Il Park, Jae Woong Choi
  • Publication number: 20130327036
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas turbocharger includes a turbine housing and a wastegate which is disposed in the turbine housing and has a wastegate flap. The wastegate flap can be adjusted by an output shaft of a wastegate actuator. The output shaft has a central axis. The wastegate actuator is an integral constituent part of the turbine housing. During an adjustment of the wastegate flap, the output shaft of the wastegate actuator interacts with a wastegate spindle which has a central axis. The output shaft of the wastegate actuator is thermally decoupled from the wastegate spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: CONTINENTIAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Mathias Bogner, Ralf Böning, Ralph-Maurice Kömpel, Marc Hiller, Roland Herfurth
  • Publication number: 20130327037
    Abstract: An ECU determines whether or not an engine water temperature has exceeded a predetermined value; and actively opens and closes a wastegate valve, and calculates a shift in a learning value amount. The ECU determines whether or not the learning value shift amount is sufficiently large to surpass a predetermined value and when the determination result is Yes (when the condition is fulfilled), takes in the learning value shift. The ECU determines whether or not the engine water temperature is sufficiently low to be below a predetermined value and reflects the learning value shift in the air-fuel ratio learning value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Wataru Fukui
  • Publication number: 20130327038
    Abstract: In a turbine for an exhaust gas turbocharger of an internal combustion engine having a housing part with accommodation space including a turbine wheel and at least one spiral channel via which exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine may flow. The spiral channel has an outlet cross-section via which the turbine wheel accommodated in the accommodation space may be acted on by the exhaust gas, and has at least one blocking member, which is connected to an adjusting part so as to be movable hereby in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space for adjusting the outlet cross-section (AR, AR?, AR,RGR). A bypass duct is provided, via, which exhaust gas can bypass the turbine wheel and whose flow cross-section is also adjustable by the blocking member moved the adjusting part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Sumser, Torsten Hirth, Slefgried Weber
  • Publication number: 20130327039
    Abstract: A turbocharger control system for an internal combustion engine having first and second turbochargers connected in series includes first and second pressure sensors, and a controller. The first and second pressure sensors are disposed in an air intake of the engine, and are configured to sense boost pressure of the first and second turbochargers, respectively. The controller is configured to receive pressure signals from the first and second pressure sensors, and to control operation of at least one of the first and second turbochargers to maintain a desired boost pressure ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: David Paul Schenker, Adrian Rothenbuhler
  • Publication number: 20130327040
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for checking a valve on an exhaust gas turbocharger of an internal combustion engine, wherein an exhaust gas flow exits the internal combustion engine, a first portion of said flow flowing through a turbine of the exhaust gas turbocharger into an exhaust gas system and a second portion flowing through the valve into the exhaust gas system, wherein said method includes the steps of varying a fuel-to-air ratio in a fresh gas supplied to the internal combustion engine, determining a residual oxygen content in the exhaust gas system, and determining that the valve is defective if a variation of the residual oxygen content occurs in a manner different than a predetermined manner of the variation of the fuel-to-air ratio in the fresh gas. A device for checking the valve can be integrated into an integrated engine control unit of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Gerhard Eser, Thomas Burkhardt
  • Publication number: 20130327041
    Abstract: In a waste heat utilization arrangement for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle including a waste heat utilization circuit in which a working medium is circulated, a pumping device for pressurizing the working medium, an evaporator for vaporizing the working medium by waste heat of the internal combustion engine, an expansion machine for expanding the working medium while extracting mechanical energy therefrom and a condenser for condensing the working medium in a resting state, the waste heat utilization circuit is in communication with a pressure store capable of maintaining a pressure for setting and ensuring a predetermined adjustable minimum pressure of the working medium in the waste heat utilization circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Jan Gaertner, Thomas Koch
  • Publication number: 20130327042
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power generation system that includes a heat source loop, a heat engine loop, and a heat reclaiming loop. The heat can be waste heat from a steam turbine, industrial process or refrigeration or air-conditioning system, solar heat collectors or geothermal sources. Heat from the heat source loop is introduced into the heat reclaiming loop or heat engine loop. The power generation system further includes a heat reclaiming loop having a fluid that extracts heat from the heat engine loop. The fluid of the heat reclaiming loop is then raised to a higher temperature and then placed in heat exchange relationship with the working fluid of the heat engine loop. The power generating system is capable of using low temperature waste heat that is approximately 150 degrees F. or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: American Thermal Power, LLC
    Inventors: Robert F. Waterstripe, Gary P. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20130327043
    Abstract: A method is provided for regulating a brief increase in power of a steam turbine that has an upstream fossil-fired once-through steam generator having a plurality of economizer, evaporator and superheater heating surfaces which form a flow path and through which a flow medium flows. The flow of the flow medium through the fossil-fired once-through steam generator is increased in order to achieve the brief increase in power of the steam turbine. The method involves using desired enthalpy value at the outlet of an evaporator heating surface as a control variable for determining a desired value for the flow of the flow medium through the fossil-fired once-through steam generator. The desired enthalpy value is reduced in order to achieve the brief increase in power of the steam turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Jan Brückner, Martin Effert, Frank Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130327044
    Abstract: A system provides “fail fixed” functionality and allows a user to manually manipulate fuel flow to a gas turbine engine in the unlikely event the primary control means is unavailable. The fuel metering unit includes a fuel metering valve, a flow increase valve, and a flow decrease valve. The flow increase valve and flow decrease valves are both in fluid communication with the fuel metering valve and are each adapted to selectively receive fuel flow commands from a primary fuel flow command source and from a secondary fuel flow command source. The flow increase and decrease valves are responsive to the fuel flow commands to selectively control the position of the fuel metering valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Portolese, Gregory Kline, Paul W. Futa, David Tuttle, Brad McRoberts, Greg Lafferty
  • Publication number: 20130327045
    Abstract: A gas turbine combustion chamber includes a fuel nozzle with a cylindrical nozzle tube, in which a fluid flows, and a convexly formed nozzle cover, which is arranged downstream of the nozzle tube. The nozzle cover has a central point and a plurality of through-openings through which the fluid leaves the nozzle tube. The through-openings are arranged at different radial distances from the central point at two circular lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy A. Fox, Uwe Gruschka, Steven Williams, Ulrich Wörz, Jaap Van Kampen
  • Publication number: 20130327046
    Abstract: A combustor assembly having a fuel pre-mixer including a duct for mixing an airflow and a fuel therein. Also included is a center body coaxially aligned within the duct for receiving the fuel from a fuel source and configured to distribute the fuel to at least one axial location within the duct. Further included is a planar vane section in communication with the airflow and the fuel to provide a first injection of fuel and a flow conditioning effect on the airflow. Yet further included is a swirler vane section disposed downstream of the planar vane section, wherein the swirler vane section is configured to provide a second injection of fuel and a mixing of the fuel and the airflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Mohan Krishna Bobba, Abdul Rafey Khan
  • Publication number: 20130327047
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine variable area exhaust nozzle has a plurality of first and second movable members arranged circumferentially around a fan casing extending in downstream. The first and second movable members alternate around the variable area nozzle. During cruise conditions the first and second movable members are in un-actuated positions. At take off conditions the first movable members are in an actuated position and the second movable members are in the un-actuated position. At top of climb conditions the first movable members are in the un-actuated position and the second movable members are in an actuated position. The first movable members move radially outwardly from the un-actuated position to the actuated position and the second movable members move radially inwardly from the un-actuated position to the actuated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: JOHN RICHARD WEBSTER
  • Publication number: 20130327048
    Abstract: A combustor liner includes a heat shield, a shell, a series of trip strips, and a series of projecting walls. The heat shield has a shield cold side. The shell is attached to the heat shield and includes a shell hot side facing the shield cold side, a shell cold side facing away from the shield cold side, and a row of cooling holes. The trip strips run parallel to each other and all project from the shield cold side the same distance. Each projecting wall runs parallel to, and opposite of, a corresponding trip strip and projects from the shell hot side such that the distance to which each projecting wall projects is greater for projecting walls farther from the row of cooling holes, creating successive gaps between the projecting walls and corresponding trip strips that decrease from the row of cooling holes to create a convergent channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank J. Cunha, Nurhak Erbas-Sen
  • Publication number: 20130327049
    Abstract: A combustor liner is arcuate in shape and defines an axis and a circumferential direction. The combustor liner includes a first row of dilution openings and a second row of dilution openings. The first row runs in the circumferential direction. The second row runs parallel to the first row and is axially spaced from the first row. Each dilution opening of the second row overlaps in an axial direction a portion of each of two adjacent dilution openings of the first row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank J. Cunha, Nurhak Erbas-Sen
  • Publication number: 20130327050
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a flame stability at a gas turbine generator is disclosed. The method includes forming combustible mixtures at a plurality of fuel nozzles of a combustor of the gas turbine generator; altering an oxygen concentration of at least one of the combustible mixtures at a selected fuel nozzle of the plurality of fuel nozzles; and burning the combustible mixtures at the plurality of fuel nozzles to control the flame stability at the gas turbine generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ilya Aleksandrovich Slobodyanskiy, Michael John Hughes, Vijaykant Sadasivuni
  • Publication number: 20130327051
    Abstract: A power plant (1) that includes at least one of a gas turbine (GT), a steam turbine (ST) with a water-steam cycle, and a heat recovery steam generator (B) operatively connected to a heat generating member such as solar energy system (Ssolar) by means of a primary circuit (10a, 10b, 10c) and a secondary circuit system (20a). The primary heat transfer circuit (10a, 10b) includes solar heating system (Ssolar) configured to heat a primary fluid (10), and the secondary circuit (20a) comprises a flow line (20A) for a secondary flow (20) and a main heat exchanger (23) to exchange heat between the secondary water flow and a gas turbine inlet air flow (2). A first line (10B) in the primary circuit (10b) leads to a first heat exchanger (12) to heat the water flow in the secondary circuit (20a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Carroni, Christoph Ruchti, Joerg Dietzmann
  • Publication number: 20130327052
    Abstract: An exhaust system is provided for mitigating condensate formation in a common exhaust stack and for effecting improved heat transfer. Reduced condensate formation and improved heat transfer is achieved by inducing non-laminar flow through the common exhaust stack and a heat exchanger operatively coupled to the common exhaust stack. Heat transfer is further improved by dew point control. Non-laminar flow is induced by connecting more than one gas turbine to the common exhaust stack through non-laminar flow inducing arrangements. The various coupling arrangements also add structural rigidity to the common exhaust stack for increased stack height and improved plume dispersion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Chris O'NEILL, Dobromir FILIP, Joseph KISS, Graham ILLINGWORTH
  • Publication number: 20130327053
    Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine system model configured to model a turbine system operational behavior of a gas turbine system, and a shaft contribution model (SCM) including a bottoming cycle performance (BCP) model configured to model a bottoming cycle behavior of a bottoming cycle system. The gas turbine system model is configured to receive a SCM output from the SCM and to use the SCM output to control an actuator. The actuator is operatively coupled to the gas turbine system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Jeffrey Mitchell, Randy Scott Rosson, Kevin Wood Wilkes
  • Publication number: 20130327054
    Abstract: A hybrid combustor combines two distinct fuel injection sources to spray fuel in the combustor. The combustor combines a rotary fuel slinger for spraying fuel in a first combustion zone during high power level and cruise conditions and a set of fuel nozzles for spraying fuel in a second combustion zone during lower power level and starting conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Bhawan B. PATEL, Oleg MORENKO
  • Publication number: 20130327055
    Abstract: A transition piece for a gas turbomachine includes a body having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a flow duct, a plurality of openings that extend through the body, and an active control element provided at one or more of the plurality of openings. The active control element is configured and disposed to selectively establish a dimension of the one or more of the plurality of openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Biju Nanukuttan
  • Publication number: 20130327056
    Abstract: A shell for a combustor liner includes a cold side, a hot side, a row of cooling holes and a jet wall. The jet wall projects from the hot side for creating a wall shear jet of increased velocity cooling flow in a tangential direction away from the row of cooling holes and along an adjacent heat shield cold side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank J. Cunha, Nurhak Erbas-Sen
  • Publication number: 20130327057
    Abstract: A heat shield for a combustor liner includes first linear film cooling slots through the heat shield and second linear film cooling slots through the heat shield. The first linear film cooling slots are run in a row and each of the first linear film cooling slots is angled from the row in a first direction. The second linear film cooling slots also run in the row and each of the second linear film cooling slots is angled from the row in a second direction opposite the first direction. The second linear film cooling slots alternate with the first linear film cooling slots in the row. The first and second linear film cooling slots are connected to form a single, multi-cornered film cooling slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank J. Cunha, Nurhak Erbas-Sen
  • Publication number: 20130327058
    Abstract: A turbojet is suspended by attachments including hinged links. An attachment includes a support including three branches with passages through which a pin passes, the pin being oriented generally parallel to a direction that is tangential to a casing and being hinged to a central branch of the support by a ball joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Wouter Balk, Thomas Alain Christian Vincent
  • Publication number: 20130327059
    Abstract: A draining device for draining a fluid from an aircraft engine support strut includes a suction arrangement having an inlet and extending along a longitudinal main axis to form a plenum chamber and a drain tube fluidly connected to the aircraft engine support strut and extending along the longitudinal main axis, the drain tube ending by an outlet, the outlet of the drain tube terminating within the plenum chamber of the suction arrangement. An air flow entering the inlet of the suction arrangement causes a low-pressure region to be created within the plenum chamber, substantially downstream the outlet of the drain tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: SHORT BROTHERS PLC
    Inventor: John Richardson
  • Publication number: 20130327060
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided, which includes a first compressor rotor coupled to a first shaft, a second compressor rotor downstream of the first compressor and coupled to a second shaft. A combustor is disposed downstream of the compressor rotors. A turbine is disposed downstream of the combustor and coupled to the second shaft. A gear is configured to be driven by the second shaft. The second shaft is configured for driving the first shaft through the gear, whereby the turbine drives the first compressor rotor at a different rotational speed than the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph T. Christians
  • Publication number: 20130327061
    Abstract: A turbomachine bucket assembly includes a rotor member including a body having a center portion and an outer edge portion joined by a web. The rotor member includes one or more cooling fluid conduit having a dimension, and an inlet arranged at the outer edge. A plurality of blades are provided on the rotor member and mechanically linked to the outer edge. Each of the plurality of blades includes an internal cooling passage that is fluidly connected to the one or more cooling fluid conduits. A cooling fluid control element is provided at each of the one or more cooling fluid conduits. The cooling fluid control element is configured and disposed to adjust the dimension of the one or more cooling fluid conduits to alter fluid flow into the plurality of blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Biju Nanukuttan, Joshy John, Herbert Chidsey Roberts, III
  • Publication number: 20130327062
    Abstract: A magnetic heat pump system which arranges permanent magnets at the two sides of a magnetocalorific effect material to thereby strengthen the magnetic field to improve the cooling and heating ability, which magnetic heat pump system uses first and second magnets which move inside and outside of the containers in the state facing each other to change a magnitude of a magnetic field which is applied to a plurality of containers in which a magnetocalorific effect material is stored so as to change a temperature of a heat transport medium which is made to flow through the containers by a reciprocating pump, the intensity of the magnetic field which is applied to the magnetocalorific effect material in the containers being increased to enlarge the change of temperature of the heat transport medium which is discharged from the magnetic heat pump and improve the cooling and heating efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Naoki Watanabe, Takuya Fuse, Shinichi Yatsuzuka, Kazutoshi Nishizawa, Tsuyoshi Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20130327063
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for controlling the climate of a vehicle. The system includes a thermoelectric module and a heat exchanger. The thermoelectric module includes thermoelectric elements powered by electric energy. The thermoelectric elements emit or absorb heat energy based on the polarity of the electrical energy provided. The thermoelectric module and the heat exchanger heat or cool the air flow provided to the cabin of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: BSST LLC
    Inventor: Peter R. Gawthrop
  • Publication number: 20130327064
    Abstract: An end table with a concealed built-in refrigerator unit for use next to a chair, sofa, or bed with a front door that opens down like a dishwasher door for easy access to the interior compartment of the refrigerator unit to retrieve canned and bottled beverages or food, while in a seated position. The built-in refrigerator of the end table has a thermoelectric Danby Diplomat type cooling system for maximum efficiency in cooling and whisper soft operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas C. Stein
  • Publication number: 20130327065
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator includes a displacer having a flow channel that supplies a refrigerant gas to a regenerator; and a cylinder that accommodates the displacer so as to be movable in an axial direction, has a heat diffusion portion at a high-temperature end portion thereof, and forms a space portion together with a high-temperature end of the displacer. A clearance is formed between an outer peripheral surface of the displacer and an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder. The flow channel is made to open to the outer peripheral surface of the displacer, and the refrigerant gas within the room-temperature chamber flows into the regenerator through the clearance and the flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Mingyao Xu, Takaaki Morie
  • Publication number: 20130327066
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing the internal pressure of a pressure vessel (1) containing a medium being present in both a liquid (3) and gaseous (2) phase, the vessel comprising one inner (9)and one outer (10) fluid tight barrier, said barriers being separated by an inter-barrier space (8), comprising the steps of: —circulating a suitable fluid through both the inter-barrier space and a heating unit; and —heating the fluid by the heating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: AKER ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY AS
    Inventors: Arne Barrett Sele, Trygve Johannes Lund
  • Publication number: 20130327067
    Abstract: A method of improving the efficiency in delivery of a cryogenic liquid to the surface of a metal body in a furnace, the method comprising the steps of delivering a liquid cryogen (10, 20) to a liquid-gas phase separator (30), allowing a gaseous cryogen (45) present in a liquid phase (40) of the liquid cryogen to separate from the liquid cryogen (40), condensing (60, 70, 80) the gaseous cryogen (45) to an additional amount of liquid cryogen (40), delivering the liquid cryogen and the additional amount of liquid cryogen (50) to the surface of a metal body in a furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP
    Inventors: Rozalia Papp, David C. Braithwaite, Richard Sauer, John Buonassisi
  • Publication number: 20130327068
    Abstract: A method for controlling a refrigerator includes starting water supply to an ice making device in a refrigerator. The ice making device includes a flow sensor configured to detect water supply flow to the ice making device by using a pulse value according to rotation of an impeller. The method also includes operating the flow sensor to detect a pulse value, determining whether the pulse value has reached a target pulse value within a preset time, and, based on a determination that the detected pulse value has not reached the target pulse value within the preset time, determining that water supply to the ice making device is in a low water-pressure state and performing a water supply control process according to the low water-pressure state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Donghoon LEE, Wookyong LEE, Juhyun SON, Donghoon LEE, Dongjeong KIM
  • Publication number: 20130327069
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an icemaker assembly to prevent premature ice harvests is provided. In particular implementations, normal icemaker operations, including ice cube harvesting, can be suspended when an ice cube level in an ice cube storage bin is detected to exceed a predetermined threshold or when a command is received to prevent harvesting. When a command to prevent harvesting is received, communication from an ice cube storage bin sensor can be disconnected, for instance, after a current harvesting cycle is complete. The communication from the ice cube storage bin sensor can be reconnected following a time interval or after receiving a command to re-start the normal operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher Styn, Martin Scott Mershon, Lorina June White, Khalid Jamal Mashal, John Alexander Gardner, Joseph Michael Hauser
  • Publication number: 20130327070
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a case defining a product display area supporting product and an evaporator disposed in an air passageway in fluid communication with the product display area via an outlet to direct a refrigerated airflow into the product display area. The merchandiser also includes a control system in communication with and programmed to control the refrigeration system so that the product display area is maintained within a predetermined temperature range. The control system also varies the temperature of the refrigerated airflow through the outlet above an airflow temperature threshold between about 35 degrees Fahrenheit and 41 degrees Fahrenheit at least once during a predetermined time period to avoid formation of frost on the evaporator while maintaining the product display area within the predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: HUSSMANN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian J. Rees, Simon A. Johnston, Derek R. Lea
  • Publication number: 20130327071
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a cooling loop that includes a reservoir. The reservoir has a level sensor that is configured to provide a level signal indicative of a coolant level within the reservoir. A temperature sensor is in communication with the cooling loop and is configured to provide a temperature signal. A controller is in communication with the level sensor and the temperature sensor. The controller has a coolant density data. The controller is configured to correct the level signal based upon the temperature signal and detect a leakage condition of the cooling system. A method of determining a coolant amount within a cooling system includes the steps of determining an amount of coolant having a temperature-variable density, determining a coolant temperature, correcting the coolant amount based upon the coolant temperature, and comparing the corrected coolant amount to a desired coolant amount to detect a coolant leakage condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Kurt J. Doughty
  • Publication number: 20130327072
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer unit which has at least one control or regulation unit or which is or can be connected thereto, wherein at least one component of the unit can be directly or indirectly controlled or regulated by means of the control or regulation unit, wherein the control or regulation unit or a communication unit connected or connectable thereto has at least one receiving device by means of which at least one signal can be received from an external transmitter unit, said signal being correlated with least to one property of the energy required for operating the unit. In accordance with the invention, the control or regulation unit is configured such that it interrupts the operation of the named component in dependence on the signal received by the receiving device for the purpose of shedding the load of the refrigerator and/or freezer unit at times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Liebherr-Hausgerate Ochsenhausen GmbH
    Inventor: Liebherr-Hausgerate Ochsenhausen GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130327073
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main body including first and second storage compartments, an input part selecting a cleaning mode or a normal cooling mode in each of the first and second storage compartments, a first evaporator cooling air to be supplied into the first storage compartment, a first fan motor blowing the air into the first evaporator, a second evaporator cooling air to be supplied into the second storage compartment, a second fan motor blowing the air into the second evaporator, and a control part controlling each of the first and second fan motors. The control part controls a fan motor corresponding to a corresponding storage compartment to adjust an amount of cool air supplied into the corresponding storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Seungho Lee, Daehyun Yoo, Donggyu Lee, Sungwoo Choi, Ayoung Choo, Nami Kim, Taegyeong Kim
  • Publication number: 20130327074
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes an ice making device. The ice making device includes an upper plate tray having first recess parts that have a hemispherical shape and a lower plate tray having second recess parts which correspond to the first recess parts and have a hemispherical shape. The refrigerator also includes a water supply module configured to sense and store water to be supplied into the ice making device, an inflow-side valve configured to selectively block water supply into the water supply module, and a discharge-side valve configured to selectively supply the water stored in the water supply module into the ice making device. The water supply module includes a water tank configured to store water supplied from a water supply source and a sensor configured to sense whether a preset amount of water has been supplied to the water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Donghoon LEE, Wookyong LEE, Juhyun SON, Donghoon LEE, Dongjeong KIM
  • Publication number: 20130327075
    Abstract: The present embodiment provides a refrigerator. The refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes a panel member forming at least a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator, an inner case of which at least portion is spaced from the panel, a display case provided at one side of the panel member, insulating material filled in space between the panel member and the inner case, and a display unit mounted on the display case after the filling of the insulating material is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Pansoo KIM
  • Publication number: 20130327076
    Abstract: A refrigerator including an icemaker and an ice bucket provided at a door, a feeding unit to feed ice cubes stored in the ice bucket, a driving motor provided at a main body to drive the feeding unit, and a coupling device to transmit driving force from the driving motor to the feeding unit. When the door is closed, the driving motor is connected to the feeding unit. When the door is opened, the driving motor is disconnected from the feeding unit. Accordingly, the door has a simple structure, the ice bucket has an increased capacity, repair or replacement of the driving motor is easily achieved. The coupling device includes a first coupling unit and a second coupling unit which is engaged with the first coupling unit to receive driving force. The coupling device is configured to hide the coupling units when the door is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Jin JEONG, Do Hyung KIM, Kyoung Ki PARK, Bong Su SON, Sung Cheol KANG, Sang Hyun PARK, Yong Jong PARK, Kook Jeong SEO, Jae Koog AN, Jae Seung LEE, Eui Young CHANG, Bu Kil JEONG
  • Publication number: 20130327077
    Abstract: Solar electric energy is optimally used by varying one or more connected loads to achieve a maximum output power voltage. Entire appliances may be switched on or off, or modulated, as in the case for example of a heat pump compressor circuit or electric water heater. Variations of this theme are used to prioritize appliance usage for overall improved convenience and efficiency. Solar electric appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air dryers and water pumps are described. This and other electric sources may be used to power electric garden tools. Electric distribution tools and methods are described as well as electric garden tillers with features such as semi-control and smooth operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Marvin Motsenbocker
  • Publication number: 20130327078
    Abstract: A dual evaporator refrigerator appliance includes a compressor, a condenser, a first evaporator, a second evaporator and a separating component coupled to the condenser and an input of the first evaporator and an input of the second evaporator and configured to separate a refrigerant stream received by the condenser into a first refrigerant stream and a second refrigerant stream. The refrigerant stream received by the separating component comprises a zeotropic refrigerant mixture. The first evaporator and the second evaporator are configured to substantially simultaneously receive the first refrigerant stream and the second refrigerant stream, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Brent Alden Junge
  • Publication number: 20130327079
    Abstract: A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a body having a storage chamber; a door selectively opening or closing the storage chamber; a cooling device including: a case of which a front surface is open and mounted at a side in the storage chamber; an agitating assembly that is swingably disposed in the case; a cover that is rotatably mounted on the case to open or close the front surface of the case; and a driving assembly that is mounted on the case and an underside of the agitating assembly to generates a driving force for swinging the agitating assembly; and a refrigeration cycle for producing cold air to be supplied to the storage chamber and the cooling device, wherein the cooling device further includes a starting torque supply mechanism supplying mechanical or electric energy to the agitating assembly, such that the agitating assembly in a stopped state start swinging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Yeonwoo CHO, Yanggyu KIM, Younseok LEE
  • Publication number: 20130327080
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for partially frozen beverages includes at least one bowl for storing a beverage product, with a freezing cylinder positioned in the bowl. The beverage dispenser further includes a cooling system for supplying a cooling medium to the freezing cylinder to cool the beverage product when stored in the bowl, along with a dispenser assembly for dispensing the beverage product from the bowl. The beverage dispenser includes an auger which rotates about the freezing cylinder. A driven hub is positioned on and rotates with respect to the freezing cylinder, and the driven hub engages a rear end portion of the auger. A driver hub is positioned inside of the freezing cylinder and is magnetically coupled to the driven hub, such that rotation of the driver hub causes a corresponding rotation of the driven hub, and thus, rotation of the auger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Leon Sipp, Curry Joseph Cates, Jose G. Avendano
  • Publication number: 20130327081
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, a refrigerating compartment door, an ice bank mounted on the refrigerating compartment door, and a dispenser disposed under the ice bank. The refrigerator also includes an ice maker provided in the freezing compartment, a transfer member connected to the ice maker and configured to transfer ice made in the ice maker to the ice bank, and an ice chute connecting an outlet of the transfer member to the ice bank. The ice chute defines an ice transfer passage between the transfer member and the ice bank. The refrigerator further includes a stopper disposed on a discharge end of the ice chute and configured to block discharge of ice from the ice chute in a state in which the refrigerating compartment door is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Juhyun SON, Donghoon LEE, Wookyong LEE, Donghoon LEE, Dongjeong KIM
  • Publication number: 20130327082
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body including a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment, a door, and an ice maker disposed in the freezing compartment. The refrigerator also includes an ice bank disposed on the door, an ice transfer device configured to transfer ice made in the ice maker to the ice bank, and an ice chute that connects the ice transfer device to the ice bank. The ice transfer device includes a housing in which ice separated from the ice maker drops and a transfer member accommodated within the housing and configured to transfer ice from the housing into the ice chute. The ice transfer device also includes an ice unit configured to reduce ice jamming or damage caused by interference with the transfer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Juhyun SON, Donghoon LEE, Wookyong LEE, Donghoon LEE, Dongjeong KIM