Patents Issued in March 22, 2016
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Patent number: 9291356Abstract: An equipment enclosure system includes an equipment enclosure mounted through a hole in a roof and a chassis supporting the mechanical equipment and which is moveable between a lowered position within the enclosure and a raised position relative to the enclosure to provide access to said equipment. A cover mounted on chassis advances into covering relationship over the enclosure when the chassis is retracted.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Stanley J. Demster
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Patent number: 9291357Abstract: A networking thermostat is described that includes a main processor and a communications processor. The main processor includes a network manager function, a master messaging function and a slave messaging function while the communications processor includes a wireless radio enabling the thermostat to communicate with other networking thermostats. The networking thermostat is able to operate in a master mode or a slave mode, where the master mode allows the networking thermostat to act as a main gateway between other networking thermostats and a remote server. When in the master mode the networking thermostat can default to a slave if communication with the remote server is lost, thereby allowing one of the other networking thermostats to become a master.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: EnTouch Controls Inc.Inventors: Iftekhar Hasan, Gregory H. Fasullo, Tejasbhai D. Patel
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Patent number: 9291358Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for controlling an environmental maintenance system that includes a plurality of sensors and a plurality of actuators. The operation levels of the actuators can be determined by optimizing a penalty function. As part of the penalty function, the sensor values can be compared to reference values. The optimized values of the operation levels can account for energy use of actuators at various operation levels and predicted differences of the sensor values relative to the reference values at various operation levels. The predicted difference can be determined using a transfer model. An accuracy of the transfer model can be determined by comparing predicted values to measured values. This accuracy can be used in determining new operational levels from an output of the transfer model (e.g., attenuating the output of the transfer model based on the accuracy).Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Vigilent CorporationInventors: Clifford C. Federspiel, Jerry Chin
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Patent number: 9291359Abstract: A thermostat user interface for a network-connected thermostat is described. The thermostat includes a frustum-shaped shell body having a circular cross-section and a sidewall extending between first and second ends, the second end being user-facing when the thermostat is wall-mounted; a circular rotatable ring being user rotatable for adjusting a setting of the thermostat; and a circular cover including a clear circular center portion surrounded by a painted outer portion. The clear circular center portion permits a corresponding circular portion of a non-circular dot-matrix color display element to be visible through the circular cover and the painted outer portion masks a remaining portion of the non-circular dot-matrix color display element so as to create a circular graphical user interface.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, David Sloo, Michael Plitkins, Shigefumi Honjo, John B. Filson, Michael J. Matas, Fred Bould, Brian Huppi
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Patent number: 9291360Abstract: [Object] To provide an outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus, which solves a manufacturing problem in that a grip is not easily taken out from a mold, and an air-conditioning apparatus including the outdoor unit. [Solution] There is included a grip formed by fitting two components.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Yohei Kawaguchi
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Patent number: 9291361Abstract: A fan assembly includes a nozzle and a body on which the nozzle is mounted. The nozzle has a rear section having at least one first air inlet, at least one first air outlet, and a first interior passage for conveying air from the at least one first air inlet to the at least one first air outlet; and a front section having at least one second air inlet, at least one second air outlet, and a second interior passage for conveying air from the at least one second air inlet to the at least one second air outlet. A first air flow through the first interior passage and a second air flow through the second interior passage are each generated within the body. At least one of the temperature, humidity, and electrical charge of the second air flow is changed before it enters the second interior passage.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Dyson Technology LimitedInventors: Mark Joseph Staniforth, Jude Paul Pullen
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Patent number: 9291362Abstract: An electrical heating device includes a frame and a layer structure arranged in the frame and comprising layers of corrugated ribs and PTC-based heat generating elements. The electrical heating device includes at least two corrugated-rib elements. The frame has two frame elements forming openings and at least one frame intermediate element arranged between them. A frame, formed solely by the frame elements, forms an accommodation space extending in the passage direction of the medium to be heated, which is appropriately formed for the accommodation of a layer structure with a level of corrugated ribs and heat generating elements. A frame, formed by the frame elements and the frame intermediate element, forms an accommodation space extending in the passage direction of the medium to be heated, which is formed for the accommodation of a layer structure with several levels of corrugated ribs and heat generating elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Eberspacher catem GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Franz Bohlender, Michael Niederer, Christian Morgen
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Patent number: 9291363Abstract: A portable heating unit is provided with an elongated housing and a tray. The tray may be positioned above the housing. The tray may be secured to a handle of the portable unit along with the housing of the portable heating unit. The tray may also include sloping surfaces of the tray bottom wall and dividers separating compartments of the tray. The tray may also narrow in the direction of airflow from the inlet end to the outlet end of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: PROCOM HEATING, INC.Inventors: Shannon G. Cassell, Joseph B. Lee, Jr.
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Patent number: 9291364Abstract: According to the required amount of heating, a controller of a combustion apparatus exercises selective on-off switching control on capacity control switching valves for the supplying of gas to three different combustion areas partitioned respectively by a group of three combustion burners, a group of five combustion burners and a group of nine combustion burners, whereby the three combustion areas can selectively be burned, thereby the combustion capacity is changed and switched to any of a plurality of combustion capacity levels. A combustion exhaust temperature sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the inlet of an exhaust stack. Judgment temperatures corresponding respectively to combustion capacity levels for combustion exhaust high-temperature abnormality judgment are set.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: NORITZ CORPORATIONInventors: Shinichi Okamoto, Masato Doyama
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Patent number: 9291365Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly includes a tripod, a base, a reflective dish, a receptacle, and a thermoelectric module or a heat transfer module. The tripod includes legs and a top tripod connector coupled to top portions thereof. The base includes a rod coupled to the tripod; a bottom support structure coupled to the rod; a top support structure coupled to the bottom support structure; an extension coupled to the bottom support structure and the top support structure; and a cap with recesses mounted to the top support structure. The reflective dish includes support rods received within the recesses; a pliable material forms panels, wherein the support rods are inserted into seams between the panels; and a reflective material disposed on the pliable material. The receptacle is connected to the base and disposed within the reflective dish. The thermoelectric module or the heat transfer module is partially disposed within the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: One Earth Designs Inc.Inventors: Scot G. Frank, Catlin Powers, Amy Qian, Orian Z. Welling, Brad Simpson, Reja Amatya, Rajeev Ram
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Patent number: 9291366Abstract: Methods and systems for solar water heating are provided herein. A modular pipe system for a solar water heater is provided in one embodiment. The system includes a plurality of first manifolds which are interchangeably connectable to any other first manifold. The system also includes a plurality of second manifolds which are interchangeably connectable to any other second manifold. The system further includes a plurality of pipe panels which are interchangeably connectable to any other panel, any first manifold, and any second manifold. Connecting the first manifolds and the second manifolds end to end expands the system along a first axis, and connecting a plurality of panels expands the system along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Formula Plastics, Inc.Inventor: Elias Mora
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Patent number: 9291367Abstract: Techniques for subsurface thermal energy storage of heat generated by concentrating solar power enable smoothing of available energy with respect to daily and/or seasonal variation. Solar thermal collectors produce saturated steam that is injected into a producing or wholly/partially depleted oil reservoir that operates as a heat storage reservoir. Some of the saturated steam generated by the collectors is optionally used to generate electricity. Heat is withdrawn from the reservoir as saturated steam and is used to operate an active thermal recovery project (such as a producing thermally enhanced oil reservoir) and/or to generate electricity. Withdrawn heat is optionally augmented by heat produced by firing natural gas. The reservoir is optionally one that has been used for thermally enhanced oil recovery and thus is already warm, minimizing heat losses.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Anthony Robert Kovscek
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Patent number: 9291368Abstract: [Problem] To present a solar heat collecting device capable of enhancing the heat collecting efficiency by effectively utilizing the sunlight entering an area near the end part of the reflector at the opposite side of the direction of location of the sun. [Solving Means] In the solar heat collecting device for collecting the reflected light of sunlight Sb1, Sb2 entering a trough type reflector 1 having a parabolic section to a heat collecting pipe 2 erected at a position of focus of the reflector 1, and transmitting energy to a heat medium passing inside of the heat collecting pipe 2, the solar heat collecting device is installed so that central axis L1 of the reflector 1 may be directed along the north-south axis, and a plane reflector 3 is disposed orthogonally to central axis L1, at the end part of the reflector 1 at the opposite side of the direction of location of the sun.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Plant Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichirou Kawane, Jun Yoshida, Munenori Kawamura, Hironobu Ueda
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Patent number: 9291369Abstract: A skirt for photovoltaic arrays provides a screen portion, a groove portion, and a separate coupling adapted to couple the skirt to the skirt of an adjacent photovoltaic array and to a photovoltaic module. Another embodiment provides a screen portion comprising an angled louver and is adapted to partially obscure an area substantially beneath a PV module in a PV array. A further embodiment provides an edge blocking skirt for a PV array comprising a screen portion adapted for mounting a bottom of the screen portion substantially close to a roof.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: John Raymond West, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Emil Johansen, Ian Capsuto, Chad Medcroft, Brian Atchley, Nate Coleman
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Patent number: 9291370Abstract: A clamp for attaching solar panel grids to standing seam roof structures. The clamp includes opposing clamp halves having inter-engageable projections and recesses. One or more fasteners engage the halves to draw them together. A first set of recesses on one clamp half receives a first set of projections on the other half. A second set of recesses on the other clamp half receives a second set of projections. When loose, the first set of projections engage the first set of recesses like a detent, while the second set of projections are spaced apart from the second set of recesses to enable the clamp to be slid down onto the vertical seam of a standing seam roof. Tightening the fasteners causes the second set of projections to deform the seam into the second set of recesses, fixing the clamp to the seam.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: UNISTRUT INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Chad K. Zeilenga, Charles Olen Nehls
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Patent number: 9291371Abstract: A heliostat optimized to be positioned near a skylight or other aperture is disclosed. The heliostat comprises a plurality of reflective elements arranged in a substantially planar array, each element being mounted so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of rotation. A first motor rotates the array about an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the array; and a second motor rotates the reflective elements about their respective axes of rotation. A processor provides control signals to operate the first motor as required to orient the array such that the respective axes of rotation of the reflective elements are substantially perpendicular to an azimuth to the sun and to operate the second motor as required to rotate the reflective elements about their respective axes of rotation to position the reflective element to reflect the sun's light to a target area.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Gary M. Lauder
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Patent number: 9291372Abstract: A closed loop temperature equalization system includes multiple flowpaths utilizing a heat exchange fluid for transmitting thermal energy of a natural thermal energy storage body to an external temperature differentiation body. The closed-loop system includes at least a heat gaining device arranged to transfer heat between the natural thermal energy storage body and the heat exchange fluid, and a heat releasing device arranged to transfer heat between the heat exchange fluid and the temperature differentiation body and also includes at least one of an auxiliary pump 1 for selectively pumping the heat exchange fluid in a normal flow direction or in a reverse flow direction and of at least one auxiliary heating/cooling device disposed in the interior or in the exterior of the fluid flowpath. A first pipeline structure carries a part of the heat exchange fluid from the heat gaining device to the heat releasing device.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Patent number: 9291373Abstract: A refrigerant cooling system includes multiple evaporator coils fed by one variable refrigerant metering device and one or more fixed refrigerant metering devices. To avoid condensed moisture on the coils from being entrained by the supply air and ultimately adversely increasing the humidity of a room or comfort zone of a building, the variable refrigerant metering device delivers refrigerant to the evaporator's lowermost coil at a superheat that is less than that of the other higher coils. To operate the refrigerant system at various loads, two or more compressors are selectively energized individually and in combination for various stages of capacity, while the variable refrigerant metering device is active at each stage. The refrigerant system may include multiple refrigerant circuits that are hermetically isolated from each other, or two or more of the circuits may be in fluid communication with each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventor: Edward D. Hildreth, Jr.
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Patent number: 9291374Abstract: An adsorber structure for a heat pump, having at least one pipe, through which a heat-transfer fluid can flow, and an adsorption medium, wherein a working medium can be adsorbed and desorbed on the adsorption medium and the adsorption medium is in thermal connection with the pipe, wherein the adsorption medium is designed as at least one, in particular several, molded bodies, which is/are directly adjacent to a pipe wall of one of the pipes.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: MAHLE International GmbHInventors: Roland Burk, Hans-Heinrich Angermann, Thomas Schiehlen, Eberhard Zwittig, Steffen Thiele, Thomas Wolff, Holger Schroth, Stefan Felber, Steffen Brunner
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Patent number: 9291375Abstract: A thermoelectric heat exchanger for heating or cooling a medium, that includes at least one first tube for carrying a first medium and at least one second tube for carrying the first medium. The second tube being arranged substantially parallel to the first tube. The thermoelectric heat exchanger also has a casing element that is interposed between the first and the second tube, the casing element comprising a first casing part that is connectable to the first tube and at least one second casing part that forms a fluid channel for a second medium. A thermoelectric element for heating or cooling the first or second medium is interposed between the first and second casing part, the thermoelectric element being closed relative to the first and/or the second medium in a fluid-tight manner via the casing element.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: MAHLE International GmbHInventors: Holger Brehm, Thomas Heckenberger, Thomas Himmer, Rudolf Riedel
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Patent number: 9291376Abstract: An auxiliary heater control device can be readily attached to a hot water heating system configured with a simple water circuit without a hot water storage tank, and is capable of preventing freezing of circulating water such that use of an auxiliary heater is minimized. When a sensed temperature tS sensed by a temperature sensor is in a range, a control device increases a rotational speed of a circulation pump. When the sensed temperature tS is in a range, the control device increases the rotational speed of the circulation pump and lowers an operating frequency of a compressor. When the sensed temperature tS is in a range, the control device increases the rotational speed of the circulation pump, lowers the operating frequency of the compressor, and activates an auxiliary heater.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Takahiro Ushijima, Kazutaka Suzuki, Koji Matsuzawa, Nobuaki Uehara
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Patent number: 9291377Abstract: An air conditioning system. The system includes apparatus for circulating a refrigerant in a path, further having apparatus for compressing the refrigerant and generating heat in the refrigerant. The system further includes apparatus for providing a driving force to the apparatus for compressing in response to the generated heat.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Richard J. Cathriner
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Patent number: 9291378Abstract: In a turbo chiller, pipe joint groups (23 to 26) provided to refrigerant cooling pipe systems (13 to 16) and lubricant pipe systems connected to a turbo compressor (2) and a motor (3), as well as a joint group (28) of various replacement components (27) provided to the pipe systems, are intensively placed, and at least one refrigerant detection sensor (32) is arranged below the intensive placement region (30) of the joint groups (23 to 28) and at a pre-identified point at which a slight amount of refrigerant that leaks from each of the joint groups (23 to 28) and flows downward is distributed and pools at a high concentration, whereby the slight amount of refrigerant leakage can be detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (32).Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kenji Ueda, Yasushi Hasegawa, Noriyuki Matsukura
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Patent number: 9291379Abstract: In a compressor shell built in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, a compressor shell thermistor that detects a temperature of the shell is installed. Also, an outside air temperature thermistor that detects an outside air temperature is installed in an outdoor unit. The outside air temperature is compared with the compressor shell temperature, and if the shell temperature is higher than the outside air temperature, a compressor heating device is invalidated. If the shell temperature is lower than the outside air temperature, it is determined as a refrigerant collection condition, and the compressor heating device is operated. Also, if the shell temperature is higher than the outside air temperature by a certain temperature or more, the operation of the compressor heating device is stopped so that wasteful standby power is reduced, and energy of the apparatus is saved.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Tatsunori Sakai, Masanori Aoki, Hirokuni Shiba
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Patent number: 9291380Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermodynamic cycle process system comprising at least two heat exchangers, an EC compressor, and a combination of electronic components such as EC fans, electronic regulator valves and/or EC pumps. A central supply electronics unit can be connected to an AC voltage source, wherein the electronic components have an integrated power electronics device which produces the PWM operating voltage required for the electronic components. The central supply electronics unit is connected to the individual integrated power electronics devices for the electronic components, and produces the supply voltages required for the respective power electronics devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Thomas Sauer
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Patent number: 9291381Abstract: An ice making machine includes a heat pipe that extends between a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. The heat pipe has a first end in the freezer compartment and a second end in the refrigerator compartment. A heat exchanger is located in the freezer compartment and is in contact with the first end of the heat pipe. A heat block is located in the refrigerator compartment and is in contact with the second end of the heat pipe. A removable ice cube tray is mounted on the heat block with a surface in contact with the heat block such that when the removable ice cube tray is filled with water, ice forms from the surface of the removable ice cube tray in contact with the block.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: William G. Nelson
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Patent number: 9291382Abstract: An ice dispensing system is provided that includes a motor, a processor, and a computer-readable medium. The motor is mounted to an ice chute door. The computer-readable medium is operably coupled to the processor and comprises computer-readable instructions configured to control opening of the ice chute door by energizing the motor at a first voltage for a first time period after receipt of an ice dispense request; after energizing the motor at the first voltage for the first time period, control energizing of the motor at a second voltage at least as long as the ice dispense request is received to maintain the ice chute door in the open position; and after energizing the motor at the second voltage, control de-energizing of the motor to allow the ice chute door to return to a closed position. The second voltage is less than the first voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Sub-Zero, Inc.Inventors: Terry D. Hardesty, Anderson Bortoletto, Ryan Harings
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Patent number: 9291383Abstract: An appliance such as a refrigerator receives a demand response signal indicating a peak demand period and operates the refrigerator in an energy savings mode by disabling an anti-sweat heater. A sensor on an external surface of the refrigerator enables the anti-sweat heater during the peak demand period if moisture is detected by the sensor. A preselected location can be defined where incipient moisture would form such as reducing the amount of insulation in this location. By forming a depression in the location and using an impedance-type sensor, moisture can be easily detected. The sensor signal is sent to the controller which then activates the anti-sweat heater to remove the moisture.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignees: Clemson University, Hokkaido UniversityInventor: John K. Besore
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Patent number: 9291384Abstract: A refrigerator includes a secondary cooling path for circulating liquid coolant through the refrigerator wherein the liquid coolant is cooled by the freezer compartment and wherein the liquid coolant cools the ice maker and the ice bin as the liquid coolant circulates through the secondary cooling path. A pump is positioned along the secondary cooling path for pumping the liquid coolant through the secondary cooling path. A tube having a first end proximate the pump and an opposite end exposed to atmosphere may control suction pressure associated with the pump. The refrigerator reduces frost build up through configuration of the secondary cooling path or performing ice harvesting operations which melt frost. The secondary cooling path may be used to provide for circulating hot liquid. The secondary cooling path may be used to provide for circulating liquid coolant during a power outage.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Nihat O. Cur, Guolian Wu
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Patent number: 9291385Abstract: A refrigerator is equipped with an improved middle hinge module, by which a door is hinged to a main body, capable of preventing noise when the door is opened and closed and easily adjusting a height of the door. The middle hinge module includes a hinge member fixed to a main body, a casing rotatably coupled to the hinge member and configured to rotate with a door, a shaft accommodated in the casing and coupled to the hinge member, a cam member disposed on the shaft and configured to convert rotational movement of the door into vertical linear movement, a compression spring disposed on the cam member and configured to be compressed by vertical linear movement of the cam member, and a height adjustment screw, an upper portion of which is coupled to a lower portion of the shaft to adjust a height of the door.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sung Chul Hwang, Beom Gon Kim, Yo Hyun Song, Jea Won Lee
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Patent number: 9291386Abstract: Embodiments relate to a refrigerator. A refrigerator according to an aspect includes: a freezing compartment; a freezing compartment door; an ice bin mounted on the rear of the freezing compartment door and storing ice; and an operating unit mounted on the rear of the freezing compartment door and operates to discharge the ice from the ice bin.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jonggon Kim, Chunhee Hong
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Patent number: 9291387Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for recovery of natural gas liquids from a natural gas feed stream. The process runs at a constant pressure with no intentional reduction in pressure. An open loop mixed refrigerant is used to provide process cooling and to provide a reflux stream for the distillation column used to recover the natural gas liquids. The processes may be used to recover C3+ hydrocarbons from natural gas, or to recover C2+ hydrocarbons from natural gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.Inventor: Michael Malsam
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Patent number: 9291388Abstract: A system and method for air separation using a supplemental refrigeration cycle is provided. A portion of the refrigeration required by the air separation plant to produce a liquid product stream is supplied via a supplemental refrigeration circuit configured to direct a cooled refrigerant produced by the turboexpander through the main heat exchanger of the air separation plant. The refrigeration capacity is controlled by removing or adding a portion of the refrigerant in the supplemental refrigeration circuit to adjust the inlet pressure while maintaining a substantially constant volumetric flow rate and substantially constant pressure ratio across the compressor. Removing the refrigerant from the supplemental refrigeration circuit decreases the refrigeration imparted by the supplemental refrigeration circuit and thus decreases the production of the liquid product stream.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Jeremiah J. Rauch, Andrew M. Warta, Hao Wu, David R. Parsnick, Sophia J. Dowd
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Patent number: 9291389Abstract: A system and method for producing argon that uses a higher pressure column, a lower pressure column, and an argon column collectively configured to produce nitrogen, oxygen and argon products through the cryogenic separation of air. The present system and method also employs a once through argon condensing assembly that is disposed entirely within the lower pressure column that is configured to condense an argon rich vapor stream from the argon column against the oxygen-enriched liquid from the higher pressure column to produce an argon liquid product. The control system is configured for optimizing the production of argon product by ensuring an even flow split of the oxygen-enriched liquid is distributed to the argon condenser cores and by adjusting the flow rate of the argon removed from the argon condensing assembly to maintain the liquid/vapor balance in the argon condensing assembly within appropriate limits.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Karl K. Kibler, Maulik R. Shelat
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Patent number: 9291390Abstract: Process for producing purified synthesis gas from soot-containing synthesis gas having a temperature of at least 5° C. above its dew point comprising the steps of (a) cooling the soot-containing synthesis gas to a temperature below its dew point by indirect heat exchange in a shell-tube heat exchanger without removing the condensate formed, thereby forming a synthesis gas/condensate mixture; and (b) contacting the synthesis gas/condensate mixture with a scrubbing liquid to remove the condensate resulting in a purified synthesis gas and used scrubbing liquid, wherein the soot-containing synthesis gas in step (a) is passed through the shell-tube heat exchanger at the tube side.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Jacobus Eilers, Arjan Allert Jonckers, Leendert Johannes Arie Zoetemeijer
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Patent number: 9291391Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for drying a material or, more generally, flash evaporating a target substance having a vapor pressure threshold. The methods and systems include a conveyor conduit that receives material and within which a pressure is established that is greater than the vapor pressure threshold of the target substance. The material moves through the conveyor and is expelled into a pressure drop zone created by one or more venturi nozzles. The pressure in the pressure drop zone is far less than the vapor pressure threshold of the target substance. As the material encounters the pressure drop zone, the targeted substance in the material experiences a rapid and extreme pressure drop and simultaneously a rapid temperature increase. This causes the target substance in the material to flash evaporate virtually immediately. The resulting vapor is separated from the remaining material and the now dry material is collected for further processing or use.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Flash Rockwell Technologies, LLCInventor: John Hogan
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Patent number: 9291392Abstract: A drying device for bulk material, comprises a conveyor on which a first majority of perforated plates with location surfaces for the bulk material is guided along a rail comprising an upper rail section, a lower rail section and a first deflection rail section at an end, in which the perforated plates are deflected from the upper into the lower rail section, and a second deflection rail section at an opposite end in which the perforated plates are deflected from the lower into the upper rail section. A scraper device comprises one or more scraping elements arranged so that the location surface of a perforated plate moving along the first or second deflection rail section comes into contact with the scraping elements, and is cleaned by means of a relative movement between the scraping elements and the perforated plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBHInventor: Ludger Themann
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Patent number: 9291393Abstract: A retractable clothes dryer vent includes a support, a duct coupling, a dryer vent hose, a dryer exhaust coupling, a first retraction guide assembly, and a second retraction guide assembly. The duct coupling is mounted in the support and has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an opening extending through the support. The dryer vent hose has a first end extending from the first end of the duct coupling and a second end opposite the first end. The dryer exhaust coupling extends from the second end of the dryer vent hose. The first retraction guide assembly has a first end mounted to the support and a second end anchored to the dryer exhaust coupling. The second retraction guide assembly has a first end mounted to the support and a second end anchored to the dryer exhaust coupling.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Lonnie Sheldon Knowles
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Patent number: 9291394Abstract: A heating module for heating solid matter, such as balls, to a determined temperature. The module includes a heating pot including a crucible for receiving the matter to be heated, and a burner for heating the crucible and the matter to be heated; and a cover that is mounted in removable manner on the heating pot so as to close the crucible.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: FINAXO ENVIRONMENTInventor: Didier Lesueur
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Patent number: 9291395Abstract: A fill assembly for evaporative cooling includes a plurality of splash bars, a grid to support the plurality of splash bars, and a pivot connection at an intersection between the grid and a splash bar of the plurality of splash bars. The fill assembly is configured to translate from an upright conformation to a compact conformation in response to the plurality of splash bars pivoting relative to the grid.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: SPX COOLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: William M. Roth
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Patent number: 9291396Abstract: A header tank for a heat exchanger for supplying a heat exchange fluid to a core unit in which a plurality of tubes are provided side by side includes an inlet part for introducing the heat exchange fluid into the header tank, and a plurality of ribs projecting into the header tank, extending in directions intersecting with a central axis direction of the inlet part, arranged side by side in the central axis direction and configured to cause the heat exchange fluid to flow into the tubes. The plurality of ribs project more into the header tank with increasing distance from the inlet part.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATIONInventors: Masahiro Kato, Takashi Kaneda
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Patent number: 9291397Abstract: A cooling tower system and/or fluid cooler that provides desired cooling performance, without the use of pressurized or gravity based nozzle spray systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Dalton, Jason Stratman
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Patent number: 9291398Abstract: A micro vapor chamber includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a condensing region constituted of a plurality of protrusions. The second plate has a plurality of liquid-collecting regions and an evaporating region. The condensing region is located to correspond to the liquid-collecting regions and the evaporating region. The first plate is arranged to cover the second plate. The condensed working fluid are quickly collected on the protrusions to flow back to the evaporating region, thereby improving the liquid-vapor phase circulation of the working fluid in the micro vapor chamber greatly.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hsiu-Wei Yang, Fu-Kuei Chang
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Patent number: 9291399Abstract: Described embodiments include a portable electronic device. The device includes a shell housing components of the portable electronic device having a heat-generating component. The device includes a heat-rejection element located at an exterior surface of the shell. The heat-rejection element is configured to reject heat received from the heat-generating component into an environment in thermal contact with the heat-rejection element. The device includes a controllable thermal coupler configured to regulate heat transfer to the heat-rejection element. The device includes a proximity sensor configured to determine a location of a user touch to the shell relative to the location of the heat-rejection element. The device includes a thermal manager configured to regulate heat transfer by the controllable thermal coupler to the heat-rejection element in response to the determined location of the user touch relative to the location of the heat-rejection element.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Philip Lionel Barnes, Hon Wah Chin, Howard Lee Davidson, Kimberly D. A. Hallman, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Brian Lee, Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Craig J. Mundie, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Nicholas F. Pasch, Eric D. Rudder, Clarence T. Tegreene, Marc Tremblay, David B. Tuckerman, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 9291400Abstract: Described embodiments include a portable electronic device. The device includes a shell and a heat-generating component. The device includes a first and a second exterior heat-rejection element. Each heat-rejection element is configured to reject heat received from the heat-generating component into an environment. The device includes a controllable thermal coupler configured to regulate heat transfer to the first and second heat-rejection elements. The device includes a first proximity sensor configured to determine if a user touch to the shell is within a first zone of possible heat discomfort. The device includes a thermal manager configured to regulate heat transfer by the controllable thermal coupler to the first and second heat-rejection elements. The regulated heat transfer includes adjusting heat rejection away from the first heat-rejection element and toward the second heat-rejection element if the user touch is within the first zone.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Philip Lionel Barnes, Hon Wah Chin, Howard Lee Davidson, Kimberly D.A. Hallman, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Brian Lee, Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Craig J. Mundie, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Nicholas F. Pasch, Eric D. Rudder, Clarence T. Tegreene, Marc Tremblay, David B. Tuckerman, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 9291401Abstract: A condensing heat exchange economizer wherein upwardly flowing hot flue gas is apportioned by a damper among a plurality of reverse flow passages and redirected to flow in a downward direction through the reverse flow passages over respective bundles of heat exchange tubes carrying a counter-flowing heat exchange medium to form condensate and cool the flue gas. The economizer may comprise a housing having a main flow duct defining a main flow passage in which the damper is located, a pair of conduits opposing one another across the main flow duct and defining respective reverse flow passages, and a pair of return channels opposing one another across the main flow duct and defining respective return flow passages. The cooled flue gas may be merged with the main flow passage at a location above the damper.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: COMBUSTION & ENERGY SYSTEMS LTD.Inventor: Daniel H. Veitch
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Patent number: 9291402Abstract: This invention provides a heat exchanger (2) which has an elongate heat exchange element (4). The heat exchange element (4) has a substantially cylindrical structure with a first end and a second end and the length of the element (4) is greater than the diameter. A plurality of elongate flow paths extend between the first end and the second end. A first inlet (8) and a second outlet (14) are disposed in the first end and a first outlet (10) and a second inlet (12) are disposed in the second end. The first inlet (8) and first outlet (10) define a first flow path and the second inlet (12) and second outlet (14) define a second flow path. The heat exchanger is provided with a motor (16, 18) for rotating the cylindrical structure and the rotation of the cylindrical structure (4) moves the elongate flow paths from the first flow path to the second flow path.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: REDRING XPELAIR GROUP LTD.Inventor: Howard Atkin
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Patent number: 9291403Abstract: A heat exchanger has a core case, at least one fin case disposed in the core case, and pair of upper and lower fins disposed in the fin case. The fin case has an inlet part, an outlet part, and a middle part disposed between the inlet and outlet parts. Each of the upper and lower fins has top and bottom portions. The upper and lower fins are disposed within the fin case so that the upper and lower fins are not in contact with each other at the inlet and outlet parts of the fin case and so that the bottom portions of the upper fin are in contact with respective ones of the top portions of the lower fin at the middle part of the fin case.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: YUTAKA GIKEN CO., LTD.Inventors: Toru Hisanaga, Yoshihiro Umeda, Tamaki Kuniyoshi
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Patent number: 9291404Abstract: The cooling device comprises a heat exchange unit provided in a cooling water flow path. The heat exchange unit has a plate part in the form of a plate and multiple fins erected on the plate face of the plate part, and provided in the manner that the plate face of the plate part extends along the cooling water flow path and the cooling water runs through the space between the fins. The multiple fins are each in the form of a rhombic column and provided on the plate part in a lattice pattern in the manner that the longer diagonal of the rhombic column extends along the cooling water flow path.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Masayoshi Tamura, Seiji Haga, Yosuke Kikuchi
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Patent number: 9291405Abstract: A cooling system may be operable to cool a battery pack or other device through a heat exchange operation supported, at least in part, with cycling of a coolant relative to a coldplate or other thermally conducting surface of the device and/or attached thereto. The system may include a coldplate operable to exchange heat with a battery pack; and a coolant tank operable to exchange heat with the coldplate, the tank having a channel for directing a coolant flow in a direction from an inlet of the tank to at least one outlet of the tank and an inlet accumulator between the inlet and a beginning of the channel, wherein the inlet accumulator is wider along the coolant flow direction than the channel and the inlet and having a sloped side leading towards the channel configured to pool the coolant flow prior to entry into the channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Sai K. Pentapati, Bhaskara Boddakayala, Vineeth Seshadri Kallur, Patrick Daniel Maguire, Steven F. Chorian, Josephine S. Lee, Edward Vann Decker