Patents Issued in November 1, 2016
  • Patent number: 9482417
    Abstract: An illumination device includes a light emitting panel and a device body to which the light emitting panel is detachably attached. The light emitting panel has a rear surface serving as a first curved surface. The device body has a surface serving as a second curved surface conforming to the first curved surface. An attachment portion for attaching/detaching the light emitting panel to/from the device body to slide along the first curved surface or the second curved surface is provided on one of the rear surface of the light emitting panel facing the device body and surface of the device body facing the light emitting panel. A groove portion for enabling the attachment portion to slide is provided on the other of the rear surface of the light emitting panel facing the device body and the surface of the device body facing the light emitting panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Hirano, Noboru Miyakawa, Ryusuke Kotera, Satoshi Fukano, Masashi Takeda
  • Patent number: 9482418
    Abstract: An integrated LED module at least comprises: a light-transmitting plate having a heat-conducting substrate and a transparent package; an LED array sealed in the light-transmitting plate; a drive circuit electrically connected to the LED array, and used for converting an external power supply into a 12V-75V forward voltage that drives each LED in the LED array; and a heat sink clinging to the light-transmitting plate. The integrated LED module solves the problem in the prior art that an LED lamp presented after assembly has a large size and is heavy as a part of the line of a drive power supply in the LED lamp is complicated, and further reduces material costs, saves processing and assembling time, and lowers production costs due to an integrally formed structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SHANGHAI YAMING LIGHTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chuitong Zeng, Liangcai Jia, Xiaoliang Xu, Baoquan Li, Carnotensis Ludo, Krijger De Sjef
  • Patent number: 9482419
    Abstract: An electric light bulb type light source apparatus includes a light source unit, a power source substrate, a drive substrate, a base, and a casing. On the power source substrate, a power source circuit is mounted, and the power source substrate has one of a through hole and a cutout. On the drive substrate, a drive circuit of at least the light source unit is mounted, and the drive substrate includes a part disposed in the one of the through hole and the cutout of the power source substrate. The base is used to supply power to the power source substrate. The casing is configured to contain the light source unit, the power source substrate, and the drive substrate, and the casing has a translucent cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoki Yotsumoto, Kouji Miyata
  • Patent number: 9482420
    Abstract: A LED explosion-proof lamp coupling structure to couple at least two LED explosion-proof lamps includes at least two holding sets, at least two LED lighting elements, and at least one connection unit. Each holding set includes a body, a protruding connection portion located on an upper end of the body, a chamber located in the body, and at least one first coupling portion located at one end of the body and communicating with the chamber. Each first coupling portion includes a hole communicating with the chamber and a positioning seat located on chamber and abutting the hole. Each LED lighting element is connected to the protruding connection portion. The connection unit includes a connection tube connected to each first coupling portion and at least one first fastening set to fasten the connection tube to the positioning seat. Thus the holding sets can be coupled with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: LI-HONG SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Tien Chien, Ching-Yuan Juan, Han-Wen Chang, Cheng-Lung Juan
  • Patent number: 9482421
    Abstract: A lamp with an LED array is disclosed. The centralized nature of the LEDs allows the LEDs to be configured in a filament-like way using a supporting power structure, near the central portion of the optical envelope of the lamp. In example embodiments, the LEDs are cooled by a fluid medium to enable the LEDs to maintain appropriate mechanical stability and operating temperature. In some embodiments, the lamp operates at a power of at least 5 watts. Since the LED array can be centralized to form a filament-like structure, the light pattern from the lamp is not adversely affected by the presence of a heat sink or mechanical supporting parts. In some embodiments, phosphor is used provide wavelength conversion. The phosphor can be suspended within the optically transmissive fluid medium, placed remotely in the lamp structure, or applied to un-encapsulated LED die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Praneet Athalye, Thomas G. Coleman
  • Patent number: 9482422
    Abstract: An outdoor lighting device with cooled LEDs comprises a housing carrying a radiator and a light-emitting diode that is thermally coupled to the radiator, and the radiator is arranged along a passage that is protected from solar radiation and in which a flow of air is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Antoine Araman
  • Patent number: 9482423
    Abstract: A device for securing a source of LED light to a heat sink includes an LED light source engaging surface that is arranged and configured to engage at least a portion of the source of LED light and which is provided with an integrated force applying spring. Further, the device may include a continuous metallic path extending between the sources of LED light and the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew David Schroll, Alan Emad Zantout
  • Patent number: 9482424
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a lighting device (2) is provided. The lighting device (2) comprises a wavelength converting layer (21) having a curved shape and a light source (22) arranged to emit light towards the wavelength converting layer (21). The wavelength converting layer (21) intersects a plane extending through the light source (22) and being parallel with the optical axis of the light source (22), at a curve given, in a polar coordinate system centered at the light source (22), by the equation: R(?)=k·I(?)1/2±D, wherein k is a constant, 0 is an angle with respect to said optical axis, /(?) is a function defining a luminous intensity profile of the light source and D is a deviation ranging from zero to 20% of the maximum value of said curve, Rmax. The present invention is advantageous in that the lighting device (2) has a more uniform color distribution of emitted light across the wavelength converting layer (21) and the risk of color gradients and artifacts is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Erik Paul Boonekamp, Shufen Tsoi, Andreas Aloysius Henricus Duijmelink, Gerardus Wilhelmus Gerbe Van Dreumel
  • Patent number: 9482425
    Abstract: An LED lamp heat dissipating structure includes a first cover, a second cover, a heat dissipating device, and an LED light source. The first cover and the second cover cover each other to form a hollow space. The heat dissipating device is disposed inside the first cover and the second cover. The LED light source is disposed below the second cover and is in heat-conducting contact with the heat dissipating device. The heat dissipating device further includes a plurality of cover heat pipes. Each of the cover heat pipes has a heated end and a cooled end. The heated end is connected at the heat conducting base. The cooled end extends along the first flange of the first cover and the second flange of the second cover, respectively, so as to be sandwiched between the first flange and the second flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: HABEMIT INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Chin-Wen Wang
  • Patent number: 9482426
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to an illuminable wall socket plate for replacing existing wall sockets in one simple installation step. The illuminable wall socket plate obtains electric current from a socket to power a light by connecting metal tabs on the back side of the illuminable wall socket plate to socket terminals, and transferring electric current from the socket terminals to a light in the wall socket plate through conductive material, in accordance with the invention described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: VENMILL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel A Diotte
  • Patent number: 9482427
    Abstract: A method for operating a once-through steam generator including an evaporator heating surface is provided. A target value for the supply water mass flow is fed to a device for setting the supply water mass flow, which is predefined using the ratio of the heat flow currently being transferred in the evaporator heating surface from the hot gas to the flow medium to a target enthalpy increase predefined with respect to the desired live steam condition of the flow medium in the evaporator heating surface. A forced-flow steam generator used for carrying out the method is also provided. The heat flow transferred from the hot gas to the flow medium is ascertained for this purpose allowing for a specific temperature value characteristic of the current temperature of the hot gas at the evaporator inlet and a specific mass flow value characteristic for the current mass flow of the hot gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jan Brückner, Joachim Franke, Frank Thomas
  • Patent number: 9482428
    Abstract: A dual phase fuel feeder is disclosed that can be used to provide both solid fuels and liquid fuels to a boiler, such as a fluidized bed boiler. The fuel feeder includes a sloped chute which defines a solid feedpath. Gas distribution nozzles are located at the base of the fuel feeder, and secondary nozzles are located so as to be able to distribute a liquid or particulate fuel into the solid feedpath. This permits the liquid fuel to contact the solid fuel and be carried into the fluidized bed instead of becoming suspended above the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: James F DeSellem, Karl M Heil, Jeremiah J Yoder, Albert D LaRue, Mikhail Maryamchik, William R Stirgwolt
  • Patent number: 9482429
    Abstract: A field-ready oven has reinforced telescoped side walls that extend and hold a base, shelf, tray support and cover spaced apart. A low air intake and a semipermeable membrane deliver air and vapor fuel to catalyst pads on the shelf. Radiant heat from exothermic reaction is diffused over a bottom of a tray. Hot gas circulates around the diffuser and tray with a chimney effect before exhausting. A lid on the cover lifts for access to the tray. A fuel container in the oven forces fuel through a capillary restriction to limit fuel flow. A spring in the container is released to start fuel flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GHT GLOBAL HEATING TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Poston, Michael A. Swank, Robert G. Hockaday, Lawrence D. Weber, Giampaolo Vacca
  • Patent number: 9482430
    Abstract: A heat-shrink gun in which an ignition voltage of the gaseous mixture is generated by a piezoelectric lighter (12), under the action of a trigger (8) when it is moved from a waiting position (8A) to a lighting position, characterized in that the trigger can also assume a loading position (8B), in which it free access (DC) to a working housing for the lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SEFMAT
    Inventor: François Clement
  • Patent number: 9482431
    Abstract: The invention pertains to ignition systems and more particularly to spark igniters for burners and burner pilots. A spark igniter is provide, which is configured so that the spark gap is on the outer side surface of the spark igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Chentronics, LLC
    Inventor: Ewen M. Kelly
  • Patent number: 9482432
    Abstract: A combustor section is provided for a gas turbine engine. The combustor section may include an outer liner panel, an inner liner panel and a bulkhead, which is arranged with the outer and the inner liner panels to form an annular combustion chamber. The combustor section may also include a swirler assembly and a combustor vane. The swirler assembly may be configured with the bulkhead. The combustor vane may extend at least partially into said combustion chamber, wherein the combustor vane is circumferentially aligned with the swirler assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Frank J. Cunha, Nurhak Erbas-Sen
  • Patent number: 9482433
    Abstract: A gas turbine combustor assembly has a fuel/air mixer assembly with a plurality of fuel/air mixer elements. Each fuel/air mixer element defines an air flow passage therethrough. A fuel injector is coupled to the fuel/air mixer assembly. The fuel injector has a tip portion with a plurality of fuel outlets arranged to direct fuel into the air flow passages of the air/fuel mixer elements. Each of the fuel/air mixer elements has at least one outlet arranged to supply fuel to the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Fei Philip Lee
  • Patent number: 9482434
    Abstract: A method for use in a gas turbine engine. The method includes the steps of: configuring a downstream injection system within the interior flowpath that includes two injection stages, a first stage and a second stage, wherein the first stage and the second stage are each axially spaced from the other; and circumferentially positioning the injectors of the first stage and the second stage based on: a) a characteristic of an anticipated combustion flow occurring just upstream of the first stage during a mode of operation; and b) the characteristic of an anticipated combustion flow just downstream of the second stage given an anticipated effect of the air and fuel injection from the first stage and the second stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., Krishna Kumar Venkataraman, Kaitlin Marie Graham
  • Patent number: 9482435
    Abstract: An appliance and method for variably controlling a drive signal to a light emitting device of the appliance based on a temperature value indicative of a temperature within a chamber of the appliance is provided. The light emitting device can be included in a display or disposed within a chamber of the appliance to provide illumination. The light intensity level of the light emitting device can be controlled based on the temperature value indicative of a temperature within the chamber. The temperature value indicative of a temperature within the chamber can be a value detected within the chamber, a value detected on a surface of the chamber, or a value that anticipates the temperature within the chamber. The light intensity can be controlled with a driving signal to the light emitting device. For instance, the light intensity can be controlled using pulse width modulation of the driving signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Xavier Meusburger
  • Patent number: 9482436
    Abstract: An oven appliance including a cabinet and a lighting system is provided. The cabinet defines a cooking chamber and includes a first wall and a second wall spaced along a lateral direction. The first wall defines a central plane (extending in a vertical direction and a transverse direction) and a protrusion. The protrusion extends outwardly from the central plane in a direction away from the second wall. The lighting system includes a portion positioned adjacent to a near section of the protrusion, the near section of the protrusion being closer to a cooking chamber opening than a far section of the protrusion. The lighting system may thus be obstructed from view generally along the central plane of the first wall as viewed from the cooking chamber opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Lee Hettinger, Justin Tyler Brown, Edward LaVoisier Muhammad
  • Patent number: 9482437
    Abstract: A front frame for a cooking appliance having at least one first cooking chamber which has a loading opening and a cooking chamber door for closing the loading opening. The front frame includes at least one first front frame unit. The at least one first front frame unit substantially completely frames the loading opening of the first cooking chamber. At an outer edge region of the at least one first front frame unit, a coupling region having at least one coupling device is formed at which an additional front frame unit can be coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventor: Lars Kemper
  • Patent number: 9482438
    Abstract: A radiant heating panel, for typical use as cover for interior walls and ceilings, is provided, that is manufactured in a continuous process involving at least one sheet material, a settable material and a heating element. A method of installing such a heating panel is also provided, along with an apparatus and method required to terminate the heating panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: WINSTONE WALLBOARD LIMITED
    Inventors: Richard Dod Coates, Alexander Stewart Vaughan
  • Patent number: 9482439
    Abstract: An air handling device includes a fan that has a fan hub and a set of fan blades that extend from the fan hub. The set of fan blades defines a fan diameter and the fan hub defines a hub diameter. The fan has an inlet side for air intake and an outlet side for air discharge. An annular fan inlet passage is arranged at the inlet side of the fan, and an annular fan outlet passage arranged at the outlet side of the fan. The fan inlet passage and the fan outlet passage each define an outer diameter that is substantially equivalent to the fan diameter and an inner diameter that is substantially equivalent to the hub diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Salman Akhtar
  • Patent number: 9482440
    Abstract: A humidifier for treating humidified air with germicidal light is provided. The humidifier includes a water reservoir, an atomizer to atomize a supply of water, and an ultraviolet light source to expose the atomized water to germicidal light. The ultraviolet light source extends vertically within a cylindrical channel to irradiate the atomized water dissipating upwardly from the atomizer. The water reservoir can include a carbon filter and a hardness-removing module for removing containments and metal oxides from the water supply. A control panel indicates the remaining useful life of the ultraviolet light source, the carbon filter and the hardness-removing module based on historical humidifier usage and water quality levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Ronald C. Markham, Matthew J. Barton
  • Patent number: 9482441
    Abstract: A composite molded body includes a main portion formed of resin, a ventilation channel configured within the main portion, a gas permeable membrane, and two inserted members embedded in the main portion. The ventilation channel has a first ventilation path P1 extending in a direction intersecting the gas permeable membrane and has an opening end leading to the external air, and a second ventilation path extending in a direction different from the direction in which the first ventilation path extends and having an opening end leading to the internal space of the casing. The inserted member forms a portion of the second ventilation path and has a membrane supporting portion formed with a through hole. The through hole constitutes a portion of the first ventilation path, and communicates with the internal space of the casing via the second ventilation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: TOKAI KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Koichi Hara
  • Patent number: 9482442
    Abstract: A decision dashboard system to balance competing objectives in a control system suggests control parameter settings for the control system based on specified weights for the competing objectives. For example, given a target amount of energy consumption for a campus-wide, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control system, providing an optimal amount of climate control to the different campus locations may compete against the length of time climate control is provided to each of the locations. In some aspects, sets of control system settings may be used to predict outcomes based on a history of control parameter settings and measurements from the control system. In further aspects, the predicted outcomes and their associated control parameter settings may be mapped to different weights for the competing objectives and displayed in a graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: DataXu, Inc.
    Inventors: Saket Mengle, Beth Teresa Logan, Misha Natan Sidorsky, Willard Simmons
  • Patent number: 9482443
    Abstract: A refrigeration system having a main circuit including a main compressor thermally coupled with a secondary or subcooling circuit. The main circuit uses a HFC blend, such as but not limited to, R125/R143A blend or R32/R125/R134A blend as a refrigerant and the subcooling circuit uses an R32 blend. Some embodiments may include more than one main compressor. Some embodiments of the secondary circuit may include more than one secondary compressor. The combined system of differing refrigerants provides increased efficiencies and reduced Global Warming Potential (GWP) over single refrigerant systems for low and medium temperature refrigeration applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas J. Backman
  • Patent number: 9482445
    Abstract: A heat pump water heater with a heat utilization balance processor and a heat utilization balance processor thereof relate to a fluid heater using a heat pump and an accessory thereof, the heat pump water heater comprises the heat utilization balance processor; which comprises a housing, a heat exchange pipe, a main heat exchange cavity, a sub heat exchange cavity and a steam-liquid separator. The heat utilization balance exchange is carried out for a working substance through the sub heat exchange cavity of the heat utilization balance processor during a condensing process and an evaporation process, so as to carry out the heat comprehensive utilization, thus increasing condensing effect, decreasing high pressure and exhaust temperature, decreasing the power consumption of a compressor, and increasing the energy efficient of a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: JIANGSU TENESUN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yujun Wang, Tianshu Wang, Jun Liu, Kun Li, Xiaohu Li, Yi Yang, Ying Wang
  • Patent number: 9482446
    Abstract: A heat pump water heater includes: a compressor; a first water-refrigerant heat exchanger; a second water-refrigerant heat exchanger; refrigerant paths capable of forming a refrigerant circuit; and water channels including a flow channel, the flow channel leading hot water that has passed through the second water-refrigerant heat exchanger to the first water-refrigerant heat exchanger. The heat pump water heater is able to perform a heating operation. In the heating operation, the hot water heated in the second water-refrigerant heat exchanger is fed to the first water-refrigerant heat exchanger and the hot water further heated in the first water-refrigerant heat exchanger is supplied to a downstream side of the water channels. The first water-refrigerant heat exchanger is able to be replaced without replacing the second water-refrigerant heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: So Nomoto, Kensaku Hatanaka, Keisuke Takayama
  • Patent number: 9482447
    Abstract: A heat exchanger arrangement, especially for a fuel-operated vehicle heater, has a pot-shaped heat exchanger housing (12) elongated in the direction of a longitudinal axis (L) with a circumferential wall area (14) and, in an end area (18), a bottom wall area (16). A flow space (30) for heat carrier medium is formed in the heat exchanger housing (12) with a circumferential flow space (32) and with a bottom flow space (34) that is in connection with the circumferential flow space. The heat exchanger housing (12) includes a first housing part (36) and a second housing part (38). The first housing part includes an outer circumferential wall (40), an inner circumferential wall (42) and an inner bottom wall (46) adjoining the inner circumferential wall. The second housing part includes an outer bottom wall (62), which is or can be connected to the outer circumferential wall (40) in one end area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Eberspaecher Climate Control Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Humburg
  • Patent number: 9482448
    Abstract: A solar thermal collector including a carrier, channels and a solar selective coating is provided. The channels are embedded in the carrier for a heat transfer fluid flowing therein. The solar selective coating is deposited on an outer surface of the carrier. The solar selective coating includes a damping layer, an absorbing layer and an anti-reflecting layer. The damping layer is deposited on the outer surface of the carrier. The absorbing layer is deposited on the damping layer, wherein the absorbing layer has a transition region including plural sub-layers and located adjacent to the damping layer. The anti-reflecting layer is deposited on the absorbing layer, wherein a light beam is adapted to enter the absorbing layer through the anti-reflecting layer, and irradiation energy of the light beam is transformed by the collector into thermal energy, which is then transmitted to the heat transfer fluid in the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Ziolar Technology Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Jen-Huang Tsai
  • Patent number: 9482449
    Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include support devices configured to accommodate misalignment of components during assembly. For example, the system can include piles fixed to the earth and an adjustable bearing assembly at the upper end of the pile. The adjustable bearing assembly can include at least one of a vertical adjustment device, a lateral adjustment device and an angular adjustment device. The solar energy collection system can also include a plurality of solar energy collection device pre-wired together and mounted to a support member so as to form modular units. The system can also include enhanced supports for wire trays extending between rows of solar energy collection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Corey Cole, Zachary Ardell-Smith, John Ciasulli, Soren Jensen
  • Patent number: 9482450
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improvements to thermodynamic devices that approximate the Ericsson cycle, Brayton cycle, or regenerated Brayton cycle. These cycles and various ways of implementing them are known in the art. They can operate as engines or refrigerators. The Ericsson cycle is attractive since it can theoretically operate at the Carnot efficiency, which is the maximum possible efficiency for a heat engine or refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Jason Hugenroth
  • Patent number: 9482451
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a heat exchanger through which a refrigerant flows, and which rejects heat to a fluid, an evaporator, a first circuit having an expansion device, a second circuit having an expansion machine coupled to a compressor, and a set of valves arranged to direct the refrigerant through the first circuit, the second circuit, or both the first and second circuits based on ambient conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Vaisman, Douglas J. Snyder, Patrick C. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 9482452
    Abstract: A thermoelectric module includes an insulating substrate, plural electrodes formed on a component side of the insulating substrate, plural peltier elements each mounted on and electrically connected to the electrodes, and a mark for image recognition formed at least one of the electrodes, the mark for image recognition having lightness and/or saturation which is different from lightness and/or saturation of the electrode on an image. An entire of the electrode is usable as an electrical conduction path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akihiro Morimoto
  • Patent number: 9482453
    Abstract: A dryer operable to separate a portion of an entrained liquid from a flow of gas includes a pressure vessel to contain the flow of gas and entrained liquid within the pressure vessel. A precooler/reheater is positioned within the pressure vessel to cool the flow of gas and the entrained liquid and an evaporator is positioned within the pressure vessel to cool the flow of gas and the entrained liquid from the precooler/reheater. A separator receives the flow of gas and the entrained liquid from the evaporator and is operable to separate the flow of gas and the entrained liquid into a flow of substantially dry gas and a liquid. The liquid collects in the bottom of the pressure vessel. A drain valve is movable between an open position and a closed position in response to the quantity of liquid within the bottom of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Charles J. Bergh
  • Patent number: 9482454
    Abstract: In various implementations, compressor operation in an air conditioner may be managed by maintaining oil viscosity, a temperature differential, compressor sump temperature, and/or suction pressure. Properties of the air conditioner or portions thereof, such as the compressor, may be determined. To manage compressor operations, operation(s) of the air conditioner may be adjusted based on one or more of the determined properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Goel, Anuradha Sundararajan, H. Gene Havard, Jr., Mark Olsen
  • Patent number: 9482455
    Abstract: A system comprising a gear having at least one slot, wherein the gear is connected to an icetray and a motor so that when the motor rotates the gear, the icetray twists, and an optical sensor that detects when the gear has rotated the slot over the optical sensor. The icetray twists while the gear is rotated in a first direction away from a home position to a reverse twist position. The rotation of gear then reverses to twist the icetray to a harvest position in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction until ice in the icetray is dislodged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ENVOLVE ENGINEERING, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Gene Hortin, Kyle Carter Edmondson, Patrick J. Boarman, Michael Edward Stagg, Li Yi Situ
  • Patent number: 9482456
    Abstract: An evaporator apparatus comprising at least one container configured to maintain liquid for freezing and a plurality of heat transfer compartments configured around the at least one container to allow for the flow of cold anti-freeze in order to freeze the liquid and warm anti-freeze in order to thaw frozen blocks of ice contained within the evaporator apparatus. A lever integrated into the body of the evaporator to allow for rotation of the evaporation in order to harvest the frozen blocks of ice. The evaporator further including, at least one inlet opening to allow for the inflow of anti-freeze into the plurality of heat transfer compartments and at least one outlet opening to allow for the discharge of anti-freeze from the evaporator apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Hani Toma
  • Patent number: 9482457
    Abstract: An ice shaving machine includes a base, a main body mounted on the base and having a platform provided with a shaving blade, a limit module mounted on the platform, and a rotation disk mounted in the main body. The limit module has an inner periphery provided with a receiving space. Thus, the ice block is limited by the limit module so that the ice block will not produce vibration during rotation to keep the stability and safety of the ice shaving machine during operation. In addition, the limit module has a central point the same as that of the platform so that when the ice block is received in the receiving space of the limit module and is shaved by the shaving blade, the force from the ice block is distributed evenly and smoothly on the shaving blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: Global Bear Corp.
    Inventor: Kun-Wei Sung
  • Patent number: 9482458
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes an ice making compartment, an ice making unit producing ice in the ice making compartment, and a refrigeration cycle including a refrigerant pipe to supply cooling energy to the ice making compartment. Air present in the ice making compartment is cooled while undergoing direct heat exchange with at least one of the ice making unit and the refrigerant pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Jeong, Jae Hoon Lim, Jae Seung Lee, Seong Ki Jeong, Young Shik Shin, Jae Koog An, Chang Hak Lim, Sang Hyun Park, Khan Qa Sim
  • Patent number: 9482459
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes: a refrigerator body having a cooling chamber; a case provided in the cooling chamber; a drawer having a handle, and accommodated in the case in a withdrawable manner; a sealing member provided at a contact region between the case and the drawer; a sealed state maintaining device having a locking portion provided at the case, and having a fixed arm disposed in the drawer, the fixed arm rotatable to a sealing position for sealing the drawer by compressing the sealing member by being coupled to the locking portion when the drawer is accommodated in the case, and a releasing position for releasing the sealed state by being separated from the locking portion; and a manipulation switch provided at the drawer, and configured to manipulate the fixed arm to move between the sealing position and the releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kyongbae Park, Ahreum Park, Deulre Min
  • Patent number: 9482460
    Abstract: A truck includes a refrigerated compartment that is equipped with a dedicated refrigerating system, and a driver cabin. The driver cabin is equipped with a least a first heat exchanger adapted to cool an air flow directed to the cabin. The truck further includes a compartment heat exchanger located in the refrigerated compartment and adapted to cool a heat transfer liquid sent to the first heat exchanger through a heat transfer liquid connecting the first heat exchanger to the compartment heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventor: Frédéric Laudet
  • Patent number: 9482461
    Abstract: The heat exchanger is adapted for cooling a coolant (e.g., water), used to cool a device or an area (e.g., building interior), such as during periods of peak energy cost and usage, to save energy and energy costs. The heat exchanger includes a coolant storage tank with one or more refrigerant circulators in contact with the floor of the tank. The circulators use a refrigerant having a freezing temperature colder than the coolant, with coolant on the floor of the tank forming a layer of ice thereon. A rotary scraper extends up through the tank floor from each circulator, with the scrapers operating to remove the thin layer of ice from the floor as the ice forms. The resulting ice chips are relatively small and thin, thus having a relatively large surface area for their volume in order to maximize melting and rapid cooling of the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: Syed A. M. Said, Muhammad Umar Siddiqui
  • Patent number: 9482462
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing two energy level settings for a refrigerator hot water heater are provided. An exemplary refrigerator includes a refrigeration system that includes an evaporator. The refrigerator includes a defrost assembly for defrosting one or more of the evaporator or a freezer compartment. The refrigerator includes a water dispensing assembly that includes a heating element for heating a volume of water. The refrigerator includes a controller configured to operate the heating element at a first energy level when the defrost assembly is not operating and to operate the heating element at a second energy level when the defrost assembly is operating. An exemplary method includes detecting that the refrigerator is performing an energy critical task. The method includes enabling a reduced consumption of electrical power by a heating element included in a water dispensing assembly of the refrigerator when the refrigerator is performing the energy critical task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Charles Beilfuss
  • Patent number: 9482463
    Abstract: A refrigerator may prevent an internal door from being opened together by an inertial force when an external door is opened, and may also prevent the external door from being opened together by an inertial force when the internal door is opened. The refrigerator includes a main body, a storage chamber provided in the main body so that a front surface thereof is opened, an internal door rotatably provided at a front surface of the main body so as to open and close the storage chamber and having an opening part in which a plurality of door guards are provided, an external door rotatably provided at a front surface of the internal door so as to open and close the opening part, and an internal door opening prevention device allowing or preventing opening of the internal door according to whether the external door is opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Pil Choi, Dong In Shin, Hyo Seok Noh, Young Kyu Moon, Mu Yeol Sun
  • Patent number: 9482464
    Abstract: An environmental control apparatus includes a test chamber, a refrigerant cooling subsystem coupled to the test chamber, a liquid nitrogen cooling subsystem coupled to the test chamber, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is coupled to the refrigerant cooling subsystem and the liquid nitrogen cooling subsystem. The control circuitry is constructed and arranged to coordinate operation of the refrigerant cooling subsystem and the liquid nitrogen cooling subsystem to control internal temperature of the test chamber. Selective operation of the liquid nitrogen cooling subsystem and the refrigerant cooling subsystem can provide significant cost savings by alleviating the need to provide liquid nitrogen cooling in all cooling situations. Moreover, co-location of the liquid nitrogen cooling subsystem and the refrigerant cooling subsystem can provide an efficient and effective form factor for the environmental control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Burke
  • Patent number: 9482465
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a unidirectional multi-path kiln with two or more chambers and generally parallel flow paths extending through the kiln, on opposite sides, from charge entry portals at a first end of the kiln to charge exit portals at a second end of the kiln. Moist heated air flowing from the second heated chamber is received in the first chamber and circulated around the lumber charges with one or more fans. The lumber charges proceed in the same direction on the flow paths through the heated second chamber, which may be an existing kiln. Charge exit portals at the distal end of the kiln and/or intermediate charge portals between the second chamber and a third chamber may be provided with insulating members configured to reduce airflow from the second chamber through the charge exit portals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher W. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 9482466
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drying bulk goods, in particular solids, such as granular materials, powders, grains, films, shreds, or the like, preferably plastic granular material, in a drying silo (9) by means of an air flow. The exhaust air flow (5) that is discharged from the drying silo (9) is dried in a wheel dryer (1). The adsorbent is regenerated and cooled in the wheel dryer. A rotatable drum (2) of the wheel dryer (1) is divided into at least three wheel segments, wherein the region of a wheel segment is used for drying or dehumidifying the exhaust air flow, the region of the second wheel segment is used for heating the adsorbent, and the region of the third wheel segment is used for cooling the adsorbent. The drying or dehumidifying phase (14) for the exhaust air flow (5) and preferably the adsorbent cooling occur in parallel, in particular in a continuous manner during the operation. The regenerating phase (15) with the adsorbent heating is carried out at intervals during the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: WITTMANN KUNSTSTOFFGERAETE GMBH
    Inventor: Erhard Fux
  • Patent number: 9482467
    Abstract: A method for removal and condensation of vapors from within an enclosed space is disclosed. An enclosed space containing hydrocarbonaceous material is surrounded by an insulative permeable layer having a lowering temperature gradient between the inner surface and the outer surfaces. The insulative layer may also be covered by an impermeable layer. Heating the material in the enclosed space causes the formation of vapors at a positive pressure within the enclosed space. Vapors pass through the inner surface of the insulative permeable layer and contact the permeable materials and are condensed by the lowering temperature within the insulative layer. The condensate liquid passes downwardly through the insulative layer and is then collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Patten