Patents Issued in March 14, 2017
  • Patent number: 9593834
    Abstract: A head lamp device for wearing on a head and emitting lights outwardly is disclosed and comprises a cover member, a main control member, a sensing member, and at least two lamps. The main control member is mounted on the cover member. A receiving unit and a control unit are embedded in the main control member and electrically connected with each other wirelessly or wiredly. The sensing member is electrically connected with the main control member and installed in the cover member. The sensing member is detecting an inclined angle of the head and generating a signal for being transmitted to the main control member and received by the receiving unit. The lamps are electrically connected with the control unit. The lamps are controlled to turn on/off, adjust brightness, and change light-on/off priority by the control unit. The sensing member detects the change of the angle via moving the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Wen-Sung Lee
  • Patent number: 9593835
    Abstract: There is described a lighting system for vehicles comprising light emitting diodes mounted on printed circuit boards (PCBs). Auxiliary components such as speakers are mounted on some of the PCBs lighting modules which are connected in an end-to-end relationship and which form light rows of the lighting system. Electrical traces for the auxiliary components form part of the PCBs. This results in a substantial reduction in or elimination of wiring. Connectors at each end of a PCB are compatible with the connectors on a neighboring PCB and are optionally connectable with a respective corresponding connector assembly of another lighting module in a direction substantially normal to the planar mounting surface of the PCB or in a direction substantially parallel to the planar mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Magalhaes Grave, Carl Lavertu, Daniel Lee, Richard Germain
  • Patent number: 9593836
    Abstract: A device for fastening a fan in a housing of a lighting device, wherein the lighting device has a pot-shaped housing in which a number of lighting units are arranged, such that the fan can be fastened on a carrier frame at several fastening points by means of fasteners, wherein the carrier frame can be fastened on the housing by means of additional fasteners, wherein the fan is connected to the carrier frame at each fastening point by a plug-in connection as a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.
    Inventor: Franz-Georg Willeke
  • Patent number: 9593837
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a high output, high color quality light are disclosed. In some embodiments, such a light may include a light fixture including one or more LEDs configured to output a cumulative light output; wherein the cumulative light output comprises an intensity of greater than or equal to 10,000 lumens; and wherein the cumulative light output comprises a CRI of at least 90.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Wilcox, Brian Kinnune, Nicholas William Medendorp, Jr., Yuequan Hu, David Goelz, James Lay, Don Miletich, Alan Ruud, Liqin Ni, Boris Karpichev
  • Patent number: 9593838
    Abstract: A lighting device (1) is provided comprising a light source (5), an electronic carrier (20) comprising a first portion (21) for carrying the light source and a second portion (22) for providing an electrical connection to the light source, and a heat sink structure (10) arranged for a dissipation of heat from the electronic carrier. The heat sink structure comprises at least one lid portion (11, 12) arranged at an opening (14) of the heat sink structure, wherein the opening is at least partially closed by the at least one lid portion. Further, the first portion of the electronic carrier is supported by at least one of the at least one lid portion, and the second portion of the electronic carrier is at least partially enclosed by the heat sink structure. The invention hereby provides improved heat dissipation and a facilitated manufacturing of the lighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Arthur Robert Van Es, Peter Johannes Martinus Bukkems
  • Patent number: 9593839
    Abstract: The lamp is provided for the purpose of replacing the conventional lamps in public lighting luminaires, said lamp comprising a succession of dissipating modules (3) which are fixed on a base (1) and are configured to fix, on the periphery thereof, at least one card (9) carrying a plurality of LEDs (10). The lamp is characterized in that the dissipating modules (3) are configured to assemble the contiguous modules and to simultaneously fix the card of LEDs; the different cooling modules (3) being separated from one another in order to allow the flow of air therebetween. The cards (9) of LEDs (10) have an elongated configuration. The dissipating modules (3) have a configuration formed by sectors separated from one another in order to provide a very wide contact surface which facilitates the heat dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: INELCOM INGENIERIA ELECTRONICA COMERCIAL, S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Gallego Sanz, Enrique Ferris Masia
  • Patent number: 9593840
    Abstract: A flap mechanism (2) has a housing (10), a flap aperture (21) formed on the housing (10), and a flap element (20) that at least partially closes the flap aperture (21) in a closed position and can be transferred from the closed position to an open position for at least partially freeing the flap aperture. The flap element (20), in the open position, protrudes at least with an end portion (200) from the housing (10). At least one light element (22) is arranged on the flap element (20) and generates a gleam of light on the end portion (200) of the flap element (20) at least in the open position of the flap element (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GMBH
    Inventor: Tim Gerlach
  • Patent number: 9593841
    Abstract: A closed cup for dispensing comestible products, such as drinks for babies and infants, includes a double walled body and a top. An electronic assembly is disposed between the two walls of the body and includes one or more light sources arranged to emit light through the body sidewall. An event sensor, such as an accelerometer, senses when a certain event is taking places, for example, the cup is shaken, causing the light source(s) to be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: CUDLIE ACCESSORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Paul Sutton
  • Patent number: 9593842
    Abstract: The illumination device generally has at least one light source and an attachment assembly that connects the light source to a computing device. The light source may be one or more LEDs or a light panel using electroluminescent lighting. The illumination device includes a power source coupled to the light source and a light control mechanism to change at least one of an operative state or an intensity of the light source. The illumination device may also be integrally connected to the computing device. A light cover is implemented to cover the light source and diffuse light emanating therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: LuMee LLC
    Inventors: Allan Shoemake, William Winter, Juan Fernandez, Paul McGrath, Juan David Londoño Restrepo, Robert Pedersen
  • Patent number: 9593843
    Abstract: A combined concealed surveillance camera and photosensor control system is contained in an outer housing of predetermined configuration and dimensions to replace the existing light sensor or photosensor control unit of a public, commercial, or residential lighting fixture, replacing the function of the existing control unit in turning the lighting fixture on and off based on detected ambient light level, and also providing a concealed surveillance camera system drawing power from the lighting fixture power supply so that the camera is on continuously while the lighting fixture is turned on and off based on the detected ambient light level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Knuckledragger Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. McRory
  • Patent number: 9593844
    Abstract: A method for operating a waste heat steam generator including an evaporator, an economizer having a number of economizer heating surfaces, and a bypass line connected on the flow medium side in parallel with a number of economizer heating surfaces is provided. The method makes possible higher operational safety and reliability in the control of the waste heat steam generator. For this purpose, a parameter that is characteristic of the thermal energy fed to the waste heat steam generator is used to control or regulate the flow rate of the by-pass line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jan Brückner, Frank Thomas
  • Patent number: 9593845
    Abstract: A monitoring module for connection to a diagnostic device having two or more light emitting sources for indicating operating fault conditions of an apparatus. The monitoring module feeds information signals to a communication link for reception at a remote location. The monitoring module is secured over a series of light emitting diodes of the diagnostic device and reproduces these for local access. The series of LED's indicate fault conditions of the apparatus which in this embodiment is a hot water heater. Accordingly, the operation of the hot water heater at its fault status can be monitored from a remote location and on site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Lesage, Claude Lesage
  • Patent number: 9593846
    Abstract: A method of and control apparatus for operation of a boiler plant are described. The boiler plant has a furnace volume, an oxyfuel firing system for oxyfuel combustion of fuel in the furnace volume, and a compression system for compression of gases exhausted from the furnace volume after combustion. The method and control apparatus are characterized by the step of controlling mass flow of gases through the compression system as a means to control pressure within the furnace volume. This invention relates to both single and multi unit arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignees: DOOSAN POWER SYSTEMS LIMITED, POWER SYSTEMS SYNETICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Konrad Jerzy Kuczynski, David James Adams
  • Patent number: 9593847
    Abstract: A burner apparatus for a fired heating system and a method of burner operation. The burner provides stable operation when burning gas fuels having heating values ranging from low to high and accommodates sudden wide changes in the Wobbe value of the fuel delivered to the burner. The burner apparatus includes a plurality of exterior fuel ejectors and has an exterior notch which extends around the burner wall for receiving and combusting a portion of the gas fuel. At least a portion of the hot combustion product gas produced in the exterior notch is delivered through channels formed in the burner wall to the combustion area at the forward end of the burner. As the Wobbe value of the gas fuel decreases, one or more outer series of addition ejectors can be automatically activated as needed to maintain the amount of heat output desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ZEECO, INC.
    Inventors: Darton J. Zink, Rex K. Isaacs, A. S. (Jamal) Jamaluddin, Charles E. Benson, Roberto O. Pellizzari, Cody L. Little, Seth A. Marty, K. Parker Imel, Jonathon E. Barnes, Chris S. Parker
  • Patent number: 9593848
    Abstract: A burner apparatus for a furnace system and a method of burner operation wherein a non-symmetrical positioning of one combustion fuel discharge tip or a grouping of fuel discharge tips within the burner wall produces side-by-side lean and fuel rich combustion stage zones and also produces internal flue gas recirculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ZEECO, INC.
    Inventors: Darton J. Zink, Rex K. Isaacs, Parker Imel, Seth Marty, Jonathon Barnes, Cody Little, John McDonald, Tim Kirk, Tim Minihan
  • Patent number: 9593849
    Abstract: A system for the combustion of high solids liquid to produce steam for the production of ethanol is disclosed. The system comprises a method for combusting high solids liquid. The method comprises supplying a stream of high solids liquid to a furnace; atomizing the stream of high solids liquid into the furnace; and distributing biomass fuel into the furnace. The stream of high solids liquid are combusted with the biomass fuel in the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: POET Research, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Geraets
  • Patent number: 9593850
    Abstract: Remote submerged scraper conveyor (SSC) consists of a conventional SSC modified to include a slurry processing system, which allows it to be located remotely from associated boilers at or slightly above grade level rather than directly under a boiler like a conventional SSC. The slurry processing system includes a pair of overflow troughs 34 and associated weirs located exterior to and along the top edge of each side of the horizontal section of the SSC and an underflow baffle, which extends from a position above the water line down into the horizontal section of the SSC below the water line. The slurry processing system allows the Remote SSC to receive a high volume wet ash slurry discharge via a slurry discharge pipe conventionally sent to an ash pond or a tall dewatering bin system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: CLYDE BERGEMANN, INC.
    Inventor: Gary D. Mooney
  • Patent number: 9593851
    Abstract: A combustor (10) includes a combustion chamber (18), a liner (12) surrounding the combustion chamber, and a flow sleeve (52) surrounding the liner. An annular passage is between the liner and the flow sleeve, and a fuel injector (50) is located partially in the annular passage and extending through the liner into the combustion chamber. The fuel injector includes an outer tube, an inner tube, and a flow passage. A method of supplying a fuel to a combustor includes flowing a diluent inside an outer tube extending along a liner and flowing a liquid or gaseous fuel inside an inner tube extending inside a portion of the outer tube. The method further includes flowing the diluent and the liquid or gaseous fuel through the liner and into a combustion chamber surrounded by the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Borys Borysovych Shershnyov, Geoffrey David Myers, Leonid Yulyevich Ginesin
  • Patent number: 9593852
    Abstract: A combustion burner including a fuel nozzle, a burner tube that surrounds the fuel nozzle to form an air passage between the burner tube and the fuel nozzle, swirler vanes that are arranged in a plurality of positions in a circumferential direction on an external circumferential surface of the fuel nozzle, each of which extends along an axial direction of the fuel nozzle, and gradually curves from upstream to downstream, a liquid fuel injecting hole that is formed on the fuel nozzle, and from which a liquid fuel is injected to a vane pressure surface of each of the swirler vanes, and a cooling unit that cools a part of the vane pressure surface on which the liquid fuel hits. The cooling unit injects a mixed fuel prepared by mixing water and the liquid fuel evenly from the liquid fuel injecting hole to the vane pressure surface of the swirler vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Saito, Koichi Ishizaka, Satoshi Tanimura
  • Patent number: 9593853
    Abstract: A duct arrangement in a can annular gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine has a gas delivery structure for delivering gases from a plurality of combustors to an annular chamber that extends circumferentially and is oriented concentric to a gas turbine engine longitudinal axis for delivering the gas flow to a first row of blades A gas flow path is formed by the duct arrangement between a respective combustor and the annular chamber for conveying gases from each combustor to the first row of turbine blades The duct arrangement includes at least one straight section having a centerline that is misaligned with a centerline of the combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Montgomery, Richard C. Charron, Gary D. Snyder, William W. Pankey, Clinton A. Mayer, Benjamin G. Hettinger
  • Patent number: 9593854
    Abstract: A gas stove having an upper work plate with at least one integrated gas burner, said gas burner including a bowl-shaped base body, a burner crown, and an upper cap, with several flame ports provided to let out a gas-air mixture towards a recipient to be heated, and an annular mixing zone, whose cross section incrementally expands towards the flame ports, defined between the burner crown and the upper cap with the burner crown including a Venturi pipe which feeds the gas-air mixture into the mixing zone and is designed to suck primary air from above the upper work plate the flame ports are formed in the upper cap as through-holes, and the bottom side of the upper cap, which defines the upper side of the mixing zone, is at least partially inclined upwardly towards the flame ports to define the incrementally expanding cross section of the mixing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Fabio Rasi, Cedric Catalogne, Nico Biagioli
  • Patent number: 9593855
    Abstract: A control device for gas appliances comprises: a manual-control element (12, 22); a circuit arrangement that includes control elements, electrical-interconnection elements, detection elements configured for detecting actuation of the manual-control element (12, 22) and supplying corresponding signals to the control elements; and a supporting structure that can be associated in a stationary way with respect to a gas tap (10), wherein the supporting structure includes a first part of stationary structure (21) that defines a housing for at least part of the circuit arrangement, the first part of structure being in particular designed for being housed within a body (3) of the gas appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ELTEK S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Moro, Paolo Savini
  • Patent number: 9593856
    Abstract: An oven appliance with one or more vents in the bottom wall of the cooking chamber is provided. One or more features are provided for directing the flow of heated air from the vents towards the center of the cooking chamber. In certain embodiments, one or more slots or openings provide heated air that is directed towards the front or door of the cooking chamber of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Haier U.S. Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Juergen Paller, Justin Patrick Todd
  • Patent number: 9593857
    Abstract: This invention materially enhances the quality of the environment and mankind by contributing to the restoration or maintenance of the basic life-sustaining natural elements, by reducing the amount of carbon monoxide introduced to the atmosphere from a combustion system, achieved by furnishing a system's approach to optimize the amount of oxygen to be chemically combined with fuel upon ignition of both allowing the correct amount of carbon to combine with the correct amount of oxygen thus fully release the thermal energy stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ProGreen Labs, LLC.
    Inventors: James H Lau, Luis Murillo
  • Patent number: 9593858
    Abstract: A control device for controlling a heating system having a first heat exchanger disposed in a first part of a building, and second heat exchanger disposed in a second part of a building, the control device comprising: a first temperature sensor associated with the first heat exchanger and measuring a temperature in the first part of the building, a second temperature sensor associated with the second heat exchanger and measuring a temperature in the second part of the building. The control device includes a control station by which a temperature compensation can be initiated by recirculating a fluid medium to be used for heat exchange as a function of the temperatures (T1, T2) measured by the first and the second temperature sensor and at least partial exchange of the fluid medium takes place between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: UPONOR INNOVATION AB
    Inventors: Stefan Dellwig, Johann Lipinski
  • Patent number: 9593859
    Abstract: A single-pass HVAC systems to isolate zones and to maintain a required clean air quality standard is provided that operates by producing a positive pressure in all zones, while exhausting on a minimal quantity of air required by law. The zones are kept clean by a recirculating fan filter in each zone. The exhaust air is used to exchange heat with incoming air to conserve energy further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Sarfaraz K. Niazi
  • Patent number: 9593860
    Abstract: A water recycler is designed to recycle waste water from a drip-type humidifying system. A water reservoir is provided with an opening to accept a drain line from the existing humidifier system. Additional fresh water is added into the reservoir to maintain a preset level via a float valve. The system is further provided with an internal pump which is activated by an existing furnace switch. The pump draws water from the reservoir and supplies it to the humidifier for reuse. As water is consumed by the humidifier, it is replenished by the fresh water system to ensure an adequate supply of water at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: James F. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9593861
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling and monitoring Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) devices are described. In some embodiments, a system may include an IAQ component configured to alter the quality of the air entering, leaving, or circulating within a building, a sensor coupled to the IAQ component, the sensor configured to determine a status of the IAQ component, and a transmitter coupled to the sensor, the transmitter configured to transmit an indication of the status to a controller. In other embodiments, a method may include receiving, at a Heating, Ventilation, and/or Air Conditioning (HVAC) thermostat, data from a sensor coupled to an IAQ component configured to alter the quality of the air entering, leaving, or circulating within a building, and determining, by the HVAC thermostat, a status of the IAQ component based upon the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: DUST FREE, LP
    Inventor: Gregg W. Burnett
  • Patent number: 9593862
    Abstract: An air disruption system for an enclosure includes an air delivery system, at least one plenum including an inlet fluidically connected to the air delivery system and at least one outlet, and a controller operatively connected to the air delivery system. The controller is configured and disposed to selectively cause one or more discrete amounts of air to pass into the at least one plenum and flow through the outlet creating a localized air disruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alston Ilford Scipio, Dale Joel Davis, Sanji Ekanayake, Massoud Parisay
  • Patent number: 9593863
    Abstract: An improved vent apparatus that is usable with an electrical enclosure includes a vent flap that is movable between a closed position overlying an opening formed in a wall of the electrical enclosure and an open position wherein at least a portion of the vent flap is spaced from the wall. The vent flap may be held in place in the closed position via gravity or through the use of a retainer such as a spring or a frangible structure. The vent flap is a part of a flap apparatus that is formed as a unitary single piece element that may be stamped from sheet metal, for example, and the flap apparatus includes a number of hinge elements that are rollably disposed on an edge of the wall adjacent the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Davis Pearce, Bryan Richard Benson
  • Patent number: 9593864
    Abstract: An air-conditioning indoor unit causes a flow of air blown out from a blow-out port to be diverted in a predetermined direction due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect. The air-conditioning indoor unit includes an airflow direction adjustment vane varying a blowout angle of blown air relative to a horizontal plane, a Coand{hacek over (a)} vane turning the blown air into a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along a bottom surface, and a control unit. The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane is provided in proximity to the blow-out port. The control unit executes an airflow direction automatic switching mode automatically switching between a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state in which the blown air is turned into a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along a predetermined surface and diverted in the predetermined direction, and a normal state in which the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is not created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanao Yasutomi, Masashi Kamada
  • Patent number: 9593865
    Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure provides a finger baffle for a heating furnace. This embodiment includes an elongated support plate having a length, and at least one finger baffle extending outwardly and in a vertically oriented direction from the elongated support plate. The at least one finger baffle has a width that extends along the length of the elongated support plate. The finger baffle may be employed in a high-efficiency gas furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: LENNOX INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Shiblee S. M. Noman, John W. Whitesitt
  • Patent number: 9593866
    Abstract: A thermal heat storage system is provided, including a storage tank, a heat injection system and a heat recovery system. The storage tank holds a material for thermal storage. The heat injection system is coupled to an intake on the storage tank. The heat recovery system is coupled to an output on the storage tank and also uses vapor under depressurized conditions for heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Sunlight Power, Inc.
    Inventor: David Baldwin
  • Patent number: 9593867
    Abstract: A mounting system for mounting photovoltaic panels, which provides for a quick and easy assembly. The ground mount system for photovoltaic panels includes at least two vertical supports, wherein attached to each vertical support are a T plate connected to a vertical support, a post frame connected to the T plate, and a kicker brace connected between the vertical support and the post frame. The ground mount system may further include a first C-Purlin connected to a first end of the post frame, to a second C-Purlin connected to a second end of the post frame, a purlin tie connected between the first C-Purlin and the second C-Purlin. Panel clamps secure a photovoltaic panel assembly to the mounting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Seery, Isaac Childress, Tim Henson, Kate Miller, Clara Nagy
  • Patent number: 9593868
    Abstract: A horizontal ground-coupled heat exchanger for a geothermal system. The underground portion of the system includes; at least one conduit located in the soil below its frost line containing a heat transfer liquid; at least one stratum between the at least one conduit and the soil, totally disposed beneath the surface of the soil at a depth from the surface of the soil of 1.2-3 m and completely separated from the soil by at least two layers of a thin thermo-conductive waterproof material, the at least one stratum containing heat conductive water saturated fill material with the at least one conduit being disposed therein; and a means to compensate for small leaks of water from the at least one stratum. The size of the smallest dimension of the stratum per conduit is determined; the sizing is based on a user selected stratum efficiency parameter employing a relation provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventors: Vladimir Entin, Vladimir Kominar, Irina Loktev
  • Patent number: 9593869
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cascade refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a high-temperature-side and a low-temperature-side refrigeration circuits, an inverter and a control section. The high-temperature-side refrigeration circuit includes a first compressor and a cascade heat exchanger. The low-temperature-side refrigeration circuit includes a second compressor and the cascade heat exchanger. The inverter connected to at least one of the compressors. The control section controls the inverter so that a set operating frequency for the first compressor is higher than a set operating frequency for the second compressor when an operation of the apparatus is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: TOSHIBA CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shun Asari, Takahiro Zushi
  • Patent number: 9593870
    Abstract: An apparatus that has a housing with an icemaker disposed within the housing is disclosed. The icemaker includes an ice mold. A thermoelectric device is provided having a warm side and an opposite cold side. The cold side is thermally coupled to the icemaker. A flow pathway is configured in communication with the warm side of the thermoelectric device. A heat carrier is communicated through the flow pathway. The heat carrier transfers heat from the warm side of the thermoelectric device to support operations of the apparatus. The apparatus may be configured as a refrigerator wherein the refrigerator is configured to transfer the heat carrier from the warm side of the thermoelectric device to a compartment of the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Boarman, Brian K. Culley, Gregory G. Hortin, Mark E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9593871
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a thermoelectric module to increase efficiency are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of operating a thermoelectric module includes determining a first amount of power that would maximize a coefficient of performance of the thermoelectric module based on one or more system parameters and providing the first amount of power to the thermoelectric module. The method also includes determining that at least one of the one or more system parameters has changed, determining a second amount of power that would maximize the coefficient of performance of the thermoelectric module based on the one or more system parameters, and providing the second amount of power to the thermoelectric module. In some embodiments, adjusting the amount of power provided based on the one or more system parameters increases the efficiency of the thermoelectric module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Phononic Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Marshall Stanley, Daniel Barus
  • Patent number: 9593872
    Abstract: A heat pump capable of operating in a high COP state even if influx temperature of a medium to be heated flowing into the radiators has increased. The heat pump includes a compressor, a first radiator, a second radiator, an expansion valve, and an evaporator sequentially connected by refrigerant piping to form a first refrigeration cycle, in which a first refrigerant circulates in the first refrigeration cycle, and in which the first radiator and the second radiator are serially connected. A first heat exchange unit that heats the first refrigerant is provided in a refrigerant piping at a refrigerant inlet side of the second radiator, and a second heat exchange unit that cools the first refrigerant is provided in a refrigerant piping at a refrigerant outlet side of the second radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Naofumi Takenaka, Shinichi Wakamoto, Koji Yamashita, Hiroyuki Morimoto, Takeshi Hatomura, Yusuke Shimazu
  • Patent number: 9593873
    Abstract: A manifold assembly includes a solenoid valve, a manifold, and a check valve. The manifold has an inlet bore and an outlet bore. The check valve has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to directly mate with the solenoid valve. The second end is configured to directly mate to the manifold. The second end has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the inlet bore. The outlet is in fluid communication with the outlet bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignees: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Dylan Lundberg
  • Patent number: 9593874
    Abstract: An ice making assembly includes an ice tray extending along a longitudinal axis. The ice tray includes a first section disposed at a longitudinal first end of the ice tray, the first section including a plurality of first cavities projecting into the ice tray. The ice tray further includes a second section disposed at a longitudinal second end of the ice tray that is opposite from the longitudinal first end. The second section includes an elongated second cavity extending in a direction that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the ice tray. The second cavity has a shape that is longer in length than a length of each of the first cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Brown, Nilton Carlos Bertolini
  • Patent number: 9593875
    Abstract: An icemaking compartment is provided in the refrigerator compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. An icemaker is within the icemaking compartment. A cold air duct supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaker. The cold air duct is formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator. A fan controls the flow of air through the cold air duct. A return air duct is provided to direct a portion of the air from the icemaker back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaker directs another portion of air into the refrigerator compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle B. Van Meter, Dean A. Martin, Xia Yong Fu
  • Patent number: 9593876
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling of electronic equipment, for example a computer system, in a subsurface environment including a containment vessel in at least partial contact with subsurface liquid or solid material. The containment vessel may be disposed in a variety of subsurface environments, including boreholes, man-made excavations, subterranean caves, as well as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, oceans, or other bodies of water. The containment vessel may be installed with a subsurface configuration allowing for human access for maintenance and modification. Geothermal cooling is achieved by one or more fluids circulating inside and/or outside the containment vessel, with a variety of configurations of electronic devices disposed within the containment vessel. The circulating fluid(s) may be cooled in place by thermal conduction or by active transfer of the fluid(s) out of the containment vessel to an external, possibly geothermal, heat exchange mechanism, then back into the containment vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: David Smith
  • Patent number: 9593877
    Abstract: There is provided a refrigerator having a locking device for an ice bucket and a method for installing a locking device for an ice bucket. A refrigerator having a locking device for an ice bucket, comprising: a main body; a storage space within the main body; an ice space configured to be disposed inside the main body, and partitioned from the storage space, and having a front opening; an ice bucket comprising an ice storage portion which stores ice generated within the ice space; and a cover member which is disposed in front of the ice storage portion to cover a front of the ice space and configured to be slidably installed in the ice space; and a locking device configured to lock the ice bucket within the ice space to prevent the ice bucket from being drawn out of the ice space by itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Sung Jin Yang
  • Patent number: 9593878
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising a door (2), more than one support member (3) disposed on the inner surface of the door (2), arranged one below the other and spaced apart along the vertical direction (Y), a height adjustable shelf (4) mounted on the support members (3), a locking mechanism (5) disposed on the shelf (4), having a first position (P1) wherein the locking mechanism (5) enables the height of the shelf (4) to be fixed by interacting with the support member (3) and a second position (P2) wherein the locking mechanism (5) dislodges from the support member (3), enabling the shelf (4) to move on the support members (3) in the vertical direction (Y).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ARCELIK ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventors: Kadir Ridvan Celik, Faik Emre Ozyuksel, Mehmet Ercan Kaymak, Turker Senturk
  • Patent number: 9593879
    Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet including a plurality of U-shaped shelves is provided. Each of the plurality of U-shaped shelves includes left, right and back portions located in a horizontal fashion with one shelf above another. A mounting structure is provided for supporting the U-shaped shelves; and a removable shelf is located within one or more of the U-shaped shelves. In addition, a tuck shelf is mounted in at least one of the plurality of U-shaped shelves, the tuck shelf being disposed either against at least a back portion of the at least one U-shaped shelf or between the removable shelf and a portion of the at least one U-shaped shelf that is closest to a user of the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Julia B. Burke, Daniel Chow, Juan F. Flores, Todd Tunzi
  • Patent number: 9593880
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a first guide hole located at a first inner wall of a storage compartment, a second guide hole located at a second inner wall of the storage compartment, a first rotating bar that includes a first rotating shaft fitted in the first guide hole, and a second rotating bar that includes a second rotating shaft fitted in the second guide hole. A shelf is rotatably supported by the first rotating bar and the second rotating bar and is adjustable in height based on rotation of the first rotating bar and the second rotating bar. Also, the first guide hole has a first space that extends in a forward and rearward direction and that allows the first rotating shaft to slide and the second guide hole has a second space that extends in the forward and rearward direction and that allows the second rotating shaft to slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ayoung Choo, Jaeyoul Lee
  • Patent number: 9593881
    Abstract: Provided is a natural gas processing facility for the liquefaction or regasification of natural gas. The facility includes a primary processing unit, e.g., refrigeration unit, for warming natural gas or chilling natural gas to at least a temperature of liquefaction. The facility also has superconducting electrical components integrated into the facility. The superconducting electrical components incorporate superconducting material so as to improve electrical efficiency of the facility by at least one percent over what would be experienced through the use of conventional electrical components. The superconducting electrical components may be one or more motors, one or more generators, one or more transformers, switch gears, one or more electrical transmission conductors, variable speed drives, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Eric D Nelson, Peter C Rasmussen, John B Stone, Stanley O Uptigrove
  • Patent number: 9593882
    Abstract: A cryogenic turbine expander system which consists essentially of a cryogenic liquid pressure vessel, and the vessel further accommodating a turbine expander, an internal bypass configuration, which are operable in parallel, a three-way valve to direct incoming high pressure liquefied gas flow to the turbine expander, or the internal bypass configuration, which further consists a Joule-Thomson valve, when the turbine expander is not operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: EBARA International Corporation
    Inventor: Joel V. Madison
  • Patent number: 9593883
    Abstract: Liquid carbon dioxide separated from sour gas is expanded by throttling decompression and is gas-liquid separated at a low temperature so as to be supplied for shipping or the improvement of petroleum recovery. Methane generated from a stranded gas well is allowed to pass as a coolant through liquid carbon dioxide separated and discharged from sour gas generated from the stranded gas well so as to cool liquid carbon dioxide. Disclosed is a module for treating carbon dioxide, and a treatment method thereof for supplying liquid carbon dioxide at a proper temperature and state conditions when there is a need for liquid carbon dioxide of very low temperature for the storage or collection of carbon dioxide, the improvement of petroleum recovery, or the like by cooling carbon dioxide using a material separated from sour gas of a stranded gas well as a coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byeong Yong Yoo, Sung Bae Kim, Il Guk Woo, Yeong Tae Oh, Hee Seung Na