Patents Issued in March 28, 2017
  • Patent number: 9605860
    Abstract: An energy-efficient ventilation system comprises a ventilation fan, ductwork, system controller, and a plurality of ventilation points, each comprising a damper, a differential pressure sensor, a ventilation point controller, and a fume detector. When a ventilation point does not require ventilation, a signal is sent to the system controller to reduce the ventilation fan speed thereby using only as much energy as is needed to provide service to the ventilation points that need ventilation. The fume detector, damper, and differential pressure sensor for each ventilation point are used to determine whether ventilation is needed at a ventilation point and to control the ventilation point accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Dason Cheung, Murad Kurwa, Richard Loi
  • Patent number: 9605861
    Abstract: An energy recovery ventilator includes first and second blowers, a pressure transducer and a controller. The first blower is configured to direct a first air stream into a first zone of an enclosure. A second blower configured to direct a second air stream into a second zone of the enclosure. A pressure transducer is configured to determine internal air pressure within the enclosure. A controller is configured to control the first blower and/or the second blower in response to the internal air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Justin McKie, Eric Perez, Steve Schneider
  • Patent number: 9605862
    Abstract: An aggregated channel switching unit is disposed between a heat source unit and a plurality of utilization units to switch flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit. The aggregated channel switching unit including a plurality of first refrigerant pipes having switch valves, a plurality of second refrigerant pipes, and a casing accommodating the first and second pipes. The first and second pipes are aggregated as an assembly. The first pipes are connected to a high-low pressure gas communicating pipe and a suction gas communicating pipe extending from the heat source unit. The second refrigerant pipes are connected to a liquid communicating pipe extending from the heat source unit and a liquid pipe extending to the utilization units. Adjacent pairs of the first and second pipes extend approximately in parallel to each other at predetermined intervals in the assembly. The first and second pipes are alternately disposed in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Eguchi, Shigeki Kamitani
  • Patent number: 9605863
    Abstract: A system for regulating the internal temperature of a structure such as a domicile or office is described. The system is configured to employ a series of inter-wall channels, designed to direct air originating from at least one HVAC unit and at least one heat exchanger in order to equalize the temperature within the walls, ceiling, and the flooring of a conventional structure. In this manner, the system employs air as an effective insulator, supplementing the existing fiberglass insulation of a structure with a dynamic, temperature sensitive means of insulation, helping to keep heating and cooling costs down, and limiting strain on the HVAC units of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: David W. Schonhorst
  • Patent number: 9605864
    Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
  • Patent number: 9605865
    Abstract: Example air ducts comprising pliable tubular sidewalls are provided with example internal frameworks that hold the duct in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is depressurized. The framework tensions the pliable sidewall material along the length of the ducts to keep the material taut. In some examples, the framework is restrained within the duct such that the duct's sidewall, being in tension, holds the framework in compression longitudinally. Thus, in the longitudinal direction, the duct is in tension and the framework is in compression. To prevent the framework from buckling under the compressive force, some example frameworks comprise a central longitudinal shaft with a plurality of radial spokes and rings that help hold the shaft straight. In some examples, the rings also help hold the duct radially expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
  • Patent number: 9605866
    Abstract: An air vent having a housing, a first control element and a second control element, wherein the housing forms a flow passage, wherein the first control element is supported on the housing so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation and the second control element is supported on the housing so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation, wherein the second axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation, wherein the first control element is connected to the second control element by a coupling element and the control elements are movable relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Rais, Michael Komowski
  • Patent number: 9605867
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a lighting and ventilating system including a main housing. The main housing can include an inlet through which air can be received within the main housing and an outlet through which the air can exit the main housing. A fan wheel can be supported in the main housing and it can be operable to generate a flow of air. A grille can be coupled to the main housing and the grille can comprise a plurality of apertures and a second set of illumination devices. The system further can include a lamp housing coupled to the grille, the lamp housing can include a first set of illumination devices. Also, a plate can be coupled to the grille so that the plate is adjacent to the second set of illumination devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Mirko Zakula, Corey Scott Jacak, Kiyoshi Hoshino
  • Patent number: 9605868
    Abstract: A backflow preventer for use in a multiple fan array system that draws air from an inlet area and expels it into a discharge area includes a main body defining an open front end and an open rear end and is adapted for attachment to a fan of the fan array system adjacent an inlet of the fan. Doors are attached to the main body and configured for movement between an open position in which air is permitted to enter through the open front end and a closed position in which the doors block the open front end and air is prevented from entering through the open front end. The doors are movable between the open position and the closed position by a pressure differential between the inlet area and the discharge area. The doors in the open position form a tapered intake passageway that funnels air into the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: MITEK HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Zeke Carlyon
  • Patent number: 9605869
    Abstract: A radon exhaust system comprising a cylindrical shaped vent housing, diagnostic filter fan housing, inline fan with redirecting vanes, ice filter, observation windows, access opening and closure cap, air flow indicators, water gutter, drain spout and an enlarged elliptical bulge area for additional air passage through the fan housing. The inline fan, located within the elliptical bulge, pumps radon laced air into redirecting vanes, which directs same air through exhaust side and out through expanded exhaust openings of the vent housing. Additionally, redirecting vanes protect the fan from falling ice which may be formed on the ice filter located above the fan. Water is prevented from entering the fan by a water gutter and drain. Observation windows allow visual interior monitoring without entering the fan housing. An access opening with closure cap allows interior maintenance, testing and off venting. These embodiments combine to protect radon systems from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Wayne Edward Bailey
  • Patent number: 9605870
    Abstract: A system for securing an air conditioning unit to a building without the need for any alteration and/or damage to the building itself. The system includes a cross bar, an air conditioning unit support, and a strut. The arrangement of the components results in the cross bar applying an outward force to an interior surface of the building and strut applying an inward force to an exterior surface of the building in response to the downward force exerted on the air conditioning unit support. The sum of the forces applied on the surfaces of the building is sufficient to secure the air conditioning unit to the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Nation Wide Products LLC
    Inventors: Jason Darby, Jim Mann
  • Patent number: 9605871
    Abstract: A burner system for a furnace. The system may have a wedged or other shaped burner box. An air-fuel mixer may be attached to a smaller end of the burner box at virtually any angle relative to a direction of a gas and air mixture leaving the larger box end. A burner head may be attached to the larger end of the box. The burner head may be sufficient for numerous heater sections of a heat exchanger. A spacer and a radiation shield may be situated between the burner head and heat exchanger. An addition of the radiation shield may reduce the operating temperature of the burner box, burner head and/or spacer. A fan may move the gas and air mixture from the mixer, through the box and the burner head. The mixture may be ignited into a flame which is moved into the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael William Schultz, James Holmberg, Douglas Perry, Tim J. Smith, Curtis Taylor
  • Patent number: 9605872
    Abstract: A water heater includes an electrical junction box that receives a voltage supply. The electrical junction box includes at least one cover plate for providing access to an internal portion of the water heater. The voltage supply passes through the at least one cover plate and connects to internal wiring of the water heater. A method for providing a control module on the water heater includes routing service wiring for providing the voltage supply to the water heater into an electrical connection portion of the control module, routing the internal wiring of the water heater into the electrical connection portion of the control module, and connecting the service wiring to the internal wiring of the water heater within the electrical connection portion of the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Buescher, Thomas J. Fredricks, Rishi Siravuri
  • Patent number: 9605873
    Abstract: A heater includes a heating unit that supports at least a high-power state, a low-power state and a stand-by state. A control circuitry of the heater implements a state machine to control the heating unit, with respective states in the state machine corresponding to power states in the heating unit. The transition from a first state to a second state in the state machine is determined by a comparison between a measured ambient temperature with a predetermined threshold temperature for transitioning from the first state to the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Charles Boulos, Charles F. Squires
  • Patent number: 9605874
    Abstract: A heat pack includes a housing, a first phase change material (PCM) that is contained in the housing, and a thermal storage buffer that is contained in the housing. The thermal storage buffer includes a second PCM. An initiator is in operative contact with the first PCM. Activation of the initiator causes crystallization of the first PCM, and the first PCM cooperates with the thermal storage buffer to provide heat at a predetermined temperature range upon crystallization of the first PCM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Warmilu, LLC
    Inventors: Rachel Lynn Rademacher, Weidong Chen, Grace Hsia
  • Patent number: 9605875
    Abstract: A solar energy converter comprising: a solar energy absorber, the solar energy absorber comprising a photovoltaic element; a heat transfer element in thermal contact with the solar energy absorber; a primary heat exchanger in thermal contact with the heat transfer element; a secondary heat exchanger; and a heat transfer control element; wherein the heat transfer control element is arranged to selectively place the secondary heat exchanger either in thermal contact with the heat transfer element or out of thermal contact with the heat transfer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Naked Energy Ltd
    Inventors: Richard Boyle, Christophe Williams, Norman Cottington
  • Patent number: 9605876
    Abstract: A receiver system for a Fresnel solar plant is provided. The system includes an absorber tube defining a longitudinal direction and a mirror array that runs parallel to the longitudinal direction. The mirror array has a mirror-symmetrical curve profile having at least one top apex for concentrating light beams onto the absorber tube. The mirror array has ventilation holes in the region of the apex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Schott Solar AG
    Inventors: Andreas Sauerborn, Tim Gnaedig, Thomas Kuckelkorn, Tim Brengelmann
  • Patent number: 9605877
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a compact solar concentrator module and array preferably with cooling and heat extraction system for converting solar energy to other energy forms preferably electric and thermal energies. The solar concentrator module comprises a vacant structure with a substantially reflective parabolic inside surface, as well as a focal device disposed within the vacant structure for receiving a solar energy converter or a solar cell preferably photovoltaic cell. the focal device being positioned proximate to the focal point of the reflective parabolic inside surface, and a transparent cover coupled to the vacant structure opposing to the reflective parabolic inside surface for transmitting sunlight therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Edward Wu
  • Patent number: 9605878
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a mining system which comprises ore, waste, and a reservoir which comprises a portion of said waste through which air can flow with low resistance for storing thermal energy from a tempered air source and supplying it to a tempered air consumer, and connections for tempered air flow between said tempered air source and said reservoir and between said tempered air consumer and said reservoir. Note: As used herein, “tempered air” means air of a temperature sufficiently high to heat, or low to cool, an object to a desired temperature. For example, in a house, the furnace is a source of tempered air for heating in winter, the air conditioner a source of tempered air for cooling in summer, and the house is a consumer of tempered air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: George E. Gerpheide
  • Patent number: 9605879
    Abstract: The molten salt solar tower system 100 is provided for controlling molten salt temperature in a solar receiver 130 for effective operation of the system 100 while without degrading physical properties of molten salt. The system 100 includes two circuits, first 140 and second 150. The first circuit 140 is configured to supply relatively cold molten salt in the solar receiver 130 for heating, and the second circuit 150 is configured to supply a predetermined amount of the relatively cold molten salt in the first circuit 140, as and when the temperature of the relatively hot molten salt circulating through the solar receiver 130 exceeds a predetermined set temperature value thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Abhinaya Joshi, James A. McCombe, Shizhong Yang
  • Patent number: 9605880
    Abstract: A solar collection device is provided having a solar panel, a frame, a back panel, and a heat source. The frame is affixed to a rear surface of the solar panel. The back panel is affixed to a rear surface of the frame providing at least one air chamber between the solar panel, the frame, and the back panel. The heat source communicates with the chamber operative to heat the solar panel to melt ice from the solar panel. A method for heating a solar panel is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: George A. Van Straten
  • Patent number: 9605881
    Abstract: A system for adaptive cooling and energy harvesting comprising at least one thermoelectric device capable of acting as a thermoelectric cooler and as a thermoelectric generator, a hierarchical multiple-level control system, and electronics controlled by the control system and connected to the thermoelectric device. The electronics selectively configure the thermoelectric device in at least in a thermoelectric cooler operating mode and in a thermoelectric generation operating mode. The thermoelectric device can incorporate quantum-process and quantum-well materials for higher heat transfer and thermoelectric generation efficiencies. The invention provides for thermoelectric devices to additionally operate in temperature sensing mode. The hierarchical control system can comprise a plurality of control system, each of which can operate in isolation and can be interconnected with additional subsystems associated with other hierarchical levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 9605882
    Abstract: An exhaust heat reclaim system may include a diverter valve selectively connected in fluid communication to an exhaust vent tube and an exhaust delivery tube and configured to selectively divert hot exhaust fluid discharged from an exhaust of a power generation device to at least one of the exhaust vent tube and the exhaust delivery tube. The exhaust heat reclaim system may be a component of an HVAC system and be configured to discharge hot exhaust fluid onto a heat exchanger of the HVAC system, where the heat exchanger may be configured to promote heat transfer between the hot exhaust fluid and a refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger of the HVAC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Stewart Hancock
  • Patent number: 9605883
    Abstract: A heat pump cycle includes a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit. A first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger are disposed between the refrigerant circuit and the coolant circuit. The first heat exchanger includes an exterior heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator in a heating operation, and a radiator for radiating heat of a coolant. The second heat exchanger transmits a heat of high-pressure refrigerant to the coolant in the heating operation. A temperature of refrigerant within the second heat exchanger is higher than a temperature of refrigerant within the first heat exchanger. The heat obtained from the second heat exchanger is supplied to the first heat exchanger through the coolant. Further, the heat obtained from the second heat exchanger is stored in the coolant. In defrosting operation, the coolant that has stored the heat therein is supplied to the first heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiki Katoh, Kota Sakamoto, Yuuichi Kami
  • Patent number: 9605884
    Abstract: A refrigeration system including a condenser; a (single) linear compressor that is activated and deactivated by a pulse width modulation switching device; a pulse width modulation refrigerant flow switch; at least two evaporators operably connected in parallel with one another with at least one evaporator associated with the refrigerator compartment that operates at a first refrigerant fluid pressure and with at least one other evaporator associated with the freezer compartment that operates at a second refrigerant fluid pressure; and a plurality of refrigerant fluid conduits operably connecting the condenser, the linear compressor and the evaporators into a refrigerant fluid flow circuit and such that the evaporators are capable of running simultaneously at different pressure levels and refrigerant flows from the evaporators, to the pulse width modulation refrigerant flow switch and through the pulse width modulation refrigerant flow switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Alberto Regio Gomes, Raffale Paganini
  • Patent number: 9605885
    Abstract: An air conditioning system includes: first and second utilization side heat exchangers and a heat source side heat exchanger respectively connected in series; a compressor connected between the first utilization side heat exchanger and the heat source side heat exchanger; an expansion valve connected between the first utilization side heat exchanger and the second utilization side heat exchanger; a pressure control device connected between the second utilization side heat exchanger and the heat source side heat exchanger; and a bypass valve connected between the expansion valve and the heat source side heat exchanger. The bypass valve provides a variable amount of liquid refrigerant flowing from the expansion valve to the heat source side heat exchanger. The pressure control device and the bypass valve cooperate with each other to keep a temperature of the compressor below a maximum allowable temperature predetermined for the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kensaku Hatanaka, Kazuyoshi Shinozaki, Joseph Paul Bush, Peter Christian Flynn
  • Patent number: 9605886
    Abstract: Systems and methods are used to control operation of a rotary compressor of a refrigeration system to limit or prevent movement of rotors due to axial thrust loading resulting from rapid changes in speed of the rotors of the compressor. The operational profile of the motor is controlled to maintain acceleration torque and deceleration torque within predefined limits. The acceleration torque and deceleration torque are maintained within the predefined limits by controlling the speed of the motor, or by controlling the torque applied by the motor to the rotors during acceleration or deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, Dennis Myron Beekman, David Marshall Foye, Korwin Jay Anderson, Benjamin James Sykora
  • Patent number: 9605887
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology are directed to devices, systems, and methods of delivering ice under high ambient temperatures. A transportable container houses an air-conditioning system with a cascade heat exchanger coupling the air-conditioning system with a separate refrigeration system in the container. The separate refrigeration system provides cooling energy for a cooling device while rejecting a heat load to the air-conditioning system for rejection to ambient temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: HDT EXPEDITIONARY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: William Hartig, Ken Deaton, Georgi Kazachki, Roger Elam
  • Patent number: 9605888
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. In the refrigerator, cool air within the heat exchange chamber is supplied into a drawer assembly disposed inside a storage space, and also the inside of the drawer assembly is cooled using a thermoelectric module to quickly cooling the inside of the drawer assembly. Thus, food storage performance may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jaehoon Shin, Yanggyu Kim, Yongjoo Park
  • Patent number: 9605889
    Abstract: In various implementations, frost in a vapor compression system may be controlled. A property of a fan may be determined. A determination may be made whether a frost event and/or a nonfrost event has occurred based at least partially on the determined fan property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Qu, H. Gene Havard, Jon Douglas, Jeff Mangum
  • Patent number: 9605890
    Abstract: Systems and methods for refrigerating crops and other goods and for defrosting a refrigeration system. A refrigerant is circulated between a condenser and a refrigerator to cool air in the refrigerator. Heat is removed from the refrigerant at the condenser. Periodically the cycle of refrigerant and air can be reversed to melt frost in the refrigerator. Frost can be detected by a sensing mechanism and the refrigerant and air cycles can be reversed in response to detecting the frost. The frost can be removed quickly without removing the goods from the refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: JMC Ventilation/Refrigeration, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Micka, Mark Decker
  • Patent number: 9605891
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator having only a second door opened/closed or having both of a first door and a second door opened/closed using one handing by allowing a latch device to fix the second door to the first door or release the second door from being fixed to the first door. The refrigerator includes a main body having a storage compartment, a first door that is rotatably disposed in front of the main body and has an opening formed therein, a second door that is rotatably disposed in front of the first door to open/close the opening, a handle coupled to a front side of the second door to open/close the first door and the second door, and a latch device allowing the second door to be fixed and released to/from the first door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyung Bum Lee, Beom Gon Kim, Su Hyeong Son, Woo Yeol Yoo, Wan Hyeong Lee, Youn Tae Shin, Ji Sick Hwang
  • Patent number: 9605893
    Abstract: A heat source device is provided with a differential pressure sensor that measures the differential pressure between an inlet pressure and an outlet pressure for the chilled water in an evaporator and with a control device. The control device possesses the coefficient of loss for the evaporator and is provided with a chilled-water flow-rate computing portion that calculates a chilled-water flow rate at the evaporator on the basis of the coefficient of loss and the differential pressure output from the differential pressure sensor; a control-command computing portion that generates a control command by using a specification heating-medium flow rate that is set in advance; and a control-command correcting portion that corrects the control command generated by the control-command computing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuki Wajima, Kenji Ueda, Masaharu Nitta
  • Patent number: 9605894
    Abstract: A bucket assembly includes an outer bucket with an elongated slot, an inner bucket with an elongated slot, and an insert with a cooling agent that keeps a liquid in a beverage container cold. The slot in the outer bucket aligns with the slot in the inner bucket. These slots receive a handle of the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Steven Christian
  • Patent number: 9605895
    Abstract: A liquefied carbon dioxide producing apparatus that can generate high-purity liquid CO2 free from moisture and organic matter such as oil includes: a recirculating system that carries out a recirculating treatment on CO2; and an introduction device that introduces CO2 from an external source of CO2 into the recirculating system. The recirculating system includes at least an evaporator that vaporizes CO2, a condenser that condenses CO2 from an outlet of the evaporator, and a storage tank that stores liquid CO2 generated by the condenser. The liquid CO2 in the storage tank is fed to a point-of-use and to the evaporator. An adsorption device that removes moisture and organic matter (oil) is provided on a line from the external source of CO2 to the condenser at a position where CO2 gas flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: ORGANO CORPORATION, SHOWA DENKO GAS PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sugawara, Yoshinori Ono, Shingo Tanaka, Takaki Nasu
  • Patent number: 9605896
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a process for treating a natural gas containing carbon dioxide wherein the natural gas is separated by a cryogenic process in order to provide, on the one hand, a stream of liquid carbon dioxide, containing hydrocarbons, and, on the other hand, purified natural gas; at least one part of the natural gas is cooled in a first heat exchanger and then in a second heat exchanger before the cryogenic process and/or before a reflux to the cryogenic process; at least one part of the stream of liquid carbon dioxide is recovered in order to provide a stream of recycled carbon dioxide; the stream of recycled carbon dioxide is divided into a first portion and a second portion; the first portion is expanded and then heated in the first heat exchanger, in order to provide a first stream of heated carbon dioxide; the second portion is cooled, then at least one part of the second portion is expanded and then heated in the second heat exchanger, in order to provide a second stream of heated carbon dioxi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: TOTAL S.A.
    Inventor: Xavier Renaud
  • Patent number: 9605897
    Abstract: Dryers and methods of using dryers are described herein. The dryer includes a housing, a drying chamber disposed within the housing, and a heating element. The dryer further includes an intake configured to supply intake air to the drying chamber. The dryer includes an exhaust configured to vent exhaust air out of the drying chamber. The dryer includes a pump coupled to the housing. The dryer further includes an energy recovery system coupled to the housing. The pump is configured to reduce the air pressure within the drying chamber. The energy recovery system includes a heat transfer fluid and is configured to use the heat transfer fluid to transfer thermal energy from the exhaust air to the drying chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Thomas A. Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9605898
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide enhanced radiant drying capabilities for a printing system utilizing temperature control of a thermally conductive drum. One embodiment comprises a radiant dryer and a control system. The radiant dryer includes a thermally conductive drum and a plurality of radiant energy sources disposed along an outside surface of the drum. The energy sources dry a colorant applied to a print medium in contact with the drum. The radiant dryer further includes a cooling system that applies a coolant to the drum to remove heat from the drum. The control system measures the temperature of the drum, determines a difference between the temperature of the drum and a target temperature, and directs the cooling system to vary an application of the coolant to the drum based on the difference to maintain the drum at the target temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Stuart J. Boland, Sean K. Fitzsimons, Scott Johnson, William Edward Manchester, Casey E. Walker
  • Patent number: 9605899
    Abstract: A laundry treating applicator for drying laundry with a radio frequency (RF) applicator having a baffle on a drum rotatable on a non-vertical axis, an anode element in the baffle and a cathode element spaced from the anode element, wherein energization of the RF generator sends electromagnetic radiation through the applicator via the anode element and cathode element to form a field of electromagnetic radiation (e-field) in the radio frequency spectrum to dielectrically heat liquid within laundry disposed within the e-field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Herman, Garry L. Peterman
  • Patent number: 9605900
    Abstract: Systems and methods for adjustable interlacing of drying rollers in a print system. One system is an apparatus that includes first rollers that conduct heat from a heat source, and dry a web of print media as the web travels over a front side of the first rollers in a first direction. A last roller of the first rollers turns the web in a second direction. The apparatus also includes second rollers disposed a distance above the first rollers and that transport the web in the second direction. The apparatus further includes a movement mechanism that reduces the distance between the second rollers and the first rollers to cause the second rollers to occupy spaces between the first rollers so that the web traveling in the second direction contacts a back side of the first rollers to further dry the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alyne Hazard
  • Patent number: 9605901
    Abstract: A clothing dryer including a rear duct having an intake port and a lower duct connected to the intake port to guide air to the rear duct. The lower duct is elastically supported by elastic support protrusions extending from the rear duct. Even when vibration generated during the operation of the clothing dryer is transmitted to the lower duct or the rear duct, therefore, noise generated due to collision between the lower duct and the rear duct is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koang Hun Ryu, Chang Bae Yeom, Dong Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 9605902
    Abstract: A conveyor floor for conveying bulk material like cement clinker in a conveying direction from a bulk material inlet to a bulk material outlet, with longitudinal reciprocating planks which extend in parallel to the conveying direction and are arranged one besides of the other with moving gaps in between provides enhanced conveying at lower costs, if each plank has a mean coefficient of friction Cf for moving of the bulk material in the conveying direction relative to planks being significantly lower than the mean coefficient of friction Cb for moving of the bulk material against the conveying direction relative to the respective plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Alite GmbH
    Inventor: Karl von Wedel
  • Patent number: 9605903
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gate unit for gas-tight sealing of two adjacent high temperature zones within a high temperature oven, comprising a gate panel displaceable between an open position and a closed position within a guide structure. At least one sealing element is transported with the gate panel. Protecting means can be transported by the gate panel over at least one part of a transport path of the same, by which at least one segment of the sealing element can be protected over at least one part of the displacement path of the gate panel against influences harmful to the sealing element particularly against radiant heat. The invention further relates to a high temperature oven having an oven tunnel comprising a first high temperature zone and a second high temperature zone. The gate panel is disposed in a transition region between the first and the second high temperature zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: EISENMANN AG
    Inventors: Karl Berner, Peter Obstfelder
  • Patent number: 9605904
    Abstract: A water condenser includes a fan which draws a primary airflow through an upstream refrigerant evaporator, through an air-to-air heat exchanger and in one embodiment also an air-to-water heat exchanger uses cold water collected as condensate from the evaporator, the airflow to the evaporator being pre-cooled by passing through the air-to-air heat exchanger and the air-to-water heat exchanger prior to entry into the evaporator wherein the airflow is further cooled to below its dew point so as to condense moisture onto the evaporator far gravity collection. The evaporator is cooled by a closed refrigerant circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Freedom Water Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan G. Ritchey
  • Patent number: 9605905
    Abstract: The heat exchanger includes a plastic multi-tube panel core and a solid plastic housing, with opposed-flow heat exchange and inlet-outlet extensions from only one side of the core. The multi-tube panels are spaced from one another by spacers positioned along the length of the panels. The spacers guide intake air in one direction along a sinuous path in the spaces between the panels, while exhaust air flows in the opposite direction through the tubes in the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Klas C. Haglid
  • Patent number: 9605906
    Abstract: A heat recovery system captures, stores, and releases waste heat from an exhaust. The system includes a first exchanger that removes waste heat from the exhaust and transfers it to a heat transfer fluid. A second heat exchanger transfers at least a portion of the waste heat from the heat transfer fluid to a storage device. The storage device continuously stores the waste heat until a predetermined temperature is obtained. A pump draws flow of the heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger. A valve directs flow of the heat transfer fluid into the storage device during a charge mode and out of the storage device during a discharge mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Denso International America Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Styles, Kwangtaek Hong, Bradley Brodie
  • Patent number: 9605907
    Abstract: A phase change cooler of the present invention includes: a plurality of heat receiving units that cause a refrigerant to change phase from liquid to gas by heat received from a heat generating body; one heat radiating unit that causes the refrigerant to change phase from gas to liquid by radiating heat to surrounding area; a plurality of vapor tubes that respectively transport the refrigerant in a vapor state from each of the heat receiving units to the heat radiating unit; a liquid tube that respectively circulates the refrigerant in a liquid state from the heat radiating unit to each of the heat receiving units; and a bypass tube that connects each of the heat receiving units to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Sakamoto, Minoru Yoshikawa, Kenichi Inaba, Takeya Hashiguchi
  • Patent number: 9605908
    Abstract: Provided is a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a refrigerant tube through which a refrigerant flows and a fin having at least two tube through holes in which the refrigerant tube is inserted. The fin includes a fin body, a plurality of flow guide protruding from one surface of the fin body, the plurality of flow guides being spaced apart from each other, and a plane part partitioning one flow guide and the other flow guide of the plurality of flow guides, the plane part having a flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Juhyok Kim, Hongseong Kim, Hanchoon Lee, Sangyeul Lee
  • Patent number: 9605909
    Abstract: A removable radiator fin assembly adapted to removably receive a radiator pipe. The removable fin assembly includes a first plurality of fins and a second plurality of fins having collar flanges sized to receive a radiator pipe. The fins are received on first and second spacer rods, respectively and are hingedly connected by a hinge rod such that the first and second plurality of fins are pivotally movable about the hinge rod between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the first and second plurality of fins are positionable over the radiator pipe. In the closed position, the collar flanges of the first and second plurality of fins substantially surround the radiator pipe. A fin clamp secures the first and second plurality of fins together in the closed position about the radiator pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Fab Tek Logic, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon B. Fanberg, Robert A. Fransen
  • Patent number: 9605910
    Abstract: A heat sink for use in connection with a LED light source holding assembly is provided with a flexible conduit fitting that is used to secure a flexible conduit directly to the heat sink. The heat sink may be provided with a sealed, integrated junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Swedberg, Alan E. Zantout