Patents Issued in November 2, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170314781
    Abstract: A gas assist flare tip for enhancing smokeless combustion of a flare gas. The assist tip which has a shroud positioned on a flare stack, the shroud having an outer annular portion and an inner tubular portion which fits over the riser. There is an annular plenum which is partially formed by the tubular portion and the outer portion and has an annular vent proximate the open end of the riser. There is at least one air jet eductor having a discharge outlet opening into the plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: David Bacon
  • Publication number: 20170314782
    Abstract: A burner system and a retrofit flame control system for an existing burner system are disclosed. The burner system may include burner components, electrodynamic components, and a data interface. The data interface may receive a command for controlling the burner components and prepare a command for controlling the electrodynamic components at least partially based on the command for controlling the burner components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher A. Wiklof
  • Publication number: 20170314783
    Abstract: According to one embodiment a gas distribution assembly is provided that includes a gas distribution duct and at least one gas regulating valve mounted on the gas distribution duct. The valve is secured to the duct by use of a support supported on the duct and attachment means for attaching the valve to the support. According to one embodiment the attachment means comprises a screw threaded into a threaded sleeve and also into a threaded hole in the body of the valve. The support includes a through hole through which the sleeve passes and the sleeve includes a flange at one end that rests on the support in an area that surrounds the through hole. An end of the sleeve opposite the flange resides adjacent the threaded hole in the body of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Alberto BELLOMO
  • Publication number: 20170314784
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of optimizing radiant and thermal efficiency of a gas fired radiant tube heater. A heat exchange blower receives intake air and delivers intake air through a heat exchanger as pre-heated air to a combustion air blower. The combustion air blower receives pre-heated intake air from the heat exchanger and then provides the pre-heated intake air to a burner for mixing with fuel. The fuel-intake air mixture is burned in the burner thereby producing combustion gasses which are fired into a radiant tube. The exhaust combustion gases pass through the balance of the radiant tube and through the heat exchanger where residual heat is transferred and extracted from the combustion gases to pre-heat the intake air. The turbulators are configured to increase the turbulence within the radiant tube and are placed within the initial 10? to 30? of the radiant tube after the burner to increase the tube temperature and the radiation emitted from this section of the radiant tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Gjergji File, Kevin Merritt
  • Publication number: 20170314785
    Abstract: Attaching a fastener to a ceramic matrix composite or ceramic body by inserting a portion of the fastener into a compartment of the body, the compartment having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion outboard of and narrower than the first portion; and delivering a fluid into the fastener to expand a portion of the fastener within the blind compartment first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Chris Vargas
  • Publication number: 20170314786
    Abstract: Oven shelves which can be disassembled and, if desired, fit into ovens having different dimensions. The oven shelves include a sheet having a non-stick layer. The sheet has a loop-shaped border along the length on two opposite sides, into which loop-shaped border the rods (longitudinal rods) fit. Transverse rods are located between the longitudinal rods and ensure that the sheet is tensioned. A support element is optionally provided under the sheet during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: I.C.B. NV
    Inventor: Johan BERGEN
  • Publication number: 20170314787
    Abstract: An oven appliance has a reflector positioned within a housing above an upper heating element. An air distribution manifold defines an entrance proximate a cooking chamber of the housing. A catalytic smoke reducer is positioned above the reflector at the entrance of the air distribution manifold. An air handler is operable to draw air from above the reflector through the catalytic smoke reducer and the entrance of the air distribution manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher James Adelmann, Stephen Bernard Froelicher
  • Publication number: 20170314788
    Abstract: A fire shield assembly includes a housing that may be mounted to a vertical support surface. A shield is movably coupled to the housing and the shield may be manipulated. The shield is selectively deployed from the housing. Thus, the shield may extend between a stove and the vertical support surface. The shield is comprised of a heat resistant material. Thus, the shield may inhibit the stove from heating the vertical support surface thereby reducing a fire hazard with respect to the stove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Barbara DiMuro, Bruno DiMuro
  • Publication number: 20170314789
    Abstract: A heat source system managing device includes: a predicted heat demand upper limit calculating unit configured to calculate a predicted heat demand upper limit by adding a prediction error to a predicted heat demand value for a heat source system; an operation plan preparing unit configured to prepare an operation plan of the heat source system to supply heat of the predicted heat demand upper limit to a consuming facility; a surplus stored heat quantity calculating unit configured to repeatedly perform a process of calculating a surplus stored heat quantity by subtracting a heat quantity consumed by the consuming facility from the predicted heat demand upper limit; and an operation plan changing unit configured to sequentially change the operation plan by decreasing a future operation rate of a refrigerator to cancel the surplus stored heat quantity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu KAWAMURA, Kaoru KAWABATA, Ryousuke NAKAMURA, Hiroshige KIKUCHI, Susumu IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20170314790
    Abstract: The invention solves the problem of hot water flow in a domestic hot water installation. The subject of the installation according to the invention is that on a third cold water branch (13) that feeds the heating device (1) a control switch (4) is installed, said switch (4) is connected by control system (11) with hot water flow forcing device (3) set on a second hot water circulation branch (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Zbigniew Tadeusz Czarko
  • Publication number: 20170314791
    Abstract: An outdoor unit according to the present invention includes: a casing; and a heat exchanger accommodated in the casing. The casing includes a bottom panel on a bottom surface of the casing. The bottom panel includes: a first bottom plate portion formed below the heat exchanger; and a second bottom plate portion formed on the bottom panel at a portion other than the first bottom plate portion. A lower end of the heat exchanger is arranged at a position above any point on an upper surface of the first bottom plate portion and below any point on an upper surface of the second bottom plate portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Tomoya YANASE, Toshiyuki KUBONO, Hiroyuki JINNAI
  • Publication number: 20170314792
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat tubes and a coupling header. The flat tubes are disposed in multiple tiers along a predetermined tube tier direction and in multiple rows so as to be adjacent to each other in a tube row direction intersecting the tube tier direction and the longitudinal direction of the flat tubes. The coupling header is formed by joining a first member to a plurality of second members in the tube tier direction. The first member has a plurality of through holes through which pass the first end portions of the flat tubes. The second members when joined to the first member forming a plurality of coupling passages where the first end portions of the flat tubes adjacent to each other in the tube row direction communicate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Masanori JINDOU, Masahiro TSUTSUI, Yoshio ORITANI, Junichi HAMADATE
  • Publication number: 20170314793
    Abstract: An outdoor unit is an outdoor unit to which a refrigerant pipe used to circulate refrigerant between an indoor unit and the outdoor unit, the outdoor unit including a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor unit includes: a rectangular bottom panel disposed below the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the rectangular bottom panel supporting the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger; a peripheral panel disposed on a peripheral portion of the bottom panel and positioned upright on the bottom panel; a fixing panel disposed at a corner portion of the bottom panel to be located at an inner side of the peripheral panel and positioned upright on the bottom panel; and a valve which is fixed to the fixing panel and to which the refrigerant pipe is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Hiroyuki JINNAI, Toshiyuki KUBONO, Tomoya YANASE, Hiroshi IWAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20170314794
    Abstract: An outdoor unit is configured to accommodate a compressor and is connected to a refrigerant pipe used for circulating refrigerant between an indoor unit. The outdoor unit includes a bottom panel under the compressor to support the compressor, a first side panel on a peripheral edge of the bottom panel, a second side panel at a position facing the first side panel on the peripheral edge of the bottom panel, and an outdoor heat exchanger above the bottom panel and extending in a direction from the first side panel toward the second side panel, wherein the outdoor heat exchanger has an end portion facing one of side end portions of the second side panel, and the bottom panel includes a projection formed at a position corresponding to the end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger and protruding in a direction from the first side panel toward the second side panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi IWAZAKI, Toshiyuki KUBONO, Tomoya YANASE, Hiroyuki JINNAI
  • Publication number: 20170314795
    Abstract: An air conditioning and heat pump tower includes a main casing, a plurality of connecting pipes, a compressor, a front heat exchanger, a rear heat exchanger, a fan unit, and an energy efficient arrangement. The energy efficient arrangement includes a first pre-heating heat exchanger supported in a front compartment of the main casing, and positioned between an outdoor air intake opening and an outdoor heat exchanging portion of the front heat exchanger. The air conditioning and heat pump tower may be operated between an air conditioning mode for absorbing heat from the indoor space, and a heat pump mode for producing heat to the indoor space. A predetermined amount of ambient air may be drawn through the outdoor air intake opening and may be pre-heated by the energy efficient arrangement before delivering to the indoor space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Lee Wa WONG
  • Publication number: 20170314796
    Abstract: A variable air volume controller includes a communications interface and a processing circuit. The communications interface is configured to facilitate communication with an external device and building equipment. The processing circuit is configured to store a plurality of predefined, selectable-applications; receive a selection of one of the plurality of predefined, selectable-applications; and implement the selected application such that the building equipment is controlled according to the selected application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: William R. Kuckuk, Christopher J. McCann, Claude E. Doyle, JR., Brandon A. Sloat, Jacob R. Sheahan
  • Publication number: 20170314797
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for validating the installation and operation of a fault detection and diagnostic module that monitors a component of an HVAC system. A remote diagnostic server is in operative communication with the HVAC system, and with the fault detection and diagnostic module. A user device communicates data to the remote diagnostic server that defines an association between the fault detection and diagnostic module and the HVAC system. The remote diagnostic server initiates an installation validation by sending a command to the HVAC system that causes the monitored component to initiate an event that is expected to be reported by the fault detection and diagnostic module. For example, a fan motor is turned on. If correctly installed, the fault detection and diagnostic module senses the event, and reports the event to the remote diagnostic server, which confirms the association. The remote diagnostic server sends a message to the user device indicating the result of the validation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel John Blair, Drew Whitehurst, Carl L. Garrett, Christopher Blake Smith, Bradley T. Wilson, James W. Barnard
  • Publication number: 20170314798
    Abstract: A utility individual usage allocation and control system and method to manage utility and related services to a plurality of units in a facility to increase operational efficiency and cost savings. The system and method include a plurality of controllers positioned in a plurality of respective zones. A plurality of output devices are operably coupled to each controller and a utility provider is operably coupled to each of the output devices. A processor is configured to receive run-time data from each of the plurality of controllers, the run-time data corresponding with actual time the output device is in an engaged state. Run-time data from each controller is processed to determine proportion of total utility used by each zone. The processor is remote from the controllers and data is transmitted by wireless signals. The utility is selected from a group comprising hot air, hot water, cool air, electricity and memory data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Tal Steinberg
  • Publication number: 20170314799
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a thermostat, and a remote control device. The indoor unit comprises a first variable speed drive (VSD) to control a speed of HVAC rotary components within the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit comprises a second VSD to control a speed of HVAC rotary components within the outdoor unit. The thermostat in communication with the indoor unit and the outdoor unit comprises a communication interface, and a system controller in communication with the communication interface. The remote control device transmits a signal to the system controller to alter the speed of the HVAC rotary components, where the HVAC rotary components operate at a high speed mode which is above the preset speed limit of the respective HVAC rotary component to achieve an enhanced cooling mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Thomas LeRoy, Kirby N. Bicknell, Christopher Blake Smith, John Hughes, Gregory S. Brown
  • Publication number: 20170314800
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of generating a model for HVAC system control is provided. The method includes generating a model of the performance of an HVAC system, providing the generated model to at least one of an optimal control system and a diagnostic system, and automatically tuning the HVAC system using the generated model and at least one of the optimal control system and the diagnostic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Sorin Bengea, Veronica Adetola, Martin Krucinski, Soumik Sarkar, Abhiskek Srivastav, Teems E. Lovett, Kushal Mukherjee, Anarta Ghosh, Mei Chen, Pengfei Li
  • Publication number: 20170314801
    Abstract: A control device (3) for an air conditioning system (1) is provided with: an outdoor-unit control part (43) capable of communication with an outdoor unit (B) through a communication medium, the outdoor-unit control part (43) acquiring, through the communication medium, information about machinery installed in the outdoor unit (B) and outputting control commands to the machinery installed in the outdoor unit (B); and an indoor-unit control part (41) capable of communication with an indoor unit (A) through a communication medium, the indoor-unit control part (41) acquiring, through the communication medium, information about the machinery installed in the indoor unit (A) and outputting control commands to the machinery installed in the indoor unit (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi ENYA, Takahide ITO, Minoru MATSUO
  • Publication number: 20170314802
    Abstract: A method for controlling an air conditioner outdoor unit comprises: acquiring the working mode of the air conditioner outdoor unit; acquiring sensor parameters of the air conditioner outdoor unit according to the working mode, the sensor parameters including wind direction parameters read by a wind direction sensor (163) or temperature parameters read by a temperature sensor (161); determining control parameters for the air conditioner outdoor unit by the working mode and the sensor parameters corresponding to the working mode; driving the rotating speed of a fan (121) and the rotating angle of a wind direction adjusting device (125) by use of the control parameters. In addition, a control system for the air conditioner outdoor unit is also related to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Xuefen ZHANG, Zhigang ZHAO, Peng REN, Shiyong JIANG, Keqin LIU, Chongyang FENG, Jinrong YUAN, Yingyi JIANG
  • Publication number: 20170314803
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and modes for rendering a three-dimensional building management system visualization of a building. The method and system components may be configured for storing geometry elements defining three-dimensional geometrical representation of a building's structure, storing spatial elements defining three-dimensional representation of spaces in the building, wherein the geometry elements are mapped to spatial elements, wherein the spatial elements are associated with respective space nodes that identify the spaces located within the building, and wherein the space nodes are associated with respective electronic devices installed within the spaces in the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Jacobson, Michael Martinez, Boris Rabkin
  • Publication number: 20170314804
    Abstract: A wireless device may be used to communicate with and control one or more components of an HVAC system from a remote location. The wireless device may be configured to display building control information on the display of the wireless device, wherein the building control information that is displayed may be adapted based, at least in part, on an identified pattern of user actions with the wireless device. The identified pattern may be at least partially based on user actions with associated geo-locations, times, and/or other conditions. The information that is to be displayed on the display of the wireless device may be determined based, at least in part, on a current time, a current geo-location of the wireless device, or other current condition in view of the identified pattern in user actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Kamal Kannan, Philip J. Ferro
  • Publication number: 20170314805
    Abstract: When a service technician or the like performs maintenance of a mechanism in an indoor unit, the service technician may accidentally detach a refrigerant gas sensor and the refrigerant gas sensor may be broken. To prevent this, communication pipes (regulating members) configured to regulate the detachment of a refrigerant gas sensor are provided on the side toward which the refrigerant gas sensor is detached (front side) when a casing provided on the side toward which the refrigerant gas sensor is detached (front side) is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinsuke IKAWA, Akio TASAKA, Hiroyuki TADA, Seiko KITAMURA, Shinji NAGAOKA
  • Publication number: 20170314806
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of cooling by latent energy transfer and, in particular, to cool a fluid by discharging unwanted low temperature thermal energy to a surrounding ambient environment utilising a fluid evaporation process involving permitted or forced ventilation of air across a surface area of a heat transfer fluid. The invention further relates to an air treatment system utilising the cooled heat transfer fluid for cooling air and for supplying ventilation air to the evaporation process. A body of liquid is cooled close to the prevailing wet bulb temperature, discharging unwanted thermal energy to the surroundings, rendering the liquid suitable as a cooling medium for removing unwanted thermal energy from a location or in a process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Roger Philip DAVIES
  • Publication number: 20170314807
    Abstract: A duct for air transport comprises an inner jacket having an inlet end for connecting the duct to an air supply and an outlet end for connecting the duct to a duct for a further transport or distribution of air, and an outer jacket made of an impervious material and surrounding the inner jacket spaced therefrom. An insulating chamber is formed between the inner jacket and the outer jacket. The inner jacket and the outer jacket are adapted to conduct from the interior space of the inner jacket through the insulating chamber into the ambient atmosphere, namely in an amount of 0.02 to 100% of the total volume of air fed into the inner jacket. The area for conducting air into the insulating chamber and the area for conducting air away from the insulating chamber are spaced from each other during the operation of the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Zdenek Prihoda
  • Publication number: 20170314808
    Abstract: Apparatus allowing ventilation through a ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric opening of the shaft and on threat of flooding operable to prevent downward flow of surface water into the ventilation duct includes support sidewalls fitting in the shaft providing a ventilation passage between support top and bottom openings and a suspension member supported on opposed lateral sidewalls proximate the top opening holding one or more hinge connected panels that manually release to rotationally close the passage and are manually rotationally liftable to a home position allowing ventilation. A panel drain automatically closes when the panel is raised to home position so it is already closed when the panel is released to rotationally close the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Louis A. Waters, JR., Nick Adam Eastman
  • Publication number: 20170314809
    Abstract: Apparatus allowing ventilation through a ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric opening of the shaft and on threat of flooding operable to prevent downward flow of surface water into the ventilation duct includes support sidewalls fitting in the shaft providing a ventilation passage between support top and bottom openings and a suspension member supported on opposed lateral sidewalls proximate the top opening holding one or more hinge connected panels that manually release to rotationally close the passage and are manually rotationally liftable to a home position allowing ventilation. A releasable latching system between panel and a suspension member holder catches rising panels to hold them in home position ready for release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Louis A. Waters, JR., Nick Adam Eastman
  • Publication number: 20170314810
    Abstract: Apparatus allowing ventilation through a ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric opening of the shaft and on threat of flooding operable to prevent downward flow of surface water into the underground ventilation duct includes support sidewalls fitting in the shaft providing a ventilation passage between support top and bottom openings and a suspension member supported on opposed lateral sidewalls unobstructively horizontally spanning the passage proximate the top opening and holding one or more hinge connected panels in the passage that manually release to rotationally close the passage and prevent flooding and are manually rotationally liftable to a home position allowing ventilation. The suspension member is liftingly removable from the support and may include end keys received in keyed supports to allow the suspension member to fit in the supports so a specific panel closes to a specific sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Louis A. Waters, JR., Nick Adam Eastman
  • Publication number: 20170314811
    Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus (1), for treating air in enclosed environments, endowed with a constructive arrangement capable of absorbing vibrations of its inner components. The airconditioning apparatus (1) includes at least a cabinet (2), arranged to accommodate internal components of the apparatus (1), endowed with at least an outer face (4, 5, 6, 7). The apparatus (1) includes at least an absorber (3) capable of absorbing vibrations from internal components of the apparatus (1). The absorber means (3) is disposed tangentially to at least an outer face (4, 5, 6, 7) of the cabinet (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Hugo Flavio Benassi Zanqueta, Danilo Toshio Fusano, Felipe Rosa Ormelez
  • Publication number: 20170314812
    Abstract: Contaminants present in air ducts or other components of HVAC systems may be carried by moving air passing through the HVAC system and ultimately delivered as air contaminants to rooms in which such contaminated air may be breathed in by humans. An air filter system is described for removing air contaminants from moving air passing through a register or grille between an air duct of a HVAC system and a room. The air filter system includes one or more air filters within an interface housing or secured by a frame that is attached or adhered to the register or grille so that the air filter removes at least some of the air contaminants in the moving air passing from the air duct through the register or grille before it enters the room. Methods for assembling and manufacturing air filter systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Patrick Joseph Hurley
  • Publication number: 20170314813
    Abstract: A split-type air conditioning and heat pump system an indoor unit, an outdoor unit and an energy efficient arrangement. The indoor unit includes an indoor housing having an indoor air inlet, and an indoor heat exchanger. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor housing, a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger and a fan unit. The energy efficient arrangement includes an energy saving heat exchanger supported in the indoor housing and connected to the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. The energy saving heat exchanger is positioned between the indoor air inlet and the indoor heat exchanger so that air from an indoor space is arranged to pass through the energy saving heat exchanger before reaching the indoor heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Lee Wa WONG
  • Publication number: 20170314814
    Abstract: A water heater appliance includes a first heat exchanger that is coupled to a tank. The water heater appliance also includes a caloric heat pump system that is configured for heating liquid within the tank via the first heat exchanger. The caloric heat pump system includes a plurality of caloric material stages. A field generator is positioned such that the caloric material stages are moved in and out of a field of the field generator during operation of the caloric heat pump system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Alexander Benedict, David G. Beers
  • Publication number: 20170314815
    Abstract: A preheater for a compressor that is capable of heating a lubricant oil efficiently with smaller power is provided. A preheater for a compressor includes: a capacitive oil surface sensor that is provided at a compressor used in a refrigerating cycle, and detects an oil surface of a lubricant oil A in the compressor; and a power supply unit that applies high-frequency voltage to the oil surface sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi ISHIZEKI, Hiroshi DOUMAE, Yuusuke KISHIWAKI, Masahide FUJIWARA, Motonobu IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20170314816
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising an inflatable concentrator cushion, which comprises a cover film element comprising a light-permeable entry window for coupling in solar radiation and a reflector film, which sub-divides the concentrator cushion into at least two hollow spaces, for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising a pivoting apparatus, by means of which the concentrator cushion can be pivoted, in particular about its longitudinal axis, and comprising a retaining apparatus secured to the pivoting apparatus, for retaining the concentrator cushion, which retaining apparatus comprises an upper longitudinal member extending in the longitudinal direction of the concentrator cushion, for suspending the absorber, wherein the upper longitudinal member is arranged on a substantially air-tight closed upper passage opening of the concentrator cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Leopold BINDER, Felix TIEFENBACHER
  • Publication number: 20170314817
    Abstract: There is disclosed a receiver panel. In an embodiment, the panel is configured to receive a curtain of particles in a solar central receiver system. A porous structure of the panel has a top end and a bottom end. The porous structure is disposed between the top end and the bottom end. The porous structure has a size to impede movement of the particles during downward travel from the top end to the bottom end. There is disclosed a solar central receiver system. In an embodiment, the receiver system includes a plurality of receiver panels, a tower supporting the plurality of receiver panels in a configuration to receive solar irradiation, and a hopper forming a slot configured to dispose the particles at a given location on to the porous structure. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Hany Al-Ansary, Abdelrahman El-Leathy, Zeyad Al-Suhaibani, Saeed Al-Zahrani, Sheldon Jeter, Said Abdel-Khalik, Dennis Sadowski, Matthew Golob
  • Publication number: 20170314818
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for anchoring an inflatable concentrator cushion, which has a light-permeable entry window for coupling in solar radiation and a reflector film, which sub-divides the concentrator cushion into at least two hollow spaces, for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising a pivoting apparatus for pivoting the concentrator cushion, in particular about its longitudinal axis, and comprising an anchoring apparatus for the pivoting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Elmar STOEGER, Felix TIEFENBACHER
  • Publication number: 20170314819
    Abstract: Rotatable support system for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules and method thereof. The system includes a stiffener configured to be attached to the one or more photovoltaic modules, a column connected to the stiffener through at least a rotatable component, and a foot connected to the column. The column is configured to rotate from a folded position towards an unfolded position, and stop at the unfolded position separated from the folded position by an angle difference. The angle difference represents the maximum range of rotation for the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Paul ADRIANI, Neil MORRIS, Kevin HENNESSY, Anders SWAHN, Thomas Peter HUNT, Luis Francisco CASTRO HERNANDEZ
  • Publication number: 20170314820
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for independently controlling the climate within a primary zone and at least one secondary zone of a building. The system comprises a primary packaged unit comprising a primary indoor coil and a primary variable speed indoor fan blowing over the primary indoor coil to serve the primary zone of the building. The system further comprises a secondary unit comprising a secondary indoor coil circulating the refrigerant and a secondary variable speed indoor fan blowing over the secondary indoor coil to serve a secondary zone of the building. The primary unit and the at least one secondary unit shares a common variable speed compressor, outdoor coil, and an outdoor fan that are disposed within the primary unit. First and second solenoid valves in the primary unit selectively control refrigerant flow to the primary and secondary units to enable independent control of the zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Groskreutz, John David Williams
  • Publication number: 20170314821
    Abstract: A two-stage cascade refrigeration system is provided having a first refrigeration stage and a second refrigeration stage. The first refrigeration stage defines a first fluid circuit for circulating a first refrigerant, and has a first compressor, a condenser, and a first expansion device. The second refrigeration stage defines a second fluid circuit for circulating a second refrigerant, with the second refrigeration stage having a second compressor that is a variable speed compressor, a second expansion device, and an evaporator. A heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the first and second fluid circuits to exchange heat between the first and second refrigerants. A controller stages operation of the first and second compressors and runs the second compressor at an initial speed less than a maximum speed initially when a staging protocol is performed during start up or re-starting of the refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Qi Wang, Todd Swift, Richard H. Bair, III
  • Publication number: 20170314822
    Abstract: An air conditioning and heat pump system includes a main heat exchange system, a heat distribution system and an energy efficient arrangement. The energy efficient arrangement includes a first energy saver heat exchanger connected to a first main heat exchanger and the second main heat exchanger of the main heat exchange system, a second pumping device connected to the first energy saver heat exchanger, and a pre-heating heat exchanger supported in the supporting frame at a positioned between a ventilating heat exchanging unit and an air intake opening of a ventilating device. The pre-heating heat exchanger is connected to the second pumping device and the first energy saver heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Lee Wa WONG
  • Publication number: 20170314823
    Abstract: An evaporative fluid cooling apparatus includes a cooling housing, at least two fluid coils, an air movement apparatus, and one or more spray apparatuses. The cooling housing defines a cooling chamber with an air housing input and an air housing output. The fluid coils are positioned in and extend across at least a portion of the cooling chamber in a spaced apart stacked arrangement. One of the fluid coils is positioned closer to the air housing output and has a first fluid input configured to be coupled to a fluid return from one or more air handler devices and a first fluid output coupled to a second fluid input to the other fluid coil. The other fluid coil is positioned closer to the air housing input and has a second fluid output configured to be coupled to a fluid supply to the air handler devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Gerald McDonnell, Jeffrey Cheesman
  • Publication number: 20170314824
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include thermoelectric-based thermal management systems and methods configured to heat and/or cool an electrical device. Thermal management systems can include at least one electrical conductor in electrical and thermal communication with a temperature-sensitive region of the electrical device and at least one thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the at least one electrical conductor. Electric power can be directed to the thermoelectric device by the same electrical conductor or an external power supply, causing the thermoelectric device to provide controlled heating and/or cooling to the electrical device via the at least one electrical conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Dmitri Kossakovski, Todd Robert Barnhart, Alfred Piggott
  • Publication number: 20170314825
    Abstract: A climate-control system can be used to heat or cool a space. The climate-control system may include first and second vessels between which refrigerant and co-fluid may be circulated. The refrigerant may be absorbed into the co-fluid within the first vessel at a first rate. The refrigerant may desorb from the co-fluid within the second vessel at a second rate. Ultrasonic energy may be used to adjust the second rate to substantially match the first rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc J. SCANCARELLO, Kyaw WYNN, Louis REBROVIC
  • Publication number: 20170314826
    Abstract: In one aspect, a refrigeration system is provided. The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration circuit configured to condition an air supply, a subcooling circuit configured to cool the refrigeration circuit, the subcooling circuit including a subcooling condenser, a subcooling heat exchanger, and at least one adsorption bed, and a heat generation system thermally coupled to the subcooling circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick J. Cogswell, Catherine Thibaud, Parmesh Verma, Bart A. Van Hassel, Thomas D. Radcliff, Abdelrahman ElSherbini, Robert A. Chopko
  • Publication number: 20170314827
    Abstract: A heat dissipating blower for cooling a condenser in a refrigerator with reduced vibration and reduced noise. The heat dissipating blower includes a drive device configured to generate a rotational force, a fan coupled to the drive device, a support member configured to support the drive device, and a support frame coupled to the support member. The support member includes a fastening portion coupled to the drive device, and a connection frame spaced apart from the support frame. The heat dissipating blower further includes one or more vibration-attenuation members disposed between the connection frame and the support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Hyuk Jang KWON
  • Publication number: 20170314828
    Abstract: A method for cooling or heating a building is provided. An air flow can be created in an air duct and the air flow can be cooled or heated by an air conditioning system or furnace. The cooled or heated air flow can then pass through a heat exchanger connected to a radiant heating loop running through a floor or slab with a liquid circulating through them. When the airflow is being cooled or heated by the air conditioning system or furnace, the air flow will alter the temperature of the liquid circulating through the heat exchanger herefore the temperature of the slab. When the temperature of the slab varies from the temperature of the building, liquid that has been circulated through the radiant heating loop can be used to alter the temperature of the air flow passing through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Murdoch MacPherson
  • Publication number: 20170314829
    Abstract: A method for cooling or heating a building is provided. An air flow can be created in an air duct and the air flow can be cooled or heated by an air conditioning system or furnace. The cooled or heated air flow can then pass through a heat exchanger connected to a radiant heating loop running through a floor or slab with a liquid circulating through them. When the airflow is being cooled or heated by the air conditioning system or furnace, the air flow will alter the temperature of the liquid circulating through the heat exchanger herefore the temperature of the slab. When the temperature of the slab varies from the temperature of the building, liquid that has been circulated through the radiant heating loop can be used to alter the temperature of the air flow passing through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Murdoch MacPherson
  • Publication number: 20170314830
    Abstract: A refrigeration system is described that includes a compression device configured to increase a pressure of a refrigerant. The refrigeration system further includes a first heat exchanger configured to reject heat from the refrigerant and reduce a temperature of the refrigerant. The refrigeration system further includes a storage device configured to store the refrigerant at a supercritical state. The refrigeration system further includes an expansion device configured to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant. The refrigeration system further includes a second heat exchanger configured to absorb heat into the refrigerant and increase the temperature of the refrigerant. The refrigeration system further includes a controller configured to release the refrigerant from the storage device to the expansion device to provide cooling capacity to the refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Donald Klemen, Eric E. Wilson, Patrick C. Sweeney