Patents Issued in January 9, 2018
  • Patent number: 9863629
    Abstract: An underwater pendant or accent light in contact with a body of water is provided. The underwater pendant or accent light has a housing. The housing has an at least one water tight end fitting at a first end of the housing and an at least one lens at a second end of the housing. An electronics section is further provided. The electronics section including an at least one controller contained within the housing and coupled to a power source. An at least one LED is coupled to the electronics section. An at least one heat sink is coupled to the at least one LED and the electronics section, the heat sink thermally coupled to and mounting the at least one LED and thermally coupled to the electronics section such that heat is communicated through the at least one heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Doyle
  • Patent number: 9863631
    Abstract: a light-monitoring apparatus includes a power source, a light detector, a computer processor coupled with the power source and in communication with the light detector and configured to receive and record light exposure detected by the light detector, an output device coupled with the computer processor, and a computer-readable medium coupled with the computer processor and storing instruction code for summing the recorded light exposure from the computer processor over time and communicating a signal to the output device to generate and communicate a signal indicating that a cumulative threshold light exposure for achieving a health benefit has been reached. The apparatus can accordingly be used by an individual to monitor cumulative light exposure from both natural and artificial sources, e.g., in the treatment of seasonal or non-seasonal depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Douglas R. Storer
  • Patent number: 9863632
    Abstract: There is provided a process for operating a coal-fired furnace to generate heat. The process has the steps of a) providing the coal to the furnace and b) combusting the coal in the presence of a first slag-reducing ingredient and a second slag-reducing ingredient in amounts effective to reduce slag formation in the furnace. The first slag-reducing ingredient and the second slag-reducing ingredient are different substances. The first slag-reducing ingredient is selected from the group consisting of magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, and combinations thereof. The second slag-reducing ingredient is selected from the group consisting of copper acetate, copper nitrate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, and ammonium phosphate. There is also provided a method for reducing slag formation in a coal-fired furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Environmental Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Pastore
  • Patent number: 9863633
    Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and method for continuously providing oxygen-enriched gas/air produced from a predefined atmospheric air (normally comprising 78% of nitrogen N2 and 21% of oxygen O2) to a combustion area/chamber, using an impeller-based apparatus having a duct system. The impeller system can comprise at least one plurality of gates for capturing the oxygen-enriched gas/air to automatically improve processes of combustion, exhaust and/or related properties of the apparatus. The impeller can comprise a plurality of blades which, when rotating/spinning, may create the desired gas density/mass separation of oxygen and nitrogen. Furthermore, a nitrogen-enriched gas/air can be further provided from a predefined atmospheric air using the impeller-based apparatus with at least one plurality of further gates system/duct, gates rotating in sync with impeller blades, for collecting the nitrogen-enriched gas/air to further improve one or more apparatus parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Leonard Lawrence Donahue
  • Patent number: 9863634
    Abstract: An exhaust flue cap and filter device for a gas fired appliance in communication with an exhaust flue opening. The device includes an inner collar to engage the exhaust flue opening. A tubular cap with a closed lower end is in communication with the inner collar. A filter tray is suspended in the tubular cap wherein the filter tray has a smaller diameter than the tubular cap so that a bypass space is formed between the filter tray and the tubular cap to permit passage of exhaust gases. A removable filter insert is receivable in the filter tray. A removable top having a body with exhaust openings is attached to and closes the open upper end of the tubular cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: European Copper, LLC
    Inventors: John G. Arnold, Jr., Joseph D. Smith
  • Patent number: 9863635
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ignition system for igniting a flame in a combustion chamber comprising a conduit secured to a windbox wall of the combustion chamber; where the conduit includes a fuel conduit for delivering fuel to the combustion chamber; and a single ignitor and flame rod assembly having a first end and a second end; where the first end comprises a high energy ignitor tip; where the second end is in electrical communication with an electrical power source; where the electrical power source comprises a spark transformer that comprises a primary winding and a secondary winding; a flame monitoring ignitor; where the flame monitoring ignitor is in direct electrical communication with a ground contact and with a low voltage side of the secondary winding; where the flame monitoring ignitor is disposed between the low voltage side of the secondary winding and a ground contact; and a transient voltage suppressor; that is disposed in parallel with the flame monitoring ignitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Stanley Joseph Boguszewski, Rebecca Lynn Tobiasz, Carl David Edberg
  • Patent number: 9863636
    Abstract: A flame indicator assembly for a fuel-fired heating appliance, the fuel-fired heating appliance including a burner assembly and control electronics. The flame indicator assembly comprises a flame sensor configured to allow the flow of electric current in response to exposure to a flame. The flame sensor is configured for electrical communication with the control electronics of the fuel-fired heating appliance. The flame indicator assembly also comprises a visual indicator module attached to the flame sensor. The visual indicator module comprises at least one light source. The visual indicator module is in operative communication with the flame sensor such that the at least one light source is actuated in response to the flow of electric current. A fuel-fired heating appliance comprising a flame indicator assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: RHEEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Darryl Farley, Shawn Reed, Robert Neihouse
  • Patent number: 9863637
    Abstract: Provided is a combustor that is made compact and achieves NOx reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Takiguchi, Atsushi Yuasa, Satoshi Tanimura
  • Patent number: 9863638
    Abstract: An air shroud for a nozzle includes an air shroud body defining an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with one another to allow an outer airflow to issue therefrom, the air shroud body defining a downstream surface. A plurality of air wipe channels are defined within the air shroud body, wherein each of the plurality of air wipe channels is in fluid communication with at least one of a plurality of air wipe outlets and air wipe inlets. Each air wipe outlet is defined in the downstream surface of the air shroud body such that air can flow through each air wipe outlet and wipe the downstream surface of the air shroud body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Delavan Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew R. Donovan
  • Patent number: 9863639
    Abstract: A method for controlling a gas-fired appliance is presented, wherein the gas-fired appliance includes a combustor, at least one flow-regulating valve, and a solenoid valve which are all interconnected, and adaptive to low or no power supplied to the gas-fired appliances, including the steps of: using the solenoid valve to block fuel gas, determining whether the power returns to normal, and if not, maintaining the solenoid valve block, and if so, closing the flow-regulating valve to thereby block the fuel gas such that the fuel gas flow is paused when the solenoid valve is open during a next ignition try.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Grand Mate, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Chin Huang, Chin-Ying Huang, Hsin-Ming Huang, Hsing-Hsiung Huang, Yen-Jen Yeh
  • Patent number: 9863640
    Abstract: A bottom assembly unit for a vaporizing burner combustion chamber assembly unit, especially for a vehicle heater, includes a bottom part (24) with a bottom wall. A porous evaporator medium (44) at least partially covers the bottom wall on a front side (42) positioned such that it faces a combustion chamber (20). A ring-shaped holding part (34) has a contact area (40) touching the porous evaporator medium (44). The contact area has a holding section (62) extending radially inwardly from a holding part circumferential wall (36) and extends over the porous evaporator medium (44) in a radially outer area (66). A plurality of contact projections (68) are arranged at spaced locations from one another about the longitudinal axis and extend in the direction of the porous evaporator medium. The porous evaporator medium (44) is pressed by the contact projections (68) in a radially outer area (66) against the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Eberspächer Climate Control Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Pfister, Walter Blaschke, Valerij Hermann
  • Patent number: 9863641
    Abstract: A heater includes: a controller; a user input operatively connected to the controller; and a lighting system operatively connected to, and controlled by, the controller, the lighting system configured to illuminate outside the heater along a length of the heater. A method of displaying light includes: attaching a lighting system to a heater; operatively connecting the lighting system to a controller; operatively connecting a user input device to the controller; and configure the controller to illuminate the light system to provide indirect lighting to a room in which the heater is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MARLEY ENGINEERED PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventor: Michael P. Boyd
  • Patent number: 9863642
    Abstract: A cooking appliance including a body provided with a heating part, a control panel detachably provided at the body, and a coupling unit configured to allow the control panel to come into close contact with the body. The coupling unit includes a first lever rotatably provided at an inner side of the control panel and is configured to receive an external force outside the control panel. The coupling unit also includes a second lever provided in between the control panel and the body to allow the control panel to come into close contact with the body while interlocked with an operation of the first lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji Woon Je, Han Seong Kang
  • Patent number: 9863643
    Abstract: A heating cooker includes: a top plate on which a cooking container to be heated is placed; an outer case as a main body having an upper surface on which the top plate is placed; a heater heating the cooking container; and a light emitting device disposed in the outer case, for displaying the heating state. The top plate includes: a glass substrate having a transparent light-transmitting low-expansion crystallized glass made mainly of Li2O—AL2O3—SiO2 and having ?-quartz solid solution, having a crystal size smaller than the wavelength of visible light; a design layer having a black-based color disposed on an undersurface of the glass substrate; a diffusion region disposed partially on an undersurface of the design layer, for diffusedly emitting light from the light emitting device; and a light-blocking layer disposed on the undersurface of the design layer other than the diffusion region, for blocking light from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Aihara, Ryuuji Nagata, Kazuyoshi Shichi
  • Patent number: 9863644
    Abstract: A grilling apparatus for bacon or other thinly sliced meat. The apparatus includes a base with sidewalls extending from opposite ends of the base. A pair of doors are coupled to opposite sides of the base and movable from an open position to a closed position. A pair of grill plates are removably connected to a corresponding one of the doors. A heating element extends from the base between the side walls. A removable grill is placed over the heating element between the said side walls. When the doors are in the closed position, the grill and the grill plates form an enclosed space, so that when power is supplied to the heating element, heat generated by the heating element is provided by convection to the grill and the grill plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NOSTALGIA PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Gregg Bond, Edward E. Boughton, III
  • Patent number: 9863645
    Abstract: An oven appliance includes features for permitting movement of a door of the oven appliance relative to a cabinet of the oven appliance. The oven appliance also includes a hinge assembly that couples the door to at least one of the first and second slide assemblies such that the door is pivotable. The hinge assembly is coupled to a front panel of the door and extends through a liner of the door. A related double oven range appliance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher James Adelmann, Cecil Clay Clements, Stephen Bernard Froelicher
  • Patent number: 9863646
    Abstract: A hydronic heating system employing comprises a water line, two or more boilers, and a control. In operation, the water line facilitates a circulation of water through a building and the boilers heat the water as the water flows through the water line. The control calculates a system energy load for operating boilers. The calculation of the system energy load is a function of a set-point water temperature for the hydronic heating system, a supply water temperature of water flowing relative to a supply point of the water line, a return water temperature of water flowing relative to return point of the water line and a flow rate of water flowing relative to a flow sense point of the water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: David E. Johnson, Jr., William A. Steinmeyer
  • Patent number: 9863647
    Abstract: A bypass valve is for support between hot and cold water lines that connect to respective hot and cold fixtures. The bypass valve includes a valve body having an internal chamber, a hot water inlet port, a hot water outlet port and a discharge port; a bi-metal spring; a support member for mounting the bi-metal spring within the internal chamber of the valve body; and a shuttle mounted to the bi-metal spring and constructed and arranged to mate with the discharge port in a closed position of the bi-metal spring. The bi-metal spring assumes an open position to disengage from the discharge port at a predetermined water temperature to enable the hot water to discharge through the discharge port to the cold water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: AquaMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McNamara, Hans L. Kuster
  • Patent number: 9863648
    Abstract: An equipment protector including a tubular body extending from a first end to a second. The tubular body is manufactured from a waterproof, collapsible material and has a first diameter. A buoyancy ring is sealingly connected to the first end of the tubular body and defines a through passage. The buoyancy ring has an outer diameter which is larger than the first diameter such that the buoyancy ring extends radially outwardly from the tubular body and is susceptible to a buoyancy force created at the exterior of the tubular body. A method of protecting equipment is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Weinraub
  • Patent number: 9863649
    Abstract: A burner box for use in an air handling system. The burner box includes a main body having a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls extending between the top and bottom walls, and intermediate walls extending between the top and bottom walls and positioned between the side walls. An open upstream end of the main body is divided by the intermediate walls into a first bypass opening and a second bypass opening spaced from the first bypass opening by a burner opening. A direct fired burner is positioned in the main body between the intermediate walls and adjacent the burner opening such that air drawn into the main body through the burner opening is directed over the direct fired burner for heating. An electronic control system is operatively connected to the burner box and configured to maintain a constant pressure difference across the direct fired burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MITEK HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Zeke Carlyon
  • Patent number: 9863650
    Abstract: A heat dissipation structure of a fan drive of an air conditioner outdoor unit, and an air conditioner outdoor unit are provided. A side plate of the air conditioner outdoor unit is disposed between a side plate of the fan drive and a baffle plate, and the side plate of the air conditioner outdoor unit clings to the side plate of the fan drive; a first air vent communicating with the outside of the air conditioner outdoor unit is provided on the side plate of the air conditioner outdoor unit; and a second air vent is provided on the baffle plate, the first air vent and the second air vent form an air duct between the side plate of the air conditioner outdoor unit and the baffle plate, and the second air vent enables the first air vent to communicate with an inner chamber of the air conditioner outdoor unite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jie Yi, Jie Tang
  • Patent number: 9863651
    Abstract: An outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus includes at least a heat exchanger, a fan, a compressor, and a box-like casing housing these components and having an air inlet and an air outlet. The compressor is arranged at a location other than an air passage in which air having flowed in through the air inlet flows through the heat exchanger and the fan to the air outlet. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange portions, and these heat exchange portions are arranged in a zigzag shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takamasa Uemura, Susumu Yoshimura, Hiroaki Nakamune, Kenichi Sakoda
  • Patent number: 9863652
    Abstract: A cylindrical hole is formed between peripheral belt portions of two container constituent plates of a thermal storage material container of an evaporator with a cool storage function. A cylindrical portion of a thermal storage material charging member having a thermal storage material charging passage is disposed in the cylindrical hole and brazed to the two container constituent plates. That portion of the thermal storage material charging member which protrudes from the cylindrical hole includes a crushed portion and a cylindrical uncrushed portion. The crushed portion seals the thermal storage material passage. The cylindrical portion of the thermal storage material charging member is smaller in outside diameter than the uncrushed portion, and the cylindrical portion and the uncrushed portion have the same inside diameter. The cylindrical portion has an inward protrusion protruding into a thermal storage material containing space, and the inward protrusion has a radially expanding engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KEIHIN THERMAL TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Osamu Kamoshida, Mitsuru Nobusue
  • Patent number: 9863653
    Abstract: A closed circulating water cooling apparatus includes an internal cooling apparatus, a plate heat exchanger, and an auxiliary cooling apparatus. The internal cooling apparatus comprises an internal cooling circulator pump and an air cooler. The auxiliary cooling apparatus comprises an external cooling circulator pump and an underground water pipe. Internal cooling water flowing through the plate heat exchanger from the internal cooling apparatus exchanges heat with external cooling water flowing through the plate heat exchanger from the auxiliary cooling apparatus. Utilization of the closed circulating water cooling apparatus and method allows for increased cooling capacity, when the environmental temperature is greater than the maximum inflow water temperature permitted by a piece of technical equipment, for the cooling apparatus to still provide sufficient cooling capacity, and for the equipment to obviate any water loss during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: State Grid Corporation of China, Xuchang Xuji Jing Rui Science & Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yigong Ding, Weihua Ruan, Dawei Wang
  • Patent number: 9863654
    Abstract: A convertible humidifier that includes a base portion that produces mist, a control panel that controls the production of the mist by the base portion, at least one reservoir detachably connectable to the base portion for holding water used to produce mist, and a nozzle configured to direct the mist. At least one reservoir includes a pass-through connection that provides a flow path for mist from the base portion to exit the humidifier through an opening on the reservoir. The nozzle is detachably connectable directly to the opening in a first operation mode, and the nozzle is connected to an extending portion which is detachably connected to the opening in a second operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GREAT INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. McDonnell
  • Patent number: 9863655
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing articles in a controlled atmosphere, comprising: at least one storage module capable of receiving the articles to be stored; a storage module provided with at least one shelf for positioning the articles, the storage module having a substantially parallelepiped shape, and having two substantially vertical and opposite walls between which the shelves extend, wherein the device is characterized in that shutters are provided, each shutter being positioned opposite one of the shelves, and between one of the two walls and the shelf in question, so as to prevent the gas from flowing vertically at the location of a shutter, and to allow the gas to flow only transversely along the shelf associated with the shutter in question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Vincent Maherault, Robert Briend, Marc Leturmy
  • Patent number: 9863656
    Abstract: A sensor assembly has a housing with at least two ventilation openings, a sensing element, a passage within the housing, and an electrokinetic transducer. The passage extends between the at least two ventilation openings, and is in fluid communication with the sensing element. The electrokinetic transducer is configured to move air in a first direction with the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventor: Randall J. Amerson
  • Patent number: 9863657
    Abstract: The invention is a thermostatically controlled vent installed in the existing outflow ventilation ducts of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning system. When the central heating/cooling unit is operating, temperature variation is achieved by an electronic control which opens and closes air flow fins on the vent based on the settings of an individual thermostat for each room in a building that has the device installed. The individual thermostat of each vent in the system is connected to the primary building thermostat and therefore has the ability to signal the need to turn on/off the heating/cooling unit as appropriate. In addition, the invention can purify the air flow by means of an ultraviolet sterilization lamp. It is possible to remotely set the temperature settings via an internet enabled software app.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Shahram Masoudnia
  • Patent number: 9863658
    Abstract: A room management apparatus is provided. The room management apparatus includes a central controller that recognizes an operation state of an air conditioner, and determines that one or more rooms are assignable on the basis of the operation state of the air conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Junghyun Cho
  • Patent number: 9863659
    Abstract: A server rack includes a server pod including a server pod element that has a first temperature sensor for sensing a first operating temperature of the server pod element and a baseboard management controller, and a second temperature sensor for sensing a second operating temperature of the server rack. The server rack receives the first operating temperature via the first baseboard management controller, adjusts a first operating parameter of the first server pod element based on the first operating temperature, receives the second operating temperature, and directs a first active floor tile to adjust a first air conditioning vent of the first active floor tile based on the second operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS, LP
    Inventors: John R. Palmer, Sajjad Ahmed, Jinsaku Masuyama
  • Patent number: 9863660
    Abstract: A sensing method includes acquiring a thermal image of an object space, identifying an object within the object space included in the thermal image, based on the acquired thermal image, presenting to a user the thermal image to which information, indicating identification results of the identifying, has been added, and accepting a response as to the presented thermal image to which the information has been added. And at least one of the acquiring, the identifying, the presenting, and the accepting is performed by a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Koichi Kusukame, Shinichi Shikii, Hideto Nakahigashi, Nawatt Silawan, Aki Yoneda, Kazuki Funase, Tsutomu Shimizu, Hayuri Sasaki, Ikuo Akamine, Kazuyo Hatta
  • Patent number: 9863661
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a main body unit and an auxiliary housing. The main body unit forms a first air outlet which blows out a cool or warm airflow. The auxiliary housing is attached to at least one side of the first air outlet to be freely movable, and forms a second air outlet which blows out taken-in indoor air. A control circuit controls a second wind direction plate so that a second reference plane PL2 which regulates a wind direction of the second wind direction plate intersects a first reference plane PL1 which regulates a wind direction of a first wind direction plate, on a downstream side of the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: FUJITSU GENERAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Syun Iwano
  • Patent number: 9863662
    Abstract: A vessel including a concentrator configured to concentrate electromagnetic (EM) radiation received from an EM radiation source and a complex configured to absorb EM radiation to generate heat. The vessel is configured to receive a cool fluid from the cool fluid source, concentrate the EM radiation using the concentrator, apply the EM radiation to the complex, and transform, using the heat generated by the complex, the cool fluid to the heated fluid. The complex is at least one of consisting of copper nanoparticles, copper oxide nanoparticles, nanoshells, nanorods, carbon moieties, encapsulated nanoshells, encapsulated nanoparticles, and branched nanostructures. Further, the EM radiation is at least one of EM radiation in an ultraviolet region of an electromagnetic spectrum, in a visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and in an infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Nancy J. Halas, Peter Nordlander, Oara Neumann
  • Patent number: 9863663
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a heat exchanger, comprising at least one electric resistance heating element, at least two conductors which are connected to the at least one electric resistance heating element in an electrically conductive manner in order to conduct electric current through the at least one electric resistance heating element and thereby heat the electric resistance heating element, at least one thermally conductive element for transferring heat from the at least one electric resistance heating element to a fluid to be heated, at least one electrically insulating element, which electrically insulates the at least two conductors, and at least one pipe, wherein the at least two conductors and the at least one electric resistance heating element are arranged within a cavity bounded by the pipe and the pipe lies on the at least one electrically insulating element under a compressive force at at least one contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Kohl, Karl-Gerd Krumbach, Thomas Spranger, Frank-Heiner Schenk
  • Patent number: 9863664
    Abstract: A deviation between an inlet-outlet temperature difference of a first superheater part and an inlet-outlet temperature difference of each of second superheater parts can be reduced so that a difference in thermal expansion between the first superheater part and the second superheater part can be reduced. It is therefore possible to avoid damage on heat transfer pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Marumoto, Tetsuo Shikata
  • Patent number: 9863665
    Abstract: An attachment point apparatus and system for photovoltaic arrays is disclosed. One embodiment provides a rail system for receiving a PV module, including a first rail, a second rail, a substantially rectilinear double male connector adapted for coupling an end of the first rail to an end of the second rail, and a connector adapted to attach a PV module to the first rail. Another embodiment provides a PV module including a PV laminate, a frame integral with and supporting the PV laminate, and a spanner bar adapted to solely span a width of the PV module, orthogonally connect at various locations along the frame, and attach to a support structure. A further embodiment provides a coupling device for a PV module comprising a first coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a PV module, and a second coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, David Youmans, Brian Atchley
  • Patent number: 9863666
    Abstract: A low cost thin-film based heliostat with advanced stowing and wind survival capabilities. The heliostat may include a plurality of reflective surfaces held together via a plurality of double acting magnetic hinges. The heliostat may also include a drive mechanism attached to a post, and configured to stow the plurality of facets in any desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Bill J. Nesmith
  • Patent number: 9863667
    Abstract: In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus. In an example, the apparatus comprises a center of mass with an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam shell clamp assembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a cylindrical torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a drive motor operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube. Further details of the present example, among others, can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NEXTRACKER INC.
    Inventor: Alexander W. Au
  • Patent number: 9863668
    Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner may include at least one indoor device, an electric heat pump (EHP) outdoor device connected with the at least one indoor device, and having a first compressor driven using electric power and a first outdoor heat exchanger, and a gas heat pump (GHP) outdoor device connected with the at least one indoor device, and having an engine portion driven through a combustion gas, a second compressor driven by receiving a driving force from the engine portion, and a second outdoor heat exchanger. The GHP outdoor device may include an engine circulation pipe in which a refrigerant flowing through the EHP outdoor device may be introduced and then supplied to the engine portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kwangho Shin, Hojong Jeong, Minho Chung, Song Choi
  • Patent number: 9863669
    Abstract: A Brayton cycle type refrigerating apparatus using multiple stages of compressors and having a good response without reduction in efficiency due to change in heat load of the object to be cooled is provided. The Brayton cycle type refrigerating apparatus includes on a refrigerant line on which multiple stages of compressors are arranged in series. The apparatus also includes a temperature sensor for detecting heat load of an object to be cooled and a buffer tank provided between a low pressure line and a high pressure line. A flow rate of the refrigerant in the refrigerant line is controlled by controlling opening degrees of valves to adjust the cooling capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MAYEKAWA MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shota Ueda, Akito Machida, Mizuo Kudo, Naoko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9863670
    Abstract: Variations of the devices and methods disclosed herein pertain to an extended travel spiral flexure bearing having spiral arms, each of the spiral arms including an attachment point at the inner end thereof and at the outer end thereof. Variations of the bearing may also include a bearing clamp to be attached to the spiral flexure bearing at the attachment points, the bearing including an outer bearing portion to be disposed on the outer periphery of the flexure bearing and an inner bearing portion to be disposed at the center of the flexure bearing. Variations also pertain to a micro check valve assembly that includes a valve base, a valve cover, and a flexure that are all bonded together. The valve being closed when the valve door rests on the valve seat and open when the valve door is lifted from the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Patrick Champagne
  • Patent number: 9863671
    Abstract: A method including controlling a climate control system of an electrified vehicle to cool a coolant of a coolant subsystem with a refrigerant of a heat pump subsystem in response to a temperature of the coolant exceeding a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Franco Ragazzi, James George Gebbie
  • Patent number: 9863672
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioning system that operates in a heating mode, a cooling mode or a demisting mode. In some embodiments, the system includes a first circuit for circulating a first medium therein, a second circuit for circulating the first medium or a second medium therein and a thermoelectric module having a first surface in thermal contact with the first medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka
  • Patent number: 9863673
    Abstract: A heat pump including an evaporator and an adsorber is provided. The adsorber is regenerated by applying heat from a chemical thermal storage reactor, a heat accumulator or an external heat source, at a temperature higher than or equal to a temperature to regenerate the adsorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO
    Inventors: Yasuki Hirota, Takashi Shimazu, Takafumi Yamauchi, Tomohisa Wakasugi, Ryuichi Iwata
  • Patent number: 9863674
    Abstract: An evaporator system that includes: a first evaporator coil at a first evaporator temperature and pressure; a second evaporator coil at a second evaporator temperature and pressure that is less than the first evaporator temperature and pressure where the first evaporator and second evaporator are configured to be thermally disjointed; and a plurality of thermally conductive spaced apart evaporator fins having a plurality of spaced apart thermal break portions positioned between the first evaporator coil and the second evaporator coil that thermally disjoin the first evaporator and the second evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Kuehl, Nihat Cur, Guolian Wu
  • Patent number: 9863675
    Abstract: An oil separator includes a cylindrical first separating section having a first inner space where the refrigerant can swirl; a cylindrical second separating section disposed below the first separating section and having a second inner space where the refrigerant can swirl; an introduction tube sending the refrigerant toward an inner wall of the first separating section so that a swirl flow occurs; a delivery tube delivering the separated refrigerant; and an exhaust pipe discharging the separated refrigerant oil, the second separating section having a surface connecting the inner wall of the first separating section and an upper end of an inner wall of the second separating section and forming a step, and an angle between the surface and the inner wall of the first separating section and an angle between the surface and the inner wall of the second separating section being 90 degrees or smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Ogawa, Atsushi Kakimoto
  • Patent number: 9863676
    Abstract: When, according to the invention, the air in the so-called Zone 2 areas is ventilated, i.e. sucked out, the ATEX Directive concerning treatment of inflammable coolants may be satisfied in an effective manner. In practice, the suction around the engine (6) of the vehicle and the ventilation of the service equipment (9, 21, 53), respectively, may ensure that the requirements in the ATEX Directive with respect to Zone 2 areas may be satisfied, if possibly inflammable vapors are discharged, since these areas are ventilated to the atmosphere. The use of the method is service-friendly when servicing air conditioning systems and when adding coolant online.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Louis Cording, Bjarne Lund
  • Patent number: 9863677
    Abstract: A sublimation defrost system for a refrigeration apparatus including: a cooling device in a freezer, and includes a casing containing a heat exchanger pipe; a refrigerating device for cooling and liquefying a CO2 refrigerant; and a refrigerant circuit connected to the heat exchanger pipe permitting the cooled and liquefied CO2 refrigerant to circulate. The defrost system includes: a dehumidifier device; a CO2 circulation path in the heat exchanger pipe, an on-off valve in the heat exchanger; a circulating unit for the CO2 refrigerant; a first heat exchanger part exchanging heat between a brine as a first heating medium and the circulating CO2 refrigerant; and a pressure adjusting unit for the circulating CO2 refrigerant during defrosting so that a condensing temperature of the CO2 refrigerant becomes equal to or lower than a freezing point of a water vapor in the freezer inner air without a drain receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MAYEKAWA MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Choiku Yoshikawa, Takeshi Kamimura, Takahiro Furudate, Shuji Fukano
  • Patent number: 9863678
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance has a supply pipe for connecting the refrigeration appliance to a water supply connection and has a controllable safety valve in the supply pipe of the refrigeration appliance for shutting off the water supply connection. The refrigeration appliance further contains a leak detection device for detecting a leak in a water circuit, which leak detection device contains a micro-switch for interrupting a current supply to the safety valve when a leak is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Elmar Faehnle, Eugen Gaplikow, Hans Gerd Keller, Michael Krapp, Karl-Friedrich Laible, Vitaliy Rimkevich, Hans Peter Werner
  • Patent number: 9863679
    Abstract: In the case of a heating operation in which a use side heat exchanger functions as a condenser when the outside air has a predetermined low temperature, a low-outside-air-temperature heating operation start mode is executed in which, while a refrigerant, as discharged from a compressor, flows into the use side heat exchanger, the refrigerant, upon flowing into the injection pipe, merges with a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, which has traveled through the connecting pipe and has transferred heat in the heat source side heat exchanger, and a merged refrigerant is supplied to the injection port of the compressor, and thereafter a low-outside-air-temperature heating operation mode is executed in which the refrigerant, as discharged from the compressor, is supplied to the injection port of the compressor via the injection pipe while flowing into the use side heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Hatomura, Koji Yamashita, Naofumi Takenaka