Patents Issued in February 1, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180031273
    Abstract: The invention discloses a condensing gas water heater, a condensing heat exchanger as well as heat exchanger plates. The condensing heat exchanger comprises: a housing and at least one heat exchanger plate disposed in the housing; the heat exchanger plate comprises a first metal board and a second metal board butting each other, wherein a surface of the first metal board and a surface of the second metal board which butt each other are butting surfaces, and two outer surfaces opposite to the butting surfaces are a first surface and a second surface, respectively; at least one of the first metal board and the second metal board is formed with a convex flow guide portion along a direction away from the butting surface; the first metal board and the second metal board form a fluid passage via the flow guide portion; and the housing is provided with a flue gas inlet and a flue gas outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Maohu CAI, Xiaowei ZHOU, Shuohong JIN
  • Publication number: 20180031274
    Abstract: A furnace system includes a burner assembly that includes a burner configured to produce a flame and a heat exchanger that includes a plurality of tube passes. The plurality of tube passes cooperatively forms a conduit for flowing combustion products generated by the burner assembly. Each tube pass of the plurality of tube passes overlaps with other tube passes of the plurality of tube passes. A first tube pass of the plurality of tube passes is configured to receive the flame, and the first tube pass includes a first plurality of surface enhancements extending radially outward from an outer surface of the first tube pass relative to a central axis of the first tube pass. The furnace system also includes a baffle that is coupled to the burner assembly, extends toward the first tube pass, and is configured to contact the flame and the first tube pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen C. Wilson, David C. Rimmer, Raul G. Guajardo
  • Publication number: 20180031275
    Abstract: A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) furnace includes a condensing furnace and a condensate removal system associated with the condensing furnace. The condensate removal system includes an electrolyzer having a container that may collect a condensate generated from an exhaust gas produced in the condensing furnace and an electrode disposed within the container and that may apply an electric current to the condensate to electrolyze the condensate and thereby generate condensate gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen C. Wilson, John T. Knight
  • Publication number: 20180031276
    Abstract: The invention provides a condensing boiler 100 including a heat exchanger 160, the heat exchanger including at least one fluid flow cassette 162a, 162b, 163a, 163b, 164a, 164b, each cassette comprising first 181 and second 182 sheets, wherein at least the first sheet has corrugations 185, 186, 187 along a length of the sheet so as to form a number of grooves extending across a width of the sheet, wherein the second sheet is attached against the first sheet so as to enclose the grooves to form a number of fluid flow passageways 193 extending across a width of the cassette in between the first and second sheets, and wherein the cassette is substantially curved across its width such that the fluid flow passageways are substantially curved along their length. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger or condensing boiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Brendan Kemp
  • Publication number: 20180031277
    Abstract: A utility sleeve for temporarily waterproofing a utility device comprises a top portion, a slack portion capable of being furled and unfurled by a user, a rim portion, and a bottom portion enclosed underneath the utility device. The slack portion is provided on all sides of the utility sleeve. When water levels rise due to floods and/or storm water conditions, the slack portion can be easily unfurled along all sides of the utility device by the user. The rim portion is partially closed by a closure means to allow release of gases and to allow the utility sleeve to conform to the utility device as a waterproof layer. The closure means can be attached to a part of a building structure above the utility device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Sean Mathews
  • Publication number: 20180031278
    Abstract: A clamping device for a solar module has or forms at least a first receiving portion for receiving an edge portion of the solar module. The first receiving portion has at least a first side wall portion and an additional side wall portion for constructing a receiving region. The first receiving portion is constructed in an integral manner. The elasticity modulus of the first receiving portion is greater than the elasticity modulus of rubber. There is also disclosed a method for assembling a solar module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: CHRISTIAN ZABEL
  • Publication number: 20180031279
    Abstract: A mounting bracket (320) for trapezoidal rib profiles is disclosed. This mounting bracket (320) includes an upper section (330) and a lower section (350). A first leg (352a) in a second leg (352b) extend from a lower portion of the upper section (330) in diverging relation to one another. Each of these legs (352a, 352b) is deflectable through a certain range of motion to accommodate installation of the mounting bracket (320) on a variety of different trapezoidal rib profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Dustin M.M. Haddock, Robert M.M. Haddock, Nikolaus J. Holley
  • Publication number: 20180031280
    Abstract: A sealed refrigerant compressor comprises an electric component and a compression component accommodated in a sealed container, and the compression component includes a cylinder and a piston which is reciprocatable inside the cylinder. The electric component includes a stator, and a rotor having a lower surface facing an oil surface of lubricating oil. The rotor has a shape in which its diameter is larger than its length in a rotational axis direction thereof. A core of the rotor is provided with at least one balance hole for adjusting a load balance during rotation of the rotor, for example, at least one balance through-hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Hidenori KOBAYASHI, Masaki SUMI, Terumasa IDE, Akihiko KUBOTA
  • Publication number: 20180031281
    Abstract: A heat pump system for conditioning regeneration air from a space is provided. The heat pump system is operable in a winter mode and/or a summer mode, and may be selectively operated in a defrost mode or cycle. During a defrost mode, hot refrigerant may be used to directly and sequentially defrost the regeneration air heat exchanger. A compressor may be configured to be overdriven during a defrost cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: David Martin Wintemute, Mathieu Philippe Beliveau
  • Publication number: 20180031282
    Abstract: A supercritical refrigeration cycle apparatus and a method for controlling a supercritical refrigeration cycle apparatus are provided. The supercritical refrigeration cycle apparatus may include a compressor; a gas cooler configured to cool the compressed a refrigerant in a supercritical state; a pressure control electronic expansion valve connected to the gas cooler; a receiver configured to temporarily store the refrigerant; a flow control electronic expansion valve connected to an outlet side of the receiver to control a flow rate of the refrigerant; and a controller configured to control the flow control electronic expansion valve based on a suction superheat degree of refrigerant suctioned into the compressor and a target suction superheat degree, and control the pressure control electronic expansion valve based on a target operation high pressure and a current operation high pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Hyoungsuk WOO, Dongkeun YANG, Byeongsu KIM
  • Publication number: 20180031283
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a regenerator, a low-temperature end heat exchanger, a pulse tube, a high-temperature end heat exchanger, and a phase adjustment mechanism, connected in that order. A draft tube is provided inside the regenerator, paralleling the regenerator's axis, and the draft tube can extend into the low-temperature end heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicants: ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY, SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Xiao JIANG, Limin QIU
  • Publication number: 20180031284
    Abstract: An air changeover system for a metal hydride heat pump is disclosed. The system includes metal hydride reactor modules aligned and separated by a partition; a shell containing the reactor modules, the shell is compartmentalized to define separate insulated chambers for each of the reactor modules; and a bearing assembly supporting the modules at a location about the partition, wherein the bearing assembly rotates said modules about an axis during the absorption and the desorption mode. The system reduces thermal inertia and pressure drop in the heat transfer medium while flowing through the heat pump, to enhance the performance and conserve energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Devadatta Pundlik NAVALE, Vilasrao Vyankatrao DUBAL, Anil PATKI, Ramakrishna Ramanath SONDE
  • Publication number: 20180031285
    Abstract: A single or multi stage liquid loop thermoelectric heat pump system for cooling and/or heating is disclosed that can achieve higher delta temperature and COP then previous thermoelectric heat pump systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Peter M. Thomas, Stephen M. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20180031286
    Abstract: A solar-thermal refrigerant compression system employing refrigerants, such as R410a and R500, and a method of employing the system in refrigeration and air-conditioning units. The system includes a refrigerant storage tank, an evaporator, a mixing chamber, a condenser and an isochoric thermal compressor comprising a condensate heat exchanger and a heating coil connected to a solar collector field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventor: Maged Ahmed El-Shaarawi
  • Publication number: 20180031287
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle system includes: a first refrigeration cycle apparatus which is connected to a first compressor, a first condenser, a first pressure reduction device, and a first evaporator and through which the refrigerant circulates; a second refrigeration cycle apparatus which is connected to a second compressor, a second condenser, and a second pressure reduction device, and a second evaporator; a first bypass passage connecting a portion between the first evaporator and the first compressor to a portion between the second evaporator and the second compressor; and a second bypass passage connecting a portion between the first condenser and the first pressure reduction device to a portion between the second condenser and the second pressure reduction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Takao NAGAE, Ryo OYA
  • Publication number: 20180031288
    Abstract: Systems and methods to control an electronic expansion valve (EEV) of a vapor compression system are described. A heating ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes control circuitry having a sensor. The control circuitry sets a control setpoint of a vapor compression system such that an electronic expansion valve operates across a first operating range. The control circuitry receives a signal from the sensor indicative of an operating condition of the vapor compression system. The control circuitry adjusts the control setpoint based at least in part on the operating condition. The control circuitry controls operation of the electronic expansion valve based at least in part on the adjusted control setpoint, wherein the electronic expansion valve operates across a second operating range, different from the first operating range, at the adjusted control setpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Shawn A. Hern, Brian D. Rigg, Jeffrey N. Nichols, Robert L. Eskew
  • Publication number: 20180031289
    Abstract: A system for heating a building via refrigerant includes a coil temperature sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and a controller. The controller includes a processing circuit configured to record a system operating parameter and a control step of a control process before performing a sacrificial defrost cycle. The processing circuit is configured to cause the system to perform the sacrificial defrost cycle and operate the system at predefined system operating parameters other than the recorded system operating parameters. The system is configured to cause the system to operate at the recorded system operating parameters and generate calibration data in response to the sacrificial defrost cycle ending. The processing circuit is configured to cause the control process to operate at the recorded control step and cause the system to perform a defrost cycle based on the calibration data, the coil temperature, and the ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: SHAWN A. HERN, BRIAN D. RIGG, ELTON D. RAY, JEDIDIAH O. BENTZ, THERESA N. GILLETTE, TOM R. TASKER, SHAUN B. ATCHISON, TYLER MCCUNE, ANEEK M. NOOR
  • Publication number: 20180031290
    Abstract: Operational parameters of an aircraft vapor cycle refrigeration system are measured via a plurality of sensors while the vapor cycle refrigeration system is operating. The measured operational parameters are transmitted to a computer system. The computer system generates, using a first reduced order model corresponding to an unclogged state of a filter of the vapor cycle refrigeration system, a first predicted discharge pressure of a compressor based on the measured operational parameters. The computer system generates, using a second reduced order model that corresponds to a clogged state of the filter, a second predicted discharge pressure of the compressor based on the measured operational parameters. The computer system determines a remaining useful life of the filter based on the first predicted discharge pressure, the second predicted discharge pressure, and a measured discharge pressure of the compressor. The computer system outputs an indication of the remaining useful life of the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Tony Ho, Young K. Park
  • Publication number: 20180031291
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a first refrigerant circuit having a first compressor, and a second refrigerant circuit having a second compressor, the second refrigerant circuit separate from the first refrigeration circuit. A variable frequency drive (VFD) is in signal communication with the first compressor and the second compressor and is configured to enable a variable speed operation of the first and second compressors. A controller is in signal communication with the VFD. The controller is programmed to selectively switch the first and second compressors between a variable speed operation using the VFD and a fixed speed operation such that in a first mode the first compressor is operated in the fixed speed operation and the second compressor is operated in the variable speed operation, and in a second mode the second compressor is operated in the fixed speed operation and the first compressor is operated in the variable speed operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Jason R. Kondrk
  • Publication number: 20180031292
    Abstract: A method of controlling a condenser fan of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system based on a comparison of a refrigerant flow rate to maintain a valve position of an expansion valve. In the method, a controller modulates the condenser fan to maintain the valve position of the expansion valve at a valve position setpoint when the refrigerant flow rate is higher than the critical flow rate. The method also comprises controlling the speed of the condenser fan of the HVAC system to maintain a condensing measurement at a plurality of condensing measurement setpoints when the refrigerant flow rate is higher than the critical flow rate. The method also comprises controlling the speed of the condenser fan to maintain a condensing measurement at a plurality of condensing measurement setpoints when the condensing temperature measurement is higher than an ambient air temperature value plus at or around 5° F.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Mingsheng Liu, Changlin Sun, Christopher L. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20180031293
    Abstract: A method of operating a cooling system that has at least one evaporator containing a refrigerant and at least one adsorbent chamber containing adsorbent configured to provide adsorption of vaporized refrigerant from the at least one evaporator in a cooling mode and provide desorption of the refrigerant to the at least one evaporator in a recharging mode, the method including; controlling the adsorption and desorption of the refrigerant of the at least one adsorbent chamber between the cooling modes and recharging modes during a cooling cycle; ceasing desorption of the refrigerant from the at least one adsorbent chamber; allowing adsorption of the vaporized refrigerant from the at least one evaporator; and maintaining the at least one adsorbent chamber in an adsorbed state at the end of the cooling cycle in a storage mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Ravikant T. Barot, Brandon K. Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20180031294
    Abstract: A refrigerant system includes a compressor connected to a first valve forming a harvest line, a condenser connected to the compressor by a first segment of conduit and an expansion device by a second segment of conduit with the condenser and the second segment of conduit forming a liquid line. A third segment of conduit is connected to the liquid line and the harvest line with the third segment of conduit having a second valve. The second valve allows flow of refrigerant from the liquid line to the harvest line through the third segment of conduit in an open position and the second valve blocking flow of the refrigerant from the liquid line to the harvest line through the third segment of conduit in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: William E. Olson, JR., Cary J. Pierskalla, Thomas H. Antoine, Dean M. Petersen
  • Publication number: 20180031295
    Abstract: A carrying case utilizes a layer of phase change materials and a thermal insulation layer in order to provide a temperature-stabilized environment for enclosed payloads during transport through an environment in which temperatures differ greatly from those to which they are normally exposed. In one aspect, the phase change materials and thermal insulation provide an extended period of temperature constancy, without the addition of either active thermal control or excessively bulky insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Fruition LLC
    Inventors: James H. Goldie, Stephen Macomber
  • Publication number: 20180031296
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to delivering and maintaining perishable items within a certain temperature range during delivery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: David C. Winkle, Bruce W. Wilkinson, Todd D. Mattingly
  • Publication number: 20180031297
    Abstract: A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet in which a storage space is formed; a main evaporator which is installed at one side of an inner portion of the storage space to cool the storage space; a case which is installed on the other side of the inner portion of the storage space and defines a deep-freezing storage chamber; a drawer which is accommodated in the case so as to be retractable and withdrawable and in which food is stored; and a rapid cooling module which is provided on a rear side of the inner portion of the case and rapidly cools the deep-freezing storage chamber, in which the rapid cooling module includes an auxiliary evaporator in which a low-temperature and low-pressure two-phase refrigerant flow, and a thermoelectric device which is installed so that an exothermic surface is attached to the surface of the auxiliary evaporator and an endothermic surface faces the drawer, thereby cooling the deep-freezing storage chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Seongjae KIM, Seunghwan OH, Heayoun SUL
  • Publication number: 20180031298
    Abstract: A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet in which a storage space is formed; a main evaporator which is installed at one side of an inner portion of the storage space to cool the storage space; a case which is installed on the other side of the inner portion of the storage space and defines a deep-freezing storage chamber; a drawer which is accommodated in the case so as to be retractable and withdrawable and in which food is stored; and a rapid cooling module which is provided on a rear side of the inner portion of the case and rapidly cools the deep-freezing storage chamber, in which the rapid cooling module may includes an auxiliary evaporator; and a thermoelectric device which is coupled to the auxiliary evaporator and cools the deep-freezing storage chamber through heat exchange by heat conduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Seongjae KIM, Seunghwan OH, Heayoun SUL
  • Publication number: 20180031299
    Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising a storage compartment, a refrigeration air passage configured to supply refrigeration air and a top air passage. The top air passage is provided at a top wall of the storage compartment, comprises a rear end air inlet, a front end air inlet and a mixed air outlet opening downwards, and is configured to receive refrigeration air blown from the refrigeration air passage via the rear end air inlet, receive return air returning from the storage compartment via the front end air inlet, and allow the refrigeration air and the return air to flow into the storage compartment in a mixed manner via the mixed air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: HAIBO TAO, SHENGYUAN NIE, KE WANG, JIANRU LIU
  • Publication number: 20180031300
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method thereof. The present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising: a storage compartment a refrigeration air passage configured to supply refrigeration air and comprising one or more refrigeration air outlets connected with the storage compartment such that a part or all of the refrigeration air in the refrigeration air passage is blown to the storage compartment via the one or more refrigeration air outlets; and a local air passage configured to receive refrigeration air from the refrigeration air passage and blow the received refrigeration air to a local area of the storage compartment in a concentrated manner. In addition, this invention also provides a control method of a refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: HAIBO TAO, SHENGYUAN NIE, KE WANG, JIANRU LIU
  • Publication number: 20180031301
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a first compressor (110) for compressing refrigerant, a first condenser for condensing refrigerant compressed by the first compressor, a first expansion valve for lowering temperature and pressure of refrigerant condensed by the first condenser, a first evaporator for evaporating refrigerant passed through the first expansion valve, a second compressor (210) for compressing refrigerant, a second condenser for condensing refrigerant compressed by the second compressor, a second expansion valve for lowering temperature and pressure of refrigerant condensed by the second condenser, and a second evaporator for evaporating refrigerant passed through the second expansion valve. The first condenser and second condenser include refrigerant tubes arranged to hold cooling fins in common, thereby forming a common-fin-held condenser (300).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Kyeongyun KIM, Kyungseok KIM, Kiho HONG
  • Publication number: 20180031302
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body on which a hinge for rotatably supporting the door is mounted, a base frame mounted on the main body and having a first hinge accommodating portion formed at one end portion and a second hinge accommodating portion formed at the other end portion that is opposite to the one end portion, a hinge cover mounted on one of the first hinge accommodating portion and the second hinge accommodating portion, and configured to cover the hinge, and a cover frame configured to be coupled with the base frame by sliding in a first direction or by sliding in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wan Su PARK, Po Cheon KIM
  • Publication number: 20180031303
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment, an inner door including an opening having a size corresponding to the size of the storage compartment, a plurality of door guards disposed in the opening, and an outer door that opens or closes the opening, wherein the inner door includes inner sidewalls that are disposed at both sides of the opening and are flat from an inlet of the opening to an outlet of the opening without any curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byoung Mok KIM, Yong Man SEO, Young Jae SONG, Jae Hyun LEE
  • Publication number: 20180031304
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator including a vacuum insulation panel. The vacuum insulation panel includes a core material, a covering material disposed outside the core material to form an accommodation space in which the core material is accommodated and a first adsorbent disposed in the accommodation space to be activated at a temperature higher than room temperature and to remove at least one of gases and water present in the accommodation space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Hoon KAL, Se Won YOOK, Jin Hyun PARK, Hae Yong JUNG
  • Publication number: 20180031305
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum insulation body with a vacuum-tight envelope, wherein through the region surrounded by the envelope at least one lead-through extends, which surrounds a free space, and/or wherein at least one port extends from the envelope. According to the invention, the lead-through and/or the port likewise is formed vacuum-tight and vacuum-tightly connected with the envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Freitag, Martin Kerstner, Jochen Hiemeyer
  • Publication number: 20180031306
    Abstract: An insulated cabinet structure includes an inner liner having a plurality of walls defining a refrigerator compartment, and an external wrapper having a plurality of walls defining a refrigerator compartment receiving area. An insulation gap is formed between the walls of the inner liner and the walls of the external wrapper. A first insulation material is positioned on a wall of the external wrapper and extends outwardly into the insulation gap to partially fill the insulation gap. The first insulation material includes a renewable resource component having a particle size in a range from about 10 microns to about 25 microns. A second insulation material is disposed in the insulation gap, such that the first insulation material and the second insulation material together substantially fill the insulation gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Diptesh Mukherjee, Rameet Singh Grewal
  • Publication number: 20180031307
    Abstract: A device for dividing an interior chamber of a cooler into a plurality of separate chambers that prevents fluid flow between the plurality of chambers is provided. The system has a dividing wall that is insertable into the interior chamber of the cooler. A waterproof seal is positioned around the outer surfaces of the dividing wall. The seal has a blade and a rib extending around a portion of the outer surfaces to form a fluid-tight seal that prevents fluid flow from a first side of the dividing wall to a second side of the dividing wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Logan H. Stollenwerck, III
  • Publication number: 20180031308
    Abstract: A refrigerator of the present invention comprises: a cabinet including a storage chamber which has an opening formed on the front side thereof; a door pivotally connected to the cabinet so as to open and close the opening; a drawer disposed inside the storage chamber so as to receive stored goods; a drawer guide for supporting the drawer, and guiding the drawer such that the drawer can be moved forward and backward; a base part disposed below the drawer; a withdrawal mechanism including a rear frame which extends rearward of the drawer from the base part so as to push the drawer forward when the base part is moved forward; a link having a front end connected to the door at a point, which is positioned at a predetermined distance from the axis of rotation of the door with respect to the cabinet, so as to form a first rotary joint, and having a rear end connected to the base part so as to form a second rotary joint; and a pair of withdrawal mechanism guides disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Changwoan YANG, Seungjin CHOI, Hanhyo KIM, Yoomin PARK
  • Publication number: 20180031309
    Abstract: A refrigerator and a basket assembly thereof are disclosed. The basket assembly includes a basket, a cover for covering the basket, a knob provided at the basket, and a protruding portion provided at the cover and fastened to the knob. The knob includes a first extension portion extending from the basket in an upwardly inclined direction to a higher position than a distal end of the protruding portion so as to support a rear surface of the protruding portion, a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion in a downwardly inclined direction, and a third extension portion extending downwards from the second extension portion. When force is applied to the third extension portion in a forward direction, the first extension portion is elastically deformed such that the distal end of the first extension portion is moved to a lower position than the distal end of the protruding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Minhoon KIM
  • Publication number: 20180031310
    Abstract: A shelf for supporting items including but not limited to in refrigerated appliances includes in an integrated fashion a supporting surface and around the perimeter of the supporting surface of similar dimensions. A lighting subassembly is mountable to or integrated in the framing. Electrical power can be through touchless or contact electrical communication. In one form the supporting surface is a single substantially clear plate. In another form the supporting surface is a thin glass top layer and a bottom layer overmolded with the framing to the thin glass top layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: James W. Kendall, Matthew P. Ebrom, Eric Andrew Hill, Timothy T. Murphy, Hari Nair, Brian N. Radford
  • Publication number: 20180031311
    Abstract: A cooling appliance includes a cabinet, first and second doors connected to the cabinet and a door-opening detection device having a magnetic element disposed on the first door and a magnetic sensitive element disposed on the cabinet. A first magnetic conductive element on the second door can be magnetized by the magnetic element. The magnetic sensitive element can produce a door-opening signal based on a magnetic field of the first magnetic conductive element. The magnetic sensitive element produces the door-opening signal when at least one of the doors is open. In this way it can be detected, by using one suite of door-opening detection devices, if any door among multiple doors is in an open state. The structure is simple, and the number of components can be reduced. Moreover, wires are reduced, which lowers manufacturing costs and difficulty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: JINGPENG HAO, MINGWEN LI, SONGTAO LU
  • Publication number: 20180031312
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a speaker assembly disposed on an upper side of the cabinet so as to be inclined forward, and the speaker assembly is disposed to be exposed to the outside to efficiently transmit sound to the outside of the refrigerator. Further, the cover member disposed on the upper side of the speaker assembly may prevent the penetration of water, foreign matter, etc. on the outside. The refrigerator also includes a rotatable USB port located above the door so that the user may easily connect the USB device to the USB port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Po Cheon KIM, Sun Hwan JOO, Sung Mo KIM, Youn Tae SHIN, Sang Cheol LEE, Oun Gu LEE, Woo Chul CHO
  • Publication number: 20180031313
    Abstract: A portable beverage cooler assembly includes a cooler that insertably receives a beverage container. The cooler includes a freezable gel. The cooler is frozen thereby facilitating the freezable gel to be frozen. The freezable gel maintains the beverage container at a cooled temperature. A lid is removably coupled to the cooler and the lid has an opening extending therethrough. The opening is aligned with an opening in the beverage container. Thus, a beverage in the beverage container may be consumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Matthew Sabo
  • Publication number: 20180031314
    Abstract: A system and method for removing nitrogen and producing a high pressure methane product stream from natural gas feed streams having wide variations in nitrogen and methane content are disclosed. Optional add-on systems may be incorporated into the nitrogen and methane separation to produce an NGL sales stream to reduce excess hydrocarbons in the nitrogen vent stream, or to recover helium. The system and method of the invention are particularly suitable for use with feed streams in excess of 50 MMSCFD and up to 300 MMSCFD and containing up to 100 ppm carbon dioxide. Typical power requirements for compressing the methane product stream to produce a suitably high pressure stream for sale are reduced according to the systems and methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Rayburn C. Butts
  • Publication number: 20180031315
    Abstract: A method for capturing carbon dioxide from a flue gas includes (i) removing moisture from a flue gas to yield a dried flue gas; (ii) compressing the dried flue gas to yield a compressed gas stream; (iii) reducing the temperature of the compressed gas stream to a temperature T1 using a first heat exchanger; (iv) reducing the temperature of the compressed gas stream to a second temperarature T2 using a second heat exchanger stream, where T2<T1 and at least a portion of the carbon dioxide from the compressed gas stream condenses, thereby yielding a solid or liquid condensed-phase carbon dioxide component and a light-gas component; (v) separating purities the condensed-phase component from the light-gas component to produce a condensed-phase stream and a light-gas stream; and (vi) using at least a portion of the condensed-phase stream and/or the light-gas stream in the second heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Larry Baxter
  • Publication number: 20180031316
    Abstract: An RF laundry dryer includes, amongst other things, an RF generator, an RF applicator having a perforated body supporting anode and cathode elements, a fan arranged relative to the perforated body to flow or draw air through the perforated body and an electromagnetic shield protecting the fan from the e-field. Both anode and cathode elements are operably coupled to the RF generator to generate an e-field between the anode and cathode upon the energizing of the RF generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: MARK L. HERMAN, GARRY L. PETERMAN
  • Publication number: 20180031317
    Abstract: Wafers on a first wafer carrier in a tank are lifted from the first wafer carrier and a bath in the tank so as to accomplish Marangoni drying of the wafers. The lifted dry wafers are positioned on a second wafer carrier in a chamber and shifted to an offset position. A barrier, which can be a wall of the chamber with or without a sweeping flow of gas, impedes the passage of deposits to the wafers arising during drying of the first wafer carrier. Static electricity can be discharged from wafer supports in the offset position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: MEI, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Tice
  • Publication number: 20180031318
    Abstract: A battery powered blow dryer having a novel heating element technology that can be powered by an attached battery pack. The heating element includes an infrared light bulb that emits high heat with relatively low power consumption compared to current methods. The present invention patent also describes a unique configuration of battery cells to optimally perform the task of blow drying hair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Spur Concepts Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Goldman, Jonathan Friedman, Zachary Rattner
  • Publication number: 20180031319
    Abstract: A method of treating a substrate 23 includes a doping step followed immediately by a stabilization step. The method is remarkable in that the stabilization step involves immersing the substrate in a gas forming part of the set consisting of: oxygen; water vapor; wet air; hydrogen peroxide vapor; ozone; and ammonia. Also disclosed is a machine for treating a substrate in accordance with the above method and including a gas introduction orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: ION BEAM SERVICES
    Inventors: Frank TORREGROSA, Laurent ROUX, Yohann SPIEGEL
  • Publication number: 20180031320
    Abstract: An auxiliary heating means for improving the melting efficiency of melter kettles used to melt thermoplastic pavement marking materials. The auxiliary heating means includes a tube assembly through which thermoplastic material received from the bottom of the melter kettle is transferred to the top of the melter kettle. The tube assembly comprises an odd number of tubes having augers therein. The tube assembly is coupled to a side portion of the melter kettle and located within a heat chamber through which hot combustion gases from a combustion chamber at the bottom of the melter kettle flow and transfer heat into the tube assembly. The heat chamber comprises an extended portion of a heat chamber that surrounds the melter kettle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: James P. Shea
  • Publication number: 20180031321
    Abstract: A modular furnace, in particular for the oxidative stabilization of a carbon fiber starting material comprising a cuboidal furnace chamber, on the upper face of which first deflecting rollers are arranged in a mutually spaced and parallel manner and on the lower face of which second deflecting rollers are arranged in a mutually spaced and parallel manner such that the carbon fiber starting material runs upwards and downwards in a laterally adjacent and slightly spaced manner so as to meander vertically in the area of the furnace chamber. A carbon fiber inlet locking device and a carbon fiber outlet locking device are provided on the upper face of the furnace chamber, and an air guiding device is connected to the furnace chamber. A supply air portion of the air guiding device is connected to a vertical air inlet side of the furnace chamber, and a discharge air portion of the air guiding device is fluidically connected to a furnace chamber vertical air outlet side opposite the vertical air inlet side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicants: CLARIANT INTERNATIONAL LTD., LINN HIGH THERM GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel DECKER, Michael WÖLKI, Phillip SCHWERDT, Horst LINN, Rudolf LINN, Jürgen KUNSTMANN
  • Publication number: 20180031322
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a fixture for supporting a body in an oven includes a plurality of support ribs to support the body, and a support element to support and connect the plurality of support ribs. Each support rib has a length, a width, a thickness, and a first end. The length extends from the support element to the first end, and the width extends perpendicular to the length. The length varies across the width of at least one support rib. In another embodiment, a fixture for supporting a body in an oven includes a plurality of connected support ribs to support the body. Each support rib is spaced from at least one other support rib. The length differs for at least a first support rib of the plurality of support ribs with respect to at least a second support rib of the plurality of support ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Edward James Balaschak, Robert Peter Hanet