Patents Issued in March 20, 2018
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Patent number: 9920954Abstract: Provided is a superior heating tool which is capable of producing desired aromatic properties upon usage even after being stored for a long period of time. A heating tool comprising: an exothermic composition containing an oxidation accelerator having an iodine adsorption of not higher than 500 mg/g, an oxidizable metal powder, and water; and a fragrance, wherein at least the exothermic composition is housed in a container bag having air permeability.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Nishioka, Yuki Yasuda, Hiromichi Tanaka
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Patent number: 9920955Abstract: A solar receiver includes: water jacket panels each having a light-receiving side and a back side with a watertight sealed plenum defined in-between; light apertures passing through the watertight sealed plenums to receive light from the light-receiving sides of the water jacket panels; a heat transfer medium gap defined between the back sides of the water jacket panels and a cylindrical back plate; and light channeling tubes optically coupled with the light apertures and extending into the heat transfer medium gap. In some embodiments ends of the light apertures at the light receiving side of the water jacket panel are welded together to define at least a portion of the light-receiving side. A cylindrical solar receiver may be constructed using a plurality of such water jacket panels arranged with their light-receiving sides facing outward.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox CompanyInventor: David T Wasyluk
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Patent number: 9920956Abstract: An absorber tube, especially for solar collectors in solar thermal power plants with at least one collector mirror, is provided. The absorber tube includes a metal tube for supplying and heating a heat transfer medium, a sheath tube surrounding the metal tube to form an annular space that can be evacuated, a wall extending through the sheath tube and the metal tube to seal the annular space, and a getter material binding free hydrogen in the annular space. The absorber tube has a temperature variation device that changes the temperature of the getter material and the wall.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SCHOTT SOLAR AGInventor: Thomas Kuckelkorn
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Patent number: 9920957Abstract: A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Ryan Linderman, Nicholas Barton
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Patent number: 9920958Abstract: A mounting assembly (70c) for installing solar cell or photovoltaic modules (58) on a building surface (34) is disclosed. The mounting assembly (70c) includes a mounting device (74), a stud (114) that may be threaded to the mounting device (74), a clamping member (142) that may be positioned on the stud (114), and a nut (128) that may be threaded onto the stud (114) to secure the clamping member (142) to the mounting device (74). A mounting plate (110?) is disposed somewhere between the clamping member (142) and the mounting device (74). This mounting plate (110?) includes a raised structure or dome (174) on its upper surface (170) for positionally registering modules (58) thereto, a plurality of grounding projections (172) on this same upper surface (170), and a plurality of wiring tabs or clips (178) on its lower surface (176).Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventors: Robert M. M. Haddock, Dustin Marshall-Maston Haddock
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Patent number: 9920959Abstract: A refrigeration device includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, intake electromagnetic valves and exhaust electromagnetic valves, two-position three-way electromagnetic valves or two-position five-way electromagnetic valves, a cylinder group, a volume-variable airproof container, two-position two-way electromagnetic valves and a generator. The cylinder group is composed of two or more cylinders, refrigerant flows successively through the compressor, the intake electromagnetic valves, the cylinder group, the exhaust electromagnetic valves, the condenser, the expansion valve and the evaporator and finally enters the compressor from the evaporator, the cylinder group can do work to generate electricity through atmospheric pressure in the volume-variable airproof container and compensates for electric energy consumed by the compressor, and therefore the electric energy can be saved.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Bingxin Gong
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Patent number: 9920960Abstract: A heat pump system may be selectively operated in a defrost mode or cycle. The system includes an energy recovery module that receives and conditions air in a regeneration air channel. A pre-processing module is positioned downstream of the energy recovery module. The pre-processing module receives and heats air from the energy recovery module. A regeneration air heat exchanger is positioned downstream of the pre-processing module. The regeneration air heat exchanger receives and conditions air from the pre-processing module. The pre-processing module heats the air from the energy recovery module to increase an efficiency of the regeneration air heat exchanger. During the defrost mode, a loop of regeneration air may be recirculated between the supply air channel and the regeneration air channel in order to defrost the regeneration air heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc.Inventors: Manfred Gerber, Can Wen Rong
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Patent number: 9920961Abstract: A method for heating a fluid or a body using a vapor compression circuit containing a heat-transfer fluid containing tetrafluoropropene, said method including, successively and cyclically, evaporation of the heat-transfer fluid, compression of the heat-transfer fluid, cooling of the heat-transfer fluid and expansion of the heat-transfer fluid, the heat-transfer fluid being in the supercritical state at the end of compression. Also, an installation suited to implementing this method.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: ARKEMA FRANCEInventor: Wissam Rached
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Patent number: 9920962Abstract: A packaged terminal air conditioner unit is provided. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit can include a heater bank jumper configured to couple one or more heater banks to a controller associated with the packaged terminal air conditioner unit. The heater bank jumper can be selectively configurable to provide at least one shunt line to couple at least one contact point associated with the controller to at least one contact point associated with the one or more heater banks. In this manner, the heater bank jumper can be configured based at least in part on an amount of current provided to the packaged terminal air conditioner unit by an electric service.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Angle, Samuel Vincent DuPlessis, Richard Dustin Henderson, Robert Charles Beilfuss
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Patent number: 9920963Abstract: The invention presents air-conditioning system with chiller that provides, when operated in the cooling mode, cooling hardware for conditioning space and a heat exchanger for cooling and dehumidification of ambient air in supply air stream with cold liquid. In addition, the invention offers a method and design of a heat utilization system. The method incorporates refrigeration cycle with two consecutive expansions, two expansion devices, and a heat exchanger operating as a second condenser. The method can be used for air conditioners and chillers reheating over-chilled for dehumidification indoor and supply air. The method and design allow energy efficient heat utilization with variable amount of utilized heat.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventors: Alexander P Rafalovich, Vladimir G Bulygin
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Patent number: 9920964Abstract: The invention relates to contactors suitable for use, for example, in manufacturing and chemical refinement processes. In an aspect is a hybrid indirect/direct contactor for thermal management of counter-current processes, the contactor comprising a vertical reactor column, an array of interconnected heat transfer tubes within the reactor column, and a plurality of stream path diverters, wherein the tubes and diverters are configured to block all straight-line paths from the top to bottom ends of the reactor column.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Marc D Hornbostel, Gopala N. Krishnan, Angel Sanjurjo
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Patent number: 9920965Abstract: An air conditioner and a method for controlling and air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner may include at least one compressor, a main suction passage to guide a refrigerant into the at least one compressor, at least one oil separator connected to the at least one compressor, that separates oil from the refrigerant discharged from the at least one compressor, at least one oil level sensor disposed in the at least one compressor to detect whether the at least one compressor lacks oil, a return passage to collect the oil separated from the at least one oil separator into the at least one compressor, a distribution return passage branched from the at least one return passage and connected to the main suction passage, and a valve disposed in each of the at least one return passage and the distribution return passage.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jinyoung Joo, Seokhoon Jang
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Patent number: 9920966Abstract: An apparatus and a method of removing a high boiling point residue from a waste refrigerant are provided to improve a reuse rate of the waste refrigerant by improving an oil removal rate at which oil is separated from the waste refrigerant. The apparatus includes a vaporizer that is configured to vaporize a waste refrigerant collected from a vehicle and includes an oil outlet configured to exhaust oil separated from the waste refrigerant. In addition, an oil separator is configured to receive the vaporized waste refrigerant transferred from the vaporizer and separate oil mists remaining in the waste refrigerant from the waste refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Han Seok Kim, Jong Rae Cho, Dae Sung Jung
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Patent number: 9920967Abstract: The hot and cold water air conditioning system includes a water temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of water flowing out of the heat pump heat source apparatus by an operation of the water circulation pump, and a controller configured to perform, in a heating operation, on/off normal control that turns on a compressor when the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor becomes lower than a target water temperature and turns off the compressor when the water temperature becomes higher than a first temperature value higher than the target water temperature, and to switch from the on/off normal control, upon repeating the on/off operation of the compressor at a minimum frequency necessary for an operation of the compressor in the on/off normal control, to on/off restriction control that turns on the compressor when the water temperature becomes lower than a second temperature value lower than the target water temperature and turns off the compressor when the water temperature beType: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Takahiro Ushijima
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Patent number: 9920968Abstract: A control system, which may be a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control system, controls a component by adjusting the control input and the execution of the control output whenever a change in a state of a component exceeds a certain value. A method is also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Elliott David Keen, Mark Phillip Roden, Shannon Marie Shaw
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Patent number: 9920969Abstract: Provided is an oil level detection device to be mounted on a refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus, the oil level detection device being configured to detect an oil level of oil accumulated inside a compressor forming the refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus. The oil level detection device includes an oil level detection unit installed on an outer surface of the compressor and configured to detect a temperature of an installation position, a sensor output unit configured to output, to the refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus, a signal for changing an operation state of the refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus, and a determination unit configured to determine depletion of the oil accumulated inside the compressor based on measurement values obtained by the oil level detection unit at least after an output of the signal to be output from the sensor output unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yasutaka Ochiai, Fumitake Unezaki
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Patent number: 9920970Abstract: The invention relates to a cryogenic container for storing and/or transporting a medium, in particular a biochemical and/or medical product. The cryogenic container comprises at least one primary container, which has at least one flexible film bag. The flexible film bag is designed to receive the medium. The cryogenic container furthermore comprises at least one secondary container, which at least partially surrounds the primary container and is preferably at least partially flexible. The secondary container has at least one opening for insertion of the primary container. The secondary container furthermore has at least one preferably at least partially flexible outer sleeve. The secondary container furthermore has at least one heat exchanger space, which is arranged between the outer sleeve and the flexible film bag and receives at least one fluid heat exchange medium.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE, INC.Inventors: Theo Arnitz, Carsten Liebig
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Patent number: 9920971Abstract: In an approach, a processor predicts a thermal load caused by a door opening event in at least part of a cargo space of a refrigerated transport vehicle based on, at least, an external ambient condition, environmental factors within the cargo space, and a duration of the door opening event. A processor obtains pre-cooling profile information describing cargo space temperature performance with a pre-cooling operation under conditions corresponding to, at least, the predicted thermal load caused by the door opening event. A processor determines a distribution path for the refrigerated transport vehicle based on the predicted thermal load caused by the door opening event and the obtained pre-cooling profile information, wherein the distribution path is associated with the pre-cooling operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Feng Jin, Bin Li, Qi Ming Tian, Lei Ye, Li Zhang, Gang Zhou
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Patent number: 9920972Abstract: A portable cooling unit is disclosed for cooling perishable items such as strawberries at a worksite such as a field where the strawberries are harvested. The cooling unit includes a conveyor trailer for receiving pallets of perishable items and conveying the pallets through a number of cooling chambers within the conveyor trailer. The cooling unit further includes a refrigeration trailer for supplying independent cold air flow paths to the different cooling chambers of the conveyor trailer. The conveyor and refrigeration trailers may operate as a self-sustained cooling unit, without any external connections to power or working fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Azzopardi Technology Group, LLCInventor: Michael J. Azzopardi
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Patent number: 9920973Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an air conditioning portion configured to condition a volume of air flowing there-through and an exhaust portion configured to exchange heat with the air conditioning portion through a working fluid. A portion of the volume of air exiting the air conditioning portion is mechanically diverted into the exhaust portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventor: Dong Luo
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Patent number: 9920974Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a refrigeration system by establishing a defrost period during an initial defrost period. One or more compressors of the refrigeration system are monitored to establish if the one or more compressors are running, and a parameter representative of the one or more compressors running is monitored. The monitoring establishes at least one parameter limit value representative of whether a defrost period or a non-defrost period is to be initiated. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a refrigeration system subsequent to an electrical power interruption. The invention also relates to control units for applying one or both of the methods according to the invention, and to a refrigeration system having one or more control units controlling the refrigeration system according to one or both of the methods.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventors: Gero C. Langenberg, Hans Erik Fogh
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Patent number: 9920975Abstract: A refrigerator includes a mid-frame positioned on a front surface of the main body wall and a heater configured to heat the mid-frame and provided at the mid-frame. The mid-frame includes a front frame provided to cover at least a part of a front surface of the at least one inner box configured to form the main body wall, and an extension frame formed to extend rearward from the front frame and including an edge portion in which an end portion of the extension frame has a thickness greater than that of an adjacent extension frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang Bum Kim, Kyung Mok Yoo, Hyun Joo Kim, Kwang Su Heo, Eung Ryeol Seo, In-Yong Hwang, Ji Hoon Choi, Jeong Hoon Kang, Mi Jung Lee
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Patent number: 9920976Abstract: A dehumidifier and a water tank for a dehumidifier are provided. A withdrawable handle is provided on the water tank, which collects condensed water, and thus, when the water tank is mounted, the water tank is mounted in a state in which the handle is inserted, and when the water tank is withdrawn or moved, the handle is withdrawn, improving convenience in use.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jongsu Lee, Jonhoun Yoo, Ilsoo Jeon
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Patent number: 9920977Abstract: The ice chest or cooler with detachable drawers is an organizational kit used with a wheeled cooler. The ice chest or cooler with detachable drawers comprises a plurality of compartmented spaces that can be added to the wheeled cooler for the purpose of separating foodstuffs. The ice chest or cooler with detachable drawers comprises a cabinet, a first container, and a second container. The cabinet attaches to the exterior of the wheeled cooler. The first container and the second container are inserted into the interior of the wheeled cooler.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Aldo Avila
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Patent number: 9920978Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a liquid dispenser for a refrigerator. According to some embodiments, the liquid dispenser includes a liquid discharge unit including a nozzle through which liquid received in the liquid dispenser is discharged, and a lever that opens and closes the nozzle based on whether the lever is pressed or not. A liquid receiving unit receives the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge unit, and a support unit allows the liquid receiving unit to be positioned to press the lever based on the weight of liquid in the liquid receiving unit. A damper may be used to stably seat the receiving unit and reduce or eliminate noise generated when liquid flows to the liquid receiving unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: DONGBU DAEWOO ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventor: Wang Goo Lee
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Patent number: 9920979Abstract: A refrigerator and a control method for the same are disclosed. A refrigerator includes a storage compartment, a drawer movably provided in the storage compartment and provided with a marker, a camera that photographs inside the drawer from outside the drawer, and a controller that senses a position of the marker in photographs taken through the camera at time intervals, and that determines state information about the drawer based on a change in position of the marker in the photographs. A method includes recognizing closing of the drawer by sensing a start of opening of the drawer; acquiring an image of the drawer interior using the camera; processing the image to recognize the marker from the image; tracing a movement of the marker; acquiring a final image of the drawer interior using the camera when closing of the drawer begins; and displaying the final image.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hyungjoo Kang, Haemin Choi, Myoungho Sung, Ikkyu Lee, Myoungju Lee, Jeonghwan Kim
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Patent number: 9920980Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed in a cabinet of the refrigerator by a fixed insulation wall, the storage compartment being provided with an access opening. The refrigerator also includes a door rotatably provided to the cabinet to open and close the access opening, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a camera fixed to a ceiling of the storage compartment to photograph both a first region for storing of food arranged in an external space of the drawer and a second region for storing of food arranged in an internal space of the drawer, and a controller configured to separate, through a capturing time of a picture containing both the first region and the second region, a first region picture and a second region picture from the picture to individually divide and store the first region picture and the second region picture.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Kwanhyung Kim, Samnyol Hong, Sungdu Kwon, Ikkyu Lee, Myoungju Lee, Jeonghwan Kim
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Patent number: 9920981Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed in a cabinet of the refrigerator by a fixed insulation wall, the storage compartment being provided with an access opening. The refrigerator also includes a door rotatably provided to the cabinet to open and close the access opening, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a camera fixed to a ceiling of the storage compartment to photograph both a first region for storing of food arranged in an external space of the drawer and a second region for storing of food arranged in an internal space of the drawer, and a controller configured to separate, through a capturing time of a picture containing both the first region and the second region, a first region picture and a second region picture from the picture to individually divide and store the first region picture and the second region picture.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Kwanhyung Kim, Samnyol Hong, Sungdu Kwon, Ikkyu Lee, Myoungju Lee, Jeonghwan Kim
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Patent number: 9920982Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed in a cabinet of the refrigerator by a fixed insulation wall, the storage compartment being provided with an access opening. The refrigerator also includes a door rotatably provided to the cabinet to open and close the access opening, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a camera fixed to a ceiling of the storage compartment to photograph both a first region for storing of food arranged in an external space of the drawer and a second region for storing of food arranged in an internal space of the drawer, and a controller configured to separate, through a capturing time of a picture containing both the first region and the second region, a first region picture and a second region picture from the picture to individually divide and store the first region picture and the second region picture.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Kwanhyung Kim, Samnyol Hong, Sungdu Kwon, Ikkyu Lee, Myoungju Lee, Jeonghwan Kim
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Patent number: 9920983Abstract: A beverage chiller comprising a first cylinder and a second cylinder sized and arranged with the second cylinder disposed within the first cylinder to define a first reservoir between the first cylinder and the second cylinder for receiving a beverage to be chilled. The second cylinder defines an internal chamber for receiving a chilling medium. A cup fabricated from an insulative material receives the cylinders therein with the first cylinder and cup defining a second reservoir for receiving a chilling medium. The first and second cylinders are fabricated from a material having substantial thermal conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: HYPERBIUS, INC.Inventor: Nick Anusbigian
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Patent number: 9920984Abstract: A cooling apparatus is provided in which items to be cooled may be vertically stacked on each other in a state in which the items to be cooled are laid out or laid on their sides. When the items to be cooled are vertically stacked in the cooling apparatus, a problem in that an upper space of the cooling apparatus is not utilized may be solved to efficiently utilize an inside of a refrigerator or a back surface of a door. Also, a problem in that capacity within the refrigerator is reduced when the items to be cooled are horizontally received may be solved.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Heejun Lee, Younseok Lee, Junsoo Han
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Patent number: 9920985Abstract: A process and apparatus for liquefying natural gas includes a heavies recovery system. In another aspect, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility may employ an ethylene independent heavies recovery system. The recovery system may thus operate relying only on fluid input from upstream of an ethylene refrigeration cycle. A heavies-depleted stream recovered from a liquid withdrawn from a heavies removal column in the heavies recovery system may combine at a location downstream of the heavies removal column with an overhead withdrawn from the heavies removal column for further cooling of such combined stream into liquefied natural gas product.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Jon M. Mock, Megan V. Evans, Attilio J. Praderio
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Patent number: 9920986Abstract: Variable N2 content in feed gas ranging from 3 mol % to 50 mol % can be rejected from the process using a feed exchanger that is fluidly coupled with a cold separator and a single fractionation column to produce a nitrogen vent stream and streams that are suitable to be further processed for NGL recovery and LNG production.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Fluor Technologies CorporationInventor: John Mak
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Patent number: 9920987Abstract: A system and method of gas liquefaction having a compression sequence for a mixed refrigerant in which a mixing column is used to provide liquid and vapor product streams at least one step of the compression sequence in which a phase separation is desirable. In addition, the compression sequence may optionally or alternatively use a stripper column in at least one step in the compression sequence in which a phase separation is desirable.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Adam Adrian Brostow, Gowri Krishnamurthy
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Patent number: 9920988Abstract: A method and main heat exchange system for use in a cryogenic air separation plant in which down-flow and thermosiphon heat exchangers are employed to partially vaporize an oxygen-rich liquid produced in a lower pressure column and to condense the nitrogen-rich vapor in a higher pressure column. A greater proportion of the oxygen-rich liquid can be partially vaporized in the down-flow heat exchangers than in the thermosiphon heat exchangers and the nitrogen-rich vapor condensed in the thermosiphon heat exchangers can have a higher oxygen content than the nitrogen-rich vapor condensed in the down-flow heat exchangers. This allows the higher pressure column to operate at a lower pressure than would otherwise be possible. A central conduit can extend from the higher pressure column into the lower pressure column to introduce the nitrogen-rich vapor into at least the down-flow heat exchangers for purposes of reducing pressure drop and column height.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Vijayaraghavan S. Chakravarthy, Michael J. Lockett, Dante P. Bonaquist, Maulik R. Shelat, Karl K. Kibler
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Patent number: 9920989Abstract: A process line (300) for the production of freeze-dried particles under closed conditions comprising at least a spray chamber (302) for droplet generation and freeze congealing of the liquid droplets to form particles and a bulk freeze-dryer (304) for freeze drying the particles, the freeze-dryer (304) comprising a rotary drum for receiving the particles. Further, a transfer section (308) is provided for a product transfer from the spray chamber (302) to the freeze-dryer (304). For the production of the particles under end-to-end closed conditions each of the devices (302, 304) and of the transfer section (308) is separately adapted for operation preserving sterility of the product to be freeze-dried and/or containment.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Sanofi Pasteur SAInventors: Bernhard Luy, Matthias Plitzko, Manfred Struschka
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Patent number: 9920990Abstract: A press for pressing batches of fabric articles to remove excess fluid therefrom utilizes a specially configured frame having upper and lower plates. The frame supports a vessel having an interior that receives a batch of fabric articles therein. A press having a ram and a disk is supported at the lower end portion of the ram. The disk engages an upper surface portion of the batch of articles. The ram and disk move between upper and lower positions, the lower position being a pressing position that engages the disk with the fabric articles. The frame includes a plurality of rods that connect to the upper and lower plates, spacing the plates apart. The rods each have upper and lower end portions, each with a diameter that is larger than the diameter of a central portion of said rod that is positioned in between the upper and lower plates.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: PELLERIN MILNOR CORPORATIONInventors: Russell H. Poy, Chris Kulakowski
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Patent number: 9920991Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for drying coated stents in an oven are described herein.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignees: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS INC., ATS AUTOMATION TOOLING SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Sidney Watterodt, Sang joon Park, David Rego, Anthony S. Andreacchi, Yung-Ming Chen, Arnoldo M. Currlin, Antonio Garcia, Jason Van Sciver, Bryan D. Glenn, Matthew J. Gillick, John E. Papp
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Patent number: 9920992Abstract: A metal scrap submergence device comprising an open top chamber including walls of a heat resistant material, an inlet positioned in a side wall of the chamber, an outlet positioned in the base of said chamber, and a ramp adjacent said side wall of the chamber. The side wall further includes a feature affecting molten metal flow. The feature can include, for example, a baffle, a vane, a passage, a diverging or converging shape and combinations thereof. Similarly, the molten metal flow can be affected by slanting the ramp inwardly or outwardly.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: PYROTEK, INC.Inventors: Richard S. Henderson, Jason Tetkoskie, Chris T. Vild
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Patent number: 9920993Abstract: A photodetector element for receiving radiated light from a surface of a semiconductor wafer loses a detection function because the intensity of the received light exceeds a detection limit while a flash lamp emits light. Measurement is not performed during the above-mentioned period, and the intensity of the radiated light from the surface of the semiconductor wafer is measured after the flash lamp stops emitting light and the photodetector element restores the detection function. Then, the temperature of the surface of the semiconductor wafer heated by irradiation with a flash of light is calculated based on the measured intensity of the radiated light. Accordingly, even in a case where intense irradiation is performed in an extremely short period of time, such as flash irradiation, the flash of light does not act as ambient light, which enables to obtain the surface temperature of the semiconductor wafer.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyuki Hashimoto, Tatsufumi Kusuda
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Patent number: 9920994Abstract: The invention relates to a dental pressing furnace for producing a dental restoration element in a muffle (8) by heating and pressing a blank (14). The dental pressing furnace comprises a combustion chamber (6), comprising at least one guide opening (11) that is opened towards the outside and a pressing stamp (4) guided in the guiding opening (11) and protruding into the combustion chamber (6) for applying pressing force to the heated blank (14) in the muffle (8). A temperature transmitter (36) guided at least in part by the pressing stamp (4) is configured to guide a temperature (50) of the blank (14) in the combustion chamber (6) from said combustion chamber, and a temperature sensor (34) connected to the temperature transmitter (36) outside of the combustion chamber captures the temperature (50).Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AGInventor: Rudolf Jussel
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Patent number: 9920995Abstract: A sand dispensing system with a compact movable sand reservoir, mounted for movement atop a metal making furnace, is refillable with a predetermined amount of sand, and tilts with the furnace. The reservoir dispenses a directed stream of the predetermined amount of sand through a nozzle in a sump panel door to fill a tap hole in the furnace. One end of the nozzle receives the directed stream of sand. The opposite end of the nozzle projects into the furnace, to direct the sand stream into the tap hole when the sand reservoir is in the dispensing position. An imaging device may be used to inspect the tap hole before and after the sand is directed into the tap hole. A remote control may be used to operate the sand dispensing system. The predetermined amount may be adjusted as the fill volume of the tap hole increases.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Aldo Longo
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Patent number: 9920996Abstract: The system and method of controlling a level of flooding to remain substantially constant within a flooded heat exchanger wherein steam flows into a steam side and condenses to form condensate that partly floods the steam side and that flows out of the steam side, and wherein cold water flows into a water side in heat exchange relationship with the steam side to heat the cold water and form heated water that flows out of the water side, comprises collecting the water condensate flowing out of the heat exchanger condensate outlet into a level controller through a controller condensate inlet; connecting the level controller to a steam source having a pressure equivalent to that of the heat exchanger steam side; and controlling the level of condensate in the level controller to remain substantially constant with a controller valve that allows condensate to be exhausted out through a controller condensate outlet if the level of the condensate in the level controller rises beyond a valve activation threshold whereType: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: MAXI-THERME INC.Inventor: Raymond Lach
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Patent number: 9920997Abstract: Cooling apparatuses and a system including the same may be provided. The cooling apparatus including a freezer, a first cooling unit configured to cool a first cooling water supplied to the freezer in open air, and a second cooling unit configured to cool a second cooling water supplied to the first cooling unit may be provided. According to a temperature difference between the open air and the first cooling water, the second cooling unit may circulate the second cooling water separately with respect to the first cooling water or mix the second cooling water into the first cooling water.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Han-Soo Son, Seong-Dai Jang, Jae-Yong Kim, Kyung-Bae Min, Kwang-Sin Lee, Jung-Ja Lee, Chang-Ju Byun, Ho-Nam Jung
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Patent number: 9920998Abstract: Disclosed are an air cooled condenser capable of preventing air from being mixed into a working medium flow path, and a power generating apparatus including the air cooled condenser. The air cooled condenser includes a heat exchanger for air-cooling a working medium indirectly through a wall, a fan, a sensor for measuring a pressure value of the working medium at an outlet of the heat exchanger, and a controller for controlling the rotating speed of the fan such that the pressure value obtained by the sensor comes closer to a target value set to be equal to or larger than an atmospheric pressure.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., ltd.Inventors: Kuniyuki Takahashi, Isamu Osawa
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Patent number: 9920999Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-exchanger for an air-conditioning circuit that includes a first pipe (110) defining a path for a flow of fluid, the first pipe being spirally wound about a so-called exchanger axis (A). According to the invention, the heat exchanger (9) further includes at least one second pipe (120a, 120b) defining a path for a flow of a second fluid, said second pipe being provided against a surface of the first pipe (110) and spirally wound together with said first pipe (110) about said axis (A). The invention can be used in air-conditioning circuits operating with a super-critical coolant, in particular carbon dioxide (CO2).Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUESInventors: Aurélie Bellenfant, Jimmy Lemee, Lionel Renault, Frédéric Bernard
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Patent number: 9921000Abstract: Plate assemblies configured for use in heat exchangers are provided. The plate assemblies may include one or more plates defining an inlet end, an outlet end, and flow channels configured to receive a flow of fluid from the inlet end and direct the fluid to the outlet end. The flow channels may be defined by protrusions, grooves, and/or orifices defined in flow plates, and spacer plates may separate the plate assemblies from one another. The flow channels may be interconnected such that for each of a plurality of intermediate positions along the flow channels, a plurality of flow paths are defined. Thus, in an instance in which a blockage occurs in one of the flow channels, flow may be prevented through only a portion of the flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: 8 Rivers Capital, LLCInventor: Jeremy Eron Fetvedt
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Patent number: 9921001Abstract: An evaporator for a heat recovery steam generator has two horizontal steam drums of moderate size, one located slightly higher than the other. It also includes a coil having tubes located in the flow of a hot gas. The lower drum communicates with the inlets of the tubes for the coil. The outlets of the tubes communicate with the upper drum. A drain line connects the bottom of the upper drum with the lower region of the lower drum, so that water will flow from the upper drum to the lower drum. Water, which is primarily in the liquid phase, enters the lower drum through an inlet line and mixes with water from the upper drum. The mixture flows through into the coil. Here some of it transforms into saturated steam while the rest remains as saturated water. The saturated steam and saturated water flow into the upper drum where the steam escapes and the water flows back into the lower drum to recirculate through the coil.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Nooter/Eriksen, Inc.Inventor: Bradley N. Jackson
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Patent number: 9921002Abstract: A radiator includes: a tube through which a coolant flows; and a single tank including: a supplying chamber communicating with an end of the tube, for supplying the tube with the coolant; and a collecting chamber communicating with the other end of the tube, partitioned to the supplying chamber, and for collecting the coolant discharged from the tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Masumi Suzuki, Michimasa Aoki, Yosuke Tsunoda, Masaru Sugie, Shinichirou Kouno, Hiroshi Muto, Kenji Katsumata
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Patent number: 9921003Abstract: A wickless heat pipe including a first tube and a second tube. The first tube may form a first shape extending longitudinally in a first direction. The second tube may form a second shape extending longitudinally in a second direction different from the first direction. The first tube and the second tube intersect at at least one location. The two tubes may intersect at a right angle or an oblique angle. The first and second tube may intersect at a plurality of locations. The tubes may be formed from a metal plate used as a thermal ground plane.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Robert J. Monson, Brian Van Lear