Patents Issued in March 27, 2018
  • Patent number: 9927157
    Abstract: A heating, cooling, and power device includes a shaft and an expander coupled to the shaft to rotate the shaft. A first conduit is coupled to the expander and configured to transport a working fluid. A heater is coupled through the first conduit to the expander. A heat pump is coupled to the shaft. An electric machine is coupled to the shaft to produce electricity or mechanical shaft power. A recuperator includes a second conduit coupled between the expander and recuperator. The heat pump includes a first heat exchanger including a second conduit coupled between the expander and the first heat exchanger. An expansion device includes a third conduit coupled between the first heat exchanger and the expansion device. A second heat exchanger includes a fourth conduit coupled between the expansion device and second heat exchanger. A compressor is coupled to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Dwayne M. Benson
  • Patent number: 9927158
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a core comprising a stack of core plates. The core defines a condenser, an evaporator and a refrigerant reservoir. The condenser has a plurality of refrigerant flow passages and a plurality of first coolant flow passages in alternating arrangement. The evaporator has a plurality of refrigerant flow passages and a plurality of second coolant flow passages in alternating arrangement. The condenser has a refrigerant outlet in flow communication with the refrigerant inlet of the refrigerant reservoir, where the refrigerant side of at least one of said core plates includes a refrigerant communication passage providing flow communication between the refrigerant outlet of the condenser section and the refrigerant inlet of the reservoir section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Martin
  • Patent number: 9927159
    Abstract: A method for operating a system for a thermodynamic cycle with a multi-flow evaporator having at least two evaporator flow channels, wherein the evaporator flow channels are made to approximate each other with respect to at least one operating parameter of the individual evaporator flow channels, and/or wherein a pressure drop across the evaporator is automatically controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: MTU FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH
    Inventors: Niklas Waibel, Daniel Stecher, Gerald Fast, Tim Horbach, Jens Niemeyer, Max Lorenz, Mathias Müller
  • Patent number: 9927160
    Abstract: An evaporator includes multiple refrigerant tubes, multiple air passages provided between the refrigerant tubes, a cold storage container disposed in the multiple air passages, and a temperature detector. The evaporator further includes a freezing allowable region and a freezing unallowable region that is provided above the freezing allowable region. The cold storage container has a small thickness region and a large thickness region that is positioned above the small thickness region. The large thickness region demarcates a smaller space with the refrigerant tubes than the space demarcated between the small thickness region and the refrigerant tubes. The small thickness region of the cold storage container is positioned within the freezing allowable region, the large thickness region is positioned in the freezing unallowable region, and the temperature detector is disposed in the freezing allowable region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Haseba, Toshiya Nagasawa, Eiichi Torigoe, Jun Abei
  • Patent number: 9927161
    Abstract: A transport refrigeration system (TRS) and method of subcooling a heat transfer fluid in a heat transfer circuit of a TRS are disclosed. The TRS includes a heat transfer circuit. The heat transfer circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The compressor, the condenser, the expansion device, and the evaporator are in fluid communication such that a heat transfer fluid can flow therethrough. The heat transfer circuit is configured to be in thermal communication with a pressure-regulating device of a system separate from the heat transfer circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert Michael Lattin
  • Patent number: 9927162
    Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to methods and apparatuses for generating ice. In one embodiment, a material is introduced to water, and the temperature of the combination of the water and the material is lowered until ice forms, the formed ice having a higher albedo than it would have had if the step of lowering the temperature had been carried out on the water without first carrying out the step of introducing the material. In one embodiment, the material is selected such that an aqueous solution of the material is alkaline. In another embodiment, a material is introduced to water, and the temperature of the combination of the water and the material is lowered until ice forms, the ice forming at a faster rate than the rate at which it would have formed if the material had not been introduced to the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventors: Leslie A Field, Susan J Strehlow, David G Duff, Kimberly M Wiefling
  • Patent number: 9927163
    Abstract: An ice dispenser for a domestic refrigerator includes a lever having a housing with a passageway defined therein and a flapper door configured to pivot between a closed position in which ice is prevented from advancing into the passageway and an open position in which ice is permitted to advance into the passageway. A linkage is coupled to the lever and the flapper door such that movement of the lever causes the flapper door to move from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin E. Licht, Garett L. Strandemo
  • Patent number: 9927164
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a refrigerated goods container having an interior. Disposed on the refrigerated goods container outside the interior is a first tube evaporator which is wound round the refrigerated goods container, and a second tube evaporator is disposed on the refrigerated goods container in a top region thereof inside the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Eckartsberg, Michael Fahrenbach
  • Patent number: 9927165
    Abstract: A hybrid cooling system array of solar cells electrically connected to inverters; a chiller controller processor in data communication with the inverters; a chiller in data communication with the chiller controller processor and in thermal communication with inverters in a sealed enclosure, wherein the inverters are cooled by an inverter coolant fluid; an array of solar cells attached to the inverters a free cooler in data communication with the chiller controller processor and in thermal communication with the inverter cooling fluid; and a temperature sensor apparatus in thermal communication with the inverter cooling fluid; a switch for controlling an on off state for the chiller and the cooler, where in the processor for turns the chiller on and the cooler off when the inverter cooling fluid is above a predetermined temperature. A method for using the system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Electronic Power Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Sutherland, Brent Baker
  • Patent number: 9927166
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a water pipe inside the refrigeration appliance. A collecting tray collects leakage water and an empty conduit conducts the leakage water from the water pipe inside the empty conduit to the collecting tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 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: 9927167
    Abstract: A bottom mount refrigerator is provided with a pantry compartment that is accessible from outside the refrigerator by pulling open an easy access pantry drawer without the need to first open the fresh food compartment or the freezer compartment. A divider between the pantry compartment and the fresh food compartment is formed by a secondary mullion and a transparent shelf. The secondary mullion is provided with a light source for illuminating the contents of the pantry drawer. A light source at the rear of the pantry compartment shines generally forwardly and upwardly to illuminate the fresh food compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Eveland, Steven G. Herndon, Todd E. Kniffen, Bill J. Koons
  • Patent number: 9927168
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance has a cabinet defining a refrigeration compartment with a thermoformed inner liner disposed within the refrigeration compartment. A light source is located within the refrigeration compartment and configured to emit light such that the refrigeration compartment is illuminated when the light source is powered. The thermoformed liner has a reflective surface. The reflective surface includes a plurality of microcrystalline structures and is positioned to reflect emitted light from the light source and ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Muhammad Khizar, Vincent D. Csapos, Charles R. Cravens, David Edwards
  • Patent number: 9927169
    Abstract: An insulated chamber having an interior chamber for storing items therein includes a phase change material to facilitate controlling the temperature of the interior chamber and the items. A heating device or cooling device may be used to melt or freeze the phase change material, which may be in various locations such as the walls of the chamber or packets which may serve as shelves and may be removable from the interior chamber with the items thereon. The packets may have recesses for receiving the items. The phase change material may be within capsules which may be within a liquid or a solid matrix. Controls may be provided to control humidity and carbon dioxide within the interior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: CARON PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Milton F Baker, Dale C Barnett, Robert W Dotterer, David N Figel, Stephen C Keiser
  • Patent number: 9927170
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger system (1) for heat exchange between at least a first medium (M), in particular in the form of a hydrocarbon-rich phase, and a second medium (K), with at least first and second pipe space sections (101, 103; 103, 105) for accommodating the first medium (M), and with a first pipe space section connecting means (102; 104), via which the two pipe space sections (101, 103; 103, 105) are connected to one another in a flow-guiding manner. The first pipe space section (101; 103) is surrounded by a first shell space (201, 203), and the second pipe space section (103; 105) is surrounded by a second shell space (203, 205) for accommodating the second medium (K). The first shell space (201; 203) is defined by a first shell (301; 303) and the second shell space (203; 205) is defined by a second shell (303; 305).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Christiane Kerber, Jurgen Spreemann, Norbert Reiter, Markus Hammerdinger, Manfred Steinbauer
  • Patent number: 9927171
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the expanded first stream is heated to form a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction. The vapor fraction is combined with the tower overhead vapor, directed to a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly, and cooled and partially condensed by the expanded first stream to form a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is combined with the liquid fraction and supplied to the tower at its top feed point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignees: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd., S.M.E. Products LP
    Inventors: Hank M. Hudson, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Scott A. Miller, Kyle T. Cuellar, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
  • Patent number: 9927172
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a vacuum drying apparatus and a vacuum drying method. The vacuum drying apparatus includes a chamber in which a substrate table is arranged, the chamber being provided with a wind deflector therein, wherein the wind deflector comprises a top opening, a bottom opening and a body part connecting the top opening with the bottom opening. During the vacuum drying, the bottom opening is in tight contact with a surface of the substrate table, and there is a gap between the top opening and the top of the chamber and a material on the substrate table is covered by the wind deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 9927173
    Abstract: A single-pass lumber drying kiln having a main drying chamber, a heat source to provide heat to the main drying chamber, a pre-heating chamber connected to a receiving side of the main drying chamber, the pre-heating chamber having a moisture collector and a kiln entrance, a conditioning chamber connect to an exit of the main drying chamber, the conditioning chamber having a moisture delivery system and a kiln exit, and fans arranged adjacent the pre-heating, conditioning, and the main drying chamber, wherein the fans adjacent the main-drying chamber and the conditioning chamber are synchronized together in a first set and the fans adjacent the pre-heating chamber are synchronized opposite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Gary L. Kolari
  • Patent number: 9927174
    Abstract: A pellet stove, having a pellet hopper, a combustion chamber, a heat exchanger and a pellet movement assembly, adapted to move the pellets from the hopper into the combustion chamber. The pellet movement assembly is located and configured so as to be heated by exhaust gases from the combustion chamber and the pellets spend a sufficient amount of time in the pellet movement assembly, where oxygen is prevented from freely flowing in, so that the pellets are torrefied during transit to the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Geoffrey W. A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9927175
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring an operating status of an anode furnace, wherein the anode furnace is formed from a plurality of heating ducts (12) and furnace chambers, wherein the furnace chambers serve for receiving anodes and the heating ducts serve for controlling the temperature of the furnace chambers, wherein the anode furnace comprises at least one furnace unit (11) having a heating zone (18), a firing zone (19) and a cooling zone (20), wherein a suction device (15) is arranged in the heating zone and a burner device (16) is arranged in the firing zone, wherein, by means of the burner device, combustion air is heated up in the heating ducts of the firing zone, wherein, by means of the suction device, hot air is sucked out of the heating ducts of the heating zone, wherein a suction output of the suction device is determined, and wherein a pressure in the heating duct is measured, wherein a volumetric flow in the heating duct is determined from a ratio of suction output and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: INNOVATHERM PROF. DR. LEISENBERG GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Mnikoleiski, Detlef Maiwald, Wolfgang Uhrig, Frank Heinke, Domenico Di Lisa, Andreas Himmelreich
  • Patent number: 9927176
    Abstract: Furnace for melting inorganic salts, comprising a container, at least one inlet area for solid inorganic salts, at least one outlet area for molten inorganic salts and at least one heat exchanger tube or coil. Each heat exchanger tube includes an inlet section connected to the outer side wall of the container, a spiral section substantially along the inner side walls of the container defining an internal space, with this spiral section arranged in a substantially horizontal plane, and an outlet section which is substantially vertical and goes downwards towards the bottom area or upwards towards the top area of the container. This furnace provides better safety and performance than previously known furnaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: HERLOGAS, S.A.
    Inventors: Herminio Lopez Llorca, Alejandro Lopez Fanarraga
  • Patent number: 9927177
    Abstract: Provided are a molten steel treatment apparatus and a molten steel treatment method capable of quickly measuring an inclusion adhesion state inside a nozzle during an operation. The molten steel treatment apparatus includes a container, a nozzle equipped in a molten steel tap hole of the container, a liner disposed on a portion of an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle and formed of an ion-conductive material, a power supply for applying electric power to the molten steel and the liner, and a measuring unit for measuring a voltage value or a current value between the molten steel and the liner. The molten steel treatment method includes measuring a voltage value or current value between the molten steel and the liner; and determining a thickness of an inclusion adhering to an interface between the molten steel and the liner by using the voltage value or the current value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: POSCO
    Inventor: Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 9927178
    Abstract: A seasonal process that captures stores and uses water in an ambient temperature-dependent manner to improve the efficiency of a natural gas power plant, comprising: (a) providing a natural gas power plant, the natural gas power plant having a flue gas stream, a cooling tower, and a gas turbine; (b) providing a water collection system; (c) providing a water storage facility; wherein the flue gas stream comprises uncondensed water vapor; wherein the water collection system is operably connected to the flue gas stream and the flue gas stream is directed to flow, at least in part, into the water collection system; wherein the water collection system is operably connected to the water storage facility; wherein the water storage facility is operably connected to the cooling tower and the water storage facility is operably connected to the gas turbine; wherein the process comprises the following steps of condensing flue gas water or using water that has been condensed from the flue gas stream based on outdoor ambie
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: TDA Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Girish Srinivas, Steven Charles Gebhard, Robert James Copeland, David P. Eisenberg
  • Patent number: 9927179
    Abstract: Provided is a heat exchanger, and more particularly, a heat exchanger including a pair of header tanks formed in parallel, spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, a plurality of tubes having both ends fixed to the pair of header tanks to form a channel for a heat exchange medium; a plurality of fins fixed to abut between the tubes, and a plurality of louvers formed at the fins to contact air passing through the circumference of the fins, in which the louvers are formed to be asymmetrical to each other based on a center in a width direction of the fin or louver columns formed at one side or the other side of the fin in an asymmetrical form are alternately formed in a length direction of the fins to improve a flow of cooling air, thereby improving a heat radiation performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Ji Hun Han, Jae Yong Kim, Hyuk Kim, Eun Gi Min, Seong-Oh Jeon, Sun An Jeong
  • Patent number: 9927180
    Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided that includes a housing and an exchanger region which is arranged in the housing and has tubes and at least one base, wherein the tubes are connected to the at least one base, wherein the housing is manufactured from a plastic and has a housing inner surface, wherein the housing inner surface is covered at least in regions or in sections by at least one metallic element for protecting the housing from a thermal load. The invention further relates to a method for producing a heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Karsten Emrich, Matthias Schuele, Bernd Kraemer, Albrecht Siegel, Gaelle Schmidgall
  • Patent number: 9927181
    Abstract: An integrated cooling apparatus for actively cooling one or more electronic components in an electronic device such as a computer is provided. The cooling apparatus includes a radiator and a pump integrally mounted on the radiator. The pump can include a pump housing having a first pump housing member attached to the radiator and a second pump housing member detachably securable to the first pump housing member. The apparatus includes a flow inlet and a flow outlet for attaching hoses or conduits to the radiator for actively moving a liquid coolant to and from an external or remote heat exchanger via tubing. An external heat exchanger can be fluidly connected to the integrated cooling apparatus via two or more tubes and thermally attached to the electronic component to be cooled, such as a computer graphics card, microprocessor or other circuit component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen Mounioloux
  • Patent number: 9927182
    Abstract: A tube (2) of a heat exchanger (1) is intended to allow an exchange of heat between a first fluid and a second fluid flowing in contact with the tube (2). The tube (2) comprises an upper plate (22) and a lower plate (21) positioned facing one another and defining an internal space (25) in the tube (2) in which the first fluid is able to circulate. Each of the plates (21, 22) comprises a bottom (23) and at least one edge (24). The plates (21, 22) are in contact with one another at the edge (24). The tube (2) comprises a deflection screen (30) secured to the edge (24), with the deflection screen (30) comprising a first wall (31) extending transversely to the bottoms (23) and arranged to deflect the second fluid toward the bottoms (23). The invention also relates to a bundle of such tubes and to a heat exchanger comprising such a bundle, and to a method for producing a heat exchanger tube plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUES
    Inventors: Sylvain Moreau, Francois Busson, Mohamed Ibrahimi, Maryse Philippe
  • Patent number: 9927183
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas heat exchanger (1) with a housing (2), in which a tube bundle (3) with multiple tubes (4) is held via headers (5, 6), wherein in the tubes (4) a first flow path for exhaust gas (7) and between the tubes (4) and the housing (2) a second flow path for coolant (8) runs, wherein the first longitudinal ends of the individual tubes (4) of the tube bundle (3) are incorporated in a first header (5) in a fixed manner, in particular welded or brazed. It is substantial to the invention that at least one of the tubes (4) is axially moveable in the region of a second longitudinal end relative to the second header (6) and captive therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Pantow, Martin Bauer, Peter Geskes
  • Patent number: 9927184
    Abstract: A spacer portion (3) of this heat exchanger (100) includes an outer peripheral portion (3a) circumferentially provided along outer peripheral edges of bonded surfaces (1a) of cores (1) and a gap portion (3b and 3c) provided in a partial region of the circumferential outer peripheral portion, and the gap portion is provided at a position where a temperature gradient on the bonded surfaces of the cores is relatively shallow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Fujita, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Akihiro Tanabe
  • Patent number: 9927185
    Abstract: A system for cooling down a boiling vessel, such as a pot, including at least a first length of tubing encircling an outer wall of the pipe, and having a fluid flow bore through its length, supported by opposing handles of the pot; a connector for engaging an end of a water line to the first length of tubing; a source of water introduced into the first length of tubing, under pressure, so that the water travels through the entire first length of tubing; a plurality of flow openings spaced along the walls of the first length of tubing, so that water is sprayed from the openings against the outer wall of the pot from both the first length of tubing, to cool the pot along its entire outer wall. There may be further provided additional lengths of tubing spraying water against the pot wall and a collection pan positioned below the pot to collect water flowing off of the wall of the pot, so that the water can flow from the pan into a hose to direct the water to a point away from the boiling pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Boyd, IV
  • Patent number: 9927186
    Abstract: To provide a plate heat exchanger free from degradation of gaskets which form a flow path through which a high-temperature fluid flows. In the plate heat exchanger, a plurality of heat transfer plates 20 each provided with passage holes 21, 22, 23, and 24 in corners are stacked; a flow-path forming gasket 31 is interposed between peripheries of each adjacent ones of the heat transfer plates 20; communicating-path forming gaskets 32 are installed, surrounding the passage holes 21 in each adjacent ones of the heat transfer plates 20 alternately; and thereby a first flow path 1 adapted to pass a high-temperature fluid H, a second flow path adapted to pass a low-temperature fluid C, and communicating paths 3 adapted to cause the high-temperature fluid H and the low-temperature fluid C, respectively, to flow in and out of the first flow path 1 and the second flow path 2 are formed alternately on opposite sides of each of the heat transfer plates 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignees: Hisaka Works, Ltd., Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.
    Inventors: Isamu Hiwatashi, Mana Iwaki, Kenji Kusunoki, Seiichi Matsumura, Kiyoshi Ishihama, Funabiki Takahisa
  • Patent number: 9927187
    Abstract: An assembly useable with a cooling system is provided herein. The assembly includes a support member, a channel, and a fluid control mechanism. The support member includes a receiving member formed therein to receive a thermal member. The channel is formed within the support member to carry a fluid therethrough. The fluid control mechanism is along the channel to control the flow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: David Allen Moore, John P. Franz, Tahir Cader, Michael Lawrence Sabotta
  • Patent number: 9927188
    Abstract: A low-cost passive radiative cooling panel includes an emitter layer disposed under an upper reflective layer, where the emitter layer includes metamaterial nanostructures (e.g., tapered nanopores) configured to dissipate heat in the form of radiant energy that is transmitted through the reflective layer into cold near-space. In an embodiment the emitter layer includes ultra-black material configured to emit, with an emissivity close to unity, radiant energy having wavelengths/frequencies that fall within known atmospheric transparency windows (e.g., 8-13 ?m or 16-28 ?m). In a practical embodiment the emitter layer is formed using a modified Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) self-assembly technique followed by electroless plating that forms metal-plated tapered nanopores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Victor Liu, Bernard D. Casse, Armin R. Volkel
  • Patent number: 9927189
    Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided. The heat exchanger includes a first member having an inlet at a first end and a first flange at an opposite end. The first member is made from a nickel-chromium material. A second member is provided having a second flange one end coupled to the first flange. The second member further having an outlet on a second end opposite the second flange. The second member is made from titanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald E. Army, Jr., Christina W. Millot
  • Patent number: 9927190
    Abstract: A method of controlling a chiller is disclosed. The method includes predicting, by a controller, a quantity of energy used by a chiller, based on a predicted flow of heat into one or more rooms in a building, to maintain a temperature of the one or more rooms in a building at a desired temperature during each of a first plurality of time periods of a chilling cycle. The predicted flow of heat is calculated using a predicted condition. A set point of the chiller is automatically adjusted during the chilling cycle using the predicted quantity of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Lacon Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Izidor Liberman
  • Patent number: 9927191
    Abstract: The light-weight handheld less-lethal ballistic projectile launcher is configured as an “over/under” double barrel handheld device with a “break open” loading action. The launcher includes a barrel section pivotally connected to receiver section. The barrel section pivots between an open load/unload position and a closed firing position. The barrel section includes two metal barrel sleeves that are press fit into axial bores formed in the body of the barrel section. The barrel section also includes an ejector, which locks the barrel section in the closed firing position and partially expels spent rounds from the barrel sleeves when the barrel section is opened. The receiver section houses the launcher's fire control mechanism. The fire control mechanism uses a traditional single action operation and ensures that rounds are alternatively discharged from each barrel and prevents rounds from both barrels from being discharged simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Namacle, LLC.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Teach, David C. Sult
  • Patent number: 9927192
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a buffer tube locking plate assembly facilitating secure attachment of a buffer tube to a receiver portion of a firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Primary Weapons
    Inventor: Dean Sylvester
  • Patent number: 9927193
    Abstract: Pistol magazine adapters have a body closely received in the magazine well and defining a passage receiving a magazine including a follower, a bolt catch actuator mechanism having a follower contact element pivotally connected to the body at a pivot axis and having a follower contact surface operable to contact the follower and responsive to whether the follower is in an upper position when the magazine is empty of ammunition or a lower position in which the magazine contains ammunition, the bolt catch actuator mechanism including a latch actuator element operable to engage the bolt hold open latch, and the latch actuator element being operably engaged to the follower contact element and responsive to movement of the follower to the upper position to move the bolt hold open latch to a bolt restraint position, such that the bolt is held open after depletion of the last round in the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph Scott Beasley
  • Patent number: 9927194
    Abstract: A rotary ammunition magazine for a rifle has a follower that is spring biased and rotates about an axis to move cartridges for feeding to the rifle's chamber. The follower has a surface portion which engages the last cartridge in the stack. The surface portion has one or more characteristics including a transverse orientation angle, a longitudinal orientation angle and an arcuate shape which determine the direction of the force vector and the lengthwise load distribution on the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventor: Simon M. Muska
  • Patent number: 9927195
    Abstract: A method for direction limitation of a firing system. A first calculating unit controls the firing system and knows direction limitation positions. An elevation of the firing system and a traverse of the firing system are measured. A position of the firing system is calculated in the first calculating unit based on the elevation and traverse. The position of the firing system is calculated in a second calculating unit based on the elevation and traverse. The calculated positions of the firing system are compared with direction limitation positions. It is decided whether the firing system is positioned outside the direction limitation positions. Also, a direction limitation system for a firing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS AB
    Inventors: Per Trulsson, Erik Nygård, Ulf Palmlöv, Lars-Goran Bjorn
  • Patent number: 9927196
    Abstract: A chamber safety device is configured to be inserted into one or more openings of a weapon, such as the loading/ejection port(s) or barrel of a shotgun, rifle or handgun. When the chamber safety device is inserted into the one or more opening(s), the weapon is not capable of firing and/or being loaded with ammunition due to the fact that no bullet or shell can be inserted into the firing chamber and/or the weapon firing mechanism cannot come in contact with a bullet or shell located in the firing chamber. At least a portion of the chamber safety device is designed to extend outwardly from breach of the weapon and is colored in a high visibility color such that those nearby can visually detect the presence of the chamber safety device inserted in a weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: X-RING PRODUCTIONS LLC.
    Inventor: Ned T. Bitsack
  • Patent number: 9927197
    Abstract: A trigger mechanism includes a hammer element that has a ready position, an intermediate position, and a fired position. The hammer element includes a hammer sear and a notch positioned at a front of the hammer element. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger element has a ready position that retains the hammer element in the ready position. The trigger mechanism also includes a fired position that releases the hammer element. The trigger element includes a trigger sear that includes a hammer sear engagement zone and a notch engagement zone. When the hammer element is in the ready position, the trigger sear at least partially engages the hammer sear at the hammer sear engagement zone. When the hammer element is in the intermediate positon, the trigger sear at least partially engages the notch at the notch engagement zone and not at the hammer sear engagement zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: WHG Properties, LLC
    Inventor: William H. Geissele
  • Patent number: 9927198
    Abstract: A trigger mechanism for a firearm provides modified and/or adjustable trigger pull length, reduced sear pressure, reduced reset trigger slap, and/or improved engagement of the trigger safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: WHG Properties, LLC
    Inventor: William H. Geissele
  • Patent number: 9927199
    Abstract: A rifle assembly for a two-stage trigger includes a rifle arranged with an upper receiver and a lower receiver. A pistol grip is joined to the lower receiver and further has a pistol grip lower edge. A trigger housing further has a trigger housing lower receiver portion immediately adjacent to the lower receiver. The trigger housing lower receiver portion is immediately adjacent to a trigger housing magazine well portion and a trigger housing pistol grip portion. A bow trigger extends through a trigger housing lower receiver portion and into the lower receiver. The bow trigger has a cylindrical housing that is partially filled with a filler. A trigger stub is centrally located in the cylindrical housing. Moving a pressure point up or down on the cylindrical housing effectively changes the rifle from a single stage style fast shooting trigger to a slower shooting long range two stage trigger with a lower trigger pull weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Mace Norris
  • Patent number: 9927200
    Abstract: The trigger mechanism is characterized by the lack of the trigger moving bar, which function is assigned to the trigger lever. The trigger lever is not fastened with the trigger by any connecting element. The mechanism is equipped with the manual and falling safeguard. With using of the manual safety catch the putting on the safety catch of the firearm, against the shot, is controlled by bifacially manipulable fingerboards without the need of any change in the construction of the firearm or the need of the change of the grip of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: GRAND POWER, S.R.O.
    Inventor: Jaroslav Kuracina
  • Patent number: 9927201
    Abstract: The invention relates to the firearm hardware, namely to barrel coupling for firearm. Due to the new muzzle adapter construction, clamping mechanism, which consists of a separator with cams and a clamping sleeve, it makes it possible to mount muzzle accessories to the barrels without any special preparation. The separator is manufactured as a casing with a plurality of cam sockets and a plurality of elongated L-shaped cams insertable into the said sockets with the longer part of the cam shaped to match the socket. The new barrel coupling is more reliable and more durable, it is comfortable and easy to install and remove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Alexander Nikolaevich Penchuk
  • Patent number: 9927202
    Abstract: An ambidextrous rifle system, method and apparatus are provided. The rifle system may comprise a receiver configured to receive and carry a switch bolt system. The switch bolt system may comprise a first bolt and a second bolt. The first bolt may be configured for a right handed shooter. The second bolt may be configured for a left handed shooter. The first bolt and the second bolt may be moveable within the receiver between the battery and out of battery positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: David Ives
  • Patent number: 9927203
    Abstract: Devices for launching objects have a bow structure including a first structural element having a handle and a pair of risers extending outwardly from the handle. A second structural element extends outwardly and away from the handle and has a support member positioned to rest against a forearm of a user. A pouch is movably attached to the bow and is configured to accommodate placement of a desired object to be launched therein. One or more elastomeric bands extend between the pouch and peripheral ends of the first and second risers and thereby attach the pouch to the bow and operate to provide an energizing force when stretched to launch an object within the pouch. In an example, the object to be launched is a water balloon that is at least about 50 percent disposed within the pouch when in a pre-launch state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Imperial Toy LLC
    Inventor: Ami N. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 9927204
    Abstract: A finger sling assembly used with an archery bow includes a first finger loop for engaging within a user's finger and a second finger loop for engaging within the user's thumb. A connecting member joins the first finger loop and second finger loop together a predetermined distance from one another. A fastening strip is sized to be positioned though the first finger loop and second figure loop, for fixedly attaching the first finger loop and second finger loop to an archery bow. A multi-layered orthotic is used for fastening to the bow's riser. The finger sling assembly increases shooting accuracy of the archer as it prevents rotational torque of the user's wrist when tightly gripping the bow and drawing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: NoTork, LLC
    Inventor: Adriano Rosa
  • Patent number: 9927205
    Abstract: A vortex ring producing gun includes a body defining a first interior volume. The vortex ring producing gun includes a movable nozzle coupled with the body, comprising at least one nozzle opening, and defining a second interior volume. The vortex ring producing gun includes one or more conduits providing fluid communication between said first interior volume and said second interior volume. The vortex ring producing gun includes an energy storage element configured to bias the movable nozzle in a first direction. The vortex ring producing gun includes a latching key configured to hold the movable nozzle in a retained position against the bias from the energy storage element. The vortex ring producing gun includes a movable cocking/firing element configured to interact with the body, the energy storage element, the latching key, and the movable nozzle to selectively cock or fire the vortex ring-producing gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffery M. Davis
  • Patent number: 9927206
    Abstract: A recoil reduction system for a firearm. In some embodiments, the recoil reduction system includes a biasing element and a butt pad assembly configured to deform substantially proportionate to each other during a recoil event. The biasing element and/or butt pad assembly may include a spring-type element or, alternatively, a dampening device. The butt pad assembly may include an open cell butt pad having a hardness that is substantially higher than conventional butt pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
    Inventor: Paul N. Smith