Patents Issued in April 3, 2018
  • Patent number: 9933136
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus, in particular in the form of ceiling spots, with a perforated panel having at least one aperture for light to pass through, as well as a lens arranged so as to be concealed behind the perforated panel to emit a bundle of light beams that narrows on its way from the lens to the perforated panel, passes through the aperture for light to pass through, and broadens again after leaving the perforated panel. The lens is shaped in such a manner that a direct beam portion and/or direct light portion emitted without reflection from the lens and an indirect beam portion and/or indirect light portion emitted with reflection from the lens have essentially identical beam angles, and each essentially completely make up and/or fill out the overall bundle of light beams emitted by the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: BARTENBACH HOLDING GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Anselm, Christian Reisecker
  • Patent number: 9933137
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a projecting light fixture comprising a light source module comprising a plurality of light sources and a plurality of light collectors, where the light collectors collect light from the light sources and convert the collected light into a plurality of source light beams. The source light beams are concentrated at an optical gate where a beam shaping object is arranged and a projecting system is configured to project light passing through the beam shaping object along a primary optical axis. The light sources and light collectors are arrange in a plurality of groups each providing an illumination of the beam shaping object where the illuminations of the beam shaping object are different. The light fixture comprises a controller configure to vary the intensity of the different illuminations in relation to each other whereby a large number of new light effects can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Martin Professional APS
    Inventors: Jesper Kjeldsen, Matthias Hinrichs
  • Patent number: 9933138
    Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new light accessory holder, comprising only one part, for placing and interchanging multiple optical accessories in a lighting fixture near/in front of a light sources such as LEDs. The holder can use multiple notched springs (e.g., three) to push accessories forward and holds them in a desired position. The may be removed from the lighting fixture, so the user can load into the holder whatever accessories are needed, and then return the re-loaded holder into the light fixture. Accessories may include but are not limited to diffusers, glass components (optical filers), Hexcel Louvers, snoots, or other objects that are intended to alter the color or shape of a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: William George Kickel, Mark Edward Kaminski
  • Patent number: 9933139
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light fixture (1) comprising an elongated carrier element (5), a number of lighting modules (20), which can be detachably secured to the carrier element (5), and means for supplying power to the lighting module (20), said means comprising an operating device (100) and contacting means (40, 41) which are connected to said operating device (100) and to which the lighting modules (20) can be electrically connected. In said light fixture, the operating device (100) and the contacting means (40, 41) are arranged on a device carrier (50) that can be detachably secured to the carrier element (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
    Inventors: Sascha Skergeth, Michael Kohler, Thomas Kottek, Cristian Olariu, Norbert Peter, Sebastian Schubnell, Daniel Steurer
  • Patent number: 9933140
    Abstract: A light emitting device includes a plurality of oblong flexible substrates, each flexible substrate comprising a sheet-shaped base body and a wiring pattern formed on one face of the base body, and each flexible substrate having a plurality of light emitting sections disposed thereon; a plurality of a reflective layers, each reflective layer being disposed at a periphery of a respective light emitting section above a respective flexible substrate; an insulating reflective sheet made of a light reflecting resin, the reflective sheet having a plurality of through holes located such that the light emitting sections and at least a portion of the reflective layers are exposed via the through holes; and a plurality of adhesive members, each adhesive member adhering a respective flexible substrate to the reflective sheet in regions where the reflective layer is not formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: NICHIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuo Fujikawa, Takuya Wasa, Tomohiro Ikeda, Yohei Inayoshi, Motokazu Yamada
  • Patent number: 9933141
    Abstract: A luminaire (41, 141) for a double ended tubular HID lamp (110) is disclosed. The luminaire has a V-shaped reflector (2) having a spine (3) and is bendable into a tensioned state having a generally M-shaped configuration. A pair of lamp holders (60, 61; 160, 161) is connected to the spine and spaced apart a distance corresponding to the length of the tubular lamp. A hollow conduit (43, 158) extends between the lamp holders. A pair of insulated cables (31, 32) interconnects the lamp holders with one of the cables (32) passing through the hollow conduit. The distance between the spine (3) and lamp (110) is able to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Hygro International Pty Limited
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Cronk, Christopher Reynolds
  • Patent number: 9933142
    Abstract: An LED strip featuring perforations between adjacent LEDs that enable one to break the LED strip at the perforation using mere hand pressure. In another aspect of the invention, not only does the LED strip feature “polarity-correcting” circuitry, but also that each LED proper contains such a polarity-correcting circuit, so that regardless of where the lighting strip is broken, the broken-off portion still features polarity-correcting qualities. In yet another aspect of the invention, the LED strip can be broken at any perforation, and the two broken surfaces will each feature electrical contacts or connectors that can be removably (temporarily) attached to a pair of electrical conductors (e.g., wires), thereby permitting each of the remaining and broken-off sections of the original LED strip to function as a light source, as well as to be able to connect to both “upstream” electrical sources and “downstream” electrical loads such as additional LED strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Scott D. Holland
  • Patent number: 9933143
    Abstract: Provided is a system for attachment to a lighting fixture including lens components within a recess of a substantially flat surface. The system includes a tension mechanism configured for rotatable movement in response to an applied force. The system also includes a tether configured to provide the applied force and facilitate movement of the tension mechanism from a minimum tension position to a maximum tension position. The tether attaches to the tension mechanism and is assessable at a position approximate to the lens components of the lighting fixture. Also provided is a method for mounting the lighting fixture using the tension mechanism engaged by the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: John Edward Chancey
  • Patent number: 9933144
    Abstract: A light fixture mounting assembly that includes a lamp housing having a sidewall and an opening defined by a rim at one end of the sidewall and a detent extending outward from the sidewall in a position to engage an outer surface of a panel when the housing is in an installed position. A lamp module is carried within the lamp housing and comprises a lamp positioned to emit light through the housing opening. The lamp housing is configured to carry either a spring clip-type retainer or a hose clamp-type retainer to hold the lamp housing in the installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: MAN-D-TEC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Roy Mandy, Dalton John Mandy, Brandon Roy Mandy, Tyler Flake
  • Patent number: 9933145
    Abstract: An LED lighting device is provided, having a lamp housing and at least one LED module. The lamp housing has a lamp cover and a housing-type heat-dissipating lamp bracket that directly radiates the heat generated by the LED module. The housing-type heat-dissipating lamp bracket is entirely made of heat-dissipating material, and several radiating hole devices are set on the housing-type heat-dissipating lamp bracket. The radiating hole devices on the housing-type heat-dissipating lamp bracket and the gaps between the LED modules form a mutually-reinforcing thermal honeycomb effect, providing a heat dissipation channel with unhindered air convection. Radiating holes are set at the head and tail of the housing-type heat-dissipating lamp bracket. The radiating holes and the gaps between the modules enhance the heat-dissipating effect and enhance air convection, to improve heat dissipation from the lamp housing and provide improved heat dissipation effect for the entire lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: HANGZHOU HPWINNER OPTO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kai Chen, Jianming Huang, Huali Lu
  • Patent number: 9933146
    Abstract: A multi-mode flashlight includes a housing with a source of power, a light source located at a forward end of the housing, and a tail cap located at the tail end of the housing, the tail cap including a switch and at least two icons, each of which is associated with a mode of operation of the flashlight, wherein the mode of operation is selected by orienting the housing so that the icon associated with the desired mode of operation is positioned in a predetermined manner and the switch is depressed to turn the flashlight on and the switch is depressed for at least a predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: MAG INSTRUMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony Maglica, Stacey H. West, Scott Nathanson, Robert P Radloff
  • Patent number: 9933147
    Abstract: A terminal block assembly includes a block housing, a surge protection device, a plurality of cable-receiving seats, a plurality of connector sets and a first fuse. The block housing defines an accommodating space that confines the surge protection device. The cable-receiving seats and the connector sets are mounted on the block housing. Each of the connector sets includes at least one first connector that is electrically connected to a light-emitting module of an outdoor lamp, and a second connector that extends into the accommodating space and that is electrically connected to the surge protection device. The first fuse is mounted to the block housing, and is electrically connected to the surge protection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Shih-Chang Wang, Pin-Hao Hsu, Hamid Kashani
  • Patent number: 9933148
    Abstract: LED light bulbs include openings in base or cover portions, and optional forced flow elements, for convective cooling. Thermally conductive optically transmissive material may be used for cooling, optionally including fins. A LED light engine may be fabricated from a substrate via planar fabrication techniques and shaped to form a substantially rigid upright support structure. Mechanical, electrical, and thermal connections may be made between a LED light engine and a LED light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Brandes, Julio A. Garceran
  • Patent number: 9933149
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a thermal conductivity substrate, a package carrier, at least one light emitting element, at least one wire, a light transmission cap, a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring. The package carrier is disposed on an upper surface of the thermal conductivity substrate and has an opening exposing a portion of the upper surface. The light emitting element is disposed on the upper surface exposed by the opening and is electrically connected to the package carrier by wire. The light transmission cap is disposed above the thermal conductivity substrate. The first sealing ring is disposed between the light transmission cap and the package carrier. The second sealing ring is disposed between the package carrier and the thermal conductivity substrate. The thermal conductivity substrate, the light transmission cap, the first and the second sealing rings and the package carrier encapsulate the light emitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Subtron Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzyy-Jang Tseng, Tzu-Shih Shen
  • Patent number: 9933150
    Abstract: A hands-free wearable lighting device is a device utilized to provide illumination to the user's surroundings while being worn. At least one multicolor light-emitting diode (LED) is positioned within an LED compartment located on a housing. A control unit, a brightness adjustment switch, and a color adjustment switch allow the user to alter the light of the at least one multicolor LED. A necklace allows the housing to be worn around the user's neck in order to provide hands-free illumination. The user may utilize the device as a handheld light by grasping the device via a finger tab. Additionally, the user may utilize a prop stand to direct the light from the at least one multicolor LED in a desired direction. The device may include a laser diode as well in order to allow the device to emit a laser in addition to regular illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventors: Carrie R. Korenek, Paul Allen Korenek
  • Patent number: 9933151
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a basketball stand lighting system comprising a fixing seat connected to a U-shaped supporting structure, a main stand, an inclined support frame, a telescopic frame outer pipe, a telescopic frame inner pipe, a lower fixing plate, a light, a lower support, and a column. This basketball stand lighting system allows convenient installation by using the basketball stand's own backboard height adjustment system to adjust the height of the installed lighting system, so there is no dangerous high altitude operation. The lighting system uses the basketball stand's own backboard height adjustment system to ensure that the installation is fixed in place. The lighting system saves time and labor, and the structure is ingenious and simple. This basketball stand lighting system need not employ complicated installation auxiliary equipment, and it has reduced time used when the equipment is loaded and unloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Mega Slam Hoops, LLC
    Inventor: Zhang Xiangang
  • Patent number: 9933152
    Abstract: A tool includes a handle, a shaft coupled to the handle, and a tip coupled to the shaft such that the shaft is between the handle and the tip. The tip includes a tip body that defines a recess configured to receive a plug. The tip body further defines a first opening configured to provide a first passageway for the plug into the recess, and the tip body further defines a second opening configured to provide a second passageway for a cord attached to the plug out of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Dale Cannon
  • Patent number: 9933153
    Abstract: A lighting and fan combination device is disclosed where the lighting can be mounted on a housing of the fan. One or more light and fan combination members can be connected to a mount that allows the device to be mounted to a wall, ceiling, or other structure. The lighting component may be separable from the fan housing and can be interchanged with other types of lighting components. The lighting elements may be LEDs or other lighting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Robert William Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9933154
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for producing high pressure steam from low quality feedwater for a designated process. The system includes a first closed loop in fluid communication with a boiler and a heat exchanger assembly. A first fluid flows through the first closed loop, and is of acceptable quality for use in a boiler. Heat from the boiler is transferred to a second loop through the heat exchanger assembly. The second loop includes the low quality feedwater, which is converted to high pressure steam. The high pressure steam produced from the low quality water can be used in the designated process. This reduces corrosion/downtime in the boiler that might otherwise occur if the low quality water was directly heated by the boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Donald E Ryan, James S Kulig, Larry A Pierson
  • Patent number: 9933155
    Abstract: A rich-lean burner has on an upper end portion thereof: a lean flame port longitudinally extended to eject a lean fuel-air mixture which is leaner in fuel concentration than a theoretical fuel-air ratio; a blind clearance located on each lateral side of the lean flame port, the blind clearance being free from ejection of a fuel-air mixture; and a rich flame port located on lateral outside of each of the blind clearances to eject a rich fuel-air mixture which is richer in fuel concentration than the theoretical fuel-air ratio. The rich-lean burner further has a lean-flame deforming device to deform a lean flame formed by combustion of the lean fuel-air mixture ejected from the lean flame port such that the shape of one lateral side of the lean flame becomes asymmetrical with the shape of laterally opposite side of the lean flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: RINNAI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Ojiro
  • Patent number: 9933156
    Abstract: Pressurized fluidized furnace equipment includes a fluidized bed furnace (1) that pressurizes combustion air (B) and combusts a material to be treated (A) while fluidizing the same; an air preheater (3) that exchanges heat between a combustion exhaust gas (C) discharged from the fluidized bed furnace (1) and the combustion air (B); a dust collector (4) that removes dust from the combustion exhaust gas (C); and first and second superchargers (5, 6) to which the combustion exhaust gas (C), having undergone the heat exchange in the air preheater (3) and the dust removal in the dust collector (4), is supplied to generate compressed air (D, E). The first compressed air (D) generated in the first supercharger (5) is supplied as the combustion air (B) to the fluidized bed furnace (1) by way of the air preheater (3), and the second compressed air (E) generated in the second supercharger (6) is made to have a higher pressure than that of the first compressed air (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Tsukishima Kikai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiki Kobayashi, Takafumi Yamamoto, Kazuyoshi Terakoshi
  • Patent number: 9933157
    Abstract: A burner with a tubular body has a proximal end, a distal end, and a medial portion therebetween and further defining an upper side and a lower side. The burner has a gas orifice on the proximal. A plurality of burner ports open on the top side and span between the medial portion to the distal end. At least one carry over port opens between the top side and bottom side of the body proximal to the plurality of burner ports. At least one transition ports opens on the medial portion of the body between the at least one carry over port and the plurality of burner ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: W.C. Bradley Co.
    Inventor: Mallik Ahmed
  • Patent number: 9933158
    Abstract: A underwater cutting torch having a control valve assembly, a check valve assembly and a torch head all positioned within a housing. The control valve assembly and check valve assembly include a passageway for gasses to flow that includes a coupler formed of PTFE material to inhibit combustion within the handle of the underwater cutting torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Broco, Inc.
    Inventors: David Dean McComb, George Ray Hirvela
  • Patent number: 9933159
    Abstract: Provided is an oil diffusion pump equipped with an oil vapor generator capable of eliminating the problems occurring when a heater wire is used as a heating source for an operating oil. The present invention is a vacuum pump for which an oil vapor generator (70) is arranged within a casing (51) and this oil vapor generator is operated to vaporize an operating oil (8), thereby producing oil vapor and this oil vapor is sprayed from a jet (53, 53a) to exhaust intake air. The oil vapor generator (70) is equipped with: a container (71, 72) in the interior of which oil is stored, with the lower end of the tubular member (71), which comprises a material to be heated, being closed; and induction coil (75) wrapped around the atmosphere-side perimeter of the tubular member (71) (in particular, the case inner wall (71b)) with an insulating material (73) therebetween; and a power supply means that applies a low-frequency alternating current of several tens of Hz to several hundreds of Hz to the induction coil (75).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: SHINCRON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinichiro Saisho
  • Patent number: 9933160
    Abstract: A fire starter includes a casing made from a first material a first material having a first time associated therewith that defines a length of time that the casing burns after being ignited. A second material disposed in the casing has a second time associated therewith that defines a length of time that the second material burns after being ignited. An igniter, disposed in the casing and adjacent to the second material, generates a first thermal event to ignite the second material wherein the second material combusts to define a second thermal event that ignites the first material. An actuator is coupled to the igniter and is positioned outside of the casing for activating the igniter to generate the first thermal event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Beyrodts Best LLC
    Inventor: Michael D Beyrodt
  • Patent number: 9933161
    Abstract: A combustor dome heat shield has a heat shield panel adapted to be mounted to a combustor dome with a back face of the heat shield panel in spaced-apart facing relationship with an inner surface of the combustor dome to define an air gap between the heat shield panel and the combustor dome. Rails extend from the back face of the heat shield panel across the air gap. An anti-rotation notch is defined in at least one of the rails for receiving an anti-rotation tab of an adjacent element, such as a fuel nozzle floating collar. The rails include notch cavity rails extending on either side of the anti-rotation notch. The notch cavity rails define a notch cavity for capturing coolant air leaking through the anti-rotation notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Michael Papple
  • Patent number: 9933162
    Abstract: A combustor includes: a pilot burner; a plurality of main burners, each of which is provided radially and outwardly along a circumferential direction about the pilot burner, and including a main nozzle disposed in a main burner cylinder; and an extension tube provided to extend toward a downstream side from the main burner cylinder of each of the main burners. The extension tube has a circular inlet communicating with the main burner cylinder, and an outlet at the downstream side comprising two radial edges parallel to the radial direction and two circumferential edges formed along the circumferential direction so as to connect both ends of the radial edges. The combustor further includes an air passage formed outside of the main burner cylinder; and an inner communication hole (formed at the side of the inlet of the extension tube and at a position corresponding to the radially and inwardly circumferential edge for allowing communication between the air passage and the inside of the extension tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Kei Inoue, Keijiro Saito, Hikaru Katano, Sosuke Nakamura, Mitsunori Isono, Atsushi Yuasa
  • Patent number: 9933163
    Abstract: A combustor arrangement includes a combustion chamber with a front panel, and a premix burner of the multi-cone type, which is connected to the front panel through an elongated mixing zone in an axially moveable fashion by a sealed sliding joint. A wide range of axial variation of the burner with a minimized influence of the leakage air flow on the oxidation process within the flame is achieved by positioning the sealed sliding joint upstream of the mixing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ANSALDO ENERGIA SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Ennio Pasqualotto, Pirmin Schiessel, Hellat Jaan
  • Patent number: 9933164
    Abstract: An annular combustion chamber (10) for a turbomachine (100), the combustion chamber presenting an axial direction (X), a radial direction, and an azimuth direction, and comprising a first annular wall (12) and a second annular wall (14), each wall delimiting at least a portion of the volume of the annular combustion chamber (10), the first and second walls (12, 14) presenting complementary fitting elements (12d, 14d), the first wall (12) presenting at least one first through hole (12f), while the second wall (14) presents at least one second through hole (14f), the combustion chamber (10) also having at least one pin (18) engaged in a pair of holes comprising a first hole (12f) and a second hole (14f), said pin (18) locking the fitting of the first and second walls (12, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Safran Helicopter Engines
    Inventors: Nicolas Savary, Patrick Berteau, Bernard Carrere, Jean-Marc Dubourdieu, Ludovic Naudot
  • Patent number: 9933165
    Abstract: Oven comprising: a muffle; operating means for heating an active zone defined within the volume delimited by said muffle; a camera for detecting one or more images showing food positioned in said active zone; a transmission unit associated with said camera and configured for sending said one or more images to an auxiliary device configured for at least displaying said one or more images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool EMEA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Filippo Matarazzi, Carlo Filippo Ratti, Marco Maria Pedrazzo
  • Patent number: 9933166
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oven (101) comprising a heated cavity (102) for cooking a food (201), which comprises a three-dimensional scanning system (106) configured for acquiring information about the volume and/or shape of a food (201) positioned in the heated cavity (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool EMEA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Filippo Matarazzi, Carlo Filippo Ratti, Marco Maria Pedrazzo
  • Patent number: 9933167
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a retrofit for a system using a fluid to transfer thermal energy in a system that utilizes a thermostat to regulate a temperature associated with a terminal is provided. The retrofit includes a return line temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of a fluid leaving a terminal; and a circuit. The circuit is configured to: receive a signal from a thermostat, the signal commanding a modulated valve to open or close; receive a temperature from the return line temperature sensor; determine whether the temperature is either greater than a maximum set point or less than a minimum set point; and modify the signal from the thermostat if the temperature is either greater than the set point or less than set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: IMI HYDRONIC ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: John M. Trantham
  • Patent number: 9933168
    Abstract: An air supply apparatus used for an air conditioner, includes: an annular outer frame (21), having an outer surface formed as a partial spherical surface and having an accommodating space (24) therein; and the impeller assembly (22) provided in the accommodating space (24) and pivotally connected to the outer frame (21), in which the impeller assembly (22) has an air suction side and an air outlet side. Also disclosed is an air conditioner having the air supply apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Midea Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yunliang Sun, Xiangyang Li
  • Patent number: 9933169
    Abstract: A compressor is to be used in an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes the compressor, an evaporator, and a container. The evaporator generates condensed water during operation. The container receives the condensed water generated by the evaporator. The compressor includes a main body and a textile member that is capable of transferring moisture and is quick drying. The main body is to be disposed in the container. The textile member covers at least a part of the main body, and is to be used for absorbing the condensed water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Huai-En Mo, Tun-Ping Teng
  • Patent number: 9933170
    Abstract: A water-cooled split air conditioning system includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a plurality of connecting hoses. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor housing and a water cooling unit. The water cooling unit includes a pumping device, a top water collection basin, a fill material unit provided underneath the top water collection basin, a bottom water collection basin provided underneath the fill material unit, and a plurality of heat exchanging pipes provided in the bottom water collection basin and immersed in the cooling water. The cooling water collected in the bottom water collection tank is arranged to be guided to flow back into the top water collection basin. A predetermined amount of refrigerant is arranged to flow through the heat exchanging pipes to perform highly efficient heat exchanging process with the cooling water for lowering a temperature of the refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Lee Wa Wong
  • Patent number: 9933171
    Abstract: An air conditioning and heat pump system includes a multi-communicative valve unit, a compressor unit connected to the multi-communicative valve unit, an evaporator unit connected to the multi-communicative valve unit, a heat exchanger connected to multi-communicative valve unit, a water heater connected to the compressor unit and the multi-communicative valve unit, and an evaporative cooling system which comprises at least one multiple-effect evaporative condenser for effectively cooling the working fluid. The air conditioning and heat pump system is selectively operated in one of an air conditioning mode, a heat pump mode, a water heater mode, and a defrosting mode, and can be switched such that the working fluid can either be cooled by the evaporator unit or and evaporative cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Lee Wa Wong
  • Patent number: 9933172
    Abstract: The disclosure describes trench-confirmable geothermal reservoirs that can snugly abut trench walls (that may be of virgin, compacted earth) for facilitating heat exchange and flow liquid from one lower end to an opposing top end, and vice versa, depending on desired heat exchange. The direction can be reversed for summer and winter heat/cooling configurations. A series of the reservoirs may be used for appropriate heat transfer. The water volume of the reservoirs is relatively large and slow moving for good earth heat conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Gary Scott Peele
  • Patent number: 9933173
    Abstract: A building may include a floor, a dome having a vent, and an internal ceiling that divides areas underneath the dome into first and second chambers. The internal ceiling may have an aperture that is structured to allow air to pass from the first chamber into the second chamber. The building may also include an air inlet configured to allow air to travel from outside the building into the first chamber and an air moving device that is configured to facilitate the movement of the air. The building may also include an air cooling element that is configured to cool the air as it travels from outside the building into the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Oregon Health & Science University
    Inventor: Perry Gliessman
  • Patent number: 9933174
    Abstract: An HVAC controller, a method for operating a HVAC unit and a HVAC unit are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) a memory configured to store a unique default network address for the controller and (2) a processor configured to automatically generate the unique default network address based on a seed value that is uniquely associated with the HVAC unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Mauk, John P. Stachler
  • Patent number: 9933175
    Abstract: A controller for a Heating Ventilation or Air Conditioning system (HVAC system) such as a mini split system is disclosed for adding control features that incorporate an observed operational status and occupancy/motion detection utilizing control commands already provided as part of the HVAC system as manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Howard Rosen
  • Patent number: 9933176
    Abstract: Systems and methods of operating a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system are disclosed that may include starting a timer substantially concurrently with the HVAC system, entering a cooling cycle, and preventing a multi-speed blower in the HVAC system from changing speeds until the timer expires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Mutchnik, Carl L. Garrett, John Taylor, Timothy Wayne Storm, Rick St. Mars
  • Patent number: 9933177
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an electronic device may include storage containing processor-executable instructions and a current setpoint schedule, and a processor configured to execute the instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Todd Hester, Allen Joseph Minich, George Alban Heitz, III
  • Patent number: 9933178
    Abstract: An energy-reducing method and apparatus for retrofitting a single zone, constant volume HVAC system, with or without an economizer, that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation to occupants within a building space. The present invention includes the introduction of a programmable logic controller and variable frequency drive (VFD) that takes control of the existing fan, heating, cooling, and optional economizer operation. The reduction of the fan speed in the ventilation mode when the 100% operation is not needed saves significant energy of the existing constant volume HVAC system where the fan motor is designed to run 100% of the time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Transformative Wave Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Danny Miller, Justin Sipe
  • Patent number: 9933179
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controller, a method of receiving signals from a keypad and an HVAC system incorporating the controller or the method. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) a keypad having at least first and second banks, (2) a reference signal source configured to generate a time-varying untransformed reference signal and provide the untransformed reference signal to the first bank, (3) transformation circuitry configured to transform the untransformed reference signal into a transformed reference signal and provide the transformed reference signal to the second bank and (4) a processor having interrupt pins coupled to corresponding keys of both the first and second banks and a further interrupt pin coupled to receive one of the untransformed and transformed reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Darko Hadzidedic, Sakthi Narayan Kumar Murugesan
  • Patent number: 9933180
    Abstract: A data providing method is carried out by a computer (460) built in a data processing system (1) which is designed to collect log information from electronic devices through a network (30) and provide services based on that log information for authenticated users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation of America
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Haga, Motoji Ohmori, Natsume Matsuzaki, Yuichi Futa
  • Patent number: 9933181
    Abstract: A method of controlling a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system includes measuring an ambient temperature and determining whether the ambient temperature is below a threshold temperature value. Responsive to a determination that the ambient temperature is below the threshold temperature value, measuring a condenser-fan cycle time of the HVAC system and setting a speed of the compressor based on the measured condenser-fan cycle time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Lennox Industries LLC
    Inventors: Siddarth Rajan, John Tran, Rakesh Goel, Clay Toombs
  • Patent number: 9933182
    Abstract: A system for optimizing one or more environmental parameters of an enclosed space comprising first and second relatively enclosed regions, such as a living space and a roof space within a building, is disclosed. The system comprises an internal sensor, in the first region, and an external sensor, external to the enclosed space, for measuring respective environmental parameters. The system also comprises a controller and a diverter valve. The controller is configured to specify the first region's ideal internal environmental parameter, and compare this specified parameter with the measured first region's internal parameter and the measured external parameter to determine whether the diverter valve directs air from the first or second enclosed region to exhaust through the ventilator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: CSR Building Products Limited
    Inventors: Tarek Alfakhrany, Colin Schwecke, Derek Munn
  • Patent number: 9933183
    Abstract: A structurally reinforced insulated dynamic roof curb for securely fastening a mechanical unit thereon is disclosed. The structurally reinforced insulated dynamic roof curb is generally comprised of a plurality of sheet-metal capture tracks positioned on the roof to define a generally rectangular or square configuration, a plurality of structurally reinforced insulated sheet-metal encased support members positioned within the plurality of capture tracks, a plurality of vertically extending support tubes joined together with a plurality of spanning cross-support tubes within the encased support members, wherein the cross-support tubes span between the vertically extending support tubes, and wherein the vertically extending support tubes are spaced apart and positioned along the length of the insulated sheet-metal encased support member thereby defining the structurally reinforced insulated dynamic roof curb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Duane Den Adel
  • Patent number: 9933184
    Abstract: A cover plate for access to the thermostat of an electric water heater associated with a resistive heating element to control the operation thereof is described. The cover plate has mounted on a rear face thereof a remotely controllable switching circuit to control the power being fed to the thermostat and thereby remotely controlling the load. The cover plate with the remotely controllable switching circuit is also provided as a retrofit to convert existing electric water heaters to intelligent remotely controllable water heaters. The remote controller may be a utility, a utility provider or a remote control device. The remote controlled switching circuit is mounted concealed in the access cavity behind the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: MICLAU-S.R.I. INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Lesage, Kevin Guay
  • Patent number: 9933185
    Abstract: A fan includes: an impeller including a main plate having a first plane, a plurality of first blades each formed the first plane, and a shroud formed integrally with the plurality of first blades; a fan case; a drive source; and a rotation shaft. The first blades each include a linearly protruding region that is linearly increased in height from an outer circumferential side to an inner circumferential side, and a curvedly protruding region that is curvedly increased in height from the outer circumferential side to the inner circumferential side, the height extending in a direction in which each first blade protrudes. The linearly protruding region is welded to the main plate. Accordingly, a highly durable fan can be implemented that allows sufficient durability to be maintained even under a high temperature environment or an acid environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: NORITZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuji Kameyama, Keigo Fukunishi, Mitsuo Nomura, Masaaki Takata, Yukio Yoshida, Tadashi Takewaka