Patents Issued in April 10, 2018
  • Patent number: 9939156
    Abstract: A combustor arrangement (10) including: a pilot burner (22) having a pilot cone (62); a plurality of clockwise (130) main swirlers interposed among a plurality of counterclockwise (132) main swirlers and disposed concentrically about the pilot burner; and a base plate (40) transverse to the main swirlers. Inbound-zones (134) exist where adjacent portions (106) of adjacent flows (108) through main swirlers flow toward the pilot cone, and interposed between the inbound zones outbound zones (136) exist where adjacent portions of adjacent flows flow away from the pilot cone. The arrangement is configured to preferentially deliver more cooling fluid to the inbound zones than the outbound zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Krishna C. Miduturi, David M. Ritland
  • Patent number: 9939157
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle apparatus for a gas turbine engine includes: a first pilot fuel injector disposed on a centerline axis of the fuel nozzle which defines a direction of air flow through the fuel nozzle, the first pilot fuel injector being of a pressure atomizing type; an annular second pilot fuel injector at least partially surrounding the first pilot fuel injector, the second pilot fuel injector being of an air blast type and having a fuel outlet disposed axially downstream and radially outboard of the first pilot fuel injector; an annular venturi surrounding the first and second pilot fuel injectors, the venturi including a throat of minimum diameter; an array of inner swirl vanes extending between the first pilot fuel injector and the second pilot fuel injector; and an array of outer swirl vanes extending between the second pilot fuel injector and the venturi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nayan Vinodbhai Patel, Duane Douglas Thomsen
  • Patent number: 9939158
    Abstract: A combustor includes a first tube which supplies fuel and air from an opening formed in a distal end thereof, and a second tube which is configured such that flames are formed on an inner circumferential side thereof by the fuel and the air and the distal end of the first tube is inserted into an inner circumferential side of a proximal end thereof. The first tube includes a first tube main body and a ring part forming the distal end of the first tube. The ring part has a main body of a tubular shape and a plurality of protrusions that are integrally formed with the main body on an outer circumferential surface of the main body and protrude radially outward. When viewed in an axial direction, the outer circumferential surface of the main body has a polygonal cross-sectional shape within a range within which the protrusions are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenta Taniguchi, Norihiko Motoyama, Yoshiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9939159
    Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cavity to define a cooking chamber, a door to open and close the cooking chamber, a partition plate to partition the cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber, the partition plate facing the door in the closed state, wherein the door closes the first chamber, a burner provided in the second chamber to burn gas, thereby generating flame, and a fan provided in the second chamber to allow heated air to flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeahyuk Wie, Ingyu Yang, Youngsoo Kim, Yangho Kim
  • Patent number: 9939160
    Abstract: Disclosed is an oven which provides convenient removal of a rack, achieving enhanced usability. The oven includes a cabinet having a chamber, a door to open or close the cabinet, a rack assembly including an operating member to support a cooking object seated thereon, the operating member being removable from the chamber, and a support member fixed inside the chamber to support the operating member, and a spring device including a first fixing piece located at the operating member, a second fixing piece located at the support member, and an elastic member having one side connected to the first fixing piece and the other side connected to the second fixing piece and located in a vertical gap between the operating member and the support member so as to be elastically restored by a distance between the first and second fixing pieces to remove the operating member from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: LG Electronic Inc.
    Inventors: Wontae Kim, Wansoo Kim, Sangcheol Lee
  • Patent number: 9939161
    Abstract: Provided is a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance includes a housing to define a cooking chamber, a burner disposed outside the housing, a communication hole defined in the housing to allow air heated by the burner to pass therethrough, and a heated air guider disposed inside the housing and coupled to the housing. The heated air guider comprises a discharge hole through which the heated air is discharged and prevents the communication hole from being exposed to the cooking chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yongki Jeong, Janghee Park, Jaebeom Lim
  • Patent number: 9939162
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) boiler controller is described herein. One HVAC boiler controller includes a memory and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive a weather forecast for an area in which the boiler of the HVAC system is located, receive a current outdoor temperature, determine a set point of the boiler based, at least in part, on the received weather forecast and the received current outdoor temperature, and adjust the set point of the boiler to the determined set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Milan Kriz, Petr Wagner
  • Patent number: 9939163
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system for an enclosed environment may be configured to at least one of heat and cool air and include an air circulation system configured to circulate air at least within the enclosed environment. The air within the enclosed environment may comprise at least the indoor air. The system may further include an outdoor air inlet for introducing at least a portion of outdoor air into the enclosed environment, where the outdoor air comprises air from outside the enclosed environment. The system may further include a scrubbing system having an adsorbent material to reduce presence of at least one gas contaminant in the indoor air. A controller system may be included for controlling the operation of at least one of the circulation system and the scrubbing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ENVERID SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Udi Meirav, Israel Biran, Asael Meruham
  • Patent number: 9939164
    Abstract: A thermal image sensor including: a plurality of infrared detector elements that detect infrared light in a detection area; and rotors that scan the detection area in a scanning direction to detect, with the plurality of infrared detector elements, infrared light in an area to be captured as a single thermal image. The plurality of infrared detector elements include infrared detector elements arranged in mutually different positions in a rotational direction corresponding to the scanning direction of the plurality of infrared detector elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Koichi Kusukame, Shinichi Shikii, Nawatt Silawan, Tatsuo Itoh, Kazuki Funase, Aki Yoneda
  • Patent number: 9939165
    Abstract: A multi-mode thermostat includes a sensor of ambient temperature and control circuits coupled to the sensor, wherein the control circuits are responsive to signals from the sensor to maintain a predetermined regional temperature. First electrically actuated backup circuits are responsive to a firt sensed operational power level to alter a status signal transmission rate by the control circuits. Second electrically actuated backup circuits are responsive to a lower sensed operational power level to provide a backup, lower regional temperature electromechanically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Eric Oh, Steven Amodeo
  • Patent number: 9939166
    Abstract: Disclosed is a low-power consumption standby circuit device comprising a primary power supply, a secondary power supply, a first control switch and a control circuit module. An input terminal of the primary power supply is connected with an external power supply via the first control switch. An output terminal is connected with external loads to power the external loads. An input terminal of the secondary power supply is connected to the external power supply and an output terminal is electrically connected with the control circuit module. The control circuit module comprises an MCU module and a signal receiving circuit, wherein the MCU module controls the on-off of the first control switch. An air conditioner adopting the circuit device achieves a quasi zero-watt standby target through a reasonable power supply distribution and enhancing the anti-interference capability of a main chip. A control method for the air conditioner is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES INC.
    Inventors: Tao Xi, Mengchun Tao, Yanliang Wu, Hanqin Wei
  • Patent number: 9939167
    Abstract: A user interface for an HVAC controller includes an electronic display and a proximity sensor for sensing a position of a user relative to the electronic display. A display controller is operably coupled to the electronic display and the proximity sensor and is configured to display one or more display elements on the electronic display. In some embodiments, a location of one or more of the display elements on the electronic display may be based, at least in part, on the position of the user sensed by the proximity sensor. In some embodiments, a size of one or more of the display elements on the electronic display may be based, at least in part, on the position of the user sensed by the proximity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hoppe, Daniel Murr, Patrick Hudson
  • Patent number: 9939168
    Abstract: Variable airflow volume balancing using a variable airflow volume controller is described herein. One method includes receiving, by a variable airflow volume controller, a command from a computing device to begin variable airflow volume balancing. The method can include performing a balancing function using the variable airflow volume controller in response to the command, wherein the balancing function is performed independent of the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Balaji Krishnasamy, Deenadayalan Karunakaran
  • Patent number: 9939169
    Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, methods for operating driving controls for communicating motors are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method generally includes controlling a transmit circuit of the driving control to generate an expected transmit signal for sending to the communicating motor, and detecting, using a transmit sense circuit in the driving control, the actual resulting signal generated by the transmit circuit signal before the actual resulting signal leaves the driving control and is transmitted to the communicating motor. The method also includes analyzing the detected signal to verify whether the transmit circuit in the driving control is working properly, by comparing the expected transmit signal to the detected actual resulting signal. Exemplary methods are also disclosed of analyzing receive circuits of driving controls to verify whether the receive circuits are working properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventor: John F. Broker
  • Patent number: 9939170
    Abstract: The rapid thermal cycling of a material is targeted. A microfluidic heat exchanger with an internal porous medium is coupled to tanks containing cold fluid and hot fluid. Fluid flows alternately from the cold tank and the hot tank into the porous medium, cooling and heating samples contained in the microfluidic heat exchanger's sample wells. A valve may be coupled to the tanks and a pump, and switching the position of the valve may switch the source and direction of fluid flowing through the porous medium. A controller may control the switching of valve positions based on the temperature of the samples and determined temperature thresholds. A sample tray for containing samples to be thermally cycled may be used in conjunction with the thermal cycling system. A surface or internal electrical heater may aid in heating the samples, or may replace the necessity for the hot tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Neil Reginald Beer, William J. Benett, James M. Frank, Joshua R. Deotte, Christopher Spadaccini
  • Patent number: 9939171
    Abstract: A duct heater has a unique and symmetric arrangement of an auto limit and a pair of back up limits to permit the duct heater to be mounted in a duct in a number of different orientations. The duct heater can include a diffuser screen and have a particular size with respect to an upstream piece of equipment such as a single duct variable air volume damper box so that it can be used in these types of applications as well as stand alone applications in a duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: TUTCO, INC.
    Inventors: James Patrick Lollar, Devin Ridley
  • Patent number: 9939172
    Abstract: A thermostatic condensing gas water heater, comprising a burner; a first heat exchanger (7), a second heat exchanger (4), a water inlet pipe (10), and a water outlet pipe (9) provided in succession along the flow direction of the burnt flue gas; a controller; and a water flow channel connecting the first heat exchanger (7) and the second heat exchanger (4) in parallel between the water inlet pipe (10) and the water outlet pipe (9), wherein flow control valves (3, 5) capable of adjusting the water flow distribution of the first heat exchanger (7) and the second heat exchanger (4) are provided on the water flow channel and controlled by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Bu Qiu, Dayan Bi, Sujuan Zhou, Shiping Zhang, Yuehua Wu
  • Patent number: 9939173
    Abstract: There is provided a system including: an automatic supplement valve configured to automatically supplementing direct water; an expansion tank configured to be connected to the automatic supplement valve to adjust expansion pressure depending on the temperature change of the direct water; an exhaust heat pump configured to be connected to the expansion tank to circulate heat in an exhaust heat line connecting the exhaust heat source and the hot water tank; and a mixing valve configured to be extendedly formed between a first hot water line for receiving the exhaust heat of the exhaust heat source and a second hot water line having passed through the exhaust heat exchanger of the hot water tank to mix the first hot water with the second hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: KYUNGDONG NAVIEN CO., LTD
    Inventors: Woo Sung Park, Dae Woong Park
  • Patent number: 9939174
    Abstract: Water heater relief valves intended to safeguard against overpressure and overtemperature emergencies are frequently rendered inoperative by corrosion or calcification. These problems are ameliorated by enclosing all or part of the valve mechanism in a sealed chamber containing a corrosion inhibiting medium, which may be an oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Otto Rodriguez, Juan A Lopez
  • Patent number: 9939175
    Abstract: In a fuel-fired water heater with a standing pilot burner and a motorized flue damper, a specially designed controller is utilized to prevent overheating of water stored in the tank portion of the water heater caused by the hot combustion gases continuously generated by the pilot burner during standby periods of the water heater in which its main fuel burner is not being fired. The controller has a selectively variable water temperature control set point temperature and is operable to sense both ambient temperature and the tank water temperature and to open the flue damper and/or keep it open, after the main burner is off, in response to the presence for a predetermined continuous time period of a predetermined relationship of at least the selected temperature control set point temperature and the sensed ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: RHEEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Raheel A. Chaudhry, Jozef Boros, Gianpiero Turrin
  • Patent number: 9939176
    Abstract: An absorber pipe for solar collectors is provided. The absorber pipe includes a metal pipe for and a cladding pipe surrounding the metal pipe to form an annular space that can be evacuated. The absorber pipe can include a wall extending between the cladding pipe and the metal pipe for sealing the annular space and a retaining device for a getter material or a container filled with getter material or inert gas. The retaining device has a receiving section for receiving the getter material or the container. The retaining device is fastened to the wall. The absorber pipe can alternately include a getter material disposed in the annular space for binding free hydrogen present in the annular space and a reflector disposed in the annular space for reflecting radiation. The reflector has a housing with a support section for fastening and protecting the getter material from the radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: RIOGLASS SOLAR HOLDING, S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Kuckelkorn, Marc Moellenhoff, Christina Albers, Paul Eichel
  • Patent number: 9939177
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a control system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. The present invention appreciates that the optical properties of light that is both modified and/or distributed, e.g. by diffraction, diffusion, or some other process, and also redirected by a heliostat, can be a function of how the light redirecting element is aimed. This means that the aim of the light redirecting element can be precisely determined once the aim of the modified and/or distributed light is known. Advantageously, the characteristics of modified and/or distributed light indicative of how that light is aimed can be determined from locations outside the zone of concentrated illumination in which sensors are at undue risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: SOLARRESERVE TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Braden E. Hines, Richard L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9939178
    Abstract: A concentrated solar power (CSP) system includes channels arranged to convey a flowing solids medium descending under gravity. The channels form a light-absorbing surface configured to absorb solar flux from a heliostat field. The channels may be independently supported, for example by suspension, and gaps between the channels are sized to accommodate thermal expansion. The light absorbing surface may be sloped so that the inside surfaces of the channels proximate to the light absorbing surface define downward-slanting channel floors, and the flowing solids medium flows along these floors. Baffles may be disposed inside the channels and oriented across the direction of descent of the flowing solids medium. The channels may include wedge-shaped walls forming the light-absorbing surface and defining multiple-reflection light paths for solar flux from the heliostat field incident on the light-absorbing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Mikhail Maryamchik, Thomas J Flynn, Shengteng Hu, David L. Kraft, Jason M. Marshall, Bartev B. Sakadjian
  • Patent number: 9939179
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a plurality of compressors connected in series with each other. Each compressor has an oil sump located in a gravitational bottom of the compressor. A common supply line supplies refrigerant and oil to each of the plurality of compressors. The plurality of compressors includes a lead compressor and one or more non-lead compressors. The common supply line is configured to return more oil to the lead compressor than to the one or more non-lead compressors. Oil sump pressures for the plurality of compressors are maintained such that the lead compressor has the highest oil sump pressure, and the oil sump pressures of the non-lead compressors are successively lower with respect to its position downstream of the lead compressor. As a result, oil is distributed between adjacent compressors from the lead compressor, which is a most upstream compressor, sequentially downstream to the one or more non-lead compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: BITZER Kuehlmaschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Bruce A. Fraser
  • Patent number: 9939180
    Abstract: In a refrigeration apparatus, in a first operation mode, a comparison is made between a first liquid pipe temperature, which is a temperature of a refrigerant on a side of a liquid pipe heat exchanger that is near usage-side heat exchangers, and a second liquid pipe temperature, which is a temperature of the refrigerant on a side of the liquid pipe heat exchanger that is near a plurality of heat-source-side heat exchangers, the liquid pipe heat exchanger performing heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through liquid sides of the heat-source-side heat exchangers. When an evaporation-switch liquid pipe temperature condition is satisfied, the heat-source-side heat exchanger functioning as a radiator of the refrigerant is switched to an evaporator of the refrigerant, and the first operation mode is switched to a second operation mode in which the plurality of heat-source-side heat exchangers are caused to function as evaporators of the refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mari Susaki, Masahiro Oka, Ryuuta Ohura
  • Patent number: 9939181
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that may include recovering heat from a generator to defrost the heat exchanger by passing a heat transfer fluid from the generator through a recovery heat exchanger that is configured to promote heat transfer between the heat transfer fluid and a refrigerant flowing therethrough, reducing a restriction of the refrigerant, reducing an airflow through the heat exchanger, and delivering the heated refrigerant to the heat exchanger. Systems and methods may also include recovering heat from an exhaust of the generator to deter the formation of frozen condensate on the outdoor heat exchanger by diverting at least a portion of a hot exhaust fluid discharged by the generator onto the outdoor heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Stewart Hancock
  • Patent number: 9939182
    Abstract: A liquefier for a heat pump includes a liquefier space, a compressor motor and a motor fixture for holding the stationary motor part, wherein the motor further has a motor shaft and a compressor wheel connected to the motor shaft. The motor fixture is formed so that the stationary motor part is held so that it is in contact with liquefied working fluid when liquefied working fluid is filled in the liquefier space. Furthermore, the compressor wheel extends into a region of the heat pump in which a channel for gaseous working fluid to be compressed passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Efficient Energy GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Sedlak, Oliver Kniffler
  • Patent number: 9939183
    Abstract: A device to mount plural number of condenser sections, including respective condenser sections of an inflow conduit flowing into coolant therein, an outflow conduit flowing out of coolant therefrom, a connection tube communicating between the inflow conduit and the outflow conduit, and plural number of condenser tubes for connecting the inflow conduit and the outflow conduit and fins attached to the condenser tube. The plural number of the condenser sections are mounted every inflow conduits and every outflow conduits directing to the same direction, leeward side positioned outflow conduits of the condenser sections and windward side positioned inflow conduits of the condenser sections being connecting the connection tube, with series connection, thereby coolant within the condenser tubes of the plural number of the condenser sections flows in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Noriaki Ito
  • Patent number: 9939184
    Abstract: A refrigeration device includes a radiator, an evaporator, a compressor, a heater and a control device. The radiator causes a refrigerant to radiate heat. The evaporator causes the refrigerant to evaporate. The compressor compresses the refrigerant circulating between the radiator and the evaporator. The heater heats lubricating oil in the compressor. The control device controls the heater so that an oil temperature of the lubricating oil in the compressor reaches an oil temperature target value obtained by adding a predetermined temperature to saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Yura, Shinichi Kasahara, Kousuke Kibo
  • Patent number: 9939185
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, an expansion device, and an evaporator in fluid communication with one another. An electronic condenser pressure control valve is in fluid communication with an outlet of the condenser and operative to control a condition at the outlet of the condenser. A controller is operatively coupled to the electronic condenser pressure control valve, the controller including logic configured to operate the electronic condenser pressure control valve to dynamically float the discharge pressure at the condenser outlet based on at least one of one or more system conditions or one or more ambient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Ted W. Sunderland, Dustin B. Searcy, Christian D. Parker, Dave P. Wrocklage, Kevin E. Dorton
  • Patent number: 9939186
    Abstract: An evaporator assembly for an ice-making apparatus having a vertical, substantially flat freeze surface, a refrigerant circuit, and a freeze template. The freeze template is thermally coupled between the freeze surface and the refrigerant circuit, and is formed of a plurality of regions arranged in a plane and interconnected by strips having a smaller dimension in the plane than the regions. Interface locations between the freeze template and the freeze surface define where on the freeze surface ice is to be formed. During a freeze cycle, expanded refrigerant is passed through the refrigerant circuit, and water is run over the freeze surface. During a harvest cycle, compressed refrigerant is passed through the refrigerant circuit, wherein heat transfers from the refrigerant circuit to the freeze surface until the freeze surface is warmed to a temperature sufficient to allow ice formed on the freeze surface to fall from the freeze surface by a force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Scotsman Group LLC
    Inventors: Keith H. Roth, Chris J. Salatino, Jonathan V. Stockton
  • Patent number: 9939187
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprises: a cabinet including a refrigerator compartment, and a freezer compartment provided; a refrigerator compartment door rotationally connected to the front side of the cabinet to open/close the refrigerator compartment; an ice bank which is provided to the ice compartment and stores ice; an icemaker which comprises an upper tray forming a hemispherical upper cell, a lower tray forming a hemispherical lower cell, and a rotating shaft for rotating the lower tray, and which is provided in the freezer compartment; and an ice transfer device for transferring the ice collected in the ice collector to the ice bank along the ice transfer duct, wherein the ice transfer device can include: a transfer cable; a pusher connected to an end of the transfer cable; and a transfer case for accommodating the transfer cable which is wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Donghoon Lee, Wookyong Lee, Bongjin Kim
  • Patent number: 9939188
    Abstract: A portable cooler is provided that includes a base that supports a refrigeration unit. The base also supports a plurality of upwardly-extending support poles that accommodate a top portion. The support poles, top portion, and base define a food storage volume that is surrounded by a plurality of insulative walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Brad Lockwood
  • Patent number: 9939189
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a flow channel device provided at opposite sides of a machinery compartment to introduce and discharge external air into the machinery compartment. The refrigerator includes a main body including an inner liner having a storage compartment defined therein, an outer liner coupled to an outside of the inner liner to form an external appearance thereof, and an insulation member filled between the inner liner and the outer liner, a machinery compartment, provided at a lower part of the main body, in which a compressor is disposed, and a flow channel device provided at opposite sides of the machinery compartment such that external air is introduced into the machinery compartment, flows along the machinery compartment, and is discharged from the machinery compartment, wherein the flow channel device extends through the insulation member filled between the outer liner and an inner wall of the machinery compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keon Pyo Koo, Byung Su Kim, Ji Hoon Lim, Hyun Young Jo, Hun Kwan Kang
  • Patent number: 9939190
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a refrigerator having a body, storage compartments, and a door that opens/closes the storage compartments and comprises a front panel formed of a metal plate material, through holes being formed in the front panel, the method including forming the through holes in the front panel by performing an etching or laser process; and filling a filler member in the through holes so that foreign substances are prevented from permeating an internal space of the through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Do Soo Sung, Heung Seob Choi, Man Yeob Lee, Jong Tak Lee
  • Patent number: 9939191
    Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet having outer walls that define a portion of a contact surface. Operable panels are engaged with the cabinet and operate between closed and open positions. A lateral mullion is pivotally attached to a mullion panel of the plurality of operable panels and is operable between contact and tucked positions. When the mullion panel is in the closed position, an outer surface of the lateral mullion is in the vertically pointed contact position and defines a portion of the contact surface to receive a seal of the mullion panel and selectively receive a seal of a vertically adjacent panel. Movement of the mullion panel to the open position rotates the lateral mullion about a horizontal axis to define the tucked position such that the mullion panel can move to the open position free of operation of the vertically adjacent panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Neomar Giacomini, Axel Julio Ramm
  • Patent number: 9939192
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes: a cabinet including an outer case, an inner case disposed inside the outer case and defining a storage space, and an insulating material filled between the outer case and the inner case; a door pivotably connected to a front surface of the cabinet and selectively opening/closing a storage compartment; a shelf assembly including a shelf supporting arm fixed to a real surface of the inner case and a shelf connected to the shelf supporting arm so as to be slidably movable; and a withdrawal device connected to the door and withdrawing the shelf forward in accordance with pivoting of the door for opening the storage space. Here, the withdrawal device includes: a slide member held in a space between the outer case and the inner case; a link member including a front end portion connected to the door and a rear end portion connected to the slide member; and a connection member connecting the slide member and the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Changwoan Yang, Seungjin Choi, Hanhyo Kim, Yoomin Park
  • Patent number: 9939193
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for storage in a refrigerated appliance. One aspect includes glides or slides underneath and within the bottom perimeter dimensions of any bin or bin carrier relative to its supporting structure in the refrigerated appliance. This allows adjacent bins to more efficiently utilize lateral storage space in the refrigerator. It also promotes hiding of the glide or slides from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Kendall, Michael C. Lah, Timothy T. Murphy, Todd J. Tunzi
  • Patent number: 9939194
    Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a motor driven compressor (MDC) power network electrically isolated and independent from a balance of plant (BOP) power network within an electrical power system and methods for operating the same. In one embodiment, the MDC power network can include one or more MDC trains, and each of the MDC trains can include an MDC distribution bus, one or more MDC turbine generators, one or more electric motors, and one or more compressors. The BOP power network can include a BOP distribution bus, one or more BOP turbine generators, and one or more plant circuits comprising the balance of the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT LLC
    Inventor: Keith McCarthy
  • Patent number: 9939195
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover ethane, ethylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as a feed between two absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the lower absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the lower absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components. A distillation vapor stream from the top of the heat and mass transfer means is cooled by a distillation vapor stream from the top of the upper absorbing means, thereby forming a condensed stream that is supplied as a top feed to the upper absorbing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignees: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd., S.M.E. Products LLP
    Inventors: Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar
  • Patent number: 9939196
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to remove carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled, expanded to intermediate pressure, and fed to the top of a mass transfer means. A distillation liquid stream from the mass transfer means is heated in a first heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components and form a bottom liquid product. A distillation vapor stream from the mass transfer means is combined with any vapor in the expanded cooled gas stream, and the combined vapor stream is cooled in a second heat and mass transfer means to partially condense it, forming a condensed stream that is fed to the top of the mass transfer means. A portion of the bottom liquid product is subcooled, expanded to lower pressure, and used to cool the combined vapor stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignees: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd., S.M.E. Products LP
    Inventors: Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar
  • Patent number: 9939197
    Abstract: Feeding a slurry comprising inert solids, liquid hydrocarbons, liquid water and sometimes dissolves solids to a unit having a casing defining a thermal extraction chamber heated both directly and indirectly in which first and second intermeshing screws rotate, the screws in close tolerance with each other and with inside casing surfaces. The casing and screws define a tortuous flow path in which the slurry and a vaporous composition evolved therefrom flow. The intermeshing screws push the slurry toward a discharge end of the chamber at a first velocity while reducing pressure and increasing temperature in the chamber, while rotating the screws to create turbulent vacuum thermal conditions in the chamber to physically transform some or all of the slurry into the vaporous composition. The vaporous composition traverses the tortuous flow path with a second velocity at least 1.5 times the first velocity, optionally forming a heated, substantially dry, composition comprising the inert solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: CALAERIS ENERGY + ENVIRONMENT LTD.
    Inventor: Barry Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9939198
    Abstract: The present invention provides a conveyor belt tracking system for a dryer having a web of a mesh material having a protrusion extending along the length proximal one lateral edge and above a flat surface and a first generally cylindrical roller having a three-tiered slot for receiving the protrusion and two flanking shallow tracks for receiving base flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: M&R Printing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Hoffman, Jr., Mariusz Switalski, Jerzy Podstawka, Dariusz Tkacz
  • Patent number: 9939199
    Abstract: A multiple product belt drier having a first air permeable conveyor belt on which the materials to be dried are poured to form a first drying path; at least a second air permeable conveyor belt to assure at least a second drying path for drying the materials after the first one; an air blowing mechanism; an air heating mechanism for heating the blown air to dry the materials, and a drying air distribution circuit for distributing the drying air towards the materials and the belts; the drying air circuit being provided so that the drying air circulates downwards through the materials to be dried and the belts, and an air reheating mechanism is provided between the two paths to reheat the air which has passed through the layer of materials on the first belt, before it passes through the layer of materials on the second belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Sociedad General de Aguas de Barcelona, S.A.
    Inventor: Juan Permuy Dobarro
  • Patent number: 9939200
    Abstract: A substrate transfer system includes a substrate transfer part capable of transferring a substrate while holding the substrate, an elevating mechanism including a support axis extending in an upper-lower direction and being capable of moving the substrate transfer part along the support axis within a predetermined range, a first exhaust port located at a position selected from at least one of on the supporting axis and near the supporting axis above an upper limit of the predetermined range, a second exhaust port located at a position selected from at least one of on the supporting axis and near the supporting axis below a lower limit of the predetermined range, and an exhaust part connected such that exhaust is available through the first exhaust port and the second exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Koyu Hasegawa, Kyoko Ikeda
  • Patent number: 9939201
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a cooling system may include a thermosyphon cooler that cools a cooling fluid through dry cooling and a cooling tower that cools a cooling fluid through evaporative cooling. The thermosyphon cooler may use natural convection to circulate a refrigerant between a shell and tube evaporator and an air cooled condenser. The thermosyphon cooler may be located in the cooling system upstream of, and in series with, the cooling tower, and may be operated when the thermosyphon cooler is more economically and/or resource efficient to operate than the cooling tower. According to certain embodiments, factors, such as the ambient temperature, the cost of electricity, and the cost of water, among others, may be used to determine whether to operate the thermosyphon cooler, the cooling tower, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: James W. Furlong, Joseph W. Pillis, Delmar E. Lehman
  • Patent number: 9939202
    Abstract: A heat exchanger may include a gas conduit flowable through by a predetermined gas and a heat conduit flowable through by a predetermined fluid compound working fluid. The heat conduit may be in thermal communication with the gas conduit. The heat exchanger may include a first section having a first section length, a second section having a second section length, and a third section having a third section length. The gas conduit may span, in a direction of flow of the gas, the first section, the second section, and the third section. The heat conduit may span, in a direction of flow of the working fluid, the third section, the first section, and the second section. The first section may include a gas inlet and the third section may include a working fluid inlet and a gas outlet. The section may include a working fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Mahle Behr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Geskes, Klaus Irmler, Eberhard Pantow, Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9939203
    Abstract: A system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a control unit and a heat pipe heat exchanger having a first heat pipe and a second heat pipe. The system also includes a first flow regulator selectively adjustable in response to instructions from the control unit to direct a first flow of fluid over a portion of the first heat pipe. Further, the system includes a second flow regulator selectively adjustable in response to instructions from the control unit to direct a second flow of fluid over a portion of the second heat pipe. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wei-Lin Cho, Gary A. Adamson
  • Patent number: 9939204
    Abstract: In a heat spreading module, a plurality of hollow paths is formed in a thin plate-shaped main body so as to pass though the heating portion, and the hollow paths communicate with each other in a heating portion, a working fluid is enclosed in the hollow paths, a wick is disposed in each of the hollow paths such that a vapor flow path in which vapor of the working fluid flows is formed in each of the hollow paths, a part of each wick is positioned at the heating portion, and the vapor flow paths formed in the hollow paths communicate with each other in the heating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Thanhlong Phan, Youji Kawahara, Yuichi Yokoyama, Yuji Saito, Mohammad Shahed Ahamed, Koichi Mashiko
  • Patent number: 9939205
    Abstract: A heat dissipater having capillary component includes: a heat spreader including a shell member having at least one through hole and a first capillary structure disposed in the shell member; a heat pipe, received in the through hole and including a pipe member and a second capillary structure disposed in the pipe member. The pipe member includes an opening formed in the shell member; and a capillary component, accommodated in the shell member and including a block member extended with a protruding part and arranged adjacent to the first capillary structure. The protruding part is received in the opening and arranged adjacent to the second capillary structure. Accordingly, the heat pipe and the heat spreader can be combined for operation, and an internal working fluid can flow between the heat pipe and the heat spreader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: COOLER MASTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Hung Sun, Lei-Lei Liu, Xiao-Min Zhang