Patents Issued in August 21, 2018
  • Patent number: 10054277
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp is configured to be able to selectively perform low-beam irradiation and high-beam irradiation. The vehicle lamp includes first and second light-emitting elements and a reflector for reflecting light emitted from these first and second light-emitting elements toward a front. A reflecting surface of the reflector has a first reflection region on which light emitted from the first light-emitting element is incident and a second reflection region on which light emitted from the first light-emitting element is not incident but light emitted from the second light-emitting element is incident. A low-beam light distribution pattern having horizontal and oblique cutoff lines is formed by turning on the first light-emitting element. A high-beam light distribution pattern is formed by turning on the second light-emitting element or simultaneously turning on the first and second light-emitting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Horiba
  • Patent number: 10054278
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a reflector unit including plural reflectors connected to each other, and base portions to which the reflectors are connected respectively, plural light-source units disposed on the base portions for the respective reflectors, plural heat radiation members disposed on the respective light-source units. The base portions are provided with plural heat radiation member fixing ribs extending to a side opposite to the reflectors. The heat radiation members are formed with plural heat radiation member fixing holes having a diameter larger than that of the heat radiation member fixing ribs. Each of the heat radiation member fixing ribs is inserted through the respective one of the heat radiation member fixing holes and thermally crimped such that a gap is formed between an inner peripheral surface of the heat radiation member fixing hole and an outer peripheral surface of the heat radiation member fixing rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Suemitsu, Yusuke Aoki, Koji Okawa
  • Patent number: 10054279
    Abstract: An illumination device for vehicles with a first light module for producing a first light distribution and with a second light module for producing a second light distribution. The second light module has numerous semiconductor-based light sources arranged as a matrix, a primary optics unit with primary optical elements assigned to each of the light sources and a secondary optics unit. An intermediary optics unit is arranged between the primary optics unit and the secondary optics unit of the second light module; the intermediary optics unit is designed so that a light-intensity gradient of the second light distribution gradually diminishes in a vertical and/or horizontal direction in a lower subarea, in which the first light distribution of the first light module connects or overlaps with an upper subarea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Dirk Kliebisch
  • Patent number: 10054280
    Abstract: A solid state light source device includes N (an integer of two or more) sets of solid state light source assemblies having a plurality of solid state light source cells arranged in a matrix pattern a multiple lens block including N incidence faces facing the N sets of solid state light source assemblies and causing light emitted from the solid state light source cells to be incident through multiple lens cells of a matrix pattern and one emission face composing the light incident from the N incidence faces and a dichroic filter that is obliquely arranged on the incidence faces inside the multiple lens block and selectively reflects or transmits incident light based on the incident light wavelength. Light distribution characteristics and color temperature of light exiting the emission face of the multiple lens block are controlled by a ratio of power supplied to the solid state light source cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: MAXELL, LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Hirata, Yuki Nagano, Shoji Yamamoto, Yoshiho Seo
  • Patent number: 10054281
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting apparatus, particularly for a motor vehicle, having a plurality of illuminants as light sources that each produce an individual light distribution, having means for setting the direction of radiation of the individual light distribution of the illuminants and having means for setting the focusing of the individual light distribution of the illuminants and having control means for controlling the settings of the individual light distributions to produce a superimposed overall light distribution by dint of superimposition of the individual light distributions of at least single illuminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.
    Inventor: Ingo Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10054282
    Abstract: An automotive light includes a rear body; a front lenticular half-shell which closes the mouth of the rear body and is provided with at least one transparent/semi-transparent portion; and at least one lighting assembly which emits light upon command and is located within the rear body to backlight the transparent/semi-transparent portion of the front lenticular half-shell. The lighting assembly includes a planar OLED light source which emits light from its front face and is within the rear body with the front face facing the inner surface of the front lenticular half-shell to direct light towards the front lenticular half-shell; a concentrated LED light source behind the planar light source; and a light-guide rod of photoconductive material between the concentrated light source and the planar light source and receives light emitted by the concentrated light source and conveys the light towards the rear face of the planar light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Davide Baccarin, Stefano Di Gallo, Ivan Favro, Jean Pascal Herlin, Fabio Leone, Stefano Marchesin, Nicola Schiccheri
  • Patent number: 10054283
    Abstract: A multifunction lighthead for mounting to a vehicle includes several groups of LEDs arranged to provide distinct light emission patterns. Each group of LEDs and associated optics are selected and positioned to produce light emission patterns needed to meet lighting standards applicable to the vehicle. Such standards may require wide angle light emission, which is enhanced by supporting groups of LEDs that project away from the vehicle body, enhancing visibility of the lighthead from directions close to a plane defined by the body panel. The projecting support for the LEDs and optics for a wide angle light emission pattern may be employed to support LEDs arranged for ground illumination. Other groups of LEDs in the same lighthead may be arranged with optics to provide area illumination in support of arrest, search, triage or other emergency functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony Gerardo
  • Patent number: 10054284
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus for a vehicle, including: a bulb which generates light; a socket in which the bulb is mounted; a reflector which has a socket coupling unit to which the socket is coupled, allows the bulb to be inserted into the reflector, and reflects forward light generated by the bulb; and an electromagnetic shield which is disposed between the socket and the socket coupling unit, and has a bulb through hole which the bulb penetrates, in which first ground contact protrusions, which protrude toward a center of the bulb through hole and come into ground contact with the socket and the socket coupling unit, are formed on a portion of the electromagnetic shield where the bulb through hole is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Hee Mun
  • Patent number: 10054285
    Abstract: A light-emitting arrangement including an optical member and a light-transmissive shield member secured with respect to the optical member at least partially defines a light-fixture exterior and having a back side facing a circuit board and receiving a gasket which encircles the circuit board to provide a water seal thereabout. The gasket has a pair of spaced apart outwardly-extending lateral fingers engaging lateral sides of a recess formed by the optical-member back side, and at least one inner finger extending into the recess offset from the recessed lateral sides. A peripheral wall extends from the optical-member back side outwardly around the gasket and engaging an emitter-supporting to minimize water ingress toward the gasket. An opaque shield is disposed along at least a portion of a perimeter of the optical member and configured and dimensioned to minimize or block distribution of light in at least one direction opposite the direction of the primary illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Demuynck, Lisa Barglind, Charles Hobson, Mark Dixon, Kurt Wilcox
  • Patent number: 10054286
    Abstract: An optical transformer includes: an optomechanical member configured: to receive incident light; and to produce primary light from the incident light including an initial propagation that includes a nonlinear scan; and a lens configured: to receive the primary light from the optomechanical member; to linearize the nonlinear scan; and to produce secondary light including a final propagation that comprises a linear scan, such that the optical transformer is configured to transform the nonlinear scan of the primary light to the linear scan of the secondary light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE, THE NATIONAL INSITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Christopher M. Brown, John T. Melcher, Stephan J. Stranick
  • Patent number: 10054287
    Abstract: A submersible light fixture including an outer casing with a window and a housing, the outer casing being sealed for operation underwater, an LED array within the outer casing behind the window including a plurality of light-emitting diodes, and a driver within the outer casing including a microprocessor, at least one capacitor, a charging circuit, and discharging circuit. The charging circuit charges the at least one capacitor to a voltage of at least two times a forward voltage of the LED array. The discharging circuit delivers power from the at least one capacitor to the LED array in discrete pulses at a voltage of at least two times the forward voltage of the LED array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Arctic Rays, LLC
    Inventors: Dirk Fieberg, Charles L. Frey
  • Patent number: 10054288
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a baffle extending about an optical axis to surround a light source, and a reflector module connected to the baffle. The reflector module includes a main reflector having a light exit opening from which a light output of the lighting device is projected towards a target area, the optical axis passing through the opening, and reflective surfaces adjacent to the opening for reflecting light incident thereon away from the opening. The reflector module further includes auxiliary reflectors for adjusting the shape of the light output of the lighting device. Each auxiliary reflector has a reflective surface, and is moveable relative to the main reflector between a stowed position and a deployed position in which at least part of the reflective surface of the auxiliary reflector is exposed, by the opening of the main reflector, to reflect light incident thereon away from the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jacob Dyson, Paul Dominic Whittaker, William John Darvill
  • Patent number: 10054289
    Abstract: An illumination device for infinite mirroring, has a lighting module. A light-guiding frame guides a first light source of the lighting module to form light-guiding light source. The lower mirror reflects the light-guiding light source to form a reflection light source reflecting mirror images. The light-guiding ring has a light-guiding surface. The reflection light source incident on the light-guiding ring uniformly scatters to the light-guiding surface to form a ring-shaped light source. The lower mirror uses a first hollow interruption element to interrupt a part of the reflection light source to form a spaced layered light source. The upper mirror simultaneously reflects the ring-shaped light source and the spaced layered light source and uses the second hollow interruption element in the hollow cover to interrupt the ring-shaped light source to form a multilayered mirroring light ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: NZXT Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Wen
  • Patent number: 10054290
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator mounts to a ceiling or a wall of a garage. The movable barrier operator includes an operator housing with a motor configured to open and close a movable barrier. The movable barrier operator also includes an LED light source mounted to the housing, a light cover, and a light distributing element. The light cover has several side surfaces that surround or covers the light source. The light distributing element mounts relative to the light source and is configured to scatter light projected by the LED light source so that some of the scattered light is directed toward one or more of the side surfaces of the light cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Gale Birdwell, Eric Colin Bretschneider, James J. Fitzgibbon
  • Patent number: 10054291
    Abstract: A directable light, the light comprising: a light source for generating light; a first reflector for forming said generated light into a beam; a light switching layer, located between said light source and said first reflector, said light switching layer comprising a plurality of portions, each of said portions having at least two states, in a first state said light switching layer being substantially transparent to said generated light and in a second state said light switching layer being substantially opaque to said generated light; and a light controller which determines which of said portions of said light switching layer are substantially transparent and which of said portions of said light switching layer are substantially opaque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Fraser I. MacIntosh
  • Patent number: 10054292
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a lighting device is provided. The lighting device includes a channel-shaped elongate profiled body having a central or web portion and two side portions sidewise of the web portion, a profiled body having mutually opposed undercuts opening inwardly of the channel shape of profiled body, and a light radiation source assembly including an elongate support board carrying one or more light radiation sources, e.g. LED sources, the support board having longitudinal sides extending into the said undercuts, wherein the light radiation source assembly is retained by the channel-shaped profiled body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: OSRAM GMBH
    Inventors: Marco Munarin, Martin Reiss, Alberto Alfier, Thomas Rieger
  • Patent number: 10054293
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a housing enclosing a light source. The housing defines an opening therethrough. A plug, which is receivable within the opening, includes a face having a central knockout portion. A perimeter of the knockout portion defines an opening size smaller than an opening size of the opening. According to alternative configurations, the plug may be removed from the opening or only the knockout portion may be removed from the plug while leaving a remainder of the plug in the opening. As such, different sized openings through the light fixture housing may be provided for installation of various light fixture accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: RAB Lighting Inc.
    Inventors: Vincenzo Guercio, Wengang Gao
  • Patent number: 10054294
    Abstract: A light fixture covering assembly for attachment to differently sized square light fixture boxes, the assembly incorporating a “T” plate having a column and lateral arms having a length equal to a side length of a largest square light fixture box, wherein the ends of the “T” plate's arms form frangible tabs having lengths equal to one-half of the difference of the side length of the largest box and a side length of a smaller box; and incorporating a rectangular plate formed wholly with the “T” plate's column, the rectangular plate having a lateral dimension matching dimensions of the smaller box, and having a longitudinal dimension equal to the small box's dimension less the height of the “T” plate's arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Lonnie Owens
  • Patent number: 10054295
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp comprising at least one OLED lighting means lying flat on an at least partially light-transmissive carrier plate (13) and formed as an OLED panel (14, 15, 16), in which at least two contact shoes respectively assigned to an OLED panel are attached on the rear side of the carrier plate that is facing away from the light-emitting side and respectively comprise means for contacting one pole each of the OLED panel. The solution according to the invention provides a lamp that ensures effective coupling out of the light emitted by the OLEDs and uniform distribution of the light over the light-radiating area of the carrier plate and at the same time is of a comparatively simple construction and an attractive design. The lamp according to the invention may for example be a pendant lamp, a suspended lamp, a surface-mounted ceiling lamp, a recessed ceiling lamp, a standard lamp or a table lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Emdedesign GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Emde, Christoph Petersen, Jonathan Meier
  • Patent number: 10054296
    Abstract: A heat dissipating LED light bar which may be used as part of a complete retrofit system for a variety of linear fluorescent light fixtures. The LED light bar comprises an elongate channel member which is preferably fabricated from extruded aluminum. In addition to the channel member, the LED light bar comprises a high-efficacy set of LEDs, which are preferably provided in the form of an elongate LED printed circuit board (PCB) or strip mechanically bonded to the channel member. The channel member is outfitted with fins and other surface features uniquely configured to provide superior heat dissipation, thus allowing the channel member to effectively function as a heat sink for the LED strip cooperatively engaged thereto. Further, the channel member is configured to define an air flow cavity under the LED strip as allows for the effective dissipation of heat during operation of the LED light bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: LINMORE LED LABS, INC.
    Inventor: Paul Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 10054297
    Abstract: A salt lamp assembly includes: a crystal body having a hollow cavity formed within the crystal body and a base attached to a bottom end of the crystal body; a retaining plate attached to the base the crystal body, the retaining plate including an aperture formed through a center of the retaining plate and at least one passage formed adjacent the aperture; and a light source plate removably inserted into the hollow crystal body through the aperture of the retaining plate, the light source plate including a socket and at least one clip extending upwardly from the light source plate for engaging the retaining plate through the at least one passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Mansoor Saeed
  • Patent number: 10054298
    Abstract: A lamp or display is comprised of at least one light panel (10) on a carrier plate (13) comprising at least one light panel (10) in the form of an OLED illuminant, lying on or against an at least partially light-permeable carrier plate (13) of the lamp in a planar manner. A liquid or viscous medium (11) is arranged between the adjacent surfaces of the light panel (10) and of the light-permeable carrier plate (13), and the connection between the light panel (10) and the carrier plate is an adhesive connection, which can be easily undone without destroying or adversely affecting the carrier plate (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Emdedesign GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Emde, Christoph Petersen, Jonathan Meier, Günther Irlbacher, Alexander Stoppa
  • Patent number: 10054299
    Abstract: A modular lighting system for providing light in various areas includes one or more canopies, a set of buses, a set of hangers for supporting the bars from canopies and, optionally other supports, a set of pendants with light emitting elements and a set of hangers for supporting the pendants from the bars. The bars include two segments with conductive rails disposed or imbedded in their inner surfaces. The hangers have one or two rods and bases shaped and sized for mounting on the bars with the rods contacting the conductive rails. The hangers and bars cooperate to allow the hangers to be placed anywhere along the bars. The pendants and hangers may be sized and shaped so that the pendants trapped the ends of the hangers forming a supporting mechanical interlock therebetween. Pendants can be hanged on the bars singly, or in clusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: CONTEMPORARY VISIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Sonneman
  • Patent number: 10054300
    Abstract: A light board for a light fixture includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes at least one light emitting element, and the second portion includes at least one light emitting element. A first state is defined by the second portion being coupled to the first portion and a second state is defined by the second portion being detached from the first portion. In the first state, the light emitting elements of the first portion and the second portion are configured to provide an evenly distributed light output along at least the combined length of the first portion and the second portion. In the second state, the at least one light emitting element of the first portion is configured to provide an evenly distributed light output along at least the length of the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Derek B. Baker, Cory A. Passerello, Thomas Clawson
  • Patent number: 10054301
    Abstract: A lighting device includes: a light source; a drive circuit that drives the light source to emit a light, and includes a circuit element and a circuit board, on which the circuit element and the light source are arranged; and a case that covers the drive circuit. The circuit board includes a radiation member, disposed in a region where the light source is arranged, for radiating heat generated from the light source. The case is connected with the circuit element, and radiates heat generated from the circuit element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koichi Kato
  • Patent number: 10054302
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a housed operating device for operating lighting means, preferably LEDs, said housing which is preferably sealed against humidity having means for the mechanical positioning and/or mounting of at least one communications adapter, the means being arranged on the housing such that a positioned and/or mounted communications adapter is wirelessly supplied with energy through the housing wall and communicates with an interface inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Wittmann
  • Patent number: 10054303
    Abstract: An assemble mechanism of LED lamp and a disassembling method, the assemble mechanism of LED lamp includes strip houses, covers, and coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes a plug, and a socket. The plug includes a plug-body, and a T-shaped head. The T-shaped head includes a straight bar, and a horizontal bar. The straight bar provides two wedge structures on two side walls respectively. The socket includes a socket body, and a T-shaped cavity configured for receiving the T-shaped head. The T-shaped cavity provides two catches on the two inner side walls, the two catches is configured for clamping the two wedge structures. As long as the plug of the coupling assembly is engaged with the socket, and the wedge structure is clamping into the catch, which makes interconnection of the two LED lamps simple and convenient, and helps to reduce the installation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Self Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhaoyong Zheng, Huangfeng Pan
  • Patent number: 10054304
    Abstract: A flexible inside corner trim piece is formed with concave depressions at hinge portions where wings attach to the body. The trim piece can be formed such that wings and a top cap lay flat in plane perpendicular to body or wings and top cap curve at an angle. Hinge portions can be narrow or wide and symmetrical or asymmetrical. The trim piece can be dyed, paintable, or present another decorative surface. The trim piece can include embedded lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Gregory A. Amundson
  • Patent number: 10054305
    Abstract: A 3-in-1 self-defense apparatus with a blinding LED light panel, pepper spray, and a stun gun in a compact and unassuming form factor. A pepper spray canister is disposed within the top of the tubular handle. The blinding LED light panel is disposed within the front of said handle, and the stun gun is disposed within the bottom of said handle. A rechargeable battery housed inside the handle provides power to the LED light panel and to the stun gun. The battery is charged with a USB port disposed within the back of the handle next to a plurality of controls which are used for the light and the stun gun. A plurality of concave indentations along the handle, as well as an adjustable wrist strap disposed to the top of the handle, provide grip for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Vincent Slepack
  • Patent number: 10054306
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a push-out type miniature electric shock flashlight capable of automatically resetting, comprising a flashlight body shell, a plastic main body part, an integrated circuit board assembly and a base plate, an open slot; the plastic main body part comprises an operating member and a power control member, an LED lamp and electric shock sheets are provided inside the operating member, an ignition coil and a polymer lithium battery are provided inside the power control member, and a guide slot is also provided on a bottom surface of the power control member; the circuit board assembly is arranged between the polymer lithium battery and the plastic main body part and comprises a lighting switch, an electric shock/lighting change-over switch, a charging indicator, a USB interface and an electric shock switch; a joint pin and a guide block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: JIANGSU TIANWANG SOLAR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jingjuan Liu
  • Patent number: 10054307
    Abstract: A communication device constitutes part of an apparatus and communicates with other apparatuses. The communication device includes a case having an opening; a plurality of indicator lamps accommodated in the case, at a position corresponding to the opening; and an indicator lamp cover that is provided so as to be slidable in a direction in which the plurality of indicator lamps are arranged and that is used to adjust an opening degree of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hisanori Ikeda, Masato Ishikawa, Akimoto Suzuki, Masahide Kinami, Youhei Koyanagi, Takuya Goto, Katsuya Ishigami, Shinji Kawai, Yosuke Naito, Kiyoshi Yasutomi
  • Patent number: 10054308
    Abstract: The method includes: (A) directing a feed water in the liquid phase of an instant expansion tank; (B) in the instant expansion tank, heating the feed water by mixing with the recycled stream from step (E); (C) compressing again at a high pressure the liquid fraction in the instant expansion tank and sending the liquid fraction to the inlet of a heat exchanger or group of heat exchangers connected in series; (D) heating the non-expanded fraction in the heat exchanger(s) while maintaining the non-expanded fraction in the liquid state; (E) recycling the stream from step (D) in the instant expansion tank; (F) in the instant expansion tank, expanding the fraction from step (E) and generating by instant expansion a stream of the searched steam containing the mineral materials of the feed water remaining in solution; and (G) separating the solid particles formed as a blowdown containing water and the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignees: INGENICA INGENIERIE INDUSTRIELLE, BRAIS MALOUIN AND ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Berros, Peter Tye
  • Patent number: 10054309
    Abstract: A device for regulating a burner system with at least one burner and at least one ionization electrode that lies in a flame of the at least one burner when the burner system is operating. The regulation device is configured to (a) set an air volume flow rate of the burner system, (b) record an ionization current based on the ionization electrode(s), (c) store, in memory, pairs of air volume flow rate of the burner system and ionization current, (d) form a difference between the reciprocal value of a first ionization current for a first air volume flow rate and a reciprocal value of a second ionization current recorded prior to the first ionization current and associated with the first air volume flow rate and (e) calculate the value of a displaced ionization current as the sum of this difference and of the reciprocal value of a further ionization current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas Born, Bernd Schmiederer
  • Patent number: 10054310
    Abstract: A fast-heating outdoor gas burner apparatus and method for more thorough combustion and more efficient heating of a cooking pot, with increased air flow for increased oxygen for combustion, and a slowed heated-air flow close to the cooking pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Burning Point, L.C.
    Inventors: Caliste A. Lirette, Win Tran
  • Patent number: 10054311
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pulverized coal burner for a steam generator. The pulverized coal burner has a fuel duct, through which pulverized coal is conveyed with the aid of a carrier gas. The pulverized coal emerges together with the carrier gas at a fuel duct outlet. The pulverized coal burner furthermore has at least one core duct and at least one secondary duct. Air or oxygen flows through the core duct and the secondary duct, emerging at the core duct outlet and at the secondary duct outlet. The core duct outlet, the secondary duct outlet and the fuel duct outlet together form a burner outlet. The pulverized coal burner has at least one plasma ignition torch embodied integrally with the pulverized coal burner. The outlet of the at least one plasma ignition torch is arranged in the plane of the burner outlet or offset downstream in relation to the direction of flow of the pulverized coal. The plasma flame produced by the plasma ignition torch is thus located outside the fuel duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Wild, Hellmuth Brueggemann
  • Patent number: 10054312
    Abstract: A mixer assembly for a gas turbine engine is provided, including a main mixer, and a pilot mixer having an annular housing. The pilot mixer can further include features to cool portions of the annular housing, such as a radial edge of the annular housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Zhongtao Dai, Kristin Kopp-Vaughan
  • Patent number: 10054313
    Abstract: A combustor (10) including: a first premix main burner (14) comprising a first swirler airfoil section (38); a second premix main burner (15) comprising a second swirler airfoil section (40); and a supply air reversing region upstream of the premix burners (14), (15). The first swirler airfoil section (38) and the second swirler airfoil section (40) are effective to impart swirl to a first airflow and a second airflow characterized by a same swirl number as the airflows exit respective burners (14), (15). The combustor (10) is effective to generate a first airflow volume through the first premix main burner (14) that is different than a second airflow volume through the second premix main burner (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Juan Enrique Portillo Bilbao, Scott M. Martin, David M. Ritland
  • Patent number: 10054314
    Abstract: An axial fuel staging injector for a gas turbine includes a body. The body includes an upstream end and a downstream end. The body defines a primary compressed air flow path through which compressed air flows from a compressed air source to a transition duct of a gas turbine combustor. The body includes a plurality of outlets disposed on an interior surface thereof. Each outlet of the plurality of outlets includes a secondary fuel conduit in fluid communication with a secondary fuel source, and includes a first wall that defines a secondary fuel path. The secondary compressed air conduit is in fluid communication with a compressed air source, and includes a second wall disposed about the first wall in a substantially coannular arrangement, wherein the first wall and the second wall define a secondary compressed air flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Sravan Kumar Dheeraj Kapilavai, Wei Zhao, Shivakumar Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 10054315
    Abstract: A cooking appliance may include a cabinet that forms an outer appearance, at least one cooking device provided in the cabinet to cook items using a gas flame, a panel formed with at least one through-hole, a gas valve provided behind the panel and including a valve shaft that penetrates the at least one through-hole and extends in a forward direction from the panel, a knob provided in front of the panel to be connected with the valve shaft to cause rotation and forward-backward movement of the valve shaft through a user's manipulation, and a bearing secured between the knob and the panel to support a circumference of the valve shaft in order to prevent restriction of movement of the knob and the valve shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Moonho Choi
  • Patent number: 10054316
    Abstract: A movable cooking appliance comprises a structure which is adapted to be placed on a kitchen worktop appliance or inside a cooking oven appliance and includes a heating element and releasable connector assembly for making electrical connection with power supply connectors. The heating element is an induction heating element and an electronic driving unit is mounted on the appliance. The releasable connector assembly comprising a plug connector having a plurality of terminals designed in order to provide a disconnection signal to the electronic unit before the power supply connectors are fully extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Diego Neftali Gutierrez, Gianpiero Santacatterina, Francesco Farachi
  • Patent number: 10054317
    Abstract: A food cooking oven includes a device for distributing water inside the cooking chamber of an oven for producing steam inside the cooking chamber, at least a first and a second impeller of corresponding electric fan units positioned, respectively, vertically one above the other, heating means for generating heat inside the cooking chamber, at least one water supply line in the intake area of each corresponding fan impeller, and a water supply conduit. At least one flow deflector device is provided in the oven, which divides the flow of water into at least a first and a second outgoing flow from the deflector, having respective predetermined values, the first outgoing flow from the deflector being guided into the intake area of the first impeller, and the second outgoing flow being guided along the second portion of conduit towards the intake area of the second impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: UNOX S.P.A.
    Inventor: Enrico Franzolin
  • Patent number: 10054318
    Abstract: The heat medium transport paths are arranged between the first building and the second building and transport heat media that transport heat energy. A temperature distribution acquisition means acquires the temperature distribution of the heat media that have temperatures being different from each other in the heat medium transport paths and that are sequentially transported in a state of having a predetermined length in the transport direction in the heat medium transport paths. A control means receives a load request of an air conditioner of the first building, and when a heat medium having the heat energy that satisfies the load request received reaches the first building, based on the temperature distribution acquired by the temperature distribution acquisition means, the control means causes the air conditioner of the first building to take out the heat energy from the heat medium reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignees: OSAKA CITY UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Masaki Nakao, Masatoshi Nishioka, Craig Farnham, Tsuyoshi Nagahiro, Youichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10054319
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for producing hot water, comprising a hot water reservoir, a first and a second resistance heating rod for heating the water in the hot water reservoir, a reservoir temperature sensor, and a control unit, by means of which the first resistance heating rod can be connected to a network alternating voltage source, wherein the system comprises a photovoltaic device for producing a direct voltage and the photovoltaic device can be connected to the second resistance heating rod by means of the control unit or a further control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Gerhard Rimpler
  • Patent number: 10054320
    Abstract: An indoor unit or device of an air conditioner is provided that may include an outer plate configured to form an exterior of a cabinet configured to be installed at a ceiling of an indoor space; an inner case accommodated inside of the outer plate, and configured to form an internal space of the cabinet; a fan provided inside of the inner case; a heat exchanger provided to cover an outer side of the fan; a panel configured to shield the cabinet, and having an inlet port through which indoor air may be suctioned in and a panel outlet port through which heat-exchanged air may be discharged; and a drain pan assembly seated on an upper end of the inner case, and configured to collect condensate generated from the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Byeonggeol Choi, Jongwook Park, Youngjoong Kim, Joseph Park
  • Patent number: 10054321
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning contaminated air in an enclosed space, such as a transportation trailer or a shipping container. An air mover in the space circulates contaminated atmosphere from an area of low pressure to an area of higher pressure. The resulting pressure differential is used to draw a reverse, partial air flow through an air cleaning device. The repeated cycling of a portion of airflow results in cleaning of the atmosphere and a general reduction of the contaminant from the enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: BLUEZONE IP HOLDING LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Carbone, Karen Benedek, Peter J. Loftus
  • Patent number: 10054322
    Abstract: Provided is a humidification and air cleaning apparatus. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus includes: a base body including a water tank insertion space formed therein; a water tank having an upper side thereof opened, storing water therein, placed in the water tank insertion space, and separable from the base body; a top cover assembly disposed over an opened upper part of the water tank and disposed separably from the water tank; an air wash inlet formed at a side of the water tank and receiving air into the water tank; a discharge flow passage formed in at least one of the top cover assembly and the water tank, or formed between the top cover assembly and the water tank; and a water supply flow passage disposed inside the top cover assembly and guiding water into the water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTROINCS INC.
    Inventors: Jongsu Lee, Taeyoon Kim, Kunyoung Lee, Kyoungho Lee, Jungwoo Lee, Jieun Choi, Sanghyuk Son
  • Patent number: 10054323
    Abstract: Provided is a humidification and air cleaning apparatus. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus includes a water tank storing water; a top cover assembly disposed over the water tank and including a water supply flow passage disposed therein to supply water into the water tank; a reservoir disposed in the top cover assembly, disposed on the water supply flow passage, and storing supplied water; and a watering housing disposed inside the water tank and receiving a torque from a watering motor so as to be rotatable. Here, water supplied through the water supply flow passage is stored in the reservoir, and then drops on an upper part of the watering housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sanghyuk Son, Jungwoo Lee, Taeyoon Kim, Jieun Choi, Kunyoung Lee, Jongsu Lee, Kyoungho Lee
  • Patent number: 10054324
    Abstract: According to various aspects and embodiments, a system and method for controlling humidity and temperature are disclosed. The system includes temperature and humidity sensors, at least one unit configured to cool, heat, dehumidify, and humidify air, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive set point values for the temperature and humidity and to receive measured air and temperature values from the sensors. The control module then calculates differences between the measured values and the set point values to determine respective temperature and humidity error values. The control module controls the operation of the at least one unit based on a comparison between the temperature error value and the humidity error value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniele Marchetti, Fabio Greggio
  • Patent number: 10054325
    Abstract: An energy management system having a centralized site controller includes thermostats in multiple zones, each thermostat acting as a remote terminal to the controller. Each thermostat provides an interface to the site controller while acting as the thermostat for each zone. The thermostat displays the state of the building's systems for any zone and allows the local user to override set points. The central site controller determines how many thermostats are enabled with a terminal mode, including their read and write permissions on other zones. Override requests received by the central controller are merged with settings for current control algorithms. After a preconfigured time, the central controller reinstates the current control algorithm. The system can be shut down using a thermostat in remote terminal mode with appropriate permission. System status changes are sent to remote thermostats for display and remote thermostat terminals are polled for change requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: GridPoint, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel K. Dyess
  • Patent number: 10054326
    Abstract: A wall mountable connector may be secured to a wall in order to provide mechanical and electrical connections to a thermostat. In some cases, the wall mountable connector and the thermostat may, in combination, be configured to permit the thermostat to attach to the wall mountable connector only when the thermostat is in a particular orientation relative to the wall mountable connector. In some cases, the wall mountable connector includes a plurality of pin terminals that are configured to accommodate a plurality of pins extending from the thermostat. The interaction between the pins and the pin terminals may provide a lock and key arrangement between the wall mountable connector and the thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Emmons, Travis Read, Eric Barton, Steven L. Wolff, Sriharsha Putrevu