Patents Issued in September 11, 2018
  • Patent number: 10072857
    Abstract: Provided is a humidification and air cleaning apparatus. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus includes: a water tank storing water; a visual body forming at least a portion of the water tank and formed of a transparent material; 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 watering housing disposed inside the water tank and rotating inside the water tank; and a watering motor rotating the watering housing. Here, when the watering housing rotates, water supplied to the water supply flow passage drops on the watering housing to be scattered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sanghyuk Son, Jungwoo Lee, Jeongtaek Park, Chungook Chong, Taeyoon Kim, Jieun Choi, Kunyoung Lee, Jongsu Lee, Kyoungho Lee
  • Patent number: 10072858
    Abstract: Provided is a humidification and air cleaning apparatus. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus includes: a water tank storing water; and a discharge humidification medium housing disposed over the water tank and disposed over a discharge flow passage flowing via the water tank and the water supply flow passage supplying water into the water tank. Here, the discharge humidification medium housing includes: a reservoir disposed in the water supply flow passage and storing water supplied into the water tank when water is supplied from the upper side; and a water outlet formed in the reservoir and supplying water of the reservoir into the water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sanghyuk Son, Jungwoo Lee, Hyuckju Kwon, Younggu Lee, Taeyoon Kim, Jieun Choi, Kunyoung Lee, Jongsu Lee, Kyoungho Lee
  • Patent number: 10072859
    Abstract: An inverted exhaust plenum module exhausts air from an enclosure into an ambient environment while mitigating airflow restrictions caused by ambient wind conditions, particularly headwinds impinging on exhaust vents. The plenum module includes wall elements that extend downwards from separate edges of two separate roof elements of the enclosure, forming a plenum between the wall elements that is open at the top. Exhaust vents in the wall elements exhaust air from the enclosure into the plenum to circulate into the ambient environment via the top of the plenum. By exhausting air into a plenum that extends beneath roof elements, the vents are at least partially obscured from ambient winds that might otherwise impinge on the vents. A wing element can be installed to induce exhaust airflow via lowering air pressure at the top of the plenum. The plenum module can be a separate module that is coupled to a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: AmazonTechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Thomas Phillips, Robert David Wilding, Brock Robert Gardner, Peter George Ross, Timothy Logan Sadler
  • Patent number: 10072860
    Abstract: A centralized fresh air cooling system that operates with outside air that vents inside house air into the attic of a house or building. A damper redirects air from the output of the central air circulator to the attic area to blow the hot attic air out of an attic. A typical central air circulator can replace the air within a house or building five to ten times an hour. They system can be retrofit to most central air systems by replacing the thermostats and installing the damper between the air circulator and the house or building ducting. Outside cooler air is drawn in windows or other openings in house or building, into the air circulator returns and then into the attic. The system uses multiple sensors and control mechanism to ensure optimal energy savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Mike Richards
  • Patent number: 10072861
    Abstract: A work area is disposed in a conveyance path for cells and has an inlet and an outlet, with a downflow air curtain provided at least at the inlet and the outlet. A conveyor repeatedly performs an operation that moves a placement surface having a culture vessel thereon from the inlet side into the area, moves the placement surface from the outlet side to the outside of the area, and, subsequently, moves back the placement surface to the inlet side. The cleaning device cleans the placement surface during the period from when the conveyor in the work area moves the placement surface to the outside of the area until the conveyor moves back the placement surface to the inlet side of the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: JAPAN TISSUE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ken-ichiro Hata, Makoto Sugiura
  • Patent number: 10072862
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes an evaporator coil and a metering device. The HVAC system includes a variable-speed circulation fan and a condenser coil fluidly coupled to the metering device. A variable-speed compressor is fluidly coupled to the condenser coil and the evaporator coil. A controller is operatively coupled to the variable-speed compressor and the variable-speed circulation fan. A second temperature sensor is disposed in an enclosed space. The second temperature sensor measures temperature of the enclosed space and transmits the temperature of the enclosed space to the controller. The controller determines if the temperature of the enclosed space is below a minimum threshold. Responsive to a determination that the temperature of the enclosed space is below the minimum threshold, the controller modulates at least one of a speed of the variable-speed compressor and the variable-speed circulation fan to lower a discharge air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Rakesh Goel
  • Patent number: 10072863
    Abstract: Controlling heating and cooling in a conditioned space utilizes a fluid circulating in a thermally conductive structure in fluid connection with a hydronic-to-air heat exchanger and a ground heat exchanger. Air is moved past the hydronic-to-air heat exchanger, the air having fresh air supply and stale air exhaust. Sensors located throughout the conditioned space send data to a controller. User input to the controller sets the desired set point temperature and humidity. Based upon the set point temperature and humidity and sensor data, the controller sends signals to various devices to manipulate the flow of the fluid and the air in order to achieve the desired set point temperature and humidity in the conditioned space. The temperature of the fluid is kept less than the dew point at the hydronic-to-air heat exchanger and the temperature of the fluid is kept greater than the dew point at the thermally conductive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ENERGY ENVIRONMENTAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Albert Reid Wallace
  • Patent number: 10072864
    Abstract: A comparison unit compares the outside air temperature in outside air temperature information acquired by an outside air temperature acquisition unit with an outside air temperature threshold that has been set by a threshold setting unit. A first information acquisition unit acquires ON operation information. A device control unit performs passive control when the outside air temperature is in a temperature range on a comfortable side with respect to the outside air temperature threshold. Where the outside air temperature is in a temperature range on an uncomfortable side with respect to the outside air temperature threshold, the device control unit performs passive control until an ON operation is performed and performs active control once the ON operation is performed. The passive control involves performing OFF control of the active device and natural environment usage control of a passive device. The active control involves performing ON control of the active device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventors: Yuka Abe, Atsushi Mise
  • Patent number: 10072865
    Abstract: A method of minimizing compressor use in an HVAC system for an IT space includes configuring an HVAC system to cool an IT space, providing a control system to operate the HVAC system, the control system having software configured to calculate economization mode minimum achievable X-Factor for a predetermined period of time, providing at least one parameter to the control system, the at least one parameter including X-Factor history and period weather forecast(s), setting temperature set points for each forecast interval, and analyzing the temperature set points according to maximum and minimum temperature parameters for the IT space, with intervals with set points violating the maximum temperature parameter being designated as intervals for which the compressor will operate while intervals with set points violating the minimum temperature parameter are assigned the minimum temperature set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Bushmeyer, John H. Bean, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10072866
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for dynamically controlling an appliance based on information received from a wearable device, to regulate the user's health. A wearable device is identified and configured to monitor at least one physiological aspect of the user. A controllable appliance with at least one sensor and at least one controllable setting is also identified. Health information of the user is received and utilized in generating, a user profile which comprises parameters related to the health of the user. Data from the wearable device and data from the controllable appliance is analyzed and it is determined whether the data matches the parameters related to the health of the user. If the data does not match the parameters related to the health of the user, then at least one controllable setting of the at least one controllable appliance is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sandeep Bazar, Kaustubh I. Katruwar, Sandeep R. Patil, Sachin C. Punadikar
  • Patent number: 10072867
    Abstract: An air-conditioning control system, which controls a central-type air-conditioning system, includes a plurality of auxiliary controllers respectively set in a plurality of areas and a main controller capable of communicating with each auxiliary controller. Each auxiliary controller includes a sound wave receiving unit, which receive sound waves that are outputted from a portable apparatus capable of outputting sound waves, and a sound wave strength information transmitting unit which transmits, to the main controller, sound wave strength information indicating sound wave reception strength. By the main controller, a first operating mode is set for at least a single area in which the auxiliary controller of a transmission source for specific sound wave strength information, which indicates a sound wave strength that is a predetermined threshold or higher is set, and a second operating mode is set for at least one of the remaining areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Taku Isono, Takahiro Miyajima
  • Patent number: 10072868
    Abstract: An apparatus captures and evacuates air from an area above a body of liquid, particularly a swimming pool. The apparatus exhausts the contaminants and water vapor to an area outside of an enclosure housing the swimming pool. The invention comprises an assembly mounted to a wall adjacent the body of liquid. The assembly is comprised of a top section, opposing side sections connected by the top section, and at least one flange extending from an edge of at least one side section. The wall-mounted and bench assembly may be formed integrally, but also may be formed from two or more pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Donald Cyrus Baker
  • Patent number: 10072869
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an illumination grille assembly comprising a frame and a ventilation grille coupled to the frame, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes coupled with the frame and at least partially covered with a light transparent cover. Some embodiments of the invention provide a lighting and ventilating system including a main housing including an inlet through which air can be received within the main housing and an outlet through which the air can exit the main housing. A blower assembly can be supported in the main housing and it can be operable to generate a flow of air. In some embodiments, an illumination grille assembly can be coupled to the main housing to allow fluid to flow through the illumination grill assembly to the main housing. In some embodiments, the set of illumination devices can be configured and arranged to emit light through the light transparent cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Mirko Zakula, Kenneth J. Jonas, Corey S. Jacak
  • Patent number: 10072870
    Abstract: An air inlet hood for use with a ventilation system has an air inlet face to receive a flow of fresh ventilation air, and an air outlet face to deliver the air into the ventilation system. A rainwater collection channel is disposed along edges bounding the air inlet face to collect rainwater falling on the air inlet hood. A rainwater reservoir receives the collected rainwater from the rainwater collection channel, and dispenses the collected rainwater away from the air inlet face in order to prevent rainwater from being entrained into the ventilation air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark Krupo, Amit Ingle
  • Patent number: 10072871
    Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor module for a packaged terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC) is provided. Condensate is pumped from a drain pan of the PTAC into a housing of the corrosion inhibitor module. The housing contains a corrosion inhibitor concentrate that is mixes with the condensate to form an inhibitor solution that is returned to the drain pan to prevent the corrosion of components that come in contact with the condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10072872
    Abstract: A heater having a burner, a first heat exchanger associated with the burner, a second heat exchanger above the first heat exchanger in fluid cooperation with the first heat exchanger and an ambient air intake blower above the second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger comprises angularly disposed finned section so condensate within the second heat exchanger flows to a collection point and is collected in a trap. The trap includes a sensor to sense buildup of fluid in the trap with feedback to the heater controls. The heater may include a collection pan below the heat exchangers in fluid communication with the trap. In one aspect the collection pan may include a heating element to vaporize the fluid so that heated, humidified air is expelled through vents adjacent the base of the heater. In another aspect, the pan includes an ultrasonic vaporization element to vaporize fluid in the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Empire Comfort Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Dresner, David M. Christensen, Scott G. Schulte
  • Patent number: 10072873
    Abstract: A tankless water heater carrier having a pair of load supporting brackets, a slot formed through each load supporting bracket, and a pair of rigidity rails extending longitudinally along each side of each load supporting brackets. The tankless water heater carrier has a pair of side brackets connected between the pair of load supporting brackets, a pair of sliding brackets moveably mounted onto each load supporting bracket, and a plurality of removable threaded rough in guides positioned in the alignment holes of each sliding bracket and through the slots of the load supporting brackets. The tankless water heater carrier includes fasteners usable to connect the side brackets to the load supporting brackets and to connect the sliding brackets to the load supporting brackets creating a theft resistant tankless water heater that is versatile for all sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ALLPRO MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Cary Ostera, Daniel M. Morales, II
  • Patent number: 10072874
    Abstract: Provided is a method for adaptively controlling the charging time of a storage heater, comprising: determining a stored energy requirement of the heater; determining a background heat requirement of the heater; determining a daily energy requirement (DER) based on the stored energy requirement and the background heat requirement; and determining a daily run time (DRT) at a predetermined time to calculate the charging time for a following period of time based on the daily energy requirement (DER).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Basic Holdings
    Inventors: Alan McDonald, Damian Shields
  • Patent number: 10072875
    Abstract: A heat concentrator device for a solar power system includes an evacuated hollow body with a bottom, side walls, a top and an airtight cap. Portions of the side walls have inwardly reflective surfaces for concentrating solar radiation into the chamber toward a heat sink, which is positioned in the bottom of the chamber. The heat sink also is hollow and has an inlet port formed in one of its opposite side walls and an outlet port formed in the other for heat transfer fluid to flow into and out of the heat sink. Circuitous passageways form a maze that connects the inlet and outlet ports thus maximizing heat transfer to/from system fluid(s) within the heat sink. The sidewalls of the chamber of the device extend below the heat sink to form a partial vacuum chamber between its bottom and the heat sink. The device is mounted to a reflective dish of a solar power system in a unique way adding additional solar energy collection efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SOL-ELECTRICA, LLC
    Inventors: Gary R. Kerns, Bret M Lee
  • Patent number: 10072876
    Abstract: A two-stage cascade refrigeration system is provided having a first refrigeration stage and a second refrigeration stage. The first refrigeration stage defines a first fluid circuit for circulating a first refrigerant, and has a first compressor, a condenser, and a first expansion device. The second refrigeration stage defines a second fluid circuit for circulating a second refrigerant, with the second refrigeration stage having a second compressor that is a variable speed compressor, a second expansion device, and an evaporator. A heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the first and second fluid circuits to exchange heat between the first and second refrigerants. A controller stages operation of the first and second compressors and runs the second compressor at an initial speed less than a maximum speed initially when a staging protocol is performed during start up or re-starting of the refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC
    Inventors: Qi Wang, Todd Swift, Richard H. Bair, III
  • Patent number: 10072877
    Abstract: A cooling device for cooling a detector element disposed in a jacket cavity of a Dewar vessel uses a Joule-Thomson cooler with an expansion nozzle that opens into an expansion chamber. The cooling device includes a final control element that is adjustable depending on temperature for influencing the flow through the expansion nozzle. A first temperature sensor is disposed in the expansion chamber and a second temperature sensor is disposed within the Dewar vessel outside the expansion chamber. The cooling device includes a control device that is configured for detecting a temperature gradient from sensor values of the first temperature sensor and of the second temperature sensor and for adjusting the final control element depending on the detected temperature gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stane Toporis, Tomaz Sarc, Robert Rid, Franc Megusar
  • Patent number: 10072879
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing heat from an object for the purpose of cooling or for the purpose of generating electrical power are disclosed. In an embodiment, at least two field-effect transistors (FETs) are operated under inversion. While the FETs are being operated, heat is conducted from the object through body portions of said FETs to an element configured for dissipating the conducted heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignees: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Fathy El-Kady, Charles M Reinke, Roy H. Olsson, Brian S. Swartzentruber, Collin J. Delker, Jinkyoung Yoo
  • Patent number: 10072880
    Abstract: A self-contained plant cloning system and method for stimulating root growth from a stem of a plant. The system includes a reservoir having a base, one or more sidewalls, and an open upper end, defining an interior volume that can hold liquid. A rack rests on the upper end of the reservoir and can support a plant therein. A pump and cooling element are disposed in the reservoir and can be submerged in the liquid. The submersible pump is connected to one or more sprayers that mist liquid on the stems in order to stimulate root growth. As the pump is operated, it circulates the liquid in the reservoir. Liquid directly contacts the cooling element as it circulates in order to efficiently regulate the temperature of the environment in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Herbert Newsam
  • Patent number: 10072881
    Abstract: A thermal management system for an enclosure containing electrical components includes a thermoelectric cooling unit for controlling temperature inside the enclosure and a controller for the cooling unit, the controller being configured so that it can be installed within and protected by the enclosure, rather than requiring its own separate secure enclosure. The controller can further be installed within a housing of the thermoelectric cooling unit, which housing does not increase the footprint of the cooling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Hoffman Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Thao, Jason Dickmann, Victor Divine, Michael Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 10072882
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a solar powered thermally conditioned space, which, in an embodiment, may be used to provide a cold storage arrangement for preservation of perishable commodities over an extended time period. The cold storage arrangement (10) includes a refrigeration unit mounted within a non-insulated compartment for circulating refrigerated de-humidified air to an insulated compartment. A chamber (12) defines the insulated compartment and the non-insulated compartment. The cold storage arrangement (10) is operated by a powering system powered by solar energy from solar panels mounted over a roof of the chamber (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SOLERCOOL LTD
    Inventors: John Borchers, Mohsen Rezayat, Phil Baker
  • Patent number: 10072883
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a heat source unit apparatus includes air heat exchangers, each includes a plurality of fins arranged at prescribed intervals, heat exchanging pipes penetrating the fins, and bent strips extending at sides and bent in the same direction, and a heat exchange module includes two air heat exchangers, each having the bent strips opposed to those of the other air heat exchanger, the air heat exchangers being inclined such that lower edges are close to each other and upper edges are spaced apart, whereby the heat exchange module is shaped like a letter V as seen from side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Tanno, Masahiro Okada, Kenjiro Matsumoto, Takamitsu Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 10072884
    Abstract: A method for operating a defrost mode of a transport refrigerant vapor compression system includes initiating a defrost operation for the transport refrigerant vapor compression system by energizing heaters operatively coupled to a heat absorption heat exchanger operable to defrost the heat absorption heat exchanger. During the defrost operation, the method includes comparing the heat absorption heat exchanger pressure to the first predetermined limit; in response to the heat absorption heat exchanger pressure being less than the first predetermined limit, performing at least one operation to determine if the defrost operation should be exited; and in response to the heat absorption heat exchanger pressure being greater than the first predetermined limit, exiting the defrost operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lucy Yi Liu, Suresh Duraisamy, Gilbert B. Hofsdal
  • Patent number: 10072885
    Abstract: An ice-making tray according to the concept of the present invention is capable of making ice at high speed and improving the transparency of ice by providing a second tray having ice cells for storing ice-making water to be coupled, in an overlapping manner, to the upper surface of a first tray which is in contact with a refrigerant pipe. The first tray may be formed of an aluminum material, the second tray may be formed of a plastic material, and the first tray formed of an aluminum material can efficiently function as a heat exchanger of an ice-making space due to having high thermal-conductivity. In the second tray, a fixing part for fixing the ice-making tray inside the ice-making space, a shaft accommodating part for accommodating the rotation shaft of an ejector, a temperature sensor accommodating part for accommodating a temperature sensor, and an air insulating part for insulating the ice-making tray and an ice separating motor may be formed integrally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Jeong, Bong su Son, Do Yun Jang, Jae Min Lee
  • Patent number: 10072886
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a body provided with a storage chamber, a door configured to open or close the storage chamber, a display unit provided on the door, and a heat radiating unit disposed adjacent to the display unit and configured to radiate a heat generated in the display unit via a heat radiating flow path formed inside the door, wherein one end of the heat radiating flow path is communicated with the outside via a first opening formed in an upper end portion of the door, and the other end of the heat radiating flow path is communicated with the outside via a second opening formed in a lower end portion of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keon Pyo Koo, Yong Bum Seo, Chun Youp Shin, Woo Yeol Yoo, Jeong Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 10072887
    Abstract: An elongated non-metal, corrosion resistant compressor mounting base plate structure including (I) a base plate segment having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the base plate segment is generally rectangular in shape forming two elongated sides opposite each other and two transverse sides opposite each other; and wherein the base plate segment is adapted for receiving a compressor on the top surface of the base plate; (II) a means for receiving and removably affixing a compressor to the top surface of the base plate segment; and (III) a reinforcement means integral with said base plate segment; wherein said reinforcement means includes at least two elongated channel reinforcement segments integral with the base plate segment, one channel reinforcement member at each of the elongated sides of the base plate segment; said reinforcement means being adapted for providing the compressor mounting base plate structure with sufficient strength and rigidity such that the compressor mounting base plate struc
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ashishkumar S. Lokhande, Onkareshwar V. Bijjargi, Nilesh R. Tawde, Gulab N. Malunjkar
  • Patent number: 10072888
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator having a body having a storage compartment; a door to open or close the storage compartment; a cover plate disposed at an inside the storage compartment; a cooling space formed in between the cover plate and an upper wall of the body; an evaporator provided at the cooling space to generate cool air; a blower fan provided at the cooling space to forcedly circulate the cool air generated at the evaporator; a cool air supplying hole formed at the cover plate to supply the cool air of the cooling space to the storage compartment; and a cool air collecting hole formed at the cover plate to collect the cool air heated at the storage compartment to the cooling space, and a rear wall of the storage compartment of the refrigerator may be evenly leveled and usefulness of space may be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Jeong, Bong Su Son, Do Yun Jang, Yeon Woo Cho
  • Patent number: 10072889
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a liquefaction system. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for condensing a pressurized gaseous working fluid, such as natural gas, using at least one turboexpander in combination with other cooling devices and techniques. In one embodiment, a turboexpander may be used in combination with a heat exchanger using vapor compression refrigeration to condense natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vitali Victor Lissianski, Douglas Carl Hofer, Roger Allen Shisler, Nikolett Sipoecz, Xianyun Bi
  • Patent number: 10072890
    Abstract: A system and method for argon and nitrogen extraction from a feed stream comprising hydrogen, methane, nitrogen and argon, such as tail gas of an ammonia production plant is provided. The disclosed system and method provides for nitrogen-argon rectification and the methane rejection within a column system comprised of at least one distillation column. Nitrogen and argon are further separated and to produce liquid products. An argon stripping column arrangement is disclosed where residual argon is further removed from the methane-rich fuel gas and recycled back to the feed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Henry E. Howard
  • Patent number: 10072891
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring molten metal from a vessel and into a launder is disclosed. The system includes at least a vessel for containing molten metal, an overflow (or dividing) wall, and a device or structure, such as a molten metal pump, for generating a stream of molten metal. The dividing wall divides the vessel into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein part of the second chamber has a height H2. The device for generating a stream of molten metal, which is preferably a molten metal pump, is preferably positioned in the first chamber. When the device operates, it generates a stream of molten metal from the first chamber and into the second chamber. When the level of molten metal in the second chamber exceeds H2, molten metal flows out of the vessel and into the launder. The launder has a horizontal angle of between 0° and ?10° to help prevent dross from being pulled by gravity into downstream vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 10072892
    Abstract: A support ring for supporting a semiconductor wafer in a boat of a vertical furnace used in processing of the semiconductor wafer includes a semicircular segment. The semicircular segment has an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, a radial inner wall defining an inner radius, and a radial outer wall defining an outer radius. The support ring further includes protrusions in the upper surface of the semicircular segment. The protrusions extend above the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBALWAFERS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qingmin Liu, William Lynn Luter, Shawn George Thomas
  • Patent number: 10072893
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exchanger body comprising:—an element wound in a spiral and consisting of two sheets of heat-conducting material which define channels for a fluid between one another,—at least one distributor, and—at least one collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ATELIERS DE CONSTRUCTION DE THERMO-ECHANGEURS SA
    Inventor: Luc Prieels
  • Patent number: 10072894
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to thermochemical heat storage units. The teachings thereof may be embodied in systems and methods for operating, including charging and discharging, a thermochemical heat storage unit. For example, a method for operating a thermochemical heat storage unit may include: producing a first steam and feeding it to a heat exchanger; partially condensing the steam with release of its thermal energy, in the heat exchanger; subsequently pressurizing water condensed from the steam; feeding the pressurized water to the heat exchanger; evaporating the water into a second steam; and storing at least a portion of the second steam in a steam storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Vladimir Danov, Martin Kautz
  • Patent number: 10072895
    Abstract: A method and a device for discharging a thermal stratification storage tank are provided, wherein a first thermal stratification storage tank has a first temperature in a first subsection and a second temperature in a second subsection, when the working fluid of an organic Rankine cycle in the liquid aggregate state in a fluid heat transfer medium of the first thermal stratification storage tank is introduced into the first or second subsection and brought into direct material contact with the heat transfer medium, wherein at the second temperature in the second subsection the pressure in the first thermal stratification storage tank is less than or equal to the vapor pressure of the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Uwe Lenk, Florian Reissner, Jochen Schaefer, Alexander Tremel
  • Patent number: 10072896
    Abstract: A modular thermal energy storage system for storing and transferring thermal energy at a wide range of temperatures. The system includes processing control circuitry, heat transfer fluid (HTF), piping, valves, pumps, a thermal energy source, and a reconfigurable thermal energy storage (TES) tank implemented in one or more insulated shipping containers. Different types of replaceable thermal energy storage material in the TES tank can store thermal energy in a range of ?30° F. to temperatures greater than +200° F. The system receives HTF from a customer load and charges the HTF to a desired temperature. Charged HTF in the TES tank transfers thermal energy to and from the storage material. When the stored thermal energy is needed, the system passes a non-charged thermal fluid through the TES tank to draw out the thermal energy through the charged HTF, and transfers the thermal energy to the customer load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: LoCap Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Dexter E. Jacobs, Zachary Sokoloff
  • Patent number: 10072897
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for heating fresh water using heat from wastewater in a shower or bathtub. The heat exchanger has a drain pan, a heat exchanger unit that is arranged in the drain pan, and a distributing element for distributing draining wastewater over the heat exchanger unit. The heat exchanger unit has multiple tube portions that follow one another sequentially and are connected to one another by diverting portions. Each two horizontally running tube portions that follow one another and that are thus connected by a deflecting portion are arranged one over the other, and wastewater, which is dripping or flowing down, is sprinkled on or flows over the tube portions one after the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: JOULIA AG
    Inventors: Reto Schmid, Roman Svaton, Christoph Rusch
  • Patent number: 10072898
    Abstract: A fin satisfies 0°<?2<tan?1[(L±?)/{(S1?D1)/2?L/tan?1}], where S1 is a distance between an upstream end and a downstream end of a first inclined portion, D1 is a distance between an upstream end and a downstream end of a flat portion, ?1 is an angle between a reference plane and the first inclined portion in the flow direction, ?2 is an angle between the reference plane and the second inclined portion in the flow direction, ? is a distance between the reference plane and the flat portion, and L is a distance between the reference planes of the fins adjacent to each other. ?2 gradually decreases as a measurement direction of the angle is shifted from the row direction to the air flow direction and is minimum when the measurement direction is orientated in the air flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaya Honma, Yoshikimi Tatsumu, Osamu Ogawa
  • Patent number: 10072899
    Abstract: A spiral louver shaped condenser includes fins and a refrigeration pipe. The fins are spirally wound about the refrigeration pipe and integrally formed by stamping a strip-shaped sheet material, at least including first heat-absorbing and heat-radiating bodies and second heat-absorbing and heat-radiating bodies. Broken lines are arranged between adjacent heat-absorbing and heat-radiating bodies, and each heat-absorbing and heat-radiating body forms a wavy structure. Relative wave crests and wave troughs are formed at each broken line between the adjacent heat-absorbing and heat-radiating bodies, wherein the crests and troughs form a honeycomb structure together. The wavy edges of the first heat-absorbing and heat-radiating bodies make contact with the outer wall of the refrigeration pipe at equal screw pitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Henan New Kelong Electrical Appliances, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiangqi Gao, Jinfa Zhang, Baojia Kang, Qingfeng Cheng, Zhouzheng Han, Song Zhang, Chengbing Shen, Jianxin Chai, Kai Liang
  • Patent number: 10072900
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a header, a plurality of tubes, and a distributor. The header is configured to define an inlet for the heat exchanger. The tubes extend away from and are fluidicly coupled to the header. The distributor is located within the header and is configured to distribute refrigerant flowing along a longitudinal axis from the inlet to the tubes via a plurality of openings defined by the distributor through a wall of the distributor. The openings include a first opening configured to direct refrigerant in a first direction, and a second opening configured to direct refrigerant in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are selected such that refrigerant emitted from the first opening and the second opening substantially intersect each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Edward D. Pettitt, Carrie M. Kowsky
  • Patent number: 10072901
    Abstract: A method for constructing a module of a modular cooling unit includes acquiring a plurality of tubes, each tube having a first end and a second end, and overmolding a first header onto the first ends of the plurality of tubes to form a watertight connection between the first header and the first ends of the plurality of tubes, the first header having a plurality of parallel first slots, each slot of the parallel first slots having an extended surface configured to receive and retain the first end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ozan Tutunoglu, John H. Bean, Jr., Mohammed Adil, Roy L. Grantham
  • Patent number: 10072902
    Abstract: A valve apparatus for controlling the flow of two sources of a first fluid while preventing mixing of the two fluid sources is disclosed along with a system incorporating the same. The valve apparatus has a first valve chamber with a first valve mechanism for controlling the flow of a first fluid, such as a heated coolant, from a first source. A second valve chamber with a second valve mechanism controls the flow of a first fluid, such as a cooled coolant, from a second source, the first and second valve chambers being fluidly isolated from each other. At least one thermal actuator arranged within a control chamber or control manifold controls operation of the first and second valve mechanisms, the thermal actuator having a first activation temperature for controlling the first valve mechanism and a second activation temperature for controlling the second valve mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Sheppard, Ihab Edward Gerges
  • Patent number: 10072903
    Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a reinforced polymer, utilizing a structurally enhancing ridge, angular guide rails and a follower made to interface with said guide rails to reduce wobble. The preferred embodiment also features a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally sound areas of the magazine, thus reducing feed end splay, and an ammunition indication system comprised of at least one window and a noticeable marker on the follower spring. The follower and magazine casing are also designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the feed end and the floor plate of the magazine utilizes a locking plate and sliding relationship between the floor plate, locking plate and magazine to secure the floor plate onto the magazine casing. The cover features built in tools for, among other things, unloading and disassembling the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric C. Burt
  • Patent number: 10072904
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for locking ratchet belts about handguns and long guns with a ratchet belt and locking box. An embodiment can remove the working magazine from pistols and long guns replacing it with a non-working magazine that is locked onto the firearm. Another embodiment locks the trigger of handgun and long gun firearms. Another embodiment locks the firearm to support surfaces such as a wall, and the like. A still another embodiment can lock and prevent the pull handle of a shot gun from being pumped. Embodiments can be used alone or in combination so that handguns and long guns are locked and prevented from being discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Morgan S. Binns
  • Patent number: 10072905
    Abstract: The invention relates to a paintball backpack for storing, transporting and/or delivering projectiles to a device for firing the projectiles, comprising a storage container for the projectiles and at least one delivery connection for transporting the projectiles, wherein the paintball backpack comprises a first and at least one second delivery device, wherein the first and the at least one second delivery device are arranged superposed over each other in or on a storage container and are connected to each other by the at least one delivery connection. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for delivering projectiles from a storage container by at least two delivery devices for transferring the projectiles to a device for firing the projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Maxxloader Limited
    Inventor: Michael Skupin
  • Patent number: 10072906
    Abstract: A backpack for carrying a weapon that includes a main body with a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap attached thereto. The backpack additionally includes a weapon carrier that has a lower pocket attached to a lower portion of the backpack for receiving an end of the weapon, and a tether having a first end and a second end respectively attached to the first and second shoulder straps of the backpack. When the weapon is positioned in the lower pocket, the tether wraps around the weapon to secure the weapon against an outer periphery of the main body of the backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Eberlestock USA LLC
    Inventor: Glen R. Eberle
  • Patent number: 10072907
    Abstract: The invention relates to a long-range optical device, in particular a telescopic sight 1, with at least one objective lens 2 and at least one eyepiece 3 and with an adjustable reticle 6 arranged between the objective lens 2 and the eyepiece, wherein the reticle 6 is coupled to a manually operable fast reticle adjustment, wherein a display device 14 is arranged in the field of view of the long-range optical device 1, through which a distance value set by a setting device 4, 15 of the fast reticle adjustment can be read when using the long-range optical device 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: STEINER-OPTIK GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Hofmann, Tobias Eberhardt