Patents Issued in May 16, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190145626
    Abstract: A cooktop appliance includes a top panel. A gas burner assembly includes an annular burner body positioned on the top panel at a top surface of the top panel. The annular burner body defines a central combustion zone. The annular burner body also defines a plurality of flame ports at the central combustion zone. Gaseous fuel is flowable from a fuel chamber within the annular burner body into the central combustion zone through the plurality of flame ports. The gas burner assembly further includes features for direction the gaseous fuel into the fuel chamber of the annular burner body. The annular burner body is open at the central combustion zone such that the top panel is exposed through the annular burner body at the central combustion zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Paul Bryan Cadima
  • Publication number: 20190145627
    Abstract: A cooking appliance having a ventilation system is provided herein. The cooking appliance may include a cabinet, a primary air passage, a fan, and a ventilation sensor. The cabinet may include a top panel and a bottom panel. The cabinet may extend along a vertical direction between the top panel and the bottom panel. The primary air passage may be defined between the top panel and the bottom panel. The primary air passage may extend along a transverse direction between a primary inlet and an exhaust port. The fan may be positioned in fluid communication with the primary air passage downstream from the primary inlet and upstream from the exhaust port. The ventilation sensor may be positioned within the cabinet upstream from the fan and in fluid communication therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Eric Scott Johnson
  • Publication number: 20190145628
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for constructing an appliance door having a metal-to-metal-to-glass bond. In one or more implementations a glass panel is mounted to a door skin of a door panel, the door skin having multiple slots. Adhesive is applied to the side of the door skin opposite the glass panel along a path created by the multiple slots. Afterwards, a metal frame is placed on the adhesive creating a metal-to-metal-to-glass bond with increased structural strength and a reduced gap between the glass and metal of the door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Ladner, Rose Marie Parker
  • Publication number: 20190145629
    Abstract: A gasket may include a tubular section which has a protection layer and a mesh layer. The protection layer may form a first tube, and the mesh layer may form a second tube, which may be enclosed in the first tube. The mesh layer may be formed by a metal wire in a spiral fashion extending along an axial direction of the second tube. The mesh layer may provide an elastic support to the protection layer when the protection layer tube is pressed by an external force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Yueqi MI
  • Publication number: 20190145630
    Abstract: Strategies for providing aesthetically acceptable ventilation for appliances requiring ventilation are described. In one or more implementations, a notch is cut along the upper edge of a cabinet toe kick to allow ambient air to enter and exit an air cavity disposed behind the toe kick. A fence or trim piece is then installed in front of the notch to hide the notch from view and to create a labyrinth vent allowing ambient air to enter and exit the air cavity. This ambient air flow is required for proper operation of appliances requiring ventilation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Conor Cross, David Dysinger, Michael Gerdes, Phillip Montanye
  • Publication number: 20190145631
    Abstract: A water storage tank with passive enhanced thermal energy management is provided. The tank is formed of substantially cylindrical central section comprising a majority of the length along its axis and a dome-shaped section at each end, A first system of managing energy management includes providing insulation covering all or most of the tank in order to prevent heat flow energy leaving the tank. The strength of the insulation, is varied such that one end of the tank has less insulativity than the other end of the tank. Preferably change occurs gradually along the axial length of the tank. The second system for providing passive energy management is using insulation formed of a material that has a glass phase change temperature at or near the temperature of the water when it enters the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: FLEXCON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Wideman
  • Publication number: 20190145632
    Abstract: A height-adjustable, concealed heating and cooling system that includes a heating and cooling unit and an adjustable frame that enables the (vertical) position of the heating and cooling unit to be modified and to be attached to framing members of a wall or another heating and cooling unit. The heating and cooling unit also includes a housing that is attached to the frame. The housing extends into the wall to define a recess portion through which a heat and/or cooling supply pipe with heat-dissipating fins attached thereto extends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Roger Thomas
  • Publication number: 20190145633
    Abstract: A hot water unit fluid supply control system comprises a switching device coupled to a hot water unit, a rainwater tank and a potable water source. The switching device is configured to selectively switch between a first state, which allows fluid communication between the hot water unit and the rainwater tank, and a second state, which allows fluid communication between the hot water unit and the potable water source. The hot water unit fluid supply control system comprises a control unit configured to: receive fluid characteristic information associated with fluid in the hot water unit from one or more sensors; activate or deactivate a pump of the rainwater tank based on a comparison of a fluid characteristic parameter of the fluid characteristic information with requirements of the hot water unit to thereby cause the switching device to assume the first or second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: David Bergmann, Steve Patterson
  • Publication number: 20190145634
    Abstract: A water heater can include a tank, an inlet line, and an outlet line, where the inlet line provides unheated water to the tank, and where the outlet line draws heated water from the tank for a hot water demand. The water heater can also include a heat pump disposed adjacent to a first portion of the tank, where the heat pump applies heat to transform the unheated water to heated water in the first portion of the tank. The water heater can further include a resistive heating element disposed within a second portion of the tank, where the resistive heating element further applies heat to transform the unheated water to heated water in the second portion of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Raheel A. Chaudhry
  • Publication number: 20190145635
    Abstract: An air handling system configured to channel an airflow includes a blower assembly including a blower inlet and a blower outlet and a primary heat exchanger positioned downstream of the blower outlet. The air handling system also includes a secondary heat exchanger positioned upstream of the blower inlet such that the airflow is channeled sequentially through the secondary heat exchanger, the blower assembly, and the primary heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Sahand Pirouzpanah
  • Publication number: 20190145636
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a blower blowing air and an outdoor unit of air conditioner having the same. The blower includes a fan, a motor driving the fan, and a motor support member disposed on a flow path, through which air generated by a rotation of the fan flows, to support the motor. The motor support member includes a cross-sectional shape including a maximum width portion having a maximum width in a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction, an upstream portion having a width being increased from the upstream side to the downstream side, and a downstream portion having a width being reduced from the upstream side to the downstream side. A downstream end located downstream of the downstream portion has a width in a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Nozomu Inoue
  • Publication number: 20190145637
    Abstract: An air-conditioning-apparatus outdoor unit includes a casing, an air-sending device chamber, a machine chamber, a partition, a heat exchanger cover, and an electric box including a bottom plate that defines a bottom surface of the electric box and that is joined to an upper end of the heat exchanger cover. The casing includes a shell panel having an outdoor-air inlet that is open. The heat exchanger cover is positioned to face the outdoor-air inlet, and defines, together with the partition and the shell panel, an air passage communicating with the outdoor-air inlet in the machine chamber. The bottom plate of the electric box has a bottom opening communicating with the air passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Ryozo ONUKI, Shinichi UCHINO
  • Publication number: 20190145638
    Abstract: The invention is a water recovery system that utilizes waste heat and a moving air stream to recover water with minimal use of energy and without the need to move water through filtration devices. The invention may be used for recovery and reuse of water for a wide range of emergency back-up, environmental, industrial, and mission-oriented purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Jedediah B. Alvey, Martin A. Page, Axy Pagan-Vasquez
  • Publication number: 20190145639
    Abstract: A liquid desiccant air-conditioning system provides a uniform liquid desiccant flow distribution and wetting out of membranes used in the membrane-modules of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Carl Allen, Mark A. Allen, Scott N. Rowe, Mark D. Rosenblum, Peter Luttik
  • Publication number: 20190145640
    Abstract: Liquid desiccant air conditioning methods and systems are operable in multiple modes to efficiently treat air streams provided to a space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Peter F. Vandermeulen, Eric Kozubal, Mark A. Allen, Jason D. Woods, Scott N. Rowe
  • Publication number: 20190145641
    Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing semiconductor. The method includes providing a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and providing an EFEM. The EFEM includes a shield gas curtain apparatus 6 that forms a gas curtain capable of shielding an opening 23 when an internal space 5S of a purge container 5, in which the humidity is reduced to a predetermined value by means of a bottom purge apparatus 25 provided in a load port 2, is brought into communication with an internal space 3S of a wafer transport chamber 3, the gas curtain being formed of a shield curtain gas blown immediately downward from a location near the opening 23 of the load port 2 and being closer to the wafer transport chamber 3 than the opening 23 at a higher height than an upper edge of the opening 23.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: SINFONIA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Taniyama, Mitsutoshi Ochiai, Mitsuo Natsume, Atsushi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20190145642
    Abstract: A forced air conditioning system includes supply and return air plenum, an air treatment device, first and second air return dampers, first and second sensors, and a controller. The plenums communicate with first and second rooms and the treatment device is adapted to condition air when activated and not condition air when deactivated. The air return dampers are adapted to isolate the respective first and second rooms when closed. The sensors are located in the respective first and second rooms and are configured to detect a condition of the air. The controller is configured to receive condition signals from the respective sensors, compare the signals to a preprogrammed air condition threshold, and output a command signal to close one of the dampers to substantially equalize the air condition between rooms when the preprogrammed air condition threshold is met, and the air treatment device is deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Keith David Heigl
  • Publication number: 20190145643
    Abstract: A liquid desiccant air conditioning system comprises an energy exchange unit comprising a sump and a plurality of media pads positioned above the sump, first, second, and third desiccant outlets fluidly connected to the sump, and at least one retractable gate positioned above the sump, configured to partition the sump into at least first and second compartments, wherein the first compartment is fluidly connected to the first desiccant outlet and the second compartment is fluidly connected to the second desiccant outlet, and wherein effective volumes of the first and second compartments can be modified by opening and closing the at least one retractable gate. A method of controlling desiccant circulation in a liquid desiccant air conditioning system is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Grahame Ernest Maisey, Beverly Milestone
  • Publication number: 20190145644
    Abstract: An air distribution apparatus that serves as a single sensing device for lighting, LiFi, and HVAC functions that are operable on a single platform by building automation systems. The building automation system may be controllable by a single software system or network accessible locally on site or remotely off site. The air distribution apparatus can operate in a single zone or coupled with multiple like apparatuses for multi-zone operation. It is a high turndown, self-balancing system which allows for continuous commissioning with built-in fault diagnostic systems and that may be used as a supply, return, or exhaust system, or a combination thereof. The air distribution apparatus includes multi-stage airflow control systems that operate progressively based on unique actuation mechanisms and/or algorithms that allow for precise flow control and feedback to self-balance and commission the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: John C. Karamanos, Herbert Willke
  • Publication number: 20190145645
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include data center infrastructure management (DCIM) systems and methods configured to, collect data center compute systems, power systems, and facility systems data, trigger an action or actions based on a diagnosed or predicted condition according to the collected data, and thereby control via a compute, power, and facilities module, the compute systems, power systems and facility systems in the data center. According to an embodiment, the control via the compute, power, and facilities module comprises calibrating the compute, power, and facility systems based on an estimated compute requirement, and an associated power, cooling, and network data resource requirement. The estimated compute requirement comprises estimating compute density per real-time power wattage, and storage density per real-time power wattage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: Nautilus Data Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold Castillo Magcale
  • Publication number: 20190145646
    Abstract: An HVAC system is provided in which data is obtained and reports generated. Actions can be taken with respect to the HVAC unit on the basis of the reports generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher Hamilton, Robert W. Lafferty, SR., Robert W. Lafferty, JR., Robert Pulsifer
  • Publication number: 20190145647
    Abstract: An electronic control module is provided. The electronic control module is operably connected to a power supply for providing power to a motor. The electronic control module includes an input device, a processor coupled to the input device, and first and second current supply lines. The processor is configured to generate a command signal in response to an input supplied by the input device and transmit the command signal to the motor. The command signal controls an operating point of the motor. The first and second current supply lines are operably connectable to the motor and the processor. At least one of the current supply lines, the input device and the processor are adapted to utilize the current supply lines both to transmit power to the motor and to transmit the command signal to the motor over the current supply lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Paul Steven Mullin, Michael David Smith, Katie Da-Nelle Hamilton, Srinivas Chandu Kutcherlapati
  • Publication number: 20190145648
    Abstract: A thermostat for a building includes a halo light emitting diode (LED) system including one or more LEDs configured to emit light and a halo diffuser structured around at least a portion of an outer edge of the thermostat. The halo diffuser is configured to diffuse the emitted light of the one or more LEDs around at least the portion of the outer edge of the thermostat. The thermostat includes a processing circuit configured to receive one or more data streams, determine whether the one or more data streams indicate a building emergency condition, and operate the one or more LEDs of the halo LED system to indicate the building emergency condition to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Sudhi Sinha, Joseph R Ribbich, Michael L Ribbich, Charles J. Gaidish, John P. Cipolla, Damon B. Smith, John R. Taylor,, Jr., John M. Reiszl, William P. Alberth,, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190145649
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a control board including a switchable input/output port. The switchable I/O port may provide a switchable communication bus capable of selectively supporting one of multiple different communication protocols and may provide a switchable power bus capable of selectively conducting electrical power from one of multiple different power supplies. As such, the control board may communicatively and/or electrically couple to a wide range of devices. To that end, the control board may support the dynamic interchange and reconfiguration of devices coupled to the control board, allowing a control system including the control board greater operational flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Shaun B. Atchison, Brian D. Rigg
  • Publication number: 20190145650
    Abstract: Systems and methods of automatic synchronization of point read frequency are provided. The system can include data sources that receive data point values at respective deposit frequencies and a building enterprise managing device that performs an automatic synchronization process. The building enterprise managing device can receive a user configuration setting indicating a read frequency and obtain the data point values from a data source at the read frequency. The building enterprise managing device can identify a deposit frequency at which the data point values are received at the data source. The building enterprise managing device can determine whether the read frequency matches the deposit frequency. The building enterprise managing device can adjust the read frequency to match the deposit frequency in response to determining that the read frequency does not match the identified deposit frequency and obtain the data point values from the data source at the adjusted read frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Rajesh C. Nayak, Mukul V. Vashisth, Kaustubh Devasthali, Fajil Sutar
  • Publication number: 20190145651
    Abstract: A robotic system is provided for repeatedly and reproducibly applying a sealant to a seam in an assembled HVAC duct component. The applied sealant has a predetermined location on the assembled HVAC duct component to seal the seam. An assembled HVAC duct component is thus provided having a robot applied sealant on at least one seam in the assembled HVAC duct component, wherein the applied sealant has at least one of a predetermined location, thickness or coverage. The robotically applied sealant can be applied to a blank for forming the assembled HVAC duct component, wherein the sealant is located at locations forming a seam in the assembled HVAC duct component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: William R. Gray
  • Publication number: 20190145652
    Abstract: A combined ventilation and illumination system includes a ventilation assembly, a light fixture assembly, and a connector assembly. In an installed position, the system is installed above a ceiling of a room of building structure (e.g., a residence or workplace) to provide ventilation for the room. The system couples a light fixture to ventilation assembly below the ceiling. In the installed position, an air flow cavity is defined between the light fixture and the ceiling, where the cavity allows for air flow around the light fixture and into the ventilation assembly for eventual exhaust beyond the room in which the system is installed. The cavity includes a first critical distance that is sized according to operating parameters of a blower of the ventilation assembly to provide an adequate flow rate of intake air and to provide acceptable sound levels during operation of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Richard R. SINUR, Ryan A. REVERS
  • Publication number: 20190145653
    Abstract: A damper comprises a generally rectangular frame extending between opposed open faces and defining an airflow region. One or more damper blades comprises a substantially air-impermeable vane pivotally mounted between the sides of the frame and pivotable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position an edge of the adjacent blade abuts a blade stop surface formed along each end, such that in the closed position one edge of the blade adjacent to each end of the frame extends into a recess and abuts the blade stop surface, to prevent air from flowing between the blade and the end of the frame. In the preferred embodiments the blade stop surfaces are integrally formed in each end panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: T.A. Morrison & Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Chappell, Stephen Dane Carey
  • Publication number: 20190145654
    Abstract: A pipe cap and the methods for using the pipe cap are provided. The invention includes a pipe cap, which can include a body having one or more openings disposed therein. The pipe cap can also include a connector, and the connector can be configured to connect to a drain pipe. The pipe cap can be configured to prevent insects and animals from entering and clogging fluid drainage systems, e.g., HVAC systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Darwin Bryant
  • Publication number: 20190145655
    Abstract: An HVAC system that utilizes an air-to-air heat exchanger includes an HVAC ductwork section including a fan, and a filter assembly in fluid flow communication with the HVAC ductwork section. The filter assembly has a filter compartment having an opening oriented generally transverse to a direction of air flow through the filter assembly. A compressive member is provided on at least a portion of a perimeter extending around the opening. The compressive member is adjustable between an installation configuration in which the compressive member is spaced from a position that is to be occupied by a filter when the filter is installed in the filter compartment and an installed configuration in which the compressive member engages at least a portion of one of an upstream and a downstream face of the filter when the filter is positioned in the filter compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20190145656
    Abstract: A heating unit for heating fluid is described having a first manifold having at least one inlet, a second manifold connected to the first manifold and having at least one outlet, and a third manifold. The heating unit also includes one or more heating systems which extend from the third manifold to the first manifold via the second manifold, where the one or more heating systems have an inner tube and an outer tube. Further, the heating unit includes a fluid flow path from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet via the first manifold, an area between the inner tube and outer tube, the interior of the inner tube and the second manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: EEMAX, INC.
    Inventors: Chris Hayden, Eric Jurczyszak, Jeff Hankins
  • Publication number: 20190145657
    Abstract: A blower assembly includes a housing including an inner shell and an outer shell that define a flow passage therebetween. The inner shell also at least partially defines a cavity. The blower assembly also includes a fan coupled within the housing such that the fan also at least partially defines the cavity. The blower assembly further includes a motor configured to rotate about an axis. The motor is coupled to the inner shell and is positioned within the cavity radially inward of the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Sahand Pirouzpanah, Joseph A. Henry
  • Publication number: 20190145658
    Abstract: An in-line electric heater for flowing fluids comprises a housing having a fluid inlet at one end and a fluid outlet at an opposing end with a plurality of resistance wire heating elements arranged along the flow path of the fluid and in direct contact with the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew Hodgkinson, Trey D. Cook
  • Publication number: 20190145659
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting s a thermal or hydronic expansion tank relative to a hot water heater comprises a rigid bracket adapted to be secured to the tank and to the hot water heater. The bracket provides support for the tank adjacent to the pipe nipple. Means are provided for interconnecting the tank and the bracket for securing the tank to the bracket. In one aspect, the bracket comprises a base, and an end wall at each end of the base. The end walls adapted for engaging and supporting the tank, wherein one of the end walls engages the tank adjacent the pipe nipple and the other of the end walls engages the tank past the midpoint of the length of the tank from the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: James T. Bober
  • Publication number: 20190145660
    Abstract: A method for electronic, remote control of an existing heating element. A temperature probe is monitored programmatically. That data is managed via wifi connectivity. A user can then control the operation of the device (water heater or other) at any time and from any location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Branden Lamar Hughes
  • Publication number: 20190145661
    Abstract: A water heater includes a leak detection system. The leak detection system includes a leak sensor assembly that is disposed in a bottom pan of the water heater. The leak sensor assembly includes a sensor housing that has a sensor channel that is formed therein such that the sensor channel is disposed at an elevation from a base of the bottom pan when the sensor housing is disposed on the base of the bottom pan. Further, the leak sensor assembly includes a leak sensor that is disposed in the sensor channel of the sensor housing. The leak sensor detects water that leaks from the water heater and accumulates in the bottom pan when a level of the water in the bottom pan rises to the elevation of the sensor channel and the leak sensor that is disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph D. Gardner, Jozef Boros, Timothy D. Scott, William J. Hall, Raheel A. Chaudhry, Gregory M. Welk
  • Publication number: 20190145662
    Abstract: A water heater includes a leak detection system that is integrated with the water heater. The leak detection system includes a channel that extends circumferentially around the water heater. In one example, the channel is built into the water heater. In another example, the channel is formed by a sensor bracket that is coupled to the water heater. Further, the leak detection system includes a sensor assembly that is configured to detect water that leaks from the water heater. The sensor assembly includes a leak sensor and/or a wicking tube. The wicking tube is disposed around at least a portion of the leak sensor. Further, the wicking tube is disposed in the continuous channel and extends circumferentially along the water heater to create a circumferential area of leak detection around the water heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph D. Gardner, Jozef Boros, Sina Jasteh, Hector J. Donastorg, Raheel A. Chaudhry
  • Publication number: 20190145663
    Abstract: A portable forced air heater including a housing, a heating element located within the housing, a sensor configured to sense a characteristic of the portable heater, a communications device configured to communicate with an external device, and a controller having an electrical processor and memory. The controller is configured to receive, from the sensor, the characteristic of the portable heater, and output, via the communications device, a signal indicative of the characteristic of the portable heater to the external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Huggins, Benjamin M. Williams, Scott P. Kippes, Devin E. Kilarski
  • Publication number: 20190145664
    Abstract: The invention relates to a solar conversion system, comprising solar focusing means for focusing solar energy incident thereon into a solar beam, said solar beam at its smallest cross section having a cross section less than about ten percent of the cross section of the solar focusing means, container means to retain a fluid to be heated by solar energy, said container means having an opening approximately the size of the smallest cross section of the solar beam, positioning means operable for positioning said focusing means so that the smallest cross section of said solar beam is located at the opening so that substantially all of the solar beam enters into said container, dispersing means positioned in said container in the path of said solar beam operable to disperse the solar beam in said container, thereby reducing the amount of reflected solar beam exiting the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: AARON LISS
  • Publication number: 20190145665
    Abstract: A mounting assembly (70c) for installing solar cell or photovoltaic modules (58) on a building surface (34) is disclosed. The mounting assembly (70c) includes a mounting device (74), a stud (114) that may be threaded to the mounting device (74), a clamping member (142) that may be positioned on the stud (114), and a nut (128) that may be threaded onto the stud (114) to secure the clamping member (142) to the mounting device (74). A mounting plate (110?) is disposed somewhere between the clamping member (142) and the mounting device (74). This mounting plate (110?) includes a raised structure or dome (174) on its upper surface (170) for positionally registering modules (58) thereto, a plurality of grounding projections (172) on this same upper surface (170), and a plurality of wiring tabs or clips (178) on its lower surface (176).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Robert M. M. Haddock, Dustin Marshall Marston Haddock
  • Publication number: 20190145666
    Abstract: A new system for and a method of deploying a heat exchanger pipe. A bore hole is drilled from an access ditch location to a terminal ditch location using a piloted drill head powered via an umbilical attached to the piloted drill head. A casing is attached to the piloted drill head and disposed about the umbilical into the bore hole from the access ditch location to the terminal ditch location. At the terminal ditch location, the piloted drill head is removed from the casing and the umbilical and a heat exchanger pipe is attached to the umbilical. The umbilical is withdrawn from within the casing deployed in the bore hole to pull the heat exchanger pipe into the casing. The casing is then withdrawn from the bore hole leaving the heat exchanger pipe in the bore hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Ari Peter Berman
  • Publication number: 20190145667
    Abstract: Since improving heat exchange between a gas-phase refrigerant and a liquid-phase refrigerant in a refrigeration system could instead result in a reduction in the efficiency of the whole refrigeration system, a heat exchange device (201) of the present invention includes: a refrigerant supply means (210) for supplying a first-temperature liquid-phase refrigerant (R11) and a second-temperature gas-phase refrigerant (R12) in one circulation system; a plurality of heat exchange means (220A, 220B) which are each configured so as to perform heat exchange between the liquid-phase refrigerant and the gas-phase refrigerant; and refrigerant circulation means (231, 232, 242) for circulating the gas-phase refrigerant (R12) in such a manner that the gas-phase refrigerant (R12) flows in parallel in the plurality of heat exchange means, and circulating the liquid-phase refrigerant (R11) in such a manner that the liquid-phase refrigerant (R11) flows in series in the plurality of heat exchange means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arihiro MATSUNAGA, Minoru YOSHIKAWA, Hisato SAKUMA, Masato YANO, Asuka MATSUBA, Takafumi NATSUMEDA
  • Publication number: 20190145668
    Abstract: A speed estimation apparatus for an AC motor includes a model deviation calculation unit, first and second angular velocity estimation units, and an adder. The deviation calculation unit calculates a model deviation based on a voltage, a current, and an estimated angular velocity of the motor. The first angular velocity estimation unit calculates a first estimated angular velocity as a low-frequency component including a DC component of a real angular velocity based on the model deviation. The second angular velocity estimation unit calculates a second estimated angular velocity as a high-frequency component of a real angular velocity based on a specific high-frequency component of the model deviation. The adder adds the first and second estimated angular velocities together. An addition value of the first and second estimated angular velocities is fed back as the estimated angular velocity to the deviation calculation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji TAKAHASHI, Koichi ARISAWA, Mitsuo KASHIMA
  • Publication number: 20190145669
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism, and a second heat exchanger are connected by pipes. The first heat exchanger includes a first refrigerant passage and a second refrigerant passage that share a plurality of fins with each other and provided in parallel in the refrigerant circuit. The apparatus further includes a high-and-low-pressure switching mechanism which is located on an inlet side of the second refrigerant passage of the first heat exchanger in flowing of refrigerant in an operation in which the first heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and which performs switching between flow directions of the refrigerant. The apparatus further includes a refrigerant blocking mechanism located on an outlet side of the second refrigerant passage of the first heat exchanger in the flowing of the refrigerant in the operation, and which blocks the flowing of the refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Chitose TANAKA, Takuya MATSUDA, Kosuke TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20190145670
    Abstract: A thermodynamic apparatus that includes a displacer within a cylinder is disclosed. The displacer reciprocates within the cylinder by a linear actuator that includes electrical coils, an armature, and a coil spring system. The spring system includes collinear first and second coil springs of opposite sense. First ends of the springs are captured in a first plate; second ends of the springs are captured in a second plate. Without constraint, the springs can compensate to forces by bending, rotating, increasing in diameter, and combinations thereof. In certain applications, such as the heat pump, bending should be minimized. By selecting the points of capture of the hooks at the ends of the springs in the plates, bending force of the first spring counteracts the bending force of the second spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: ThermoLift, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Hofbauer, YueXin Huang, David Yates, Sai Ronit Kaza
  • Publication number: 20190145671
    Abstract: A heat pump system includes a caloric heat pump with a regenerator housing that is rotatable about an axial direction. A caloric material is disposed within a chamber of the regenerator housing. The caloric material defines a plurality of channels that extend along the axial direction through the caloric material. The channels of the plurality of channels are spaced from one another along a circumferential direction within the caloric material. A working fluid is flowable through the plurality of channels between end portions of the regenerator housing. A related refrigerator appliance is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Goodman Schroeder, Michael Alexander Benedict
  • Publication number: 20190145672
    Abstract: The present invention describes the design and fabrication of Multi-Material-Blades used as active regenerative regenerators in active regenerative magneto-caloric or electro-caloric engines. The blades consist of a plurality of elements (2) that divide the blade body along its length. Each element (2) is made of a different magneto-caloric or electro-caloric material selected appropriately, and a plurality of dedicated channels (3) penetrates the blade body (1) and extends along the length of the blade. The dedicated channels (3) can be provided with fluid mixing structures, porous layers or hydrophobic coatings to reduce the HE loss in an active regenerative engine. The Multi-Material-Blades are obtainable by ink jet printing techniques to reduce costs. The Multi-Material-Blades can further have a curved shape to form an involute blade body (1). All measures can improve the performance of active regenerative magneto-caloric or electro-caloric engines, and lay the basis for commercial solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Sibel Oezcan, Paul Burdett, Neil Wilson
  • Publication number: 20190145673
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling device 1, in particular a freezer 2, having a closable cooling space 3, an electrically operated cooling circuit, and preferably a cold accumulator 4, wherein the at least one closable cooling space 3 and the cold accumulator 4 can be cooled by the electrically operated cooling circuit. The invention is characterized in that the cooling device has a current distributor 5 for distributing electric power of at least one regenerative current source 6 to an electrically operated cooling circuit of the cooling device 1 and to at least one further electric consumer 7. Moreover, the current distributor 5 has an automatic control with an arithmetic unit 23, a memory 24 as well as a priority logic. The priority logic in case of lacking electric power of the at least one regenerative current source 6 first of all shall supply the electrically operated cooling circuit of the cooling device 1 with current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Andreas Hoffmann, Manuel Godert
  • Publication number: 20190145674
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigeration system and a heating chamber powered by a part of the refrigeration process. The refrigeration system is a closed and recycling system which comprises a compressor, a first condenser, a three-way magnetic valve, a second condenser, at least one capillary pipeline, and an evaporator. The heating chamber is located around the first condenser, and the first condenser emits to the heating chamber heat which is emitted by the refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: KE-PENG YI, YING-WEI SHENG, CHIA-WEI LIU, CHUN-KAI PENG
  • Publication number: 20190145675
    Abstract: A heat pump system for vehicle may include cooling apparatus including radiator and first water pump which are connected to coolant line, battery module provided in battery coolant line selectively connectable to the coolant line through first valve, air conditioner connected to the battery coolant line through third valve, second water pump and cooler provided at the first connection line, heating device connected to the battery coolant line through fourth valve, and third water pump and heater provided at the second connection line, and centralized energy (CE) module connected to the coolant line and the first and second connection lines to supply coolant of low temperature to the air conditioner, to supply coolant of high temperature to the heating device, and to selectively heat-exchanging thermal energy generated upon condensing and evaporation of refrigerant circulating inside with the coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jae Yeon KIM