Patents Issued in August 13, 2019
  • Patent number: 10378768
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for a turbine engine. This turbine engine assembly includes a combustor wall. The combustor wall includes a shell, a heat shield and an annular body. The annular body extends through the combustor wall and at least partially defines a quench aperture along a centerline through the combustor wall. The shell defines a first cooling aperture radially outwards of the annular body relative to the centerline and is configured to direct air to impinge against a portion of the annular body between the heat shield and the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Frank J. Cunha, Stanislav Kostka, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10378769
    Abstract: Combustor assemblies having heat shields heat shield attachment features are provided. For example, a combustor assembly includes a dome plate defining first and second apertures, and a heat shield defining first and second openings. The heat shield includes a first cup extending about the first opening and a second cup extending about the second opening. The combustor assembly further includes a collar having a first frame at least partially surrounding the first cup and a second frame at least partially surrounding the second cup. The collar includes a first fastening feature and the dome plate includes a second fastening feature. The first fastening feature mates with the second fastening feature to couple the heat shield to the dome plate. The combustor assembly also may include an attachment piece configured to couple the heat shield to the dome plate. Methods for forming ceramic matrix composite (CMC) heat shields also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Todd Radwanski, Michael Alan Stieg, Donald Michael Corsmeier
  • Patent number: 10378770
    Abstract: Flow path assemblies and gas turbine engines are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a flow path assembly comprises an inner wall and a unitary outer wall including a combustor portion extending through a combustion section and a turbine portion extending through at least a first turbine stage of a turbine section. The combustor portion and the turbine portion are integrally formed as a single unitary structure. The inner wall and the unitary outer wall define a combustor of the combustion section. In another exemplary embodiment, a flow path assembly comprises a unitary inner wall defining an inner boundary of a flow path and extending from a forward end of a combustor through a nozzle portion of a first turbine stage, and a unitary outer wall defining an outer boundary of the flow path and extending from the forward end of the combustor through at least the first turbine stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brandon ALlanson Reynolds, Jonathan David Baldiga, Andrew Scott Bilse, Mark Eugene Noe, Brett Joseph Geiser
  • Patent number: 10378771
    Abstract: A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a combustor dome and a combustion chamber liner attached to or formed integrally with the combustor dome. The combustion chamber liner extends between a forward end and an aft end, and together with the combustor dome at least partially defines a combustion chamber. The combustor assembly additionally includes a mounting assembly attached to the liner proximate the forward end of the liner for supporting the combustor dome and combustion chamber liner within the gas turbine engine relative to a structural component of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Andrew Hannwacker, Stephen John Howell, John Carl Jacobson
  • Patent number: 10378772
    Abstract: Combustor assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. For example, a combustor assembly comprises a combustor dome, a first heat shield having an edge, a second heat shield having an edge, and a seal extending from the edge of the first heat shield to the edge of the second heat shield such that the seal spans a gap between the first heat shield and the second heat shield. In another embodiment, the seal has a first contact portion contacting the edge of the first heat shield, a second contact portion contacting the edge of the second heat shield edge, and a connecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. The first contact portion and the second contact portion project away from the connecting portion. Methods for sealing between adjacent heat shields of a combustor assembly also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Alan Stieg, Valeria Proano Cadena, Aaron Michael Dziech, Michael Todd Radwanski, Donald Michael Corsmeier
  • Patent number: 10378773
    Abstract: A diffuser assembly is provided for a turbine engine. This diffuser assembly includes a diffuser module with a combustor plenum and a mixing chamber. The diffuser module is configured to receive first and second airflows into the mixing chamber and direct a mixed airflow out of the mixing chamber. The diffuser module includes a mixer configured to mix the first and the second airflows together within the mixing chamber to provide the mixed airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Frank J. Cunha, Stanislav Kostka
  • Patent number: 10378774
    Abstract: In a gas turbine combustor having an inner and outer liner defining an annular combustion chamber, at least an annular scoop ring provided on each inner and outer combustor liner. The annular scoop ring includes a solid radial inner base provided with bores defined therein and communicating with the combustion chamber to form air dilution inlets. The scoop ring has a radial outer portion in the form of a C-shaped scoop open to receive high velocity annular air flow. The bores of the inlets communicating with the scoop portion to direct the air flow into the combustion chamber whereby the bores of the inlets form jet nozzles to generate air jet penetration and direction within the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Tin Cheung John Hu, Oleg Morenko, Lev Alexander Prociw, Parham Zabeti
  • Patent number: 10378775
    Abstract: A heat shield for a gas turbine engine having a combustor includes an annular configuration extending substantially 360 degrees about the combustor for protecting a dome portion thereof, which is formed by radially extending flanges of inner and outer liners of the combustor. The heat shield fixedly secures the radially extending flanges of the inner and outer liners together in a sealing relationship such as to structurally form the dome portion of the combustor. The heat shield is disposed internally within the combustor and substantially entirely overlying the dome portion. The heat shield includes at least two separate heat shield segments cooperating to provide the annular heat shield, each heat shield segment being sheet metal and including at least two circumferentially spaced apart openings therein for receiving fuel nozzles therethrough. Each of the heat shield segments has a circumferential span not exceeding 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Bhawan B. Patel, Oleg Morenko
  • Patent number: 10378776
    Abstract: A shield for protection of the back splash and wall behind a stove, providing an expandable shield suspended behind the stove while the stove is in use, the shield expanded into a deployed position and attached to the wall and secured within an upper shelf upon a support, the shield further stored behind the stove in a contracted position upon a lower shelf of the support, with the support mounted to either the wall behind the stove or upon the stove itself on a rear potion of the stove. The shield may also be used upon the back splash of a sink or other cooking station where protection of the back splash is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: John Luk
  • Patent number: 10378777
    Abstract: A modular range hood having a backbone module attachable to a cabinet or other support structure, wherein a shell and at least one ventilation module can be coupled to the backbone module to provide desired aesthetic characteristics and/or functionality. The backbone module can have a mounting feature for receiving a fastener or configured to otherwise secure the backbone module to an underside mounting position of the cabinet or other support structure. The backbone module can provide a standardized base to which different shells and ventilation modules can be coupled to provide a modular range hood having the desired aesthetic characteristics and/or functionality. Similarly, the standardized backbone module can simplify installation by standardizing the mounting of the modular range hood to the cabinet or other support structure irrespective the shell and ventilation module attached to the range hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz
  • Patent number: 10378778
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heating module and a method of manufacturing thereof. The method comprises arranging a first conductive layer on a first surface of an intermediate insulating layer; making a channel on a second surface of the intermediate insulating layer; arranging a heating cable in the channel; filling the channel with a conductive filling material to cover the heating cable arranged in the channel; and attaching a second conductive layer to the second surface of the intermediate insulating layer with a conductive adhesive coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Wenda Oy
    Inventor: Jan Forsbom
  • Patent number: 10378779
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas furnace for indoor heating. The gas furnace includes a burner to generate high-temperature exhaust gas, an exhaust flow path, a blower to suction indoor air through a recovery flow path, a supply flow path to guide the indoor air to the indoor space after undergoing heat exchange in the exhaust flow path, and a fuel supply unit including a fuel supply line and a fuel discharge line, configured to supply fuel to the burner, and a valve between the fuel supply line and the fuel discharge line. The valve includes a step motor, and a blocking member coupled to a rotating shaft of the step motor and configured to move straight via by driving of the step motor, and an opening degree of the valve between the fuel supply line and the fuel discharge line is adjusted by the straight movement of the blocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Janghee Park, Yongki Jeong, Baikyoung Chung
  • Patent number: 10378780
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning split system air conditioning units. The apparatus comprises a shield functioning as a moisture barrier that sits between the wall and the AC unit and which releasably receives a drain pan that interconnects with the bottom of the shield to form a water tight seal. A flexible tube connects the bottom of the drain pan to a collection receptacle. Water and chemical sprayed into the unit to clean the unit drain through the unit, into the drain pan, through the tubing, and are collected by and can be disposed of from the receptacle. After the AC unit is cleaned, the drain pan, tubing and collection receptacle are removed leaving the area clean and dry. Kits comprising the apparatus of the invention can be sold together with new AC units or purchased separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: The Air Center LLC
    Inventor: Alan N. Kurosu
  • Patent number: 10378781
    Abstract: An outdoor unit for a refrigeration cycle apparatus includes an outdoor heat exchanger arranged around an axis on an upstream side of an airflow with respect to a propeller fan. Further, the outdoor heat exchanger includes a first flat surface portion, a second flat surface portion, and a curved portion connecting the first and second flat surface portions to each other. An airflow directing plate is opposed to an end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger on the propeller fan side from the axis side of the propeller fan. The airflow directing plate is opposed to at least any one of the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion without being opposed to the curved portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Kono, Seiji Nakashima
  • Patent number: 10378782
    Abstract: An outdoor unit (100, 110), comprising a housing (1, 20) having fans (2) provided thereon and a compressor (4) and heat exchanger (3-1, 3-2, 23-1, 23-2) disposed on a base (10, 210) thereof; a left-right pair of side covers (8, 28, 9, 29) each being bent and having two surfaces, one surface covering a portion of a side of housing (1, 20), and the other surface covering a portion of the front of the housing (1, 20); a controller housing (7) fixed to the upper section of the surface of at least one side cover (8, 28, 9, 29), of said left-right pair of said covers (8, 28, 9, 29), that covers a portion of the front of the housing (1, 20), said controller housing (7) being fixed at a height allowing the compressor (4) to be moved into and out of the housing unobstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning, Inc.
    Inventors: Takumi Kamiaka, Masayoshi Murofushi, Atsuhiko Fukasawa, Shuntaro Inoue, Takashi Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 10378783
    Abstract: The disclosure is related to a blowing apparatus with expandable functions, an expansion device, and an operating method. The blowing apparatus has an electrical interface used to connect one of the expansion devices with various functions. The blowing apparatus has a control unit used to identify an operating mode of the expansion device connected with the blowing apparatus. A control signal is therefore generated. According to the control signal, the control unit controls rotating speed of a fan unit and a heating temperature of a heating unit. The expansion device can be disposed with a mist unit having a container and a mist generating unit. The mist unit sprays the mist to an outlet cap of the expansion device. The blowing apparatus then blows the mist out of the outlet cap by means of the rotating speed of fan unit and the temperature of heating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: JIYONSON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yun-Long Tun
  • Patent number: 10378784
    Abstract: A plenum pressure controlled cabinet includes a sideways cooled component mounted so as to define gaps between the cabinet and the component. Baffles block some of the gaps. A negative pressure maintained within the cabinet causes makeup air to be drawn into the cabinet through a gap not blocked by baffles between one side of the cabinet and a cool air intake of the component. Thus, cool air is provided to the cool air intake of the component. A plenum pressure controlled enclosure includes an equipment rack maintained at a neutral pressure, a plenum maintained at a slightly negative pressure or a neutral pressure, and a cooling unit. The plenum takes in air from the rack and expels it into the cooling unit. By controlling differential pressures in the rack and the plenum, air is efficiently drawn from the equipment rack and cooled utilizing the cooling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Vertiv Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Germagian
  • Patent number: 10378785
    Abstract: A communication system comprises a communication device and communication devices. The communication device comprises a direct current power supply and a transmitter configured to transmit data by control of a current flowing through a current loop. The communication devices comprise a receiver configured to receive data by detection of the current flowing through the current loop. The communication device comprises an adjuster configured to adjust the impedance between a signal line and a common line according to the number of communication devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kotake, Yoshiaki Koizumi, Takuya Mukai, Masahiro Ishihara
  • Patent number: 10378786
    Abstract: An energy efficient air conditioner is configured to use a portion of cooled indoor air to cool a condenser in a continuous evaporation-compression-condensation cycle. Ambient air from an indoor environment enters a housing of the air conditioner through a first air inlet. A first fan draws the air over an evaporator coil for cooling, and after cooling, directs the air back into the indoor environment through a first air outlet. A second fan draws a portion of the cooled air (e.g., a cooled exhaust air stream drawn from ventilated areas of a house) back into the housing through a second air inlet, where it is passed over a condenser coil. Heat exchange with the condenser coil creates heated exhaust, and the second fan directs the heated exhaust out of the housing, into an outdoor environment, through a second air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Waleed KH. A. KH. Al-Deraiei
  • Patent number: 10378787
    Abstract: Improvements in the manufacture, mounting and implementation of dry open window (DOW) structures. Such structures comprise a plurality of louvers which, when viewed in cross section, have “V” or “W” shapes that enable air to pass through a window opening while substantially preventing precipitation to pass, the precipitation instead being captured by the louvers for collection or drainage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Zhihua Fang
  • Patent number: 10378788
    Abstract: A wind scavenger including a frame, a litter collection unit, a lower gear-wheel assembly, an upper gear-wheel assembly, a net element, and a fan system is provided. The litter collection unit is attached to a base member of the frame. The litter collection unit includes a receptacle for collecting litter. The net element includes flexibly jointed plates for catching the litter blown by wind. The fan system is connected to the upper gear-wheel assembly via a power transmission system. The fan system, in communication with the wind, rotates the upper gear-wheel assembly and in turn rotates the net element around the upper gear-wheel assembly and the lower gear-wheel assembly and vice versa. The rotation of the net element from the upper gear-wheel assembly to the lower gear-wheel assembly conveys the litter caught by the flexibly jointed plates of the net element into the receptacle of the litter collection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Ibrahim Alatawi
  • Patent number: 10378789
    Abstract: An inter-axial inline fluid heater is presented. The inter-axial inline fluid heater includes an outer retaining sheath defining a first area, and an interior flow tube disposed within the outer sheath and capable of having fluid flow therethrough. Further, the interaxial inline fluid heater includes a resistance wire disposed between the interior flow tube and the outer retaining sheath, the resistance wire capable of producing heat for heating a fluid passing through the interior flow tube when power is applied to the resistance wire. Also includes is a dielectric heat transfer material disposed between the interior flow tube and the outer retaining sheath and surrounding at least a portion of the resistance wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Infinity Fluids Corp.
    Inventor: Robert Evans
  • Patent number: 10378790
    Abstract: The invention discloses a boiling water heater, which includes a barrel shape internal tank body, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe and a exhaust pipe, the upper end of the tank body, fixedly and hermetically connect to the first upper cover, the first upper cover is fixedly and hermetically connected to the second upper cover. One cavity is formed between the first and second upper covers, water inlet pipe passes through the second upper cover. An exhaust hole is set on the inner wall of water inlet pipe to connect to the cavity, a separation plate extended to the middle which is above the exhaust hole on water inlet pipe's internal wall. The invention has the characteristics of convenient installation and disassembly, convenient cleaning, and can ensure the quality of water flows out, and the production cost is low, and very safe for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: XIAMEN AQUASU ELECTRIC SHOWER CO., LTD
    Inventors: Quanduo Hou, Yan Zeng, Yihui Hong, Yongliang Liu, Bin Chen, Weibin Li
  • Patent number: 10378791
    Abstract: A water heater has a tank and at least one heating element. A switch is disposed in an electric circuit between the heating element and a power source so that, if the switch is in a first state, the circuit is in an electrically conductive state and, if the switch is in a second state, the electric circuit is in an electrically non-conductive state. A controller is in operative communication with the switch and is responsive to a key so that actuation of the controller by the key transitions the switch between the first state and the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Arthur Y. Hinton, Raheel A. Chaudhry
  • Patent number: 10378792
    Abstract: Techniques for hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic energy collection are provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic concentrating thermal collector (PVCTC) includes: a thermal absorber collector; and bent solar panels forming a parabolic shaped trough reflector partially surrounding the thermal absorber collector so as to reflect incident light onto the thermal absorber collector. A PVCTC system including an array of PVCTC units and a method for hybrid electrical and thermal energy production are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Supratik Guha, Siyuan Lu, Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 10378793
    Abstract: A heat shield bladder includes first and second sheets of insulating material that form a bladder between the first and second sheets. At least one reflective foil is disposed within the bladder and a plurality of spacers are disposed within the bladder and positioned to space the at least one reflective foil from the first and second sheets of insulating material. Multiple reflective foils may be disposed within the bladder with spacers between each reflective foil. The heat shield bladder may be rolled into a tube shaped and used inside a pipe or formed into panels that may be used to line a vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventor: Peter McIntyre
  • Patent number: 10378794
    Abstract: A calculating section 103 calculates a target COP that is a maximum COP that the centrifugal chiller can achieve using an arithmetic expression in which an actual device loss is given as a correction term to an expression that represents a COP characteristic under an ideal lossless environment. Since the arithmetic expression for calculating the target COP includes the heat exchange loss of the evaporator as a correction term, the heat exchange loss being calculated using a function having a load factor as a parameter, the heat exchange loss of the evaporator is reflected in the target COP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES THERMAL SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshie Togano, Kenji Ueda
  • Patent number: 10378795
    Abstract: An ejector refrigeration cycle includes a bypass passage that guides a refrigerant on an outlet side of an evaporator drawn from a refrigerant suction port of an ejector to a suction port side of a compressor while bypassing a diffuser passage of the ejector. A differential pressure regulating valve is disposed as a bypass flow-rate adjustment device that adjusts a bypass flow rate of the refrigerant circulating though the bypass passage. An enlarged portion for gradually enlarging the passage area is formed at a most downstream part of the refrigerant flow in the bypass passage. During a low-load operation, the differential pressure regulating valve increases the bypass flow rate, thereby allowing the refrigerant to flow into the evaporator connected to the upstream side of a refrigerant suction port using the suction effect of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryu Fukushima, Yoshiyuki Yokoyama, Haruyuki Nishijima
  • Patent number: 10378796
    Abstract: A method for controlling a valve arrangement (12), e.g. in the form of a three way valve, in a vapor compression system (1) is disclosed, the vapor compression system (1) comprising an ejector (6). The valve arrangement (12) is arranged to supply refrigerant to a compressor unit (2) from the gaseous outlet (11) of a receiver (7) and/or from the outlet of an evaporator (9). The vapor compression system (1) may be operated in a first mode of operation (summer mode) or in a second mode of operation (winter mode). When operated in the second mode of operation, it is determined whether or not conditions for operating the vapor compression system (1) in the first mode of operation are prevailing. If this is the case, the valve arrangement (12) is actively switched to the first mode of operation by closing a first inlet (13) towards the evaporator (7) and fully opening a second inlet (14) towards the receiver (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Kristian Fredslund, Jan Prins, Kenneth Bank Madsen, Frede Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10378797
    Abstract: A cryocooler includes: a housing internally defining a low-pressure gas chamber; a valve stator defining a variable pressure zone and a high-pressure zone between the housing and the valve stator; a valve rotor, a first seal member disposed adjacent to the high-pressure zone to seal the high-pressure zone and encompassing a first surface area; a second seal member disposed adjacent to the variable pressure zone to seal the variable pressure zone, and encompassing a second surface area that is larger than the first surface area; and a third seal member disposed adjacent to the variable pressure zone to seal the variable pressure zone, and encompassing a third surface area that is larger than the second surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Koji Yamada
  • Patent number: 10378798
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed herein that relate to a heat removal system utilizing a dispersion that includes particles of an electrical conductor. One example provides a heat removal system including a conduit loop, a dispersion of particles of an electrical conductor in a heat transfer fluid, a pair of electrodes configured to introduce a flow of electric current through the particles in the dispersion, and one or more magnets configured to introduce a magnetic field within the conduit loop in a region of the pair of electrodes, such that the electrodes are operable to apply an electromagnetic pumping force on the particles in the dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventor: Erin Hurbi
  • Patent number: 10378799
    Abstract: A plate heat exchanger (100) comprises a number of plates (110) provided with a pressed pattern of ridges (R) and grooves (G) arranged to keep the plates (110) on a distance from one another under formation of interplate flow channels for media to exchange heat. The interplate flow channels communicate with port openings (A, B, C, 140) being in selective communication with said interplate flow channels, one of the port openings (140) providing for connection to a downstream side of an expansion valve (EXP) such that coolant from the expansion valve (EXP) may enter the interplate flow channels communicating with the one port opening (140). A heat exchanging means (160, 165, 150, 155; HEP, LC, DP) is provided inside the one port opening (140), said heat exchanging means (160, 165, 150, 155; HEP, LC, DP) being arranged for exchanging heat between coolant downstream the expansion valve (EXP) and coolant about to enter the expansion valve (EXP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: SWEP INTERNATIONAL AB
    Inventors: Sven Andersson, Tomas Dahlberg
  • Patent number: 10378800
    Abstract: One aspect, as provided herein, is directed to a multi-stage fluid control system for a fluid source heat pump system. This embodiment comprises compressors configured to operate as separate, heat exchange stages, condensers each being fluidly coupled to at least one of the compressors by refrigerant tubing and having intake ends coupled together by a fluid intake manifold. This embodiment further includes output conduits coupled to each of the condensers and that are couplable to a distal location. Further included is a modulating valve control system interposed the output conduits. The modulating valve control system is configured to stage a flow of fluid through the condensers based on a number of operating compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Schneider, Eric Perez, Aylan Him, Miguel Montemayor
  • Patent number: 10378801
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a refrigerant tank for storing a refrigerant circulating in a cooling circuit. The refrigerant tank includes a housing body and a desiccant bag. The housing body defines therein a space for storing the refrigerant. The desiccant bag houses a desiccant therein and is disposed inside the space of the housing body. The housing body includes a side surface defining an opening through which the refrigerant passes. The refrigerant tank further includes a contact preventing member that prevents the desiccant back from coming into contact with an edge of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masanobu Iio
  • Patent number: 10378802
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein to use a discharge pressure of a compressor to drive refrigerant in a refrigeration system. Particularly, systems and methods are described herein to help recover liquid refrigerant from a liquid refrigerant section and/or a condenser coil to be used in a heating/defrost mode in a transport refrigerant unit (TRU). The liquid refrigerant can be recovered by directing the discharge refrigerant of the compressor to a liquid refrigerant section, which may include a receiver tank, a dryer and associated refrigerant lines, and/or a condenser coil. The discharge pressure of the discharge port can help drive refrigerant trapped in the liquid refrigerant section and/or the condenser coil into the heating/defrost branch of the TRU, which may include an evaporator coil, an accumulator tank and/or associated refrigerant lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Vladimír {hacek over (S)}ulc, Pavel Ikráth, Panayu Robert Srichai, Srinivasa Rao Koppineedi, Malcom Miles
  • Patent number: 10378803
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the performance of dilution refrigeration systems are described. Electrostatic cryogenic cold traps employed in the helium circuit of a dilution refrigerator improve the removal efficiency of contaminants from the helium circuit. An ionization source ionizes at least a portion of a refrigerant that includes helium and number of contaminants. The ionized refrigerant passes through an electrostatic cryogenic cold trap that includes a number of surfaces at one or more temperatures along at least a portion of the fluid passage between the cold trap inlet and the cold trap outlet. A high voltage source coupled to the surfaces to causes a first plurality of surfaces to function as electrodes at a first potential and a second plurality of surfaces to function as electrodes at a second potential. As ionized contaminants release their charge on the electrodes, the contaminants bond to the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: D-WAVE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Sergey Uchaykin
  • Patent number: 10378804
    Abstract: An air conditioning service system includes an oil receptacle, a coupling port in fluid communication with the oil receptacle through an oil injection line, a solenoid valve configured to selectively allow the oil to flow from the oil receptacle into the oil injection line, a memory including program instructions stored therein, and a controller operably connected to the solenoid valve and the memory. The controller is configured to execute the program instructions to obtain at least one viscosity signal associated with a viscosity of the oil, obtain a volume signal indicative of an amount of oil to be charged, determine a time period based upon the obtained at least one viscosity signal and the obtained volume signal, control the solenoid valve to an open condition, and control the solenoid valve to a closed condition after the determined time period has passed since opening of the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignees: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Mark W. McMasters, Dylan M. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 10378805
    Abstract: Model predictive control methods are disclosed which provide, among other things, efficient strategies for controlling heat-transfer to a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Xin Jin, Jeff Maguire, Dane Christensen
  • Patent number: 10378806
    Abstract: An ice maker includes an ice making tray having an array of individual ice cube compartments. The ice making tray having a transverse axis and at least one pivot axle aligned with the transverse axis. The tray defines a median wall extending parallel with the transverse axis and having a uniform height along the length of the wall. A mechanical oscillating mechanism is coupled to the ice making tray. The oscillating mechanism rotates the tray from a horizontal plane along the longitudinal axis at an angle ? of about 20° to about 40° such that water in the tray cascades over the median wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Boarman, Mark E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 10378807
    Abstract: The disclosure extends to devices, systems and methods for producing a shaved ice product using shaved ice confection machines and processes. The disclosure also extends to a tension arm and a shaping device used in conjunction with shaved ice confection machines and processes to produce more consistent shaved ice output with a potential increase in machine life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Snowie LLC
    Inventor: Carl A. Rupp
  • Patent number: 10378808
    Abstract: An ice level sensor in an appliance that includes an ice storage housing and an ice maker. The housing receives ice from the ice maker. The ice level sensor includes a control circuit and one or more electrode arrays capable of detecting ice in the housing. The electrode arrays each contain one or more sense electrodes, and the control circuit detects ice in the housing based on a measurement of capacitance of the sense electrode(s). When the sensor detects that ice in the housing has reached a threshold level, the sensor can stop the ice maker from depositing more ice into the housing, to prevent overflow. The ice level sensor detects that ice has reached a threshold level by detecting changes in capacitance of a sense electrode or by detecting that the capacitance of a sense electrode reached a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventors: David J. Fassett, Tony Zhang
  • Patent number: 10378809
    Abstract: A domestic refrigeration appliance having a housing in which a cooling compartment is provided, and is closable by a first door which is movably arranged on the housing. The appliance further having a dispensing unit having an output unit and an ice maker. The dispensing unit is configured for the output of liquid and/or molded ice elements and is arranged on the first door. A rear side of the first door facing toward the cooling compartment has a receptacle protruding toward the cooling compartment, in which receptacle the dispensing unit is arranged. The first door is pivotably arranged with at least one multiple-joint hinge on the housing. The multiple-joint hinge has a mechanism with which, during the pivoting movement of the first door, the first door is also displaced in the width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Friedrich Laible
  • Patent number: 10378810
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an eco-friendly ice pack, which includes a water repellent material that maintains the shape of the ice pack and does not absorb a refrigerant, so that it can be easily separately discharged after use of the ice pack. In accordance with the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of an eco-friendly ice pack including a refrigerant including a phase change material changing phase according to temperature, an outer case including the refrigerant and being formed by sealing in order to prevent the refrigerant from being discharged to the outside, and a water repellent supporter being disposed in the outer case, holding the shape of the ice pack to prevent the shape of the ice pack from being changed according to the shape of the refrigerant, and having water repellency to the refrigerant to avoid mixing with the refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventors: Jung Kyun Na, Seok Choi
  • Patent number: 10378811
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a refrigerator main body having a refrigerating chamber therein, a cold air passage duct disposed within the refrigerator main body and provided with a cold air passage therein to discharge the cold air into the refrigerating chamber, a control case coupled to one surface of the cold air discharge duct and having a cold air discharge opening through which the cold air is discharged, and a shutter disposed between the cold air passage duct and the control case, and reciprocally movable in one direction to open and close at least part of the cold air discharge opening, and a knob link rotatably connected to the cold air passage duct to press the shutter such that the shutter is reciprocally movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sunghun Lee, Yoonseong Nam
  • Patent number: 10378812
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a freezing compartment, a refrigerating compartment, a quick-chilling chamber, and a compressor that supplies cold air to at least one of the freezing compartment, the refrigerating compartment, or the quick-chilling chamber. The quick-chilling chamber is cooled by first cold air introduced through the compressor or second cold air introduced through the freezing compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Wook Kim, Jae Hyung Kim, Gi Ha Woo
  • Patent number: 10378813
    Abstract: A fluid control film is provided that includes fluid control channels extending along a channel longitudinal axis. Each of the fluid control channels has a surface and is configured to allow capillary movement of liquid in the channels. The fluid control film further includes a hydrophilic surface treatment covalently bonded to at least a portion of the surface of the fluid control channels. The fluid control film exhibits a capillary rise percent recovery of at least ten percent. Typically, the hydrophilic surface treatment includes functional groups selected from a non-zwitterionic sulfonate, a non-zwitterionic carboxylate, a zwitterionic sulfonate, a zwitterionic carboxylate, a zwitterionic phosphate, a zwitterionic phosphonic acid, and/or a zwitterionic phosphonate. A process for forming a fluid control film is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Adam J. Meuler, Susannah C. Clear, Steven P. Swanson, Kurt J. Halverson, Justin A. Riddle, Paul B. Armstrong, Caleb T. Nelson, Chetan P. Jariwala
  • Patent number: 10378814
    Abstract: The refrigerator or freezer organization apparatus is an organization apparatus. The refrigerator or freezer organization apparatus is configured for use with a refrigerated device. The refrigerated device comprises one or more chambers. The refrigerator or freezer organization apparatus removably inserts into a chamber selected from the one or more chambers of the refrigerated device. The refrigerator or freezer organization apparatus is a structure that provides sliding storage spaces within the selected chamber. The refrigerator or freezer organization apparatus comprises a shell, a storage structure, and an anchor system. The anchor system and the storage structure attach to the shell. The shell inserts into the selected chamber of the refrigerated device. The anchor system secures the shell to the refrigerated device. The storage chamber presents sliding shelves and baskets that are used for storage within the selected chamber of the refrigerated device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Ruth Gaye
  • Patent number: 10378815
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator in which a transparent display assembly and electric modules, which are disposed in a door to see through a storage space and output a screen, are easily connected to a control unit provided in a cabinet and guided through a narrow door hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ikkyu Lee, Dongrim Woo
  • Patent number: 10378816
    Abstract: A food prep table may include an upper chilling zone and a lower chilling zone, with each chilling zone containing an evaporation coil system, such as a TurboCoil™ system. The two evaporation coil systems are monitored and controlled by a dual thermostat and control unit (500) having temperature sensor probes in each chilling zone and controlling solenoid valves within each evaporation coil system. By the artful use and implementation of the dual thermostat and control unit, and by the artful use of T junctures in refrigerant supply and return lines, the disclosed embodiments enable a single condensing unit (600) to service both evaporation coil systems to achieve new efficiencies in the cost, refrigeration capacity, and thermal and mechanic attributes of the system. Moreover, an efficient dual air over air flow assembly is disclosed wherein chilled air is moved within the upper chilling zone in a manner that leverages the native configuration and cabinet surface areas of the evaporation coil systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Hector Delgadillo
  • Patent number: 10378817
    Abstract: The present techniques are directed to a flexible liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant that may be tied to an external electric grid for importing or exporting electric power. Exemplary embodiments provide a method for producing LNG that includes producing a base load capacity of refrigeration capacity for LNG production from a first compression system. Electricity may be produced from a second compressor string if electricity is needed by an external power grid, or a second amount of refrigeration capacity may be provided by the second compressor string is natural gas feed is available and the external grid does not need power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Chad C. Rasmussen, Garth M. Norman, Michael R. Miller, Justin G. Brennan