Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a combustion heater are provided. An example method includes measuring a room temperature, measuring a combustion heater temperature, and measuring a fuel weight. Adjustments are computed to an operational parameter to adjust a room temperature. An anticipatory alert is provided to inform a user of a predicted time at which the fuel weight will be too low to maintain the room temperature.

Abstract: An internet-based device for remotely controlling the flow of electricity to electrical devices that operate on millivolt or low voltage currents, including electrically operated gas powered fireplaces.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system is provided, comprising: an air conditioner including a first fan having a first fan input configured to receive first input air, and a first fan output configured to generate a first output air stream in a horizontal direction, and a second fan having a second fan input configured to receive second input air, and a second fan output configured to generate a second output air stream in the horizontal direction; an air baffle including a first upflow duct attached to the air-conditioner and configured to direct the first output air stream into a first deflected air stream flowing in a first direction between 0 degrees and 45 degrees from vertical, and a second upflow duct attached to the air-conditioner and configured to direct the second output air stream into a second deflected air stream flowing in a second direction between 0 degrees and 45 degrees from vertical.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system of a building includes a water supply system; a control system for controlling the flow of water from the water supply system; a water distribution system for distributing water near an outer surface of the building, the flow rate of the water being controlled by the control system; a water droplet generation system configured to generate water droplets from the water coming from the water distribution system, the water droplet generation system for generating water droplets generating water droplets on at least one portion of the outer surface of the building.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a boiling rate of a base fluid can include a determination of a fluid level of a turbulated base fluid in a reservoir. The fluid level can be determined by measuring at least one first height of the turbulated base fluid above the fluid level with at least a first sensor. The fluid level can be determined by measuring at least one second height of the turbulated base fluid below the fluid level with the first sensor. The method can include the establishment of the fluid level of the turbulated base fluid. The fluid level can be established according to the measured at least one first and second heights. The method can include the graduated introduction of an input fluid into the reservoir. A control valve can gradually introduce the input fluid in proportion to the established fluid level of the turbulated base fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is related in general to air circulators, and in particular, to an air circulator with a vein control system to direct and adjust airflow patterns. According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides adjustable, vertical veins that are attached to the outlet of a tower fan. According to a preferred embodiment, the veins are pivotally mounted in such a way that by turning a knob, the veins can either be directed into a focused air-flow pattern or adjusted to a divergent air-flow pattern, or at any setting in between.

Abstract: A ventilation method includes: acquiring an outdoor temperature; and increasing an amount of ventilation of a ventilation unit including one or more ventilators that ventilate a shopping space of a shop in which a cooling apparatus for storage of a product is provided when the outdoor temperature is equal to or lower than a threshold temperature.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a control device for controlling an air conditioner, AC. The control device comprises IR transmission means for emitting control signals to an AC; a microphone for measuring audio acknowledgement signals produced by the AC; and electronic control and evaluation means configured to determine whether sounds measured with the microphone include an audio acknowledgement signal produced by the AC, and being configured to perform a power state determination procedure to determine a power state of the AC. The power state determination comprises: sending a first control signal which is not an on/off control signal and determining whether an audio acknowledgment signal of the AC is subsequently measured, and judging whether the AC is in an off-state depending on whether an audio acknowledgment signal is measured subsequent to the sending of the first control signal. Furthermore a corresponding method for controlling an AC is disclosed.

Abstract: An air-conditioning control system includes a plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses each provided with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit; a master remote control device associated with one or more of the plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses and adapted to control operation of the associated air-conditioning apparatus or apparatuses; and one or more slave remote control devices connected with the master remote control device using a first communication system, associated with a remaining one or ones of the plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses, and adapted to control operation of the associated air-conditioning apparatus or apparatuses, in which the indoor units of the air-conditioning apparatuses are connected with an associated one or ones of the master remote control device and the slave remote control device or devices using a second communication system different from the first communication system, and the master remote control device controls the operation of the remaining air-conditioning

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for managing energy in a multi-dwelling unit are described herein. One method includes determining an energy consumption of each of a plurality of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units, wherein each of the plurality of HVAC units is associated with a different space of a multi-dwelling unit having a plurality of spaces, normalizing the energy consumption of each of the plurality of HVAC units, and ranking the normalized energy consumptions.

Abstract: A thermal control apparatus and method are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining terminal status information of a terminal, where the terminal status information includes at least a terminal temperature parameter; obtaining environment status information and/or user status information, where the environment status information includes at least an environment temperature parameter and/or an environment humidity parameter, and the user status information includes at least one of a user body temperature parameter, a user electrocardiogram parameter, a user electroencephalogram parameter, or a user skin resistance parameter; and determining and executing a thermal control policy according to the terminal status information and either of or both of the environment status information and the user status information.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, for optimizing a schedule of setpoint temperatures used in the control of an HVAC system are presented herein. A schedule of setpoint temperatures may be adjusted by small, incremental amounts so that the schedule migrates from the original schedule to a more energy-efficient schedule.

Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor for driving a blower to generate an airflow. The motor controller includes a processor and a drive circuit configured to regulate power supplied to the motor to turn the blower. The processor computes a system resistance for the blower based on a fixed set point for a first control parameter and a feedback parameter. The processor receives an airflow rate demand value and computes an operating set point for a second control parameter based on the system resistance and the airflow rate demand value. The processor controls the drive circuit based on the operating set point to supply electrical power to the electric motor and to operate the blower to generate the airflow.

Abstract: Provided is a management apparatus, which is to be connected to a device, and is configured to manage the device. The management apparatus includes: a display unit configured to display a state of the device; and a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate to and from a mobile terminal. When a distance between the mobile terminal and the management apparatus has become smaller than a threshold value, the management apparatus displays on the display unit management program information on a management program for managing the device.

Abstract: An air cleaner is provided. The air cleaner may include at least one air cleaning module including a fan, a filter and an inlet through which air is suctioned into the filter; an air flow controller configured to be movably disposed on the at least one air cleaning module and including an air flow control fan to control a flow of the air discharged from the at least one air cleaning module. The air flow controller may be movable from a first position at which the air is discharged in an upward direction to a second position at which the air is discharged in a diagonally upward direction.

Abstract: A single piece roll-formed frame comprising a first channel having a base section and one or more legs, each leg comprising an upper side extending from the base section at a first angle and a lower side extending from the upper side at a second angle, a second channel having a base section and one or more legs, each leg comprising an upper side extending from the base section at the first angle and a lower side extending from the upper side at the second angle and wherein the base section of the first channel and the base section of the second channel are formed from a single piece and intersect to form a third angle, and the upper side of each leg of the first channel overlaps the upper side of each leg of the second channel.

Abstract: A low leakage current fluid heater and systems and methods thereof. The fluid heater has a configuration whereby a heating element is isolated from a fluid channel so as to leak into fluid passing through the channel an allowed amount of leakage current. Fluid passing through the fluid heater can be heated to a desired temperature. A controller can provide control signals to driver the fluid heater to the desired temperature and maintain the temperature at the desired temperature.

Abstract: A flue shield and mesh baffle are described for use within HVAC systems and inside of a combustion chamber. The shield or baffle can be installed around the burner and within the combustion chamber to help dissipate heat that builds up as a result of the combustion of gas and air. An air gap is created between the flue shield and the inner surfaces of the combustion chamber and heat exchanger tubes. A mesh baffle can provide heat insulation and noise dampening. Installation of a flue shield or mesh baffle provides better efficiency than insulation solutions, reduces stresses on the heat exchanger, and provides safety benefits.

Abstract: A CSP system including a reflector and a receiver for concentrating the solar radiation incident on the reflector onto the receiver, comprising a shadow blind and a shadow receiver as well as a colour and/or brightness digitizing sensor arranged to detect the shadow of the shadow blind on the shadow receiver in order to determine a deviation of the actual shadow position from a target shadow position, a tracking means configured to adapt the position of the reflector and the receiver according to the deviation.

Abstract: A heliostat surface shape detection system and a method based on multi-view image recognition are described. The system includes a multi-view image collector array, a bracket and a computer. The multi-view image collector array is arranged on the bracket so that the main optical axes of image collectors are parallel to each other and point to the heliostat; the multi-view image collector array is connected with the computer via data lines, and transmits the collected image data to the computer for heliostat surface shape calculation.

Abstract: Materials, components, and methods consistent with the present invention are directed to the fabrication and use of micro-scale channels with a fluid, where the temperature and flow of the fluid is controlled through the geometry of the micro-scale channel and the configuration of at least a portion of the wall of the micro-scale channel and the constituent particles that make up the fluid. Moreover, the wall of the micro-scale channel and the constituent particles are configured such that collisions between the constituent particles and the wall are substantially specular.

Abstract: For creating a storage unit comprising a container housing enclosing a storage volume for receiving freight and a gaseous medium surrounding said freight, said storage unit further comprising a tempering system provided with a tempering unit associated with said storage volume for maintaining a flow of said gaseous medium circulating in said storage volume and passing through said tempering unit in order to be maintained at a defined or set temperature, said tempering unit comprising an internal heat exchanger arranged in said flow of gaseous medium passing through said tempering unit, said tempering system being provided with a refrigerant circuit comprising said internal heat exchanger, an external heat exchanger exposed to ambient air surrounding said container housing which operates reliably and cost efficient under the aforementioned condition, as well as a compressor unit for compressing refrigerant, and said tempering system being further provided with an engine for driving said compressor unit in an i

Abstract: A liquid receiver of a condenser has a liquid receiver main body and a plug removably fitted thereinto. The liquid receiver main body has a refrigerant inflow hole into which refrigerant flows from a condensation section and a refrigerant outflow hole from which refrigerant flows into a supercooling section. The liquid receiver has a first space formed above the upper end of the plug and communicating with the refrigerant inflow hole and a second space formed below the upper end of the plug and communicating with the refrigerant outflow hole. The plug has a flow passage which is open to the first space and the second space at opposite ends. The first-space-side opening of the flow passage is located below the refrigerant inflow hole. The flow passage has a throttle portion whose cross-sectional area is smaller than a hole area of the refrigerant inflow hole.

Abstract: A vapor compression system includes a first conduit fluidly coupling a liquid collection portion of a condenser and an evaporator, where the first conduit is configured to direct a first flow of refrigerant from the condenser to a first inlet of the evaporator and a second conduit fluidly coupling the liquid collection portion of the condenser and the evaporator, where the second conduit is configured to direct a second flow of refrigerant from the condenser to a second inlet of the evaporator via gravitational force, and where the first inlet is disposed above the second inlet relative to a vertical dimension of the evaporator.

Abstract: A reversing valve comprising a valve body having an internal cavity therein and an input port, output port and first and second reversing ports. A baffle is located within the internal cavity and is configured to rotate around a pivot point within the internal cavity. At least one electromagnet is coupled to the valve body. The electromagnet is configured to cause the baffle to rotate in one of the clockwise direction or counter-clock wise direction when a voltage is applied to the electromagnet.

Abstract: An electronic expansion device includes a main body having inlet and outlet side faces; an inlet disposed on the inlet side face; an orifice formed in the main body between the inlet side face and the outlet side face; a flow path fluidly connecting an inlet side of the orifice and an outlet side of the orifice, the flow path configured to redirect an inlet flow and provide an outlet flow; an outlet disposed on the outlet side face, the outlet being in fluid communication with the inlet via the orifice and the flow path; and a flow control device including an electric motor and a sealing member, the sealing member extending through the main body between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the sealing member is movable into and out of the main body to control the outlet flow of a fluid.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger includes a plate stack including a plurality of heat transfer plates stacked with each other. Each of the heat transfer plates includes a heat medium inflow hole serving as an inlet for a heat medium, a heat medium outflow hole serving as an outlet for the heat medium, a refrigerant inflow hole serving as an inlet for refrigerant, and a refrigerant outflow portion located below the refrigerant inflow hole and serving as an outlet for the refrigerant. The heat transfer plates define heat medium passages, through each of which the heat medium flowing from the heat medium inflow hole flows, and refrigerant passages, through each of which the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant inflow hole flows downward, arranged alternately with one another. Each of the heat medium passages and the refrigerant passages is defined between adjacent ones of the heat transfer plates.

Abstract: A quick-connect system for a high pressure connection includes a port and a collet. The port defines an inlet opening at an outer longitudinal end of the port and includes an inner wall having a first sloped surface at least partially defining a collet cavity. The first sloped surface has a first diameter at a first end nearest the inlet opening and a second diameter, which is greater than the first diameter, at a second end opposite the first end. The collet includes a head portion and a plurality of legs extending distally from the head portion, and each leg of the plurality of legs includes a distal foot portion. In a connected state, the foot portions of the plurality of legs are located in the collet cavity, and the foot portions define an outermost diameter that is greater than the first diameter.

Abstract: A refrigerator apparatus having a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a valve interconnected in the flow from the condenser to the evaporator. The valve is operatively controlled to a first, open, state and to a second, closed, state by a controller. The controller is configured to the valve to operate in accordance with at least one of: opening the valve a time period of 0-180 seconds before the compressor is switched to an on-phase; and closing the valve before the compressor is switched to an off-phase.

Abstract: A heat source system that optimizes a load on compressors in multiple heat source machines with respective independent refrigeration cycles that are situated in series. This is accomplished by using an information acquisition unit that acquires measurement values of operation frequencies of compressors from the respective heat source machines, a load distribution change unit that changes a load distribution currently assigned to each of the heat source machines, and a temperature setting unit that sets the hot/chilled water outlet temperatures of respective heat source machines.

Abstract: A vehicle heat pump system including a thermal loop, an eight-way valve, and a controller is provided. The thermal loop includes a compressor, a first portion, and a second portion. The first portion includes an outside heat exchanger. The second portion includes a cabin heat exchanger. The eight-way valve is downstream of the compressor and has a first position in which refrigerant flows within the portions in a cooling mode and a second position in which refrigerant flows within the portions in a heating mode. The controller switches the eight-way valve between the first and second positions. The outside heat exchanger operates as a condenser in the cooling mode and the eight-way valve directs refrigerant flow from the outside heat exchanger to the cabin heat exchanger.

Abstract: A motor assembly configured to receive an external alternating voltage. The motor assembly includes a motor and a circuit assembly. The motor includes a stator and a rotor rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The circuit assembly includes a state detector and a control unit. The state detector is operable to detect whether an external device is receiving the external alternating voltage The control unit is operable to control the motor based on whether the external device is receiving the external alternating voltage.

Abstract: A method of controlling a refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a variable speed condenser fan is provided. The method includes determining if a change in an ambient temperature or a compressor suction pressure is greater than a predetermined threshold, determining a near-optimal condensing pressure/temperature if the change in the ambient temperature or the compressor suction pressure is above the predetermined threshold, setting a condensing pressure setpoint based on the determined near-optimal condensing pressure/temperature, and setting a speed of the variable speed condenser fan based on the condensing pressure setpoint.

Abstract: An automatic spherical ice maker includes an upper stationary ice mold having at least one ice cavity with a hemispherical shape, and a lower rotatable ice mold having at least one ice cavity with a hemispherical shape and corresponding to the ice cavity of the upper stationary ice mold, so that together the at least one ice cavity of the upper stationary ice mold and the at least one cavity of the lower rotatable ice mold form at least one spherical mold which is configured to produce at least one substantially spherical ice ball at a time. The upper stationary ice mold has a first heating element and the lower rotatable ice mold has a second heating element, thereby to facilitate release of the at least one spherical ice ball from the at least one spherical mold.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a door, an ice making room, a cool air supply duct connecting the evaporation chamber to the ice making room, an ice maker, a cool air guide duct that guides cool air from the ice making room toward the ice maker, and an ice bin below the ice maker to store ice. The ice maker includes an ice tray including cool air guide ribs, and an ice separating guide covering a front surface of the ice tray and a portion of a top surface thereof in which the cool air guide ribs extend from one side of the ice tray toward the other side and are spaced apart from a front surface of a tray body toward a rear surface, and bottom parts of the cool air guide ribs are spaced apart from a bottom part of the cool air guide duct.

Abstract: An ice tray is provided, which includes a tray used to obtain pieces of ice with spherical geometry. The ice tray includes a base and a cover, provided with a first and a second semi-spherical cavity, respectively, which connect to form a spherical cavity, appropriately suitable for obtaining spherical geometric pieces of ice.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit having at least one dispensing unit for liquid and/or solid substances such as ice or water, wherein at least one actuation element is provided that is configured such that on its actuation, the dispensing unit is moved from a lowered position into a moved out position.

Abstract: A cooled storage system comprises a grid structure of storage cells, where each cell is arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins and having a top level, at least one remotely operated vehicle arranged to move at the top level of the grid structure and receive a bin from a storage cell at the top level of the grid structure, where there is provided thermal insulation between at least a section of the grid structure and the remotely operated vehicle, and said section of the grid structure has a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the remotely operated vehicle.

Abstract: The efficiency of a household appliance device, in particular of a household refrigerator device, is improved. An inner container has at least one inner panel that delimits an interior at least partially. An air exchange unit is formed with at least two flow channels that run substantially parallel and that are in fluidic communication with the interior.

Abstract: An surface sanitizing system for cleaning a portion of an ice machine with a bipolar ions, wherein, said surface sanitizing system comprises a plugs, a power lines, an ion generation power module, a two or more brush cables, a two brushes a brush container and a mounting clip. Said plugs selectively attaches to a power source and provides electricity for running said surface sanitizing system. Said power lines selectively attach said plugs to said ion generation power module. Said two or more brush cables selectively attach said ion generation power module to said two brushes. A female containment portions selectively holds said two brushes within a portion of said brush container. Said two brushes selectively attach to a portion of said two or more brush cables. Said brush container selectively clips into said mounting clip. Said mounting clip selectively attaches to a portion of an ice maker.

Abstract: The invention relates to a domestic appliance, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance, comprising a compressor having compressor feet, which is supported on a support rail by way of elastic damping bodies that are arranged in openings of the compressor feet, and which is held thereto by way of the damping bodies by bottom-penetrating retaining tabs having securing portions engaging the damping bodies from behind. In order to allow a simple and economical installation of the compressor, which nonetheless results in a permanently secure retention of the compressor, end portions of the retaining tabs extending beyond the damping bodies, according to the invention, have insertion means, which are designed in such a way that the compressor is mounted, or can be mounted, without a plastic deformation of the retaining tabs.

Abstract: For the purpose of improving efficiency, a home appliance device, in particular a home chiller appliance device, is proposed. The device includes at least one panel for at least partly covering an opening of a machine compartment; and a connection unit for connecting the panel; the panel comprising at least one panel module which has at least one fin, at least one first fin mounting element and at least one second fin mounting element for mounting the at least one fin, the connection unit comprising at least one connection element for connecting the at least one panel module, and wherein the connection element is movable with respect to the first fin mounting element and the second fin mounting element in a lengthwise direction of the panel in at least one pre-assembled state of the panel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator including a sliding bar provided in each of a pair of doors and that moves between standby and contact positions to which the sliding bar moves from the standby position to seal a gap between the doors, and a moving device that operates the sliding bar in linkage with operations of opening and closing the doors, wherein the moving device includes a lever that is pressed by the main body and rotatably provided inside the doors to transmit a pressing force in a direction different from a direction in which the lever is pressed by the main body, and a sliding link that operates in linkage with rotation of the lever and configured so that the sliding bar moves between the standby position and the contact position. Through this configuration, the refrigerator minimizes noise related to opening and closing the doors and improves insulation performance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Cabinet for a recreational vehicle having a main housing with an interior space, a front opening, a left side and a right side; and a door configured to seal the front opening. The cabinet further comprises a left hinge mechanism with a left hinge axis and a right hinge mechanism with a right hinge axis to selectively couple the door hinge-wise to the left side or the right side so that the door can either be rotated about the left hinge axis or the right hinge axis. The door comprises a left handle which is operably coupled to the left hinge mechanism and the right hinge mechanism so that operating the left handle allows to rotate the door about the right hinge axis. The door further comprises a right handle which is operable coupled to the left hinge mechanism and the right hinge mechanism so that operating the right handle allows to rotate the door about the left hinge axis.

Abstract: A refrigerator (10) provides configurable storage in an interior area of a refrigerator door (16). Door shelves (32, 34) are releasably attachable to inside faces (20) of the door in a first configuration in which the door shelves hold items in a substantially vertical orientation, and in a second configuration in which the door shelves hold items in a tilted orientation. Foldout door shelves (64, 66) are rotatably positioned in operatively supported connection with the inside faces of the door. Each of the foldout door shelves is selectively movable between a retracted position in which the shelf is positioned adjacent to a vertically extending inside face of the door, and extended positioned in which an item supporting surface (68, 70) of the respective shelf extends outward to hold items in a tilted orientation.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated structure includes a first panel and a second panel, wherein the second panel is operably coupled to the first panel to define an insulating space therebetween. An airway system is disposed within the insulating space and includes portions of porous tubing configured to draw air along lengths of the porous tubing from the insulating space during an evacuation procedure. A plurality of connectors interconnect the portions of porous tubing of the airway system to inner walls of the insulating space. The connectors may include support members that extend between the panels within the insulating space to support the vacuum insulated structure under vacuum pressure. Further, first and second panels can include rigidifying structural configurations to combat vacuum bowing during the evacuation procedure.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated door structure includes a first wall having a first edge and a barrier layer, a second wall having a second barrier layer and a second edge coupled to the first wall member proximate the first perimetrical edge. The second wall includes at least four inner side walls and a back wall that defines a second wall offset. At least one tubular member extends between the first wall member and the second wall offset, wherein an inner conduit surface of the tubular member provides fluid communication between the first wall outer facing surface and the second wall outer facing surface. A cavity insulation material is disposed within a cavity volume defined between the first and second walls, wherein the cavity volume is hermetically sealed, and wherein the cavity volume includes an at least partial vacuum.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated cabinet structure includes first and second cover members having pre-deformed portions and perimeter portions. The perimeter portions of the first and second cover members are disposed along first and second planar levels and the pre-deformed portions of the first and second cover members include portions thereof extending outwardly relative to the first and second planar levels. A thermal bridge interconnects the first cover member and the second cover member at the perimeter portions thereof to define an insulating cavity therebetween. The insulating cavity is a sealed cavity having a vacuum drawn therefrom. The pre-deformed portions of the first and second cover members move inwardly towards the first and second planar levels under a force of the vacuum within the insulating cavity.

Abstract: A cabinet for an appliance, such as a refrigerated appliance, includes a cabinet wrapper, a trim breaker operably coupled to the cabinet wrapper and defining an interface, and load transfer bracket operably coupled to the interface. Structural loading stresses are transferred to the load transfer bracket at the interface.

Abstract: A water dispensing system for use in a refrigeration appliance comprises a three-way connector operably coupled to an inlet water source and configured to direct incoming water from the inlet water source into an ambient water holding portion and a cold water tank and a water dispenser disposed on a front surface of a refrigeration chamber door. The water dispenser comprises a three-way water control valve configured to dispense water from the ambient water holding portion, the cold water tank, or a combination thereof, an actuator operable between a first position, a second position, and a third position, and a paddle configured to actuate the dispenser.