Patents Issued in February 9, 2021
  • Patent number: 10914475
    Abstract: A combination boiler provides heated water to a boiler loop and domestic hot water (DHW) to a domestic water loop. The combination boiler includes a primary heat exchanger (PHE) connected to the boiler loop and a burner to provide heat to the primary heat exchanger. A secondary heat exchanger (SHE) transfers heat energy from the boiler loop to the domestic water loop. A controller monitors a PHE inlet temperature and a DHW output temperature, obtains a pre-heat initialization temperature threshold and a pre-heat cancellation temperature threshold, and detects a low temperature condition. A pre-heat operation is initiated responsive to the low temperature condition by circulating heated water from the PHE to the SHE. The burner is selectively fired at least in part according to an outlet temperature of the PHE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Lochinvar, LLC
    Inventor: Curtis George Gagne
  • Patent number: 10914476
    Abstract: A multi-circuit refrigeration system includes a first plurality of compressors, a second plurality of compressors, and a control panel. The control panel is configured to receive an input related to humidity from a humidity sensor or humidistat. Based on the input, the control panel is configured to sequence operation of the first plurality of compressors and the second plurality of compressors between a balanced mode and a clustered mode. In the balanced mode, a first compressor of the first plurality of compressors and a first compressor of second plurality of compressors are energized before a second compressor of the first plurality of compressors or a second compressor of the second plurality of compressors is energized. In the clustered mode, the first compressor and the second compressor of the first plurality of compressors are energized before the first compressor or the second compressor of the second plurality of compressors is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technolgy Company
    Inventors: Nathan T. Ostrye, Aron Marc Seiler, Christopher R. Amundson, Tyler Paddock
  • Patent number: 10914477
    Abstract: A device for providing clean air in a beverage filling plant is described. The device includes an inflow channel with at least one filter for pretreating the air sucked in via a supply-air feed. The inflow channel is adjoined by a first outflow channel with at least one filter for treating the air pretreated in the inflow channel for feeding into a filling cleanroom of the beverage filling plant. The inflow channel is adjoined by a second outflow channel for treating the air pretreated in the inflow channel for feeding into a blowing cleanroom for the blow-molding of plastic containers. A dehumidifying device for dehumidifying the pretreated air is arranged in the second outflow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Franz Braun, Holger Mueller, Juergen Soellner, Max Brikmann
  • Patent number: 10914478
    Abstract: A portable energy generation and humidity control system includes an engine and a humidity control system within a portable frame. The engine includes two containers in communication through a connecting arm having a central hollow bore. A volume of a low boiling point liquid is disposed in the bottom container, and a wire coil extends along the connecting arm. A buoyant permanent magnet is disposed in the central hollow bore. An active heat exchanger is capable of transferring heat to and removing heat from the bottom container. The active heat exchanger includes at least one internal heat exchanger portion and at least one external heat exchanger portion in communication with the internal heat exchanger portion. A humidity control system is supported within the portable frame and is in communication with the engine. The humidity control system and the engine maintain a desired humidity level in the ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Miller
  • Patent number: 10914479
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a thermostat is configured for use in a climate control system. The thermostat is operable to use two-way communication for communicating operational information between the thermostat and at least one rooftop unit (RTU) within the climate control system. For example, the two-way communication comprises sending first operational information to the RTU and receiving second operational information from the RTU. The operational information comprising one or more climate control commands, setpoints, configuration information, diagnostics, and/or sensor data. The thermostat is further operable to operate the climate control system based on the operational information communicated between the thermostat and the RTU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Farhad Abrishamkar, Anna Vishinsky, Alan E. Bennett
  • Patent number: 10914480
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to control a climate of a space via a first control loop and a second control loop interacting with the first control loop. The system includes a first controller of the first control loop to generate a first control signal based on a first modified set point and a first feedback signal. The system further includes a second controller of the second control loop to generate a second control signal based on a second modified set point and a second feedback signal. The system further includes a decoupler configured to predict a first effect of the first control signal on the second control loop and a second effect of the second control signal on the first control loop, and generate the first modified set point and the second modified set point to reduce the first effect and the second effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Timothy I. Salsbury, Carlos Felipe Alcala Perez, John M. House, Christopher R. Amundson
  • Patent number: 10914481
    Abstract: A duct-type air conditioning system, a control method and a device for an indoor ventilator thereof. The control method comprises the following steps: upon turning on the duct-type air conditioning system, acquiring an indoor temperature and a set temperature recorded the last time the duct-type air conditioning system was turned off, and acquiring a present set temperature (S1) according to the indoor temperature and the set temperature recorded the last time the system was turned off; detecting a real-time indoor temperature, according to the present indoor temperature and the present set temperature, calculating a temperature difference between the present indoor temperature and the set temperature, and generating an air velocity adjustment instruction according to the temperature difference, controlling, according to the air velocity adjustment instruction, the indoor ventilator to adjust the air supply velocity (S4) of an indoor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventors: Fudang Wei, Ming Song, Yiyang Mo, Geng Luo
  • Patent number: 10914482
    Abstract: A fan drive circuit 1 for a heat pump device is provided. The heat pump device blows air heat exchanged by a heat exchanger using a mildly-flammable or flammable refrigerant having a specific gravity greater than that of air from a blowout port using a fan. The fan drive circuit 1 is equipped with a forced operation circuit configured to operate the fan in the event that it is undetectable that a protection device for preventing a leaked refrigerant from the heat pump device from reaching a combustible density is connected to the heat pump device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Yamamoto, Kazushige Maeda
  • Patent number: 10914483
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a purifying unit having at least one filter; a sensor unit including an air quality sensor; and a controller configured to: calculate a filter contamination level based on (i) data regarding indoor air quality measured by the air quality sensor during an operation of the air conditioner, and (ii) an operating time of the air conditioner; combine the calculated filter contamination level with a pre-stored filter contamination level to obtain a combined filter contamination level; and based on the combined filter contamination level satisfying at least one filter replacement condition, output filter replacement indicator information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myongsun Kim, Bina Kim, Jungho Yeom, Younju Oh
  • Patent number: 10914484
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Steven Mullin, Michael David Smith, Katie Da-Nelle Hamilton, Srinivas Chandu Kutcherlapati
  • Patent number: 10914485
    Abstract: A method of controlling an air conditioner system, the method including transmitting, by a first unit among a plurality of units belonging to a particular group, a wireless tuning command to a second unit; measuring, by the second unit, reception sensitivity and a transmission and reception success rate by wirelessly communicating with units belonging to the particular group while reducing a signal strength from a default signal strength; when the reception sensitivity and the transmission and reception success rate satisfy the predetermined standard, determining, by the second unit, that the signal strength corresponding to a level right before a level satisfying a predetermined standard is the signal strength to be used; and transmitting, by the second unit, information related to the determined signal strength to the first unit. Accordingly, an optimal signal strength at which mutual interference is prevented may be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Seontae Yoon
  • Patent number: 10914486
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an air conditioner system and a control method for the same. The air conditioner system includes: a refrigeration system. A first port of a second four-way valve is connected to a pipeline between the first four-way valve and the indoor heat exchanger, and a second port of a second four-way valve is connected to a first position in a pipeline between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. A first port of the first passage of an auxiliary heat exchanger is in communication with a fourth port of the second four-way valve, and a second port of the first passage is connected to a second position in a pipeline between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventors: Xinli Wang, Yongfeng Xu, Meibing Xiong, Mingkun Feng, Gen Li, Haowei Zhao
  • Patent number: 10914487
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system that includes a first control configured to control a supply of power to a plurality of compressors based on an air flow through the HVAC system exceeding a first threshold, and a second control configured to supply power to a subset of compressors of the plurality of compressors based on the air flow through the HVAC system exceeding a second threshold while being below the first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: David P. Gillmen, Harold J. Dubensky, Sandeep K. Chodapaneedi
  • Patent number: 10914488
    Abstract: An air conditioner of present invention comprises a housing having an outer panel forming the exterior and an opening formed on the outer panel, a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with air flowing into the housing, and a door unit configured to open or close the opening by moving forward or backward from the opening through which the heat exchanged air is discharged. Wherein the door unit comprises a door blade configured to open or close the opening, a door operating part configured to move the door blade forward or backward, and a controller configured to control the air discharged from the opening to be moved forward from the opening in a straight line or to be discharged radially from the opening by controlling a distance between the door blade and the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Hyun Chun, Jin Gyun Kim, Seong Deok Cheon, Sung Bum Kang, Jun Seok Kwon, Sung Jae Kim, Jong Whal Kim, Ji Hong Kim, Seung Won Oh, Sang Ki Yoon, Yeon Seob Yun, Won Hee Lee, Chang Sik Lee, Hyun Joo Jeon, Jae Rim Jung, Chang Woo Jung, Weon Seok Choi
  • Patent number: 10914489
    Abstract: A shutter structure includes a rotary shaft, a shutter plate, an upper rib and at least one lower rib. The rotary shaft is provided in a cylindrical duct line. The shutter plate rotates about the rotary shaft and switches between an open state and a closed state. The shutter plate has a peripheral edge portion, a curved portion, and a shutter plate shaft portion. The peripheral edge portion includes an upper shielding plate and two lower shielding plates. The lower shielding plates are located symmetrically to each other with respect to a center line. The center line is perpendicular to the shutter plate shaft portion. When the shutter plate is in the closed state, the upper shielding plate comes into contact with the upper rib from an upstream side, and the lower shielding plates come into contact with the at least one lower rib from a downstream side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wakana Nogami, Yoshiya Shigenobu
  • Patent number: 10914490
    Abstract: An outer shell panel includes: a front panel which is provided on a front surface portion of a body casing; and side panels which are arranged on side surface portions of the body casing. The side panels each include: a base member which is provided on a side end portion of the front panel; a connecting member has a flat plate shape and has no light transmissivity, the connecting member including a first surface and a second surface formed on to the opposite side of the first surface, and being attached to the base member, with the first surface located to face the base member; and a design panel which has a flat plate shape and has light transmissivity, the design panel being attached to a peripheral edge of the connecting member to be opposite to the second surface of the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Koki Moro, Masato Ishikawa, Masahide Kinami, Hisanori Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10914491
    Abstract: A heat pump water heater has a tank, a burner in communication with a fuel source, a flue, and a heat pump system. The heat pump system has a refrigerant path, at least a portion of which forms an evaporator in thermal communication with the flue. Another portion of the refrigerant path is in thermal communication with the water tank volume so that heat transfers from the refrigerant to the water tank volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jozef Boros, Troy E. Trant, Hafez Raeisi Fard
  • Patent number: 10914492
    Abstract: A heating unit for heating fluid is described having at least one electrical resistance heating element on an outer surface of a tube. At least one indexed groove is provided around a surface of the tube allowing for at least one retention clip to hold the electrical resistance heating element. A heating chamber is also provided to enclose a portion of the tube and to provide a flow channel therebetween. The heating chamber includes an optical sensor to detect overheating of the at least one electrical resistance heating element. Fluid is heated by flowing over the surface of the at least one electrical resistance heating element and through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: EEMAX, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Hayden, Eric R. Jurczyszak, Jeff Hankins
  • Patent number: 10914493
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to multi-stage falling particle receivers and methods of falling particle heating. As the particles fall through the receiver, the particles are periodically collected and released by flow retarding devices. The periodic catch-and-release of the particles falling through the receiver reduces particle flow dispersion, increases particle opacity and solar absorption, and reduces erosion and damage to surfaces caused by direct particle impingement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignees: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
    Inventors: Clifford K. Ho, Jin-Soo Kim, Apurv Kumar
  • Patent number: 10914494
    Abstract: A cavitation boiler segment includes a rotor to be coupled with a rotating inner drum and a stator surrounding the rotor segment. The rotor and the stator each include drums with two banks of annular apertures, which overlap to define two cavitation regions. The rotor includes a web bifurcating the rotor between the apertures into an upstream side and a downstream side, each forming a separate fluid passage between a face of the rotor and a bank of apertures. The stator includes a casing enclosing the stator apertures in a fluid passageway. In operation, fluid flows into a first side of the rotor, across a first cavitation region and into the stator, then back across the second cavitation region and into the second side of the rotor where the fluid may flow into a first side of an adjacent segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: NewCo H20 LLC
    Inventor: Justin McKie
  • Patent number: 10914495
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to heat transferring apparatuses and methods. The apparatus and methods utilize the Joule-Thomson effect to remove heat from a heat source to facilitate cooling of the heat source. In one example, an apparatus receives heat from an object to be cooled. The received heat is used to pressurize a fluid. The pressurized fluid is depressurized through a venturi using vapor pressure as a driving force, thus cooling the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Ernest E. Bunch, Christopher C. Veto
  • Patent number: 10914496
    Abstract: A vapor compression system (200; 400; 600; 700; 800; 900; 1000) comprises a plurality of valves (260, 262, 264; 260) controllable to define a first mode flowpath and a second mode flowpath. The first mode flowpath is sequentially through: a compressor (22); a first heat exchanger (30); a first nozzle (228; 624); and a separator (48), and then branching into: a first branch returning to the compressor; and a second branch passing through an expansion device (70) and a second heat exchanger (64) to the rejoin the flowpath between the first heat exchanger and the separator. The second mode flowpath is sequentially through: the compressor; the second heat exchanger; a second nozzle (248; 625); and the separator, and then branching into: a first branch returning to the compressor; and a second branch passing through the expansion device and first heat exchanger to the rejoin the flowpath between the first heat exchanger and the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Hongsheng Liu, Parmesh Verma, Thomas D. Radcliff
  • Patent number: 10914497
    Abstract: A component protection apparatus includes a chamber configured to enclose a component that is to be protected and contain a liquid that surrounds the component. The liquid is configured to reduce an amount of an impact on the chamber that is transferred to the component. The component protection apparatus further includes a temperature control system configured to permit heating and cooling of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shimeng Bei, Jingjing Wei, Chuan Yang
  • Patent number: 10914498
    Abstract: A heat pump system includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling device and an indoor heat exchanger connected in sequence to form a refrigerant main circuit. The outdoor heat exchanger includes at least one double-rowed heat exchanger. The heat pump system has a cooling mode and a heating mode, and further includes a switching unit. The switching unit is connected in the refrigerant main circuit, and switches a flow direction of a refrigerant, such that the refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger through one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger through the other one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger both in the cooling mode and in the heating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: SANHUA (HANGZHOU) MICRO CHANNEL HEAT EXCHANGER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lei Hu, Qiang Gao, Jing Zhou, Xiaoming Zhong
  • Patent number: 10914499
    Abstract: An outdoor heat exchanger of an outdoor unit includes a main heat exchanger portion and an auxiliary heat exchanger portion. In the main heat exchanger portion, refrigerant path groups are formed. In the auxiliary heat exchanger portion, refrigerant paths are formed. The refrigerant path in the auxiliary heat exchanger portion, which is located closest to the main heat exchanger portion, is connected to the refrigerant path group in the main heat exchanger portion, which is disposed in a region where a wind velocity of the outdoor air passing through the main heat exchanger portion is relatively high. In addition, the refrigerant path is connected to the refrigerant path group. The refrigerant path is connected to the refrigerant path group. The refrigerant path is connected to the refrigerant path group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shin Nakamura, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Akira Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 10914500
    Abstract: An icemaker for a refrigerated appliance is provided. The icemaker includes an ice tray having a plurality of ice-forming compartments and a duct for directing chilled air operably coupled with a diverter. The diverter includes a base having first and second sides and defining a plurality of variously sized slots. A centerline of the base is aligned with a centerline of the ice tray. At least one spacing portion extends between two of the plurality of variously sized slots. A plurality of fins extend away from a top surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jose R. Aranda, Darci Cavali, Chao-Yi Chen, Milind Devle, Dewei Guan, Benjamin G. Jimenez, Varun Deepak Kotecha, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, Mahalingappa Mulimani, N S Ayodhya Ram, Rogerio Rodrigues, Jr., Anuj Sharma, Richard A. Spletzer, Shailesh Wani
  • Patent number: 10914501
    Abstract: An ice maker assembly is provided that includes an ice maker. A mounting plate is positioned within an ice maker receiving space. The mounting plate defines a plurality of engagement features extending into the ice maker receiving space. A rail system is disposed on opposite sides of the ice maker receiving space. An ice storage bin is removably positioned within the ice maker receiving space. The ice storage bin comprises an ice bin wall positioned on an ice bin base. An auger assembly is disposed through the ice bin base. A latch is slidably disposed along a bottom surface of the ice bin base. The latch includes a plurality of retention features that cooperate with the engagement features. Horizontal movement of the latch causes vertical motion of the ice storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus Fischer, Christopher R. McElvain, Ryan D. Schuchart
  • Patent number: 10914502
    Abstract: A first storage compartment's influence on a second storage compartment, when the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment have different temperature ranges and are cooled by a single cooler, is reduced. A refrigerator includes a compressor for compressing and circulating a refrigerant, a cooler provided to generate cold air through circulation of the refrigerant, a first storage compartment having an temperature maintained within a first range, a second storage compartment having an temperature maintained within a second range different from the first range, a first air passage for guiding cold air generated in the cooler to the first storage compartment, a second air passage for guiding cold air generated in the cooler to the second storage compartment, and a switching unit for guiding the cold air generated in the cooler to selectively flow into any one of the first air passage and the second air passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Matsuno Tomohiko, Iwamoto Tomoharu, Shimizu Kazuo
  • Patent number: 10914503
    Abstract: A heat pump system includes a heat exchanger coil and a heater configured to transfer heat to the heat exchanger coil. The heat pump system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the heater. The controller is configured to activate the heater in response to determining that a detected temperature of the heat exchanger coil is below a threshold temperature for a threshold time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Jay C. Walser
  • Patent number: 10914504
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for icing prevention regulation for a heat pump evaporator (3) in air conditioning systems of vehicles, composed of a subsection (1) of a refrigerant circuit which can be operated both as a heat pump and also as an air conditioning system. The device comprises the heat pump evaporator (3), an electrical or mechanical refrigerant compressor (4), a cooler fan (9) which is attached to the heat pump evaporator (3) and which draws ambient air (11) upstream from and through the heat pump evaporator (3) at an adjustable flow speed, and which thus permits a permanent flow of ambient air (11) over the heat pump evaporator surface, a first temperature sensor (6) in or on the refrigerant line (5, 5a) upstream from the heat pump evaporator (3) with respect to the heat pump operating direction, and a control and regulating unit (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignees: Audi AG, Halla Visteon Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Engelbert Schmitz, Peter Heyl, Marc Graaf, Christian Rebinger, Dirk Schroeder
  • Patent number: 10914505
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a refrigerator cabinet or door includes forming a wrapper and an inner liner. The method further includes forming a vacuum insulated core comprising a permeable core material that is disposed inside an impermeable envelope. A sheet of prefabricated compressible foam material is positioned between the vacuum insulated core between the inner door liner and/or the door wrapper. The prefabricated compressible foam material may be cut from a sheet of foam having substantially uniform thickness prior to fabrication of the refrigerator door. The foam compresses to accommodate differences in spacing between the vacuum insulated core and the door wrapper and/or the door liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Paul B. Allard
  • Patent number: 10914506
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet (10) configured to define a first storage region in which food is stored, a door (20) rotatably connected to a first rotating shaft via a first hinge member (40) to open or close the first storage region, the first rotating shaft being located at the front of the cabinet (10), a gasket provided at the door (20) and a container (100) configured to define a second storage region, the second storage region being received in the first storage region, the container (100) being rotatably connected to a second rotating shaft via a second hinge member (200), the second rotating shaft being located at the door (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sungwoo Choi, Myunghwan Kim, Jisu Park, Hyunbum Kim, Jindong Kim, Jihyun Im
  • Patent number: 10914507
    Abstract: A refrigerated appliance is provided herein. The refrigerated appliance includes a cabinet defining a compartment. A first door is coupled to the cabinet. The first door defines a storage chamber therein. A second door is disposed on an opposing side of the first door from the cabinet. A bin is disposed within the chamber. A bracket is disposed between the first door and the bin. The bracket includes a rotatable member to rotate the bin between first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Jackson F. Karl
  • Patent number: 10914508
    Abstract: A refrigerator that includes: a cabinet; a first door; a second door; a moving basket that includes: a basket, a moving frame that is arranged to have a first distance between the moving frame and the basket, and a bridge that couples the basket to the moving frame; a rail that is coupled to the first door and that is configured to guide the moving basket; a supporting unit that is projected from the bridge toward the rail and that supports the moving basket; a lever that, based on user manipulation, to moves between a first position and a second position, wherein the moving frame is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the lever; and a stopper that is coupled to the rail based on a position of the lever and that is configured to stop the moving basket is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kiyoung Lim
  • Patent number: 10914510
    Abstract: An appliance mounting device is provided herein. The appliance includes a vacuum insulated structure having a liner positioned within a wrapper, wherein the liner and wrapper cooperate to define an interior cavity. The appliance further includes an insulating material positioned within the interior cavity and a hanger coupled to an adapter plate and a support member. The support member is configured to couple to an interior surface of the vacuum insulated structure while maintaining a vacuum in the interior cavity and a holding member is coupled to a first side of the adapter plate and configured to receive a positioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Raffaella Gropallo, Giulia Marinello
  • Patent number: 10914511
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated refrigerator structure includes an outer wrapper having a first opening and a first edge extending around the first opening. A liner has a second opening and second edge extending around the second opening. The liner is disposed inside the wrapper with the first and second edges being spaced apart to form a gap therebetween. An insulating thermal bridge extends across the gap, and an airtight vacuum cavity is formed between the wrapper and the liner. The thermal bridge includes elongated first and second channels having sealant disposed therein, and the first and second edges are disposed in the first and second channels, respectively. Porous core material may be disposed in the vacuum cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Abhay Naik, Lorraine J. Westlake, Lakshya J. Deka
  • Patent number: 10914512
    Abstract: For improving the energy efficiency of a home appliance device, in particular a home refrigeration appliance device, the appliance device has at least one inner liner defining at least one storage space, at least one functional unit which is in an assembled state is connected to the inner liner and is located in the storage space, and at least one seal which is in the assembled state compressed between at least one mating surface of the functional unit and the inner liner. The inner liner has at least one protrusion, which the seal abuts on in the assembled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Prashantagouda Hosamani, Robert Stahl
  • Patent number: 10914513
    Abstract: An appliance mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket with first and second distal arms that flare outward in opposing directions from an attachment body and couple to a panel. The mounting bracket includes a pair of coupling members that extend from the attachment body toward the panel surface and distal ends that curve inward toward one another. A self-clinching nut has an undercut, serrated clinching ring, and base. The undercut and the serrated clinching ring are disposed within an aperture defined by the attachment body. A ladder rack has first and second sides coupled via an attachment wall. The first and second sides define protrusions that engage the pair of coupling members in an interference fit. The attachment wall defines a receiving hole that aligns with the aperture assembled. A threaded fastener extends through the receiving hole and engages the self-clinching nut to fasten the ladder rack to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corportion
    Inventors: Atishkumar S. Dhage, Sanket Vivek Phalak
  • Patent number: 10914514
    Abstract: An appliance has an illuminated trim assembly that includes an appliance cabinet having first and second sidewalls and a top wall. The appliance cabinet defines a compartment. A trim breaker member extends along a forward edge of the first and second sidewalls and the top wall. A light housing is positioned rearward of the trim breaker member and defines a light source channel. The light source channel has an open end proximate the compartment. A lens extends between the trim breaker member and the light housing. The lens is positioned to separate the light source channel from the compartment. A light source is positioned within the light source channel and is configured to direct light through the lens into the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Narendra A. Kapure, Abhay Naik, Manjunathraddi Navalgund, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak, Sanket V. Phalak
  • Patent number: 10914515
    Abstract: A container enclosing a volume, the container having a container floor facing the volume, a release valve, and a detachable lid positioned opposite the container floor. The detachable lid having at least one lid inlet that penetrates the detachable lid. The lid inlet having an inlet sleeve having a first sleeve end that extends outside the detachable lid and a second sleeve end that extends into the container. A conduit system having at least one overflow outlet fluidly coupled to the conduit system and positioned within the second sleeve end and a water pump coupled to the conduit system for transferring a fluid through the conduit system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Scott Deisley, Dylan Deisley
  • Patent number: 10914516
    Abstract: The system for treating a gas deriving from the evaporation of a cryogenic liquid and supplying pressurized gas to a gas engine according to the invention comprises, on the one hand, from upstream to downstream, a reliquefaction unit (10) with compression means (11, 12, 13), a first heat exchanger (17) and expansion means (30), and, on the other hand, a pressurized gas supply line comprising, from upstream to downstream, a pump (48) for pressurizing the liquid and high-pressure vaporization means (61). The pressurized gas supply line has, upstream of the vaporization means (61), a bypass (57) for supplying a second heat exchanger (60) between, on the one hand, pressurized liquid of the supply line (56) and, on the other hand, a line (22) of the reliquefaction unit (10) downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the expansion means (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: CRYOSTAR SAS
    Inventor: Mathias Ragot
  • Patent number: 10914517
    Abstract: A method for improving the capacity of an existing air separation unit employing a lost air turbine is provided in which the capacity is increased by operating the existing air separation unit as previously operated, with the exception of collecting the lost air from the lost air turbine, and instead of venting said lost air to the atmosphere, the lost air is compressed in a supplemental air compressor and returned to the air separation unit at a location downstream a front-end purification unit and upstream a booster. This setup advantageously allows for increased production without having to adjust the sizing of the front-end purification unit or main air compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Paul Kong
  • Patent number: 10914518
    Abstract: An apparatus for distillation at cryogenic temperatures can include a cold box module comprising framing and having an upper module section and a lower module section, wherein the upper module comprises a roof; an upper column section disposed within the upper module section; a lower column section disposed within the lower module section; a plurality of support saddles attached to the upper and lower module sections that are configured to provide structural support for the upper and lower column sections when the upper and lower column sections are in a horizontal position during transportation; and means for limiting longitudinal movement of the lower column section when the lower module section is in a horizontal position during transport, wherein the means for limiting longitudinal movement are connected to the lower column section and the lower module section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Gilles Poulin, Yves Hardy, Claude Granger, Yoland Plamondon, Minh Huy Pham, May Yee Wendy Yip
  • Patent number: 10914519
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drying salts with a water of crystallisation content in convective apparatuses that can additionally be indirectly heated. The invention is primarily characterised in that the drying process takes place with a moisture content of the drying gas above a determined level. The gas surrounding the salt particles during the drying process therefore has a specific humidity. In this way, the rate of drying is positively influenced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Andritz Technology and Asset Management GmbH
    Inventor: Paul Bernhard Kröhl
  • Patent number: 10914520
    Abstract: The heat recovery system includes an oven having a treatment air with a treatment air temperature and a treatment air dew point temperature to treat a product or product in process. A zone outlet exhaust waste treatment air following the treatment of the product. A preheating zone includes a preheating inlet for the introduction of preheating air having a preheating air temperature and a preheating air dew point temperature to preheat the product. A transfer duct extends between the zone outlet of the oven and the preheating zone to transfer a portion of waste treatment air from the oven to the preheating zone to create the preheating air to preheat additional product. The preheating air preheats the product in the preheating zone to a product temperature that is at least equal to the treatment air dew point temperature to eliminate surface condensation on the product during treatment in the oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: KELLOGG COMPANY
    Inventors: Nicholson Hirzel, James Breslin
  • Patent number: 10914521
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method to perform drying and testing of organometallic and organosilane precursor source ampoules that have been cleaned for re-use. The drying and quality control testing is performed in a single location with a single apparatus requiring only one manual connection/disconnection step of the ampoule to the apparatus. The testing includes analyses for residual moisture, entrained particulate matter, differential pressure, and helium leak checking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Versum Materials US, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew David Bernard, Wayne Thomas McDermott, Allison Barbeau Hopkins, Joseph J. Siemer, Michael Altschul Pingitore
  • Patent number: 10914522
    Abstract: In a method for reducing the NOx emissions of a rotary kiln of a clinker production plant, fuel supplied through a burner of the rotary kiln is burned along with primary air fed through the burner, wherein the primary air has a lower oxygen content and the primary air has an oxygen content reduced relative to that of the ambient air and a temperature increased relative to that of the ambient air, and the primary air is obtained by mixing ambient air with exhaust gas from the rotary kiln or from a heat exchanger connected to the rotary kiln and used for preheating raw meal. The primary air is further obtained by mixing with hot air, in particular waste air from a clinker cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: HOLCIM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventor: Irwin Gafner
  • Patent number: 10914523
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma furnace capable of separating and discharging different kinds of molten material, which comprises a furnace body 110; and a heating portion 140 for heating the lateral discharge gate 120, 130, wherein the furnace body comprises a melt discharge portion formed through a lower portion of the melting chamber 101 provided for accommodating molten material; and at least two lateral discharge gates 120, 130 provided at different heights capable of discharging molten material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: KOREA HYDRO & NUCLEAR POWER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun-Je Cho, Cheon-Woo Kim, Sang-Woo Lee, Sang-Woon Shin
  • Patent number: 10914524
    Abstract: An un-finned heat exchanger (100). The heat exchanger (100) comprises: a heat exchange tube (1), which comprises a body; a fluid channel (11) formed inside the body; and a collecting tube (2) connected to the heat exchange tube (1). Using the heat exchanger can reduce accumulation of dirt on the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Danfoss Micro Channel Heat Exchanger (Jianxing) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mustafa K. Yanik, Pierre Olivier Pelletier, Jeffrey Lee Tucker
  • Patent number: 10914525
    Abstract: A heat exchanger, for example a shell and tube flooded evaporator, has a refrigerant distributor that is positioned at an angle between the bottom of the shell and the sides of the shell, and includes an inlet that is welded to an inlet piping, where the inlet and inlet piping are in fluid communication with the refrigerant distributor, and are in a generally corresponding position orientation. Tubes of a tube bundles may extend proximate the bottom of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Steven Joseph Pitts, Harry Kenneth Ring, Steven Erwin Meloling