Patents Issued in January 2, 2024
  • Patent number: 11859856
    Abstract: HVAC system includes a front side access panel, an HVAC unit, a mounting sleeve, and a back side grille. The mounting sleeve and the HVAC unit are configured to fit within the preexisting framing of a building, and in particular to be mounted in a wall, between pre-existing studs, of a room. The HVAC unit can be installed into the mounting sleeve via quick connect mechanisms including, but not limited to, snap in connections and/or tab and slot features. The mounting sleeve enables rapid installation and also condensate collection. The HVAC unit includes an evaporator section, a mechanical section, and a condenser section that are integrally formed as a single physical unit. The design of the HVAC system is optimized to maximize space utilization and support efficient installation and servicing while minimizing product intrusion into living space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Renu, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Zane DeLoach, David Hull
  • Patent number: 11859857
    Abstract: An air treatment system is disclosed that includes a modular configuration whereby a fan module, filter module, and humidifier module may couple together to provide a plurality of air treatment solutions. In more detail, the modules can stack end-to-end in a vertical configuration. The modules may electrically couple to each other via a common electrical bus and enable a controller disposed in the fan module (or other module) to control fan flow rates, direction, and humidity. The fan module can include an articulating nozzle capable of directing airflow in virtually any direction and angle about an environment. The fan module can further include an inlet arrangement that can selectively restrict external air from entering the fan module housing when the fan module is fluidly coupled to the filter module. Thus, the fan module may generate air flow from exclusively filtered air to minimize or otherwise reduce bacterial/mold growth within the fan module housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Andre D. Brown, Jason B. Thorne, Peter Hutchinson, Gary Palladino, Alden Kelsey, Daniel J. Innes, Zach Hellman
  • Patent number: 11859858
    Abstract: A copper coated AC drain pan basin, which has a drain pan assembly having a first layer of an adhesive substance and a second layer of copper. The drain pan assembly has a pan base, first and second longitudinal walls, first and second transversal walls, and an outlet. The pan base has a base top face. The adhesive substance is spread homogeneously onto the base top face. The copper is spread homogeneously onto the adhesive substance. The copper inhibits a growth of microorganisms in a water collected by the drain pan assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventor: Terry Zarling
  • Patent number: 11859859
    Abstract: An outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus includes a casing having an air inlet through which air enters the casing, an air-sending device disposed in the casing and configured to create a flow of air passing through the air inlet, a heat exchanger disposed between the casing and the air-sending device and exposed through the air inlet and including a plurality of fins spaced apart from each other, and a partition disposed in the casing and dividing a space in the casing into an air-sending device chamber containing the heat exchanger and the air-sending device and a machine chamber containing a compressor. The plurality of fins include an end fin group located at an end remote from the partition. The casing includes a wall having at least one vent that faces the end fin group and that is located along a side edge part defining an edge of the air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Yonehara, Hiroyuki Jinnai, Takashi Ikeda, Shingo Hamada
  • Patent number: 11859860
    Abstract: A tube guide for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a main body formed from a pliable material, a first slit formed through the main body, and a second slit formed through the main body and traversing the first slit to define a tube support location configured to receive a range of tube sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Satish Churi Veerappa, Akshay S. Baljekar, Akshat Jain
  • Patent number: 11859861
    Abstract: An HVAC system is provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to heat exchangers having tubing with a reduced diameter compared to traditional systems. In one embodiment, a ducted HVAC system comprises an outdoor heat exchanger with tubing that has an outer diameter of eight millimeters (8 mm) or less and an indoor heat exchanger with tubing that has an outer diameter of nine millimeters (9 mm) or less. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: Daikin Industries, Ltd., Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P
    Inventors: Miki Yamada, Junichi Shimoda, Takamune Okui, Yuko Ishida, Joseph Kelly Hearnsberger, David Palazzolo, Sriram Venkat
  • Patent number: 11859862
    Abstract: A dry space creation system includes a hollow treatment tank configured to house a material to be treated, an inflatable balloon member having a balloon shape configured to be inflated and deflated by supply and exhaust of air, the inflatable balloon member being provided inside the treatment tank, and being configured to be inflated while leaving a partial area in the treatment tank, a dry air supply unit configured to supply dry air into the area, and an inflation air supply unit configured to supply air into the inflatable balloon member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satonori Iura, Satoshi Yonezawa, Satoshi Aoki, Shigeto Akahori, Shuga Ikeda, Yui Kinoshita, Masaki Kunigami
  • Patent number: 11859863
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for managing humidity within an HVAC system including a nanostructured desiccant porous material configured to adsorb water from an inlet stream at a first air pressure and to release water from that material when subjected to a second air pressure when the second air pressure is lower than the first air pressure is located within a particular location so as to allow for the passage of wet air over the materials and allow adsorption of the water on to the material. When coupled with a vacuum pump water can be collected and released from the materials and the system, regenerating the material for future use and removing water from a stream at a significantly lower cost than existing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Bernard P. McGrail, Jeromy W. J. Jenks, Radha K. Motkuri
  • Patent number: 11859864
    Abstract: An air plenum provides protection from viruses and particulates to a user located beneath the air plenum. The air plenum has a housing with a fan centrally located within the housing. Low-velocity air is emitted downwardly from the fan through a perforated screen on a lower side of the housing onto the user. A slot diffuser extends around a lower periphery of the housing and emits high-velocity air downwardly to form an air curtain around the user. The higher velocity air of the air curtain reduces the ability of unwanted particulate matter to enter the area that is below the perforated screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: WUNDERLICH-MALEC ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Charles Nygaard
  • Patent number: 11859865
    Abstract: Various implementations include a hot water heating system having a spine and two or more water heating units. The spine includes a top surface defining one or more top openings, two or more coupling areas, and cold water, hot water, and fuel manifolds. One or more top openings provide access to a cold water manifold inlet, a hot water manifold outlet, and a fuel manifold inlet. At least one of the coupling areas is located above another coupling area when the spine is oriented with the top surface facing upwardly. The water heating units are coupled to coupling areas such that a cold water inlet of the unit is fluidically coupled to the cold water manifold outlet, a hot water outlet of the unit is fluidically coupled to the hot water manifold inlet, and a fuel inlet of the unit is fluidically coupled to the fuel manifold outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Rinnai America Corporation
    Inventors: Rahul Natwar Goyal, Dennis Ryan McMichael, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11859866
    Abstract: An electric heater including a metal body, in which a first pipe and a second pipe are provided in the metal body. The first pipe and second pipe are mutually distinct so as to be crossed by two distinct flows of fluid to be heated. A first heating stretch, a second heating stretch and a third heating stretch are arranged in the metal body. The first pipe and the second pipe are arranged between the first heating stretch and the second heating stretch. The third heating stretch is proximal to the second pipe and distal from the first pipe. The second pipe is arranged between the first pipe and the third heating stretch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: I.R.C.A. S.P.A. INDUSTRIA RESISTENZE CORAZZATE E AFFINI
    Inventors: Lucio Michelon, Christian Ceotta, Antonio De Moliner, Christian Bortoluzzi, Federico Zoppas
  • Patent number: 11859867
    Abstract: A premixed low-nitrogen gas boiler is provided, which includes a reversed flow-swirl mixer being opposite mixing of natural gas and air. A flow deflector is arranged at a gas mixture outlet of the reversed flow-swirl mixer. An upper flow equalizing plate and a lower flow equalizing plate are arranged below the flow deflector, the upper flow equalizing plate is positioned above the lower flow equalizing plate, and a channel for enhancing mixing of gas mixture is formed between the upper flow equalizing plate and the lower flow equalizing plate. A comb-shaped water-cooled burner is arranged at the rear end of the lower flow equalizing plate, a combustion chamber is arranged at the rear end of the comb-shaped water-cooled burner, hearth tube bundles are arranged in a ladder-shaped convergent hearth, and the hearth tube bundles form an inner loop with a working medium water-steam mixture in a hearth water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: Xi'an Jiaotong University, Henan Yuanda Boiler Corporation Ltd
    Inventors: Yanqing Niu, Mao Tian, Jun Zhao, Hongzhong Liu
  • Patent number: 11859868
    Abstract: A heat pump water heater has a tank, a heat source, and a heat pump system. The heat pump system has a refrigerant path, at least a portion of which is in thermal communication with the water tank volume so that heat transfers from refrigerant to the water tank volume. A fan causes air to flow through a housing, and another portion of the refrigerant path includes an evaporator in the housing. The fan is within the housing and may further be within a second housing. The first housing may comprise a baffle to direct air flow. The fan may be a variable speed fan in communication with a controller, so that the controller controls the fan speed depending on a temperature of the refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Rodney K. Pugh, Emil J. Antoon, Josue Figueroa, Hector T. Donastorg, Richard T. Robbins
  • Patent number: 11859869
    Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating photovoltaic (PV) energy into water heater systems are disclosed. The disclosed technology includes determining whether a current water temperature is less than a first PV heat point that is greater than a normal heat point, and if so, outputting instructions for PV energy to be transferred from a PV system to a heating device of the water heater. If the current water temperature falls below a second PV heat point that is less than the normal heat point, the disclosed technology includes outputting instructions for energy to be transferred from a utility system to the heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Raheel A. Chaudhry, James Michael Reagin
  • Patent number: 11859870
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide rigid attachment of materials using a roof mount, a cover, and a resilience constituent. A roof mount may have a top roof mount and bottom roof mount. A resilience constituent may be a ring, a disk with a middle ridge or even an arched disk or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Patton Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Patton
  • Patent number: 11859871
    Abstract: The geothermal heat utilization system is capable of supplying underground water of an upper aquifer from the first upper opening to the second upper opening via the first pipe, and capable of supplying underground water of a lower aquifer from the second lower opening to the first lower opening via the second pipe. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system is configured to pump hot water and at the same time, pump cold water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES THERMAL SYSTEMS, LTD., UNIVERSITY PUBLIC CORPORATION OSAKA
    Inventors: Rinnichi Sai, Masanobu Sakai, Toru Yamaguchi, Masaki Nakao, Yasuhisa Nakaso
  • Patent number: 11859872
    Abstract: A variable geometry ejector (300) for cooling applications is disclosed comprising a primary fluid chamber (302); a suction chamber (320) downstream the primary fluid chamber (302); a primary nozzle (310) arranged so as to stream a working fluid from the primary fluid chamber (302) to the suction chamber (320); and a tail member (325) arranged downstream the primary nozzle (310), wherein any of the primary nozzle (310) and the tail member (325) is movable in relation to the other. The invention further discloses a system comprising the variable geometry ejector (300). The invention applies to cooling apparatus and systems industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventors: Szabolcs Varga, Armando Carlos Figueiredo Coelho De Oliveira, Fernando Gomes De Almeida, António Manuel Ferreira Mendes Lopes, João Pedro Barata Rocha Falcão Carneiro
  • Patent number: 11859873
    Abstract: A fluid cooling apparatus capable of improving liquefaction efficiency of a fluid by appropriately cooling the fluid in various temperature ranges through a simple process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG HEAVY IND. CO., LTD
    Inventors: Donghun Lee, Mungyu Kim, Joonho Min, Hyunki Park, Chihun Lee
  • Patent number: 11859874
    Abstract: A modified two-phase refrigeration cycle compresses a working fluid, condenses the working fluid into a saturated or supercooled liquid, expands the saturated or supercooled liquid into a two-phase fluid, and evaporates the two-phase working fluid. The modified two-phase refrigeration cycle reduces irreversibilities imposed by conventional refrigeration cycles and extracts energy from the working fluid during the expansion process. For instance, a system that employs the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle includes a two-phase expander to reduce irreversibilities during an expansion process and extract energy. In some instances, the system includes a two-phase compressor to compress two-phase fluids for varying loads and environmental conditions of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Regi U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Chute, Allen MacKnight, Lynn Petersen, Paul Porter
  • Patent number: 11859875
    Abstract: A refrigerant circuit includes a compressor operable to compress a refrigerant, an expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger in a fresh air inlet to a conditioned space, a recovery heat exchanger in an extracted air outlet from the conditioned space, and a reversing valve operable to direct a direction of refrigerant flow between a cooling mode and a heating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: LGL France S.A.S.
    Inventor: Bastien Jovet
  • Patent number: 11859876
    Abstract: A multi-connected heat recovery air conditioning system and a control method thereof. The multi-connected heat recovery air conditioning system includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit and a hydraulic module, wherein the outdoor unit comprises a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a first four-way valve and a second four-way valve. The multi-connected heat recovery air conditioning system further comprises an indoor unit temperature unit, a water temperature unit, a high-pressure sensor and a low-pressure sensor. The indoor unit temperature unit is arranged in the indoor unit for detecting and obtaining the outlet temperature value of the indoor unit, the water temperature unit is arranged at a heat exchange water tank for detecting and obtaining water temperature, and the high-pressure sensor and the low-pressure sensor are arranged at the output end and the air return end of the compressor respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: GUANGDONG GIWEE TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaolou Yan, Huandi Yang
  • Patent number: 11859877
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid adsorption heat exchanging device comprising: at least one tubular or micro channel structure for carrying a heat transfer fluid; the external surface of said structure being provided with extensions in at least two locations; said extensions forming a bed therebetween for providing one or more adsorbent materials; a coating of adsorbent material being provided on at least a part of said extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: BRY-AIR [ASIA] PVT. LTD.
    Inventors: Deepak Pahwa, Bidyut Baran Saha, Anil Kumar Choudhary, Rajan Sachdev, Kuldeep Singh Malik, Kyaw Thu
  • Patent number: 11859878
    Abstract: A heat transfer system is disclosed that includes an electrocaloric element including an electrocaloric material and electrodes arranged to impart an electric field to the electrocaloric material. A first thermal flow path is disposed between the electrocaloric material and a heat sink. A second thermal flow path is disposed between the electrocaloric material and a heat source. An electric power source is in operative electrical communication with the electrodes. The system also includes an arc suppression circuit in series with the electrocaloric element. The arc suppression circuit includes an interruptible electrical connection configured to interrupt the electrical connection in response to detection of an arc between the electrodes, and a series shunt connection in parallel with the interruptible electrical connection, with the series shunt connection including a series shunt load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yongduk Lee, Vladimir Blasko, Joseph V. Mantese, Subramanyaravi Annapragada, Wei Xie, Luis Arnedo
  • Patent number: 11859879
    Abstract: The solar augmented chilled-water cooling system comprises a refrigeration cycle, a cooling tower, an air handling unit (AHU), a supplemental cycle and a solar energy harvesting unit. The supplemental cycle is in fluid communication with the refrigeration cycle, which is in fluid communication with the cooling tower, which in turn is in fluid communication with the supplemental cycle. The cooling tower cools a water stream by evaporation. The water stream from the cooling tower is passed to the supplemental cycle for further cooling using energy from the solar energy harvesting unit. The water stream is then passed to a condenser of the refrigeration cycle for its efficient operation at proper temperature. The water stream is then retuned back to the cooling tower to be re-cooled. In the refrigeration cycle, an evaporator uses operation of the associated condenser for providing cooling effect through the AHU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS, King Abdullah City for Atomic & Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE)
    Inventors: Esmail M. A. Mokheimer, Mohammad R. Shakeel
  • Patent number: 11859880
    Abstract: A heat pump system includes a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a reversing valve, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a reheat heat exchanger, and a three-way valve. The reversing valve is configured to receive refrigerant from the compressor and adjust between a first configuration to direct the refrigerant toward the three-way valve and a second configuration to direct the refrigerant toward the first heat exchanger. The three-way valve is configured to adjust between a first position to direct the refrigerant between the reversing valve and the second heat exchanger and a second position to direct the refrigerant from the reversing valve to the reheat heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Stephen Blake Pickle, Kerry Lyman Shumway, Thinh Huy Nguyen, Bradford Graham Briley
  • Patent number: 11859881
    Abstract: Refrigeration systems and control methods therefor are described. The refrigeration systems include a main circuit to connect, through a pipeline, a multi-stage compressor, a condenser, an economizer, a main throttling element, and an evaporator. An air supply branch is configured to connect to the air outlet of the economizer and the intermediate stage air inlet of the multi-stage compressor. A liquid injection branch is configured to connect to the intermediate stage air inlet of the multi-stage compressor from a section having a high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant in the main circuit. Through the design of the liquid injection branch, the liquid-phase refrigerant can be introduced when vibration or noise of the unit exceeds a limit. The liquid-phase refrigerant, in the form of droplets, can effectively absorb the sound wave energy in the compressor pipeline to reduce an overall discharge pulsation of the compressor and reduce the noise and vibration of the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kai Deng, Vishnu Sishtla
  • Patent number: 11859882
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus uses a sensor that measures temperature of a plurality of refrigerant pipes in a contactless manner. A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a heat-source-side heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism, and a use-side heat exchanger are connected in sequence. The refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a temperature detector that detects temperatures at a plurality of points in a contactless manner, and a heat-source-side controller. At least one heat-source-side heat exchanger and the use-side heat exchanger includes a plurality of refrigerant pipes through which refrigerant to be heat-exchanged flows, and a flow rate adjuster. The flow rate adjuster adjusts flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each of the plurality of refrigerant pipes. The temperature detector detects respective temperatures of the plurality of refrigerant pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuhei Kaji, Hirokazu Fujino, Kazuhiro Furusho
  • Patent number: 11859883
    Abstract: A flow disturbance apparatus includes: a refrigerant pipe having a flow space in which refrigerant flows; and at least one disturbance member disposed inside the refrigerant pipe that is vibrated by the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe to disturb the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: LG ELECTRONICS INC., KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yohan Lee, Bongjun Kim, Sehyeon Kim, Jaeyoung Kim, Minwoo Jeong, Hyungjin Sung, Jaebok Lee, Sunggoon Park
  • Patent number: 11859884
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable mediums are provided for improving the efficiency of a filter-type oil separator in a cooling system including a compressor that pumps a mixture of lubricating oil and refrigerant through the filter-type oil separator. The filter type oil separator is configured to receive a first portion of the mixture from the compressor, and a bypass line is configured to bypass a second portion of the mixture around the filter-type oil separator. The bypass line ensures a sufficient amount of oil is present in the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hongwei Yang
  • Patent number: 11859885
    Abstract: A refrigeration system configured to receive a refrigerant is provided, as well as a walk-in refrigeration unit configured to utilize said system. The refrigeration system comprises: a power source, a condenser unit, an evaporation unit, a plurality of compressors, wherein each of the plurality of compressors is communicably coupled to the condenser unit, and a plurality of expansion devices, wherein each of the plurality of expansion devices is communicably coupled to the evaporation unit. The system is configured to receive an A3 refrigerant having a Global Warming Potential (GWP) value less than 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: REFRIGERATED SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC
    Inventors: William Craig Larson, Narasimha Sapta Sailesh Krovvidi, Nicholas Scott Huppert, Brian McCain
  • Patent number: 11859886
    Abstract: An ice making assembly includes a conductive ice mold, an insulator ice mold, and an external insulator jacket. The conductive ice mold extends along a vertical direction between a top conductive mold end and a bottom conductive mold end. The conductive ice mold defines a mold cavity having a vertical opening at the top conductive mold end. The insulator ice mold is selectively received on the conductive ice mold and covers the vertical opening. The insulator ice mold defines an internal water passage extending above the mold cavity in fluid communication with the mold cavity. The external insulator jacket is selectively received on the insulator ice mold and covers the internal water passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Culley
  • Patent number: 11859887
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance or ice making assembly, as provided herein, may include a body and an ejector. The body may include an ice mold for receiving and freezing water. The ice mold may define a discrete first compartment and second compartment within which water freezes. The first compartment may define a first cube profile. The second compartment may be axially-spaced apart from the first compartment and define a second cube profile. The second cube profile may be different from the first cube profile. The ejector may be rotatably disposed above the first cube profile and the second cube profile to motivate ice from the first and second compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Qianmao Zhou, Yayu Song, Bo Yan, Jianwu Li, Xiaoyang Jiang, Lixin Zhou, Jun Teng, Zhongyang Sun
  • Patent number: 11859888
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage chamber, a cold air supply which supplies cold air to the storage chamber, a first tray which forms a part of an ice making cell that is a space where water is phase-changed into ice by the cold air, a second tray which forms another part of the ice making cell and which may come into contact with the first tray during an ice making process and may be separated from the first tray during an ice transfer process, a heater adjacent to at least one of the first tray or the second tray, a sensor which determines the position of the second tray in a movement process of the second tray, and a control unit which controls the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Donghoon Lee, Wookyong Lee, Seungseob Yeom, Donghoon Lee, Yongjun Bae, Sunggyun Son, Chongyoung Park
  • Patent number: 11859889
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for preparing shaved ice confections. A device for conditioning ice includes a base housing comprising at least one upstanding sidewall defining an interior space and an upper surface with respect to the at least one upstanding sidewall. The device includes a motor disposed within the interior space of the base housing. The devices includes a sidewall disposed within the upper surface of the base housing defining an opening for receiving a drive shaft therethrough, wherein the drive shaft is mechanically connected to the motor and a blade assembly. The device includes a venting channel disposed in the at least one upstanding sidewall of the base housing for releasing heat emitted by the motor. The device includes a control mechanism for activating and deactivating the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Snowie LLC
    Inventor: Carl A. Rupp
  • Patent number: 11859890
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage space, a door configured to open and close at least a portion of the storage space, and an ice maker assembly provided in the storage space. The ice maker assembly includes an ice maker provided forward of a cold air discharge port that is provided at a rear portion of the storage space, where the cold air discharge port is configured to deliver cold air, a front cover that covers a front side of the ice maker and that is configured to be exposed to an outside of the cabinet based on the door being opened, and a heat insulating material provided at a rear surface of the front cover and configured to at least partially block the cold air passing through the ice maker from being delivered past a front surface of the front cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jinil Hong, Nayoung Kim, Ayoung Choo
  • Patent number: 11859891
    Abstract: An appliance air freshener having a frame and an air freshener medium. The frame defines an enclosure having a first face, and a second face opposite and spaced from the first face. The first face and the second face form an outer perimeter of the enclosure. The frame also defines a passage located within and spaced from the outer perimeter and extending along a passage axis from the first face to the second face. The air freshener medium is located within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Hanson, Ramesh Subramanian, Eric Hitchcock, Brent Curtis, Belinda Zhang
  • Patent number: 11859892
    Abstract: A blast cell system is provided with simple and scalable designs that prevent short cycling of air flow through any pallets in blast cells. The blast cell includes a plurality of suction channels that provide independent fluid pathways for directing the air drawn from different rows in the blast cell into the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Lineage Logistics, LLC
    Inventor: Alexander Ming Zhang
  • Patent number: 11859893
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a main body having a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, a refrigerating compartment door rotatably coupled to the main body to open and close at least a part of the refrigerating compartment, an ice-making compartment, an ice maker disposed in the ice-making compartment to make ice, a dispenser to dispense ice, an auxiliary door to open and close the ice-making compartment, and a cold air duct connecting the ice-making compartment to the freezing compartment to cool the ice-making compartment. The ice maker including an ice-making tray that is rotatable and a cold air guide that is deformable and restorable and fixed to the ice-making tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Jeong, Kyoungki Park, Kwanyeol Lee
  • Patent number: 11859894
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator including a temperature controlled room with improved utilization of space because no component for cooling or heating is positioned inside a temperature controlled room. The refrigerator includes a cabinet; a storage room provided inside the cabinet; a temperature controlled room positioned inside the storage room and being at inside temperature which is independent from inside temperature of the storage room; a cool air flow path guiding cool air generated inside the cabinet to inside of the storage room; a first fan positioned on the cool air flow path to supply the cool air to the storage room; a cool air supplier forming at least one portion of the cool air flow path and including a second fan to supply the cool air to the temperature controlled room; and a heating portion configured to heat air to supply hot air to inside of the temperature controlled room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinhong Yu, Youngmin You, Sungmo Kim, Jinyoung Song, Inyong Hwang, Jisick Hwang
  • Patent number: 11859895
    Abstract: A refrigeration unit includes a cabinet, a door coupled to the cabinet, at least one gasket coupled to the door, and a heat loop conduit. The cabinet includes a front perimeter that surrounds an opening to a storage compartment within the cabinet. The door is operable between an open position to provide access to the storage compartment and a closed position to conceal the opening to the storage compartment. The at least one gasket is configured to be compressed between the door and the front perimeter of the cabinet in the closed position of the door. The heat loop conduit has a first conduit portion that extends around a majority of the opening along the front perimeter of the cabinet and a second conduit portion that extends around the majority of the opening along the front perimeter of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Rahul Subhash Chhajed, Narendra Ashok Kapure, Jackson Felipe Karl, Abhay Naik, Abinash Sarma, Subrata Shannigrahi
  • Patent number: 11859896
    Abstract: An vacuum adiabatic body includes a first plate, a second plate, and a support configured to maintain a vacuum space between the first and second plates. The support includes a support plate supported on an inner surface of one of the first plate and the second plate and a bar extending from the support plate. The bar contacts an inner surface of the other of the first plate and the second plate. The one end of the bar has a cross-section less than that of the other end of the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jaehyun Bae, Minsu Ryu, Jangseok Lee
  • Patent number: 11859897
    Abstract: Provided are a clip assembly and a refrigerating and freezing device provided with same, wherein the clip assembly comprises a fixed member used for fixing to the refrigerating and freezing device, clips, a clip storage box, and a movable member. The clip storage box has a storage cavity used for storing the clips. The clips may be stored and organized, and are convenient for users to access. Moreover, the movable member has an accommodating space that accommodates the clip storage box. The clip storage box is detachably accommodated in the accommodating space, and the movable member is configured to operably rotate to the side away from the fixed member, which facilitates the removal of the clip storage box from the movable member, and then the clip storage box can be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: QINGDAO HAIER REFRIGERATOR CO., LTD., HAIER SMART HOME CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wenlong Liu, Weijian Fu, Guangrui Wu, Liwen Yang, Haidong Tang
  • Patent number: 11859898
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage chamber, a drawer door configured to be inserted into and withdrawn out of the storage chamber, a driving device provided at the door part, an elevation device provided at the drawer part and having a scissors lift assembly, and a connecting assembly that couples the driving device to the scissors lift assembly to transfer driving force from the driving device to the scissors lift assembly. The elevation device is configured, based on being uncoupled from the connecting assembly, to be separable from the drawer part, and the elevation device includes a restricting unit configured to restrict the scissors lift assembly from unfolding when the elevation device is separated from the drawer part. The drawer door includes a drawer part and a door part that is configured to, based on the drawer door being inserted into the storage chamber, close the storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kwanghyun Choi
  • Patent number: 11859899
    Abstract: A refrigerator (100), comprising: a cabinet (110), having at least one storage compartment (140) defined therein, and having side walls (114); and a light source (500), which is disposed at the side wall (114), and configured such that light emitted by the light source (500) obliquely propagates backwards inside the box body (110), so as to provide illumination for the at least one storage compartment (140). According to the refrigerator (100), the light source (500) is provided at the side wall (114) of the cabinet (110), and light emitted by the light source (500) obliquely propagates backwards inside the cabinet (110) to provide illumination for the storage compartment (140); thus, illumination for the storage compartment (140) would not be affected by a shelf, and the light propagates backwards so that no dazzling occurs to the user's visual experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: QINGDAO HAIER REFRIGERATOR CO., LTD., HAIER SMART HOME CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhiguo Xu
  • Patent number: 11859900
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet forming a storage space, a main door that opens and closes the storage space while defining an opening part that is in communication with the storage space, a sub-door mounted to the main door and configured to open and close the opening part, the sub-door including a panel assembly for allowing selective viewing of an inside of the opening part, the injection port is provided at a lower side of the sub-door to direct an insulating foaming solution to a space in the sub-door, a detection device for detecting an operation of a user, a lighting unit inside the refrigerator that turns on based on user operation to allow selective viewing of the inner side of the opening part, and a display unit inside the refrigerator at a position corresponding to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kwanghyun Choi
  • Patent number: 11859901
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet and a door configured to open and close a storage space of the cabinet. The door includes an outer plate defining a plate opening, a door liner defining a liner opening, a panel assembly configured to shield the plate opening and the liner opening. The panel assembly includes a first display through which the inside thereof is visible, and a screen is output, a second display disposed at a position that is spaced apart from the first display, and a frame provided between the outer plate and the door liner. The frame includes a first mounting part that mounts the panel assembly, a second mounting part that mounts the second display, and a wire guide part that connects the first mounting part to the second mounting part and accommodates a wire connected to the second display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chanuk Kang, Dongrim Woo
  • Patent number: 11859902
    Abstract: Included are systems, methods and devices for cooling beverages, comprising an upper insulated basin sized to allow placement of cooling fluid and beverage containers; a separator device sized to restrain the beverage containers such that during agitation, each of the beverage containers does not impact any other of the beverage containers or the side surface of the upper insulated basin and allows for cooling fluid to contact an exterior surface of each of the beverage containers; and an agitation section placeable in physical communication with the upper basin that can provide, when activated, motion to the upper insulated basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: CHILLYBEV, LLC
    Inventors: William Pell, Jerry Haile, Michael Rockafellow, Jody Wingrove
  • Patent number: 11859903
    Abstract: A method of constructing a coil wound heat exchange module and transporting and installing the coil wound heat exchange module at a plant site, such as an natural gas liquefaction plant. A module frame is constructed and attached to a heat exchanger shell prior to telescoping of a coil wound mandrel into the shell. The module frame includes a lug and two saddles that remain attached to the shell throughout the process and when the heat exchanger is operated. The lug and saddles are constructed and located to stabilize the shell during construction, telescoping and transport (when in a horizontal orientation), and when the shell is installed at the plant site (in a vertical orientation). The lugs and saddles are adapted to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the shell when it is transitioned from ambient to operating temperature and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Voda, Adam R. Garcia, Kevin E. Tiemann, Christopher J. Ranella, Paul I. Debrah, John A. Dally
  • Patent number: 11859904
    Abstract: A liquid removal device is for removing a liquid from a surface. The liquid removal device includes a chassis comprising a handle and an absorber drum and an extractor drum both rotationally coupled with the chassis. The absorber drum includes a cylinder, where an absorbent layer is positioned on an outer drum surface of the absorber drum. The extractor drum includes a reservoir configured to retain the liquid absorbed from the surface, an outer extractor surface, and a plurality of apertures defined by the outer extractor surface in fluid communication with the reservoir. The extractor drum is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, at least a first portion of the plurality of apertures are in contact with the absorbent layer. In the second position, the first portion of the plurality of apertures are not in contact with the absorbent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Clevertivity LLC
    Inventor: Justin Stewart
  • Patent number: 11859905
    Abstract: A device for producing expanded granulated material from mineral material in the form of grains of sand with an expanding agent includes a furnace with a furnace shaft, having an upper end and a lower end. A conveying section extends between the two ends and passes through a number of heating zones arranged separately from one another in a conveying direction. The device also includes at least one feeder in order to charge at least the unexpanded material into the furnace shaft at one of the two ends in the direction of the other of the two ends. At least one directing element is at least partly arranged in the furnace shaft and forms a gap with an inner wall of the furnace shaft, at least in the region of one of the two ends. The at least one feeder is designed for charging the material into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Omya International AG
    Inventors: Hartmut Kremer, Julian Neubacher, Harald Tschernko