Separate External Discharge Port For Each Fluid Patents (Class 165/111)
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Patent number: 5797445Abstract: An integrated refrigeration and rethermalization system for storage of prepared meals in a refrigerated state, rethermalization of the meals in accordance with a rethermalization program, and maintenance of the rethermalized meals at a desired serving temperature is disclosed. Refrigerated meals are placed on trays, supported by heater shelves, in a refrigeration-rethermalization cart having onboard refrigeration. Critical cooling elements of the onboard refrigerator are located within the food storage area of the cart for improved cooling air flow and maximum cooling efficiency. The heater shelves contain one or more heating elements designed to heat only selected food items located on the trays in accordance with preset time-temperature curves, or rethermalization programs.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Standex International CorporationInventors: John Walter Westbrooks, Jr., Sara Coffield Hurt
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Patent number: 5795446Abstract: A method and equipment for heat-of-vaporization transfer in a heat exchanger, using steam bubbles. To achieve higher transfers at slight overheating, and with a very simple design, steam bubbles are introduced into evaporation chambers formed between heat exchanger walls, said bubbles then being deformed by said walls and rising in-between them. As they rise, the steam bubbles form a thin liquid film between themselves and the heat exchanger walls, with constrained convection inside the film. As a result excellent local conditions for heat conduction are achieved. Moreover the liquid is well mixed and by evaporation into the bubble it is cooled as far as the immediate vicinity of the heat exchanger walls.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1995Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Inventor: Eduard Kirschmann
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Patent number: 5794446Abstract: A steam powered electric power generating station to provide electricity comprises a steam turbine positioned in a steam turbine shell, equipment, such as a heater, a first and a second temperature detector, and a computer. The steam turbine has necessary blades and a rod to turn an electrical generator to create electricity. The steam turbine shell mechanically coupled to receive steam to turn the at least one blade steam turbine. The equipment is mechanically coupled to the steam turbine shell to receive steam from the steam turbine shell and receives feed water through an entry port and releases feed water heater through an exit port. The first temperature detector is positioned to detect a first temperature of the feed water prior to entering the equipment via the entry port. The second temperature detector is positioned to detect a second temperature of the feed water after exiting the first piece of feed water via the exit port.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Basic Resources, Inc.Inventors: James N. Earley, Jeffrey D. Hooper, Billy H. Stigall, John S. Stinson
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Patent number: 5791147Abstract: A steam powered electric power generating station to provide electricity comprises a steam turbine positioned in a steam turbine shell, equipment, such as a heater, a first and a second temperature detectors, and a computer. The steam turbine has necessary blades and a shaft to turn an electrical generator to create electricity. The steam turbine shell mechanically coupled to receive steam to turn the at least one blade steam turbine. The equipment is mechanically coupled to the steam turbine shell to receive steam from the steam turbine shell and receives feed water through an entry port and releases feed water through an exit port. The first temperature detector is positioned to detect a first temperature of the feed water prior to entering the equipment via the entry port. The second temperature detector is positioned to detect a second temperature of the feed water after exiting the equipment via the exit port.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Basic Resources, Inc.Inventors: James N. Earley, Jeffrey D. Hooper, Billy H. Stigall, John S. Stinson
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Patent number: 5787970Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved multi-row steam condensing bundle for use in air-cooled vacuum steam condensers employed in power plant applications and the like. Specific freeze protection design is directed to the first row of tubes in the bundle by employing blow-through steam. The excess steam that is not condensed in the first row is introduced into a second pass reflux row of tubes located in the protected warm air region of the bundle. All other tube rows in the bundle are of single pass design with divided rear headers except when the last two rows are configured in a similar two-pass arrangement that protects the exposed top tube row of the bundle from cold wind gusts. It is a mixed flow bundle design because some of the tube rows have counterflow steam and condensate while others have parallel flow.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1994Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Inventor: Michael W. Larinoff
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Patent number: 5775406Abstract: A ventilation display system determines when a ventilation system has remained in recirculation mode for a predefined time, and in response generates a stale air alert message inside the cab of a truck. The system can generate messages alerting the driver that the HVAC system has switched into recirculation mode, and alerting the driver that the recirculation mode has remained active for the predefined time. When equipped with a CO.sub.2 sensor, the system can generate air quality messages based on either the status of the recirculation mode or the level of CO.sub.2 in the cab of the truck or both.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Freightliner CorporationInventor: Nicolae Ghitea, Jr.
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Patent number: 5771959Abstract: A rethermalization system for heating refrigerated food on trays, maintaining the food in a refrigerated condition until heated, and heating some of the food to a desired temperature at a serving time while maintaining the rest of the food in a refrigerated condition. The system has a cart which docks inside a refrigerator. The cart has shelves on which trays of food reside. In the shelves there are heaters. The operator programs the system using an intricate series of commands at an operator interface. A first controller interprets the commands and sends the program to a second controller. The second controller controls the heating cycle of the heaters. A current sensor is provided to sense whether there is current to the heaters. The second controller polls the current sensor and compares the findings to what is called for in the program.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1994Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Standex International CorporationInventors: John Walter Westbrooks, Jr., Sara Cofield Hurt
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Patent number: 5765631Abstract: A fluid circulation apparatus comprises a body part (2) in the shape of a dihedron with, on a first face of the dihedron, at least one opening for input/output of this fluid covering over the opening in a leaktight way. The bulb projects with respect to the body part (2) beyond the edge (13) of the dihedron and is produced by combination of metal sheets, of cylindrical, spherical and/or ellipsoidal shape, welded to one another. The apparatus is applicable to the integration of phase separators with heat exchangers of the brazed-plate type or alternatively to the input/output of fluids in such exchangers.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1995Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignees: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude, Nordon Cryogenie SNCInventor: Claude Gerard
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Patent number: 5765629Abstract: A two-stage steam condenser that prevents freezing from occurring in the tube rows by continual purging of the tube rows. Such continual purging prevents any steam from back-flowing into a tube row thereby eliminating the possibility that condensate or noncondensable gases will become trapped therein. This is achieved by isolating each of the tube rows in the second stage of the condenser so that the pressure of one tube row is not exposed to the pressure occurring in another adjacent tube row. The condensate collected in the various tube rows of this second stage is delivered to a common drain pot that is hydraulically balanced to accommodate the various pressures in these tube rows. Such hydraulic balancing also prevents any back-flowing from occurring from one tube row into another.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Hudson Products CorporationInventors: James David Goldsmith, George Edward Kluppel, George Steve Millas, Thomas Wayne Strock
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Patent number: 5762128Abstract: A fouling sensing system monitors fouling of a rotary regenerative preheater having a housing and a rotor rotatably mounted therein. An emitter for emitting energy is positioned at one of the faces of the rotor and emits energy through the rotor. A sensor is positioned at the other face of the rotor for receiving the energy and generating an output signal indicative of the intensity of the energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: ABB Air Preheater, Inc.Inventors: Wayne S. Counterman, James D. Seebald
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Patent number: 5761908Abstract: A self-contained ventilation apparatus is disclosed for ventilating buildings, e.g., patient rooms such as hospital rooms, waiting rooms, hospital operating rooms, doctors' offices, and clinics, especially rooms contaminated with infectious microorganisms. One or more blowers is provided. When there are two blowers, a first blower is provided for discharging room air to the atmosphere and a second blower is provided for introducing fresh outside air to the room to provide a continuous supply of fresh air to the room which is free of disease organisms. Both streams of air pass through an air-to-air heat exchanger to adjust the temperature of the incoming air to approach that exhausted from the room. When filters are used, both currents of air are preferably filtered, e.g., with a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter. Provision is made for automatically maintaining room air pressure at the desired value (typically below that of surrounding rooms) as filters gradually become clogged with dust.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1994Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Air Quality EngineeringInventors: Heidi D. Oas, Dennis E. Welch
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Patent number: 5754609Abstract: A condensation vessel for the measurement of steam pressure includes a steam zone, a steam line which opens in the steam zone at an entrance, a condensate zone which is directly adjacent the steam zone and geodetically below the entrance, and a discharge device which is connected to the steam zone and which serves for a discharge of steam and noncondensable gases from the condensation vessel. A method for operating the condensation vessel includes condensing steam which contains an increased fraction of a noncondensable gas, in particular radiolysis gas, out of the steam zone. The gas is led out of the condensation vessel in dissolved form through the discharge device, with the result that the risk of faulty measurement is largely ruled out, since virtually no gas is dissolved in the condensate within the condensate zone. The condensation vessel can be installed in a simple way, even in the course of retrofitting, for measuring the filling level of a reactor pressure vessel.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Johann Meseth
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Patent number: 5740016Abstract: A substrate resting on a substrate surface is inserted into a processing chamber and processed to produce integrated chips. The substrate may be clamped electrostatically to the substrate support surface during processing. The substrate support surface plays a major role in controlling the temperature of the substrate during processing. The substrate support includes a plurality of thermoelectric modules in heat transfer contact with the substrate support surface and a controlled current supply. By controlling the current supply to each of these modules, the required temperature distribution can be maintained across the substrate support surface to maintain temperature uniformity across the substrate during processing. The thermoelectric modules control the temperature of the substrate support surface in response to controlled currents from the current supply to provide a uniform substrate temperature. The substrate support may be an RF biased electrode, and the substrate may be a semiconductor wafer.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: LAM Research CorporationInventor: Rajinder Dhindsa
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Patent number: 5732766Abstract: Gas at elevated temperature from a compressor (50) is fed to a first cooling coil (14) and thence to a second cooling coil (18) in chamber (16). The cooled gas at line (20) enters a chamber (22) where water and oil (if present) separate. A contaminant-free stream of compressed gas is further purified at filter chambers (28, 34). A portion of the gas flow, carrying the liquefied water or water/oil mixture is returned via reducing valve (44) to the interior of chamber (16) where it travels up riser pipe (46) in heat-exchanging relationship with the gas in coil (18) and emerges through port (48) as a condensate-free gas stream, the condensate having re-volatilized after passage through the reducing valve (44). The described arrangement minimizes or eliminates watery waste and cools the gas stream without the need for a powered cooler or supply of cooling water.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1994Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Process Scientific Innovations LimitedInventors: George Sherwood Hunter, John Leslie Oakton, Alex George Hunter
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Patent number: 5714685Abstract: Methods for measuring the flow differential through a dialysis machine are disclosed in which the dialysis machine includes a heat exchanger having a primary side and a secondary side for exchanging heat therebetween. The method includes measuring the temperature differences across the primary and secondary sides of the heat exchanger and calculating the flow differential based upon these measured temperature differences. Apparatus for measuring such a flow differential is also disclosed, as are methods for calibrating that apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1995Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Gambro ABInventors: Sture Hobro, Erik Linderup, Leif Mattisson
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Patent number: 5699671Abstract: The invention comprises a downflow shell and tube condenser, especially useful for cryogenic rectification, which includes a shell having an upper tube sheet and a lower tube sheet, the shell extending above the upper tube sheet to create a first reservoir. A plurality of heat transfer tubes extend between the upper tube sheet and the lower tube sheet and also pass through the lower tube sheet. Cold liquid entering the heat transfer tubes flows down through the tubes and causes a condensation of vapor that is in contact therewith within the shell. The cold liquid is at least partially vaporized and exits from the lowermost ends of the heat transfer tubes.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1996Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Michael James Lockett, Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan
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Patent number: 5697224Abstract: An air conditioner has a plurality of indoor units (3, 3, . . . ) and a single remote controller (4). The controller (4) is provided with an anomalous unit memory section (45) for a unit number of an indoor unit (3) in operation anomaly, a button operating section (42) for inputting a check signal for checking on the location of the operation anomaly, and a forcedly fan-on section (46) for outputting a forcedly fan-on signal, at the time of input of the check signal in the case that the unit number is stored, to the indoor unit (3) having the unit number. When each of the indoor units (3, 3, . . . ) causes an operation anomaly, it outputs an anomalous condition signal to the remote controller (4) and then receives a forcedly fan-on signal from the remote controller (4) to activate a fan.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1995Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hisashi Sumida
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Patent number: 5690277Abstract: This invention is an audible thermostat designed for use by the visually impaired and totally blind. The thermostat has a speaker to indicate the setting of the thermostat or the ambient room temperature. It may also have a visual display working in conjunction with the audible output. The mechanisms to operate the thermostat are large and contain tactile surfaces so the blind may locate the correct mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1995Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Inventor: Scott W. Flood
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Patent number: 5682945Abstract: The heat exchanger is of the type comprising a series of first passages (4) in which a diphase fluid circulates, each of the passages being adjacent to at least one second passage (5) for the circulation of another fluid which is a heating or refrigerating fluid. At least one of the first passages (4) comprises, in at least one region of the length thereof, an increase in the cross section of the passage and means (9, 11) for receiving and discharging one of the two phases of the diphase fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour L'Etude et L'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventor: Jean-Yves Lehman
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Patent number: 5677677Abstract: The difference between the temperature of a heat exchange medium leaving the evaporator unit of a chiller and the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator unit is monitored relative to a real time alarm limit for this temperature difference. The real time alarm limit is computed from time to time by a microprocessor. The value of the computed alarm limit will vary with the cooling load being experienced by the chiller's evaporator unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Paul J. Duff, John P. Larson, Joseph B. Lechtanski
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Patent number: 5676196Abstract: An attachment unit (28) to an existing central air conditioning thermostat controller (24) like the ones found in most homes and offices; which provides two independent modes of saving energy, first by turning on a light to indicate when to change the filter and secondly by extending the fan operation for a few minutes without disruption. Uniquely conceived, smaller than the typical thermostat controller, automatic, maintenance free, no batteries or auxiliary power of any kind. Has one button (32) to reset the light (30) after changing the filter and one switch (34) to select the optional extended fan operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: M.G. General CorporationInventors: Marcelo E. Jakubzick, Luis F. Noriega
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Patent number: 5667005Abstract: A heat exchanging unit is provided that includes a closed vessel separated into first and second compartments by a vertical partition plate thereby leaving a passage above the vertical partition plate. The first compartment has a cooling medium inlet pipe connected thereto, and a through pipe, through which a fluid to be cooled is passed. The through pipe is arranged to pass through the first compartment and includes a heat exchange member placed at a location lower than the top of the vertical partition plate. The second compartment is provided with a demister, and a cooling medium gas outlet pipe connected to the demister. A cooling medium liquid outlet pipe is connected to the second compartment. The heat exchanging unit is preferably used as part of a combined heat exchanging apparatus formed by combining the heat exchanging unit with a mist processing unit, or as part of a multistage heat exchanging apparatus formed by integrating two or more of the heat exchanging units.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1995Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignees: JGC Corporation, Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Yuzuru Kakutani, Hitoshi Konishi, Kazuhiko Asada, Shinichiro Kashihara
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Patent number: 5653281Abstract: An air-cooled steam condensing module with an integral vent condenser has a steam header, one or more rows of condensing tubes between the steam header and a (generally lower) common condensate header. The module also has at least one row of vent condenser or dephlegmator tubes located adjacent the condensing tubes which connect the lower header to a vent header. The dephlegmator tubes may be of the same or larger diameter than the condensing tubes.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Hudson Products CorporationInventors: John Lawrence Berg, George Edward Kluppel, William Joseph Oberjohn, Thomas Wayne Strock
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Patent number: 5649590Abstract: A tube bundle for a steam condenser in which the projection on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the tubes of the envelope of the tube-containing zones of the bundle forms a trace of the type forming radiating spikes, wherein at least some of the spikes split at least once into branches, and wherein said spikes radiate from a tube-containing area that forms a substantially circular ring.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1996Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: GEC Alsthom DelasInventors: Bernard Andrieux, Daniel Carpentier
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Patent number: 5646858Abstract: Apportioning energy costs among units by sensing a heat exchange for at least one heat exchanger in each unit. In response to this sensing, a value corresponding to an amount of heat provided by the heat exchanger is determined for each unit. Each value is transmitted to a central location, and they are processed to apportion energy cost for each unit as a function of the respective value. Total values for each heat exchanger can be summed to provide a summation value corresponding to a total amount of heat provided to the unit over time, and energy costs can be apportioned as a function of this summation value for each unit. A probe that includes a probe body and an electrical heat sensing element mounted in the probe body. A tamper detecting mechanism responds to forces applied to the probe and interacts with a conductive lead of the probe to provide an electrical tampering indication.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1994Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignees: Analytical Systems Engineering Corp., Cablebus Systems CorporationInventors: Clifford B. Schrock, Herbert E. Engel
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Patent number: 5634517Abstract: A passive device for reducing the relative humidity of a flowing gas has a container in which a tube is disposed. A flowing gas passes into the-container-through a inlet and then flows downwardly through a cavity in the container, whereupon the gas transfers heat to the tube and the walls of the container. As a result, liquid water condenses from the water vapor content of the gas. The flowing gas then flows upwardly through a channel in the tube and is then warmed by the heat previously transferred to the tube, whereupon the relative humidity of the flowing gas decreases.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1995Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: Siemens-Elema ABInventors: Dan Linden, Magnus Schnuerer
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Patent number: 5620137Abstract: A room access control and energy management installation controls the air conditioning of the room, such as a hotel room, in accordance with conditions of occupancy of the room. The air conditioning of the room is controlled by a controller which receives data representing a selected operating regime produced by a computer on the basis of parameters such as the time of day, the probability of imminent occupation of the room or actual occupation of the room.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Societe Francaise d'Estudes Electroniques S F 2 EInventors: Jean-Louis Coelho, Jean-Noel Marteau
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Patent number: 5618497Abstract: A polymerization apparatus, comprises a polymerization vessel, a reflux condenser installed outside the polymerization vessel and a pipe connected between the reflux condenser and a wall of the polymerization vessel with an end thereof opening into a gaseous phase region inside the polymerization vessel, for returning the liquid condensate to the polymerization vessel, wherein said end projects from an inner surface of the wall of the polymerization vessel into the gaseous phase region. In polymerizing a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond using the polymerization apparatus, the quantity of heat removed by the reflux condenser is increased stepwise or continuously with progress of the polymerization, such that not less than 20% of the total reaction heat generated during the whole course of the polymerization is removed by the reflux condenser. With 100 or more repeated polymerization runs, polymer scale deposition inside the vessel is minimal even below the pipe end.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuya Ueda, Yoshihiro Shirota, Yoshihiko Hirai, Toshiaki Maruyama, Tadashi Amano
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Patent number: 5615733Abstract: A on-line monitoring system of a simulated heat-exchanger which includes a plurality of temperature sensors adapted to detect the temperatures of cold water and hot water at respective water inlets and water outlets, a flowrate detector adapted to detect the flow rate of cold water, an A/D converter adapted to convert detected temperature signals and flowrate signal into corresponding digital signals, and a microprocessor adapted to calculate total heat transmission rate subject to the data obtained from the A/D converter and to calculate the heat transmission constant of the heat exchanging tube inside the heat exchanging chamber, then to store the calculated data in a memory for use as a reference value for the calculation of a next heat transmission rate so as to further calculate the heat transmission rate and thickness of fouling of the heat exchanging tube by comparing the latest coefficient of heat transmission with the previous coefficient of heat transmission, permitting the calculated result to be sType: GrantFiled: May 1, 1996Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: Helio-Compatic CorporationInventor: Ming-Chia Yang
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Patent number: 5613549Abstract: An adaptor-retainer for quickly and easily selectively securing either a temperature sensor or a sealing plug in an opening in an automotive vehicle radiator header, depending upon whether that vehicle is or is not to be provided with a temperature sensor. The adaptor-retainer includes a retainer bushing having an inner end adapted to be secured and sealed in the opening, and a threaded outer end. A sealing bushing is adapted to be engaged in the retainer bushing for sealing cooperation with either the sealing plug or the sensor, whichever is installed, and a threaded retainer cap is adapted to be engaged on the threads of the retainer bushing to secure and seal either the sealing plug or the sensor in the retainer bushing by clamping it between the retainer cap and the sealing bushing.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1994Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Inventor: Ramesh J. Dolwani
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Patent number: 5611391Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a search device and a retrieval device in a steam generator includes a guide mechanism for guiding the devices through the annulus to the tube sheet and drive mechanisms for driving the cables of the devices. Alternatively, a plurality of guide mechanisms and a plurality of drive mechanisms may be provided for a plurality of search and retrieval devices. The guide mechanism may include two double-dog-leg, single-piece, guide tubes between the handhole and the tube sheet for guiding the cables. The drive mechanisms may each include a pair of pinch rollers for driving a corresponding cable, a remote energizing mechanism for independently energizing the corresponding drive mechanism, and a reversible motor having a drive shaft. One pinch roller is driven by one drive shaft and the other pinch roller freely rotates about the other drive shaft. The guide mechanism may also include a guide plate mounted to the handhole and dual sets of guide tubes for the two halves of the tube sheet.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1994Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: Westinghouse Electric CorporationInventor: Edward J. Hyp
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Patent number: 5607008Abstract: In a method of monitoring the condition of soiling and/or calcification of heat exchangers in heating installations, subsequent operational data of temperature and pump speed are collected in turns during the operation and compared with the initial operational data of temperature and pump speed collected in an initial condition, for instance when an installation is put into service initially. When an admissible deviation of the subsequent operational data from the initial operational data is exceeded, which is as a rule to be attributed to the soiling and/or calcification of the heat exchanger, a corresponding malfunction signal is emitted or the heating installation is switched off. In accordance with the method, a conventional heating installation is provided with a monitoring device, by means of which the soiling and/or calcification of the heat exchanger is automatically checked in turns.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1994Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Inventor: Armin Niederer
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Patent number: 5598709Abstract: Both an apparatus and method are provided for vaporizing a liquid cryogen and super heating the resulting vapor into a heated gas. The apparatus includes a combustion-type heat source which may burn a fuel such as propane that generates water-containing combustion gases, and a vaporizer coil having an inlet conduit for receiving a flow of a liquid cryogen, such as liquid carbon dioxide, and an outlet conduit for expelling vaporized cryogen. An annular casing surrounds but is spaced apart from the vaporizer coil. The casing isolates the vaporizer coil from contact with water-containing combustion gases generated by the heat source, thereby preventing the formation of unwanted water and ice on the coil, while at the same time transferring heat from these gases to the coil by thermal radiation. A superheating coil is serially connected to the vaporizer coil to further heat the vaporized cryogen.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Herman H. Viegas, Bradley G. Ellingson, Michael A. Aronov, Roger D. Sheridan
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Patent number: 5597037Abstract: An object of the present invention is to minimize a volume of a hollow body by a combination of a horizontal H-letter shaped type gas-liquid separator and a plurality of plate-fin heat exchangers having a larger heat exchange performance per volume. In the present heat exchanging apparatus, fluid and refrigerants flow about in the hollow body through pipes while gas and liquid phases of the refrigerants are repeatedly separated and mixed for heat exchange between the fluid and the refrigerants. The apparatus comprises a plurality of plate-fin heat exchangers for exchanging heat between the refrigerants and the fluid, and a gas-liquid separator including upper and lower accommodation portions which are hollow cylinders laid in a horizontal direction both ends of which are airtightly sealed and an intermediate accommodation portion which connects the upper accommodation portion to the lower accommodation portion so as to form a sideways H-letter shape.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko ShoInventors: Kazuhiko Asada, Koichi Ueno, Shin-ichiro Kashihara, Shigemi Okamoto, Katsuo Kurose, Kazuhiko Kuwahara, Ken-ichiro Mitsuhashi
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Patent number: 5590706Abstract: An electro-mechanical, dual tube and plug device for on-line monitoring of performance losses due to reduced conductivity of a non condensing heat exchanger resulting from micro-bio fouling of the surfaces of said heat exchanger and for detecting change of heat transfer resistance of individual heat transfer tubes. The dual tube and plug assembly includes a first flow assembly tube and a second temperature assembly tube attached to the discharge end of a heat exchanger for providing accurate measurement of temperature and cooling water flow. The first flow assembly tube includes a tube having an inner chamber, including a flow sensor a temperature sensor for measuring discharge water temperature. The second temperature assembly tube plugs the inlet and the outlet of a heat transfer tube immediately adjacent to the flow assembly tube and includes a plurality of temperature sensors in the plugged empty heat transfer tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1995Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Electric Power Research InstituteInventors: John L. Tsou, John F. Garey
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Patent number: 5553661Abstract: A vehicle heating and air conditioning system has multiple zones and a manual comfort selector for each zone. The setting for each zone is adjustable for the effects of sun intensity and sun position. A Global Position System (GPS) navigation system provides heading, longitude, latitude, time and date data from which sun position relative to the vehicle is determined, and solar sensors provide solar intensity information. An empirical table for each zone addressed by sun elevation and relative azimuth contains solar illumination factors which, along with solar intensity factors, afford an adjustment to the comfort settings, thus altering the temperature and/or flow rate of air supplied to each zone. Alternatively, in the absence of a GPS receiver, a magnetic compass is used for heading data, geographic region data is entered manually, and an on-board clock furnishes the time and date.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1995Date of Patent: September 10, 1996Assignee: Delco Electronics CorporationInventors: David G. Beyerlein, Bruce D. Rohn
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Patent number: 5553482Abstract: A leak detector is provided for detecting and indicating a leak opening of seam in a mortar increment container or the like. This will work with porous or non-porous materials. The leak detector includes a plurality of thermistors arranged to sense selective portions of the seam, and a process circuit for receiving respective signals from the thermistors for identifying and displaying a leak condition or a no-leak condition or a bad-thermistor condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1995Date of Patent: September 10, 1996Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Wayne Mathews, William V. Hughes
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Patent number: 5546073Abstract: The electrical current drawn by a drive motor for the compressor unit of a chiller is monitored relative to a real time alarm limit for this electrical current. The real time alarm limit is computed from time to time by a microprocessor. The value of the computed alarm limit will vary with the cooling load being experienced by the chiller's evaporator unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1995Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Paul J. Duff, John P. Larson, Joseph B. Lechtanski
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Patent number: 5539382Abstract: The difference between the temperature of refrigerant leaving the condenser unit of a chiller and the temperature of water leaving the same condenser unit is monitored relative to a real time alarm limit for this temperature difference. The real time alarm limit is computed from time to time by a microprocessor. The value of the computed alarm limit will vary with the cooling load being experienced by the chiller's evaporator unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1995Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Paul J. Duff, John P. Larson, Joseph B. Lechtanski
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Patent number: 5539385Abstract: Refrigerant pressure in the condenser unit of a chiller is monitored relative to a real time alarm limit for the refrigerant pressure. The real time alarm limit is computed from time to time by a microprocessor. The value of the computed alarm limit will vary with the cooling load being experienced by the chiller's evaporator unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1995Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Paul J. Duff, John P. Larson, Joseph B. Lechtanski
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Patent number: 5526871Abstract: A quick connect diagnostic apparatus for the cooling system of a vehicle engine includes first, second and third temperature sensors which are configured to attach to liquid hoses which circulate cooling liquid throughout the engine, the first sensor attaching to a hose directly from the engine, the second and third sensors attaching to input and output hoses, respectively, connected to the radiator. The sensors are housed within a cuff structure which is wrapped around the hoses to detect the fluid temperatures within the hoses. Each sensor is connected to an analyzer which compares the first signal to a temperature threshold signal, compares the first signal to the second signal to generate a first difference signal which is then compared to a thermostat threshold signal, and compares the second and third signals to produce a second different signal which is compared to a radiator threshold signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1994Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Inventors: Marshall R. Musser, George A. Brunermann, Jr.
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Patent number: 5509470Abstract: A U-shaped tube end connector for use on a horizontal shell and tube heat exchanger with the U-shaped tube end connector having close centerline-to-centerline capability and being molded from transparent plastic or cast stainless steel with built in O-ring type sealing gasket that eliminates the need for cumbersome space consuming special clamps by allowing for the bolting of the molded U-shaped tube end connector directly onto the face of a tube sheet on the heat exchanger vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Morris & AssociatesInventor: Gregory T. Bass
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Patent number: 5507356Abstract: Column having integrated heat exchangerA column is described including a column body (1) and at least one heat exchanger (2) installed directly on the column head. This heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger which is specially arranged so that the condensing vapors and the condensate (12) generated on the exchanger surface move in one direction.A further embodiment of the invention relates to a column which contains a column body (1) and at least one plate heat exchanger installed between two trays and/or packing beds within the column, which plate heat exchanger is operated as a condenser and is situated within a collecting vessel (29) open at the top.A third embodiment of the invention relates to a column which includes a column body (1) and at least one plate heat exchanger (2), which is operated as an evaporator, and which is installed within the column between two trays and/or packing beds and/or in the bottom.The column according to the invention is distinguished by a space-saving construction.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1994Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: Hoechst AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter M. Roth, Siegfried Rewitzer
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Patent number: 5501267Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus for heating a cabin of an electric car having reduced electric power consumption is disclosed. An initial setting of the heating operation is that of using a refrigerating cycle 17. An average value of actual electric power consumption using the refrigerating cycle for a predetermined period is calculated. Furthermore, electric power consumption using an electric heater 20 is calculated for obtaining the same heating capacity as that obtained by the refrigerating cycle. A switching of the heating operation from the refrigerating cycle to the electric heater 20 takes place when it is determined that electric power consumption using the electric heater is less than that using the refrigerating cycle 17.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1992Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunio Iritani, Akira Isaji
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Patent number: 5501269Abstract: A housing is provided for an air conditioning condenser of the type providing a fan creating an upward path of air movement through the housing, a heat exchange coil having and inlet and an outlet for connection to a source of hot refrigerant in a refrigerant loop and means for spraying water on the coil. The housing is made of rotomolded plastic and comprises a base, a plurality of identical walls and a top. The base and top are rotocast as a single piece and then cut horizontally with a saw to provide the two pieces. The base includes a U-shaped foot arranged to receive fork lift tines and oriented so the fork lift does not damage the inlet and outlet to the heat exchange coils.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1993Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Inventor: Robert E. Jenkins
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Patent number: 5497825Abstract: A heat-radiator for CPU of a computer, mainly including an air exhaust box, a collection funnel means and a bellows connecting the air exhaust box with the collection funnel means. An air blower and a detector means are disposed in the air exhaust box and connected by a circuit interface board inserted in an interface socket of the computer. The collection funnel means includes a heat-radiating plate located on the CPU, whereby the heat generated by the CPU is conducted through the heat-radiating plate and radiated therefrom to the ambient air and the hot air in the collection funnel means is sucked by the air blower to flow through the bellows and the air exhaust box to be exhausted from the computer housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1995Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: Symphony Group International Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chien-Chun Yu
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Patent number: 5495887Abstract: A temperature control system for a building structure such as a household is divided into a plurality of zones. A controller acts between temperature sensing devices in each of the zones and an adjustable thermostat which allows the desired temperature in the building structure to be selected. The controller allows individual zones to be selected to receive conditioned air and allows one of the selected zones to be designated as a control zone. A heating or cooling decision for the temperature control system for all of the selected zones is made based on the difference between the thermostat setting and the output of the temperature sensing device in the control zone. The control zone can be changed manually to the next available selected zone. Different visual indications are given for the control zone and the selected zones. Zones with faulty temperature sensing devices cannot be control zones or selected zones.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1993Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: Erie Manufacturing (Canada) Co. LimitedInventors: Jerry Kathnelson, Michael S. D. Reid
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Patent number: 5495984Abstract: An energy saving, optoelectronic system provides a means for energizing and deenergizing electrical loads. The system includes a continuous light transmission source and a light receiving circuit that senses a light pattern and, in response, develops a first or a second output signal. The system also includes a gating circuit that receives the output signal. The gating circuit comprises a logic circuit arranged such that the receiving circuit will transmit the second output signal upon receiving a predetermined light signal. The system further includes a power switch that is open in response to an open circuit signal from the gating circuit and is closed in response to close circuit signal from the gating circuit. This system further includes a timing circuit for periodically energizing and deenergizing heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning loads.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1993Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: Novedades Electronicas Internacionales S.A. de C.V.Inventor: Juan Santarriaga
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Patent number: 5494097Abstract: A method and device is provided for regulating or controlling the temperature of an interior, especially for a motor vehicle. An interior temperature regulation mode is provided if an interior temperature sensor and a blowing-out temperature sensor have been connected such that they can operate. A blowing-out temperature regulation mode is provided if only the blowing-out temperature sensor has been connected such that it can operate. Or, a reversionary control mode is provided if no temperature sensor which can operate is present, for which purpose a control and regulating device is correspondingly configured. The control and regulating device can be used for various types of vehicles. A blowing-out temperature regulation mode is also implemented if an open roof is identified in the case of a convertible vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1994Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AGInventors: Wolfgang Straub, Dieter Heinle
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Patent number: 5482209Abstract: A programmable electronic thermostat which utilizes time and temperature pairs. This thermostat utilizes a first display which displays the current status information of the thermostat which includes the current time as well as the current temperature. A second display is incorporated in which the programmed information is included. This second display is located near the programming buttons and displays program information including the day, the period, the start time and the temperature setting. By separating the displays, the thermostat is easier to program and read.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1994Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventors: Edward L. Cochran, Stephen V. Metz