Insulation And Temperature Modifier Within Barrier Member Patents (Class 165/136)
  • Patent number: 11842819
    Abstract: A method for replacing a cesium trap includes freezing the cesium trap which partially contains cesium and is located within a shielded cell and. The cesium trap is then decoupled and removed from the shielded cell. A second cesium trap is inserted into the shielded cell and attached to the shielded cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: TerraPower, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Corbin, John E. Truax
  • Patent number: 11821409
    Abstract: An environmental aspect control assembly is configured to control one more environmental aspects. The environmental aspect control assembly may include at least one aspect-controlling portion formed of one or more environmental aspect-controlling materials, and at least one shape-changing actuator operatively connected to the aspect-controlling structure(s). The shape-changing actuator(s) is configured to have a first actuator shape at a first temperature and a second actuator shape at a second temperature that differs from the first temperature. The first actuator shape causes the aspect-controlling structure(s) to form a first structural shape. The second actuator shape causes the aspect-controlling structure(s) to form a second structural shape that differs from the first structural shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sesinando P. Macaraeg, Frederick T. Calkins
  • Patent number: 11452402
    Abstract: A supply device for one or more beverage-dispensing machines (1a, 1b) is provided, having a holding space for the insertion of at least two storage containers (5a, 5b) for liquid foods, in particular milk, which storage containers can be connected to the one or more beverage-dispensing machines by food lines (4a, 4b, 4a?, 4b?). The supply device (2) has a cooling device (10) for the temperature control of liquid foods contained in the storage containers to a specifiable target temperature. A thermally conductive, in particular metal, contact surface (8a, 8b) is provided for each of the food containers (5a, 5b), which contact surface is in thermally conductive contact with a thermally conductive outer wall (7a, 7b), in particular bottom surface, of the storage container in question when the storage container is installed, in order to cool the contents of the storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Franke Kaffeemaschinen AG
    Inventors: Mariano Turi, Heinz Vetterli
  • Patent number: 10667951
    Abstract: Eye masks and associated processes are disclosed herein. These masks and associated processes may involve positioning a mask over the eyes and nearby glands of a user and applying heat and/or moisture. This treatment may provide therapeutic benefits, including therapy of Meibomian gland disease and other sources of dry eye. Other physical benefits can also include mechanically gently holding eyelids closed and promoting relaxation and reduction of stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Nicole Kyongnan Renaud
  • Patent number: 10506795
    Abstract: A practice apparatus for use in training a horse and rider for equine barrel racing. The practice apparatus is a barrel that uprights itself when tilted from a vertical position toward a horizontal position. The barrel has an internal assembly with a stretchable section that connects the barrel to a ground loop. This stretchable section allows for limited stretching of the internal assembly when the barrel is tilted whenever it is hit by a horse or its rider during practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Tommie C. Gipson
  • Patent number: 10501918
    Abstract: Disclosed is a washstand cabinet. The washstand cabinet includes a washstand having a water supply valve and a washing bowl in which water is accommodated, a housing provided under the washstand to define an external shape thereof and having a modular space therein, and an air-conditioning module configured to discharge air outward from the housing or to move air into the modular space inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jinhyeon Jeon, Inhyung Yang
  • Patent number: 10358778
    Abstract: A temperature controlled structure assembly comprises an array of structural panels each including at least one channel formed therein. At least one channel of each of the structural panels is aligned with at least one of the channels of an adjacent one of the structural panels to form a continuous channel extending through the array of the structural panels. At least one functional panel overlays the array of structural panels and is exposed for contact with a user. At least one heat exchanging element is disposed within the continuous channel and configured to exchange heat with the at least one functional panel in order to heat or cool the at least one functional panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Gregory Theodore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10286494
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a core barrel according to the embodiment includes: welding one end part of a short ring to a lower core support plate; and machining the lower core support plate to which the short ring is welded. The machining of the lower core support plate includes forming a placement surface on which the fuel assembly is to be placed; and forming a fuel alignment pin hole, in which a fuel alignment pin for positioning the fuel assembly is to be inserted. After the machining of the lower core support plate, a main body barrel is welded to the other end part of the short ring, where the main body barrel covers the reactor core including the fuel assembly to be placed on the placement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Akira Yamamoto, Yoshiaki Ono, Daiki Maruyama
  • Patent number: 10160543
    Abstract: An active cooling panel apparatus comprises a first surface including a thermally conductive material, a second surface generally parallel with the first surface, and at least one separator separating the first surface and second surface and defining a fluid flow channel between the first surface and the second surface, the fluid flow channel guiding fluid to flow from an inlet port, through the fluid flow channel, and out through an outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Siebe Schootstra, Martijn Klok, Edwin Ludovicus Johannes Jacobus Linders, Marcus Michael Cornelis Jaspers
  • Patent number: 10117778
    Abstract: A goggle lens is revealed. The goggle lens includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a protective film connected to either the first surface or the second surface. The protective layer is a multi-layer structure formed by a silica composite film layer, a first zirconium dioxide film layer, a first silica film layer, an indium tin oxide (ITO) film layer, a second zirconium dioxide film layer and a second silica film layer in turn. Thereby harmful light such as blue light, infrared light, etc. is blocked by the protective film and ultraviolet light is also absorbed by the protective film for protecting user's eyes from damages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Wei-Xian Lai
  • Patent number: 10077917
    Abstract: A fan coil unit is provided including a cabinet formed from a plurality of panels. A fan assembly is configured to circulate air through the cabinet. A heat exchanger assembly is positioned within the cabinet. The heat exchanger assembly includes at least one heat exchanger coil arranged in a heat transfer relationship with the air circulating through the cabinet. An inner surface of at least one of the plurality of panels is partially lined with an elastomeric foam insulation so that the air circulating through the cabinet does not contact the portion of the at least one panel lined with the elastomeric foam insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Amick, Alice R. Walker, Kevin Mercer, Frank J. David, Merle D. Sears, Shafi N. Khan, Barry W. Lee, Christine Cantwell
  • Patent number: 9523532
    Abstract: A glycol pan chiller is combined with a gas range system to allow for convenient cooking and chilled food storage. A disclosed glycol pan chiller system comprises a first food cooling area 110 cooled by glycol contained within a glycol void area 130, the void area defined within an inner liner 160. Under normal conditions, the glycol will remain stationary within the inner liner and will be chilled by a Freon line 140 contained within the glycol void area. A second food cooling area is cooled by use of glycol or other fluid contained within the glycol void area. The second food cooling area does not require the use of a separate Freon cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Hector Delgadillo
  • Patent number: 9325223
    Abstract: A linear motor cooling structure includes an inflow section for inflow of cooling water, an outflow section for outflow of the cooling water, and a flat plate cooling section which includes an inflow opening for inflow of the cooling water from the inflow section, an outflow opening for outflow of the cooling water to the outflow section, and a flow path which makes the cooling water which has flowed in from the inflow opening flow through an inside thereof and flow out from the outflow opening, wherein the inflow section, the flat plate cooling section, and the outflow section are connected, and the inflow section and the inflow opening communicate with each other and also the outflow opening and the outflow section communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Shinohira, Doutaro Usui, Takashi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 9325222
    Abstract: A linear motor cooling structure for cooling a coil constituting a driving section of a linear motor includes a flat plate cooling section which forms a flow path for cooling water for cooling the coil in an inside between a plurality of flat plate members by overlapping the plurality of flat plate members, wherein the flat plate cooling section includes an inflow opening for inflow of the cooling water and an outflow opening for outflow of the cooling water, which are respectively provided at both ends thereof, and the flat plate cooling section comes into close contact with the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Shinohira, Doutaro Usui, Takashi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 9016327
    Abstract: A pipe assembly for a district heating network, comprising a first pipe, a second pipe and, surrounding the first pipe, a first insulating layer arranged to reduce heat transfer from the first pipe outwards in a radial direction, the first pipe being arranged for a first heat transfer medium flow and the second pipe being arranged for a second heat transfer medium flow. The pipe assembly comprises a heat transfer device arranged to transfer heat from an outer surface of the first insulating layer to the second pipe, and a second insulating layer arranged to reduce heat transfer from the heat transfer device and the second pipe outwards in the radial direction, the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer device being substantially better than the thermal conductivity of the first insulating layer and the thermal conductivity of the second insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Sampo Humalainen
    Inventor: Sampo Humalainen
  • Patent number: 8875778
    Abstract: The present invention is a geothermal heat exchanger with a first exchanger, being a return loop inside a geothermal well. The first exchanger is provided for circulating a refrigerant for harvesting heat from the ground surrounding the geothermal well by conduction and convection. A second exchanger, also placed within the geothermal well, is formed from material with high heat transfer coefficient, and also adapted to harvest heat from the ground surrounding the geothermal well by conduction and convection. The first exchanger is completely encased within the second exchanger, and the second exchanger is placed in direct contact with ground surrounding the geothermal well. The outer walls of the first exchanger abut inner walls of the second exchanger along an entire length of the second exchanger. The first exchanger is a copper pipe, and the second exchanger is a housing made of non-ferrous metal with a high thermal diffusivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Thermodynamique Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Marois
  • Patent number: 8833435
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a heat sink assembly are described. The assembly includes a two-phase heat sink, a condenser, and a pump. The two-phase heat sink may include flow micro-channels that accommodate the flow of boiling coolant and cross-connect channel(s) that at least partially equilibrate a pressure field for the boiling coolant. The condenser receives coolant from the heat sink and removes heat. The pump drives coolant through the assembly. In one aspect, the assembly is a closed system for the coolant. In another aspect, the condenser includes first and second plates and a heat exchange surface there between. Coolant flows from the heat sink and through the plates. The gaseous coolant passes the heat exchange surface. In one aspect the gaseous coolant flows opposite to the direction coolant flows. In one aspect, at least one of the plates includes dummy channel(s) for insulating part of the plate(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Pipeline Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Determan, Scott W. C. H. Lee, Abel Manuel Siu Ho, Seri Lee
  • Patent number: 8800641
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a temperature differential between a component and a source of heat is described. The apparatus includes a micro-truss structure having a plurality of nodes and members which define a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is operable for attachment to the component. The apparatus further includes a skin material attached to the first surface of the micro-truss structure such that the skin material is operable for placement between the heat source and the micro-truss structure. The skin material defines at least a portion of a fluid flow path through the micro-truss structure. A skin material is not utilized with certain configurations of the micro-truss structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Alan Jon Jacobsen, Stephen Edward Lehman, Geoffrey P. McKnight, William Bernard Carter
  • Patent number: 8701426
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing loss of a cooling fluid from a boiler in an aircraft by incorporating an absorber material is provided. In some aspects, an apparatus may include a base section, a top section, a cooling fluid, and an absorber material disposed in the base section. The absorber material may be configured to retain the cooling fluid therein. The apparatus may further include a barrier disposed between the base and top sections. The barrier may be configured to retain the absorber material in the base section while allowing the cooling fluid to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Frank E. Mills
  • Patent number: 8662149
    Abstract: A cryogenic fluid vaporizer using ambient air comprising a conduit through which the fluid is passed having an outer finned tubular sleeve which includes a thermal insulation barrier between the conduit and the outer finned tubular sleeve. A fan may be included to provide an increased rate of heat transfer from the air to the outer surface of the fins of the tubular sleeve. The combination of the externally finned area and the insulating thermal barrier prevents the information of ice or frost on the exterior surface of the fins during the transfer of heat from the ambient air to the cryogenic fluid providing a frost-free cryogenic ambient air vaporizer for continuous operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Robert E. Bernert, Jr., Robert E. Bernert, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20130340983
    Abstract: An improved vent ice prevention method including introducing a cold vent stream into a first conduit, wherein at least a portion of the first conduit is concentric with a second conduit, thereby producing an annular region, introducing a hot vent stream into a third conduit, and wherein the third conduit is in fluid connection with the annular region, thereby preventing the first conduit or the second conduit from forming ice. The cold vent stream is a cold compressor seal vent stream. The hot vent stream is a warm compressor seal vent stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Air Liquide Process & Construction, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Ellis, Huy Minh Pham
  • Patent number: 8590603
    Abstract: An aircraft heat exchanger that exchanges heat between fluid, like air, to be warmed and a medium, like a liquid, to be cooled has a first path that encounters the fluid to be warmed and carries the medium at a first temperature. A second path carries the medium at a second temperature adjacent to the first path. An insulation gap is disposed between the first path and the second path so that heat exchange between the first and second path is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Wilmot
  • Patent number: 8534345
    Abstract: The present invention provides a housing having an aperture adapted to receive a heat transfer unit. The heat transfer unit attaches to the housing and directs a heat transfer sleeve into the housing. The heat transfer sleeve also provides an aperture adapted to receive a beverage. The heat transfer sleeve stores a heat transfer material including but not limited to a fluid, gel, or other substance that can be heated or cooled depending upon the desired effect on the beverage. The removable heat transfer unit releasably attaches to the housing for removal of the unit to heat or cool the heat transfer material for use in affecting the temperature of the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Koolio, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus French, Barbara French, Jeffrey Haynes, Joyce Hurd
  • Patent number: 8511335
    Abstract: A heat transfer reduction apparatus and method for an article is disclosed that includes a first surrounding sidewall having a first base and an opposite first closure. The first sidewall, base, and closure all define a first interior, wherein a portion of the first sidewall is in contact with a first portion of the article. Also, a second surrounding sidewall that has a second base and an opposite second closure. The second sidewall, base, and closure all define a second interior, wherein a portion of the second sidewall is in contact with a second portion of the article. Further, a moldable insulating material is disposed within the first and second interiors. The first and second sidewalls form a separable clamshell interface to one another forming about the article first and second portions. Also included is structure for retaining the first and second sidewalls to one another at the clamshell interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Teresa G. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8381798
    Abstract: A micro fluid device includes a heating unit and a cooling unit, each with piping disposed within. The heating and cooling units are integrally coupled together, and fluid flows into the piping of respective units. A temperature control device includes a heat insulator which has a through hole equal in diameter to the piping disposed within the heating unit and cooling unit. The heat insulator is interposed between heating unit and the cooling unit. A positioning mechanism positions the heat insulator to bring the piping into communication with the through hole at the time of coupling the heating and cooling units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Fujiwara, Mamoru Fujisawa, Yoshiyuki Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 8365551
    Abstract: A vacuum insulator for portions of the refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator appliance is provided. The vacuum insulator can be applied to the suction line leading to the refrigerant compressor, the capillary tube leading to the evaporator inlet, and/or the capillary tube—suction line heat exchanger. An outer insulating layer is used to create a vacuum that serves to insulate the intended portion of the refrigeration cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Joseph Hanley, Martin Christopher Severance, Karthick Srinivasan, John Alexander Gardner
  • Patent number: 8329352
    Abstract: A heat exchanging element adapted to a fuel cell system includes a plurality of heat exchanging units and a fixing unit. The heat exchanging units are arranged to be spaced apart from one another along a first direction. The fixing unit fixes the heat exchanging units. Each of the heat exchanging units is demarcated into a first part and a second part extending from the first part by the fixing unit. A thermal conductivity coefficient of each of the heat exchanging units is higher than that of the fixing unit. The fixing unit is configured to slow heat conduction between the heat exchanging units. The heat exchanging element improves a heat recovery efficiency of the fuel cell system. In addition, two kinds of fuel cell systems using the above-mentioned heat exchanging element are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Young Green Energy Co.
    Inventors: Cheng Wang, Ching-Po Lee, Chih-Cheng Chou
  • Patent number: 8322029
    Abstract: A composite interface and methods of fabrication are provided for coupling a cooling assembly to an electronic device. The interface includes a plurality of thermally conductive wires formed of a first material having a first thermal conductivity, and a thermal interface material at least partially surrounding the wires. The interface material, which thermally interfaces the cooling assembly to a surface to be cooled of the electronic device, is a second material having a second thermal conductivity, wherein the first thermal conductivity is greater than the second thermal conductivity. At least some wires reside partially over a first region of higher heat flux and extend partially over a second region of lower heat flux, wherein the first and second regions are different regions of the surface to he cooled. These wires function as thermal spreaders facilitating heat transfer from the surface to be cooled to the cooling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Keith F. Fogel, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Roger R. Schmidt, Robert E. Simons
  • Publication number: 20120152610
    Abstract: Ventilated heat shields and methods are disclosed. The ventilated heat shield can use varying patterns of insulating material with ventilation regions arranged in one or more two-dimensional (2D) and/or three-dimensional (3D) patterns to provide thermal insulation and air channels that allow for dissipation of heat and the inflow of cooling air. The ventilated heat shield can be used in applications where two surfaces are required to be in very close proximity or contact with each other to reduce the transfer of heat from one surface to the other. An example application for the ventilated heat shield is in a vehicle braking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNIVISTA, INC.
    Inventors: T. Alan Keahey, James P. Lill
  • Patent number: 8033017
    Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing an evaporator for a loop heat pipe system including a condenser, a vapor transport line, and a liquid transport line, and more particularly, to a method of manufacturing an evaporator for a loop heat pipe system which provides a simple manufacturing process capable of improving a contact state between a sintered wick and a heating plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignees: Zalman Tech Co., Ltd., Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporate Collaboration
    Inventors: Chul-Ju Kim, Min-Whan Seo, Byung-Ho Sung, Jung-Hyun Yoo, Jee-Hoon Choi, Jae-Hyung Ki
  • Patent number: 7977411
    Abstract: The invention involves composite materials containing a polymer foam and an aerogel. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability, good acoustic insulation, and excellent physical mechanical properties. The composite materials can be used, for instance, for heat and acoustic insulation on aircraft, spacecraft, and maritime ships in place of currently used foam panels and other foam products. The materials of the invention can also be used in building construction with their combination of light weight, strength, elasticity, ability to be formed into desired shapes, and superior thermal and acoustic insulation power. The materials have also been found to have utility for storage of cryogens. A cryogenic liquid or gas, such as N2 or H2, adsorbs to the surfaces in aerogel particles. Thus, another embodiment of the invention provides a storage vessel for a cryogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, James E. Fesmire, Erik S. Weiser, Jared P. Sass
  • Patent number: 7967062
    Abstract: A composite interface and methods of fabrication are provided for coupling a cooling assembly to an electronic device. The interface includes a plurality of thermally conductive wires formed of a first material having a first thermal conductivity, and a thermal interface material at least partially surrounding the wires. The interface material, which thermally interfaces the cooling assembly to a surface to be cooled of the electronic device, is a second material having a second thermal conductivity, wherein the first thermal conductivity is greater than the second thermal conductivity. At least some wires reside partially over a first region of higher heat flux and extend partially over a second region of lower heat flux, wherein the first and second regions are different regions of the surface to be cooled. These wires function as thermal spreaders facilitating heat transfer from the surface to be cooled to the cooling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Keith E. Fogel, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Roger R. Schmidt, Robert E. Simons
  • Patent number: 7934537
    Abstract: A liquid receptacle for rapidly lowering the temperature of a liquid contained therein to a warm range suitable for human contact and maintaining the liquid in the warm range for an extended period of time includes an inner vessel with an open upper end and a closed lower end and a wall connecting the upper and lower end. An insulated outer shell is spaced from the inner vessel to define an interstitial chamber between the inner vessel and the outer shell. A phase change material occupies the chamber and regeneratively absorbs thermal energy from the liquid to cool the liquid and then releases the thermal energy back to the liquid to maintain the temperature of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: J. Bruce Kolowich
  • Publication number: 20100212860
    Abstract: A method for modifying the processing capabilities of a container. The method includes providing a container that defines a cavity and comprises a wall. The wall defines at least a portion of the cavity and has thermal energy transfer characteristics. At least one of the thermal energy transfer characteristics comprises a first value. Changing the first value of the one thermal energy transfer characteristic to a second value for at least a first portion of the wall, the second value being different from the first value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: David D. Rule
  • Patent number: 7685715
    Abstract: A method for modifying the processing capabilities of a container. The method includes providing a container that defines a cavity and comprises a wall. The wall defines at least a portion of the cavity and has thermal energy transfer characteristics. At least one of the thermal energy transfer characteristics comprises a first value. Changing the first value of the one thermal energy transfer characteristic to a second value for at least a first portion of the wall, the second value being different from the first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: KILR-CHILR, LLC
    Inventor: David D. Rule
  • Patent number: 7631595
    Abstract: A milk pasteurizing unit having a force fluid convection chamber which is adapted to hold a milk product mass therein. There is an ejection nozzle which is in communication with a pressurization device such as a pump which forcefully ejects a nozzle over a separator plate which separates the milk product mass from a direct heat source such as a combustion chamber. The force convection of the milk prevents scalding of the same and allows for a more rapid heat transfer from the heat source to the milk product mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Daritech, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan DeWaard
  • Patent number: 7621318
    Abstract: An exhaust path and a heated portion such as an air duct of an internal combustion engine are connected to each other by a heat pipe. A heat pipe working fluid (water) vaporized by the heat of the exhaust gas in a heat receiving portion of the heat pipe is condensed in a heat discharging portion of the heat pipe and heated in the heated portion by the heat of the exhaust gas. An outer cylinder is formed around the casing of the heat pipe, and the exhaust path and the heated portion are connected to each other through heat insulating members, while at the same time supporting the heat pipe body through heat insulating members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignees: Exxonmobile Research and Engineering Co., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ramesh Gupta, Yoshihiro Iwashita
  • Patent number: 7547331
    Abstract: A reformer installation for generating a hydrogen-rich product gas from a hydrocarbon-containing fluid, includes a housing having an interior, at least one reformer zone disposed in the interior of the housing and at least one feed line leading to the housing. A thermally insulating heat shield causes a reduction of an operating temperature in the at least one reformer zone by 50% to take at least 8 hours and preferably causes a reduction of the operating temperature in the at least one reformer zone by 20% to take at least 8 hours. This improves the cold start performance of the reformer installation, since the reformer installation is prevented from cooling off too quickly. That is particularly advantageous for the use of reformer installations of this type in automobile construction, since those kinds of reformer installations are activated again and again at certain intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventor: Rolf Brück
  • Publication number: 20090044930
    Abstract: A valley shield operable as a noise, fluid, and heat barrier is provided for use with an engine assembly having an engine block with two cylinder banks defining an interbank valley therebetween, and two cylinder heads secured thereto. The valley shield has a unitary body including a base with two laterally spaced side portions extending angularly outward therefrom. The body is configured to pressably fit into place proximate to the valley, between the two cylinder banks, and be secured therein by the cylinder heads. The base is oriented immediately adjacent to the interbank valley and is contoured to define an air pocket therebetween. Each lateral side portion includes a flange extending laterally therefrom to directly engage with the perimeter of the interbank valley, providing an acoustic seal therebetween. The base defines two longitudinally displaced trough portions each defining drain holes and configured to allow for gravitational evacuation of fluid therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gary J. Hazelton, Iain J. Read
  • Patent number: 7389852
    Abstract: An integrated heat exchanger and muffler unit (50,120,140) is provided for transferring heat between a first fluid and a second fluid, and for muffling the noise of the first fluid. The unit includes a housing (52) including a first inlet (60) for the first fluid, a first outlet (62) for the first fluid, a second inlet (64) for the second fluid, and a second outlet (66) for the second fluid. The unit (50,120,140) further includes a resonator (76) in the housing (52) and connected between the first inlet and outlet (60,62) to muffle noise in the first fluid, and a heat exchanger core (11,122) in the housing (52) connected to the first and second inlets and outlets to transfer heat between the first and second fluids. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger core surrounds the resonator. In another embodiment, the resonator surrounds the heat exchanger core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark G. Voss, Liping Cao, Gregory A. Mross
  • Patent number: 7267697
    Abstract: A fuel reforming system includes an inlet device for a reactor having a housing defining a frustoconical interior region having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A tube mixer having a helical divider may be optionally employed to transfer fluid into the inlet opening. A retention member is placed at each of the openings and a plurality of particles is contained within the frustoconical interior region between the retention members. An insulator placed between the outlet opening and the catalyst reaction surface minimizes temperature non-uniformities over the catalyst surface area, which preserves the catalyst contained within the reaction surface and prevents premature onset of the reaction prior to contact of a reactant mixture with the reaction surface. As a reactant fluid material passes through the inlet device it forms a homogenous reactant fluid material which then flows onto a catalytic reaction surface to form a reformate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Bart Viola, Changsoo Kim, Calvin K. Koch
  • Patent number: 6889751
    Abstract: A low volume, high capacity latent heat storage device is achieved in a construction including a salt case (12) with an optional outer jacket (10) surrounding the salt case (12) in spaced relation thereto to define an insulating space (14) between the two. Inlet and outlet conduits (38), (42), (44), (46), extend from the exterior of the outer jacket (10) to the interior of the salt case (12) and at least one tube (20) is located within the salt case and has a plurality of straight, parallel runs (21) defining a matrix with an exterior and a phase change material is sealed within the tube (20). The tube runs (21) inwardly of the matrix exterior are in a regular or equilateral polygonal pattern with each run (21) abutting a plurality of adjacent runs (21) and each run (21) at the exterior of the matrix additionally engaging the salt jacket (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Henry Lukas, Charles G. Gasper, Jeffrey A. Logic, Scott R. Larrabee, C. James Rogers, Mark G. Voss, Alan P. Meissner, B. Joseph Fietkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20040079517
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for managing heat stress by both controlling the core body temperature of an individual and facilitating hydration. The system provides cooling to an individual through means of a liquid coolant such as water which is circulated by a pump through a heat exchanger to a heat exchange garment. The liquid coolant passes through the heat exchange garment where it extracts heat, increasing in temperature as a result of heat removed from the individual wearing the garment. The liquid coolant is then returned to the heat exchanger where it is again cooled. The cycle is then repeated. A drinking outlet provides a means for hydrating the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Med-Eng Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Bueley, Pierre Voisine, John Charles Tutton, Robert David Watters
  • Patent number: 6675880
    Abstract: A high temperature air heater including a heat transfer conduit located in higher temperature gas. The heat transfer conduit is made up of a heat transfer pipe through which the air to be heated flows and a refractory protective pipe covering the heat transfer pipe. A clearance is provided between the heat transfer pipe and the refractory protective pipe. The clearance makes it possible to accommodate the differences in thermal expansion between the heat transfer pipe and the refractory protective pipe to prevent damaging the refractory protective pipe, thus extending the service life of the high temperature air heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding Company Limited
    Inventors: Masao Namba, Kenzo Miura, Yoshitada Tomoyasu, Hidehiro Kiuchi, Yasuaki Harada, Teruo Urayama, Kazuo Shimamura, Norio Tezuka
  • Publication number: 20030094266
    Abstract: A cabinet has an inner roof portion and an outer roof portion above the inner roof portion. A solar shield is above the outer roof portion. A heat exchanger has a first portion that absorbs heat. The first portion of the heat exchanger is located between the inner roof portion and the outer roof portion. The heat exchanger has a second portion that rejects heat. The second portion of the heat exchanger is located between the outer roof portion and the solar shield. The heat exchanger has a heat pipe for transferring heat between the first passage and the second passage. The heat pipe includes an evaporator that absorbs heat from the heated air and a condenser that rejects heat to the cooled air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Brian D. Fritsch
  • Publication number: 20030070798
    Abstract: A heat sink for a rectifier which has two heat sink plates, multiple blind holes defined in the beat sink plates. Multiple assembly diodes each corresponding to one of the blind holes and multiple metal plates each received in the bottom of one of the blind holes and under the bottom of the nail connector. After the metal plates, diode chips and the nail connectors are placed in the blind hole of the heat sink plate, an insulating plate is filled into the blind hole to secure the location of the nail connector and the metal plate, such that because the contraction coefficient of the diode chip during the cooling process increases, the water filtration and particle contamination are avoided. Furthermore, the heat dissipation efficient of the rectifier is increased as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Min Shih
  • Patent number: 6394176
    Abstract: A motor vehicle combined heat exchanger has a tube bank linked to two manifolds and divided into an oil cooler having tubes for oil, and a condenser having tubes for a cooling fluid. The two types of tubes are different and possess respective hydraulic diameters related by the following inequality: 0.8 mm2≦DHa×DHb≦3.00 mm2 where the hydraulic diameter (DH) of a tube is defined by the formula DH=4S/P, in which S designates the area of the internal cross-section of the tube (expressed in mm2) and P the internal perimeter, or “wet perimeter”, of the tube (expressed in mm).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Christian Marsais
  • Patent number: 6367544
    Abstract: A thermal jacket is provided for reducing the rate of condensation of moisture during subambient operation of a cooled heat sink. The thermal jacket includes a bonding layer positioned in substantially surrounding and overlying relation to the cooled heat sink, at least one porous layer positioned in substantially surrounding and overlying relation to the bonding layer, a barrier layer positioned in substantially surrounding and overlying relation to the at least one porous layer; and a sealant layer positioned in substantially surrounding and overlying relation to the barrier layer. A method of forming the thermal jacket on the surface of the heat sink is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Thermal Corp.
    Inventor: Douglas P. Calaman
  • Publication number: 20010004933
    Abstract: A roll for thermal and mechanical treatment of a web-shaped product, for example paper, comprising
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Heinz-Michael Zaoralek
  • Patent number: 6185742
    Abstract: A cool garment includes an inner, flexible liner including at least one pocket, a pouch for holding a phase change material having a melting/freezing temperature between 50-60° F. held in the pocket, an outer metalized skin for reflecting heat away from the wearer of the cool garment and a non-glare coating on the metalized skin to reduce or prevent potentially dangerous reflection of high intensity light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Brian Doherty