Having Heating And Cooling Capability Patents (Class 165/201)
  • Publication number: 20130098594
    Abstract: A device comprises equipment (101) with a heat source, a cold part (102) relative to the equipment, and a thermal conductor element (103) capable of conducting the heat from the equipment to the cold part. The element (103) is such that, under certain thermal conditions above a given thermal condition, the equipment and the cold part are essentially thermally isolated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Emile COLONGO, Stephane Ortet
  • Publication number: 20130047649
    Abstract: A cooling unit constructed in accordance with one example of the present disclosure includes an outer shell that defines an interior volume. A cooling system cools the interior volume. A temperature sensor senses a temperature within the interior volume. A heating element is disposed within the interior volume. A controller communicates with the temperature sensor and the heating element and activates the heating element based on the temperature satisfying a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Pieter Dirk Berkhout, Joost Moelands
  • Publication number: 20130037251
    Abstract: A liquid cooled thermal control system and method for cooling an imaging system are provided. One imaging system is a computed tomography (CT) system having a detector that is positioned on a detector rail. The detector includes a plurality of detector components. At least some of the detector components are configured to detect x-rays. A liquid cooled thermal control system is provided having cooling channels in thermal communication with the detector rail. The cooling channels have a cooling fluid flowing therethrough to control a temperature of the detector components in response to one or more disturbances that changes a temperature of the x-ray detector. A control module is also provided in the liquid cooled thermal control system to adjust parameters of the liquid cooled thermal control system in response to the disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ashutosh Joshi, Joseph Lacey, Venkatarao Ryali
  • Patent number: 8331143
    Abstract: A memory device is described that provides increased output data to help evaluate data errors from bit line coupling and floating gate coupling during a read operation. Multiple rows, or pages, of data are read to allow an internal or external decoder to evaluate memory cell data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William Henry Radke
  • Patent number: 8332075
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The graphical user interfaces also may be designed to present information that facilitates user understanding of system operations. In certain embodiments, the controllers may allow users to adjust balance point and/or LTCO temperature values. In these embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting the balance point and/or LTCO temperature values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Carmichael, Brian D. Rigg
  • Publication number: 20120298347
    Abstract: There is provided an air-conditioning system in which at least one or some of a plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses are each controllable such that the indoor temperature is maintained between two set temperatures. All the plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses are switched to either one of heating operation and cooling operation on the basis of a temperature difference between the indoor temperature related to an air-conditioning apparatus that is in the first operation mode and a set target temperature and a temperature difference between the indoor temperature related to an air-conditioning apparatuses that is in the second operation mode and an upper temperature limit or a lower temperature limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Maeda, Toshihiro Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20120285942
    Abstract: A refrigerator-oven combination for an aircraft galley food service system includes a housing with a thermally insulated compartment, a heating device for heating the compartment in a heating mode, and a refrigeration device for cooling the compartment in a refrigeration mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: BE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventors: William Godecker, Farzin Kohanloo
  • Publication number: 20120267089
    Abstract: Provided according to one or more embodiments herein are methods, systems and related architectures for facilitating network communications between a wireless network-connected thermostat and a cloud-based management server in a manner that promotes reduced power usage and extended service life of a rechargeable battery of the thermostat, while at the same time accomplishing timely data transfer between the thermostat and the cloud-based management server for suitable and time-appropriate control of an HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: NEST LABS, INC.
    Inventors: ANDREA MUCIGNAT, Oliver Steele, Senthil Supramaniam, Osborne Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Daniel A. Warren, Hugo Fiennes, Jonathan A. Dutra, David Bell, Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rodgers, Ian C. Smith, Grant M. Erickson, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, JR., Joseph E. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20120261109
    Abstract: A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit configured to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The powering circuit has a power extraction circuit configured to extract electrical power from one or more of the plurality of received HVAC control wires up to a first level of electrical power, a rechargeable battery, and a power control circuit. The power control circuit is configured to provide the electrical load power using power from the power extraction circuit and the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Adam Warren, Hugo Fiennes, Jonathan Alan Dutra, David Bell, Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Ian C. Smith, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, JR., Joseph E. Palmer, Grant M. Erickson, Andrea Mucignat
  • Patent number: 8267165
    Abstract: In a vehicular air conditioning apparatus, a connection duct connects a first blower unit having a first blower fan to a side of a casing forming air passages, whereas a second blower unit having a second blower fan, different from the first blower unit, is connected to a lower portion of the casing. By driving the first blower fan and second blower fan simultaneously, air is supplied to a vehicle compartment from the first blower unit and the second blower unit through inside the casing. A controller controls the driving of the first blower fan and the second blower fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Keihin Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyosuke Nanaumi, Mitsufumi Imasawa, Tsunetoshi Kitamura, Junichi Kanemaru, Shinji Kakizaki, Daniel Yelles
  • Publication number: 20120198874
    Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes indoor units including a plurality of use side heat exchangers that exchange heat between air and a heat medium, and a heat medium relay unit having a plurality of heat exchangers related to heat medium. A plurality of pumps deliver the heat medium involved in heating or cooling performed by the plurality of heat exchangers related to heat medium to each passage and circulate the heat medium. A plurality of heat medium flow switching devices perform switching so that the heat medium from a selected passage flows into and flows out of each use side heat exchanger. An expansion tank is connected to a passage alleviates a pressure change caused by a volumetric change of the heat medium, and a pressure equalizing pipe connects each inlet passage or each outlet passage of the heat medium sending devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Yamashita, Hiroyuki Morimoto, Yuji Motomura
  • Publication number: 20120126021
    Abstract: A thermostat and related methods is provided for controlling an HVAC system having one or two separate transformers for supplying power to the HVAC system. The thermostat includes isolation circuitry housed within the thermostat to safely connect to the HVAC control wires and power wire(s) whether the HVAC system has one or two separate transformers without the use of removable jumpers or manual rewiring. The thermostat can include a processor that sends DC signals for turning on and turning off each of the HVAC functions, and an isolator adapted to electrically isolate the processor from the control wires and power wire(s). The isolator can include a transformer, such as a low cost Ethernet transformer. The circuitry can include one or more field effect transistors adapted and arranged so as to open or close an electrical connections between the control and power wires, thereby turning on or off the associated HVAC function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: NEST LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Adam WARREN, Hugo FIENNES, Jonathon Alan DUTRA, David BELL, Anthony Michael FADELL, Matthew Lee ROGERS
  • Publication number: 20120125592
    Abstract: A method is described for identifying faults relating to an HVAC system, such a clogged filter. Sensor data is used to estimate HVAC system efficiency. Trends in system efficiency are then used to identify faults such as clogged filters. The sensor(s) can include one or more of the following types: optical sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, acoustic transducer, humidity sensor, resistive sensor, capacitive sensor, and infrared sensor. The efficiency estimation can also be based on conditions external to the building, such as data from exterior sensors and/or data gathered from third parties such as government or private weather stations. The efficiency estimation can also be based on performance metrics such as the time used to reach a set point temperature. The fault identification includes filtering out non-fault related events. An instrumented air filter for use with an HVAC system is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Michael FADELL, Yoky MATSUOKA, Matthew Lee ROGERS, David SLOO
  • Patent number: 8180493
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a demand limiting controller. The demand limiting controller obtains at least one temperature condition and at least one temperature modification rate associated with at least one respective zone from multiple zones of a confined area. The demand limiting controller determines when to modify a current temperature of the respective zone with respect to an upcoming event by processing the temperature condition according to the temperature modification rate while minimizing the opportunity for all zones to be energized simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Ira Laskow
  • Patent number: 8176971
    Abstract: An earth loop heat transfer system which, in certain aspects, has a heat transfer loop extending down into the earth and having a first portion, a second portion, and a bottom portion at a first level in the earth, heat transfer fluid flowable down to the bottom portion and up therefrom and in the second portion to the earth surface, and valve apparatus in the heat transfer loop for controlling flow of heat transfer fluid; and, in one aspect, such a system combined with a rig useful in well operations for supplying heat transfer fluid for use on the rig, either from a loop or loops with portion(s) in water or portion(s) in earth, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Guy Lamonte McClung, III
  • Publication number: 20120103556
    Abstract: An air conditioning device and a control method of the same are provided. The air conditioning device may include a controller configured to control the air conditioning device based on a control signal input at an input device, in accordance with at least one sleep mode to provide heating or cooling to a designated room at a first operation temperature and a second operation temperature that is higher than the first operation temperature, the first and second operation temperatures being alternately applied multiple times. This may provide a user with an air conditioning function which corresponds to the user's sleeping patterns and provide for a more pleasant sleeping environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Juyoun LEE
  • Patent number: 8151872
    Abstract: Apparatus to control a temperature of a device that includes: a thermal head adapted to be thermally contacted to the device; a combined path to the thermal head; a first path maintained at a first temperature and connected to the combined path; a second path maintained at a second temperature different from the first temperature and connected to the combined path; a third path connected to the combined path; a pump assembly operable to circulate thermal transfer fluid: from the thermal head, through each of the first, second and third paths, from each of the first, second and third paths, through the combined path, and from the combined path, to and through the thermal head; and a valve assembly operable to control amounts of thermal transfer fluid that flow into the first and second paths, thereby controlling the temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Centipede Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas H. Di Stefano
  • Publication number: 20120073797
    Abstract: A battery cooling apparatus for a vehicle comprises a battery mounted in a first line through which cooling air can pass and a PE device mounted in a second line through which cooling air can pass. The first line and the second line are connected in parallel as opposed to in series. With the configuration, it possible to implement the optimal cooling function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Heesang Park, Sangha Kim, Hoseok Jeon, Junmo Ku, Junekyu Park, Junghwan Yun, Hyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20120031605
    Abstract: There are provided a plurality of use-side heat exchangers, inter-heat-medium heat exchangers, heat medium flow path switching devices, which switch flow paths, and pumps, which feed heat media to these paths; the inter-heat-medium heat exchangers heat or cool a heat medium by exchanging heat between the heat medium and a heat source fluid fed from a heat source apparatus. About half of the plurality of use-side heat exchangers are preheated or precooled, and the remaining use-side heat exchangers which are not preheated or precooled exchange heat media with use-side heat exchangers that have been preheated or precooled and that are not yet started to operate, suppressing energy consumed for preheating or precooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Takayama, Yusuke Shimazu
  • Patent number: 8108075
    Abstract: A system and method is presented for providing failsafe control in a control system used for receiving and controlling various object or medium properties in a heating, ventilating or air conditioning system. The control system comprises an HVAC controller, configured to receive failsafe data indicative of a safety related property of an object or medium, and to generate a state indicative of a connection status of a failsafe detector with respect to the HVAC controller. The control system further comprises a non-volatile memory, operably coupled to the HVAC controller and configured to store a connection indication indicative of a connection status of the failsafe detector with respect to the HVAC controller, wherein the HVAC controller is configured to generate a control signal based on satisfaction of a predetermined relationship between the generated state and the stored connection indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: R.W. Beckett Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Bohan, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120006526
    Abstract: A single-pass HVAC systems to isolate zones and to maintain a required clean air quality standard is provided that operates by producing a positive pressure in all zones, while exhausting on a minimal quantity of air required by law. The zones are kept clean by a recirculating fan filter in each zone. The exhaust air is used to exchange heat with incoming air to conserve energy further.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Therapeutic Proteins Inc.
    Inventor: Sarfaraz K. Niazi
  • Patent number: 8051903
    Abstract: A cooling and/or heating device (10, 60) for use in the cooling and/or heating of one or more units (8a to 8c) includes a conduit network containing flow and return conduits (14, 16; 68, 70), with several circuits (12a to 12c; 32 to 38, 74 to 78) connected to the flow and return conduits (14, 16; 68, 70). Valves (28, 88, 96) are located in each circuit and used to regulate or control the volumetric flow through the circuits (12a to 12c; 32 to 38; 74 to 78). A heat transfer medium or coolant circulates through the conduit network, with at least one consuming device disposed in each circuit. Sensors (38) are provided in each circuit (12a-12c; 32-38; 74-78), the sensors (38) sending signals to a control unit and forming part of a control circuit. The control unit adjusts the valves (28, 88, 96) of each circuit as a function of the signals transmitted from the sensors (38) so as to hydraulically balance the individual circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Albert Bauer
  • Patent number: 8054018
    Abstract: A method of constant airflow control for a ventilation system is disclosed. The method includes various controls to accomplish a substantially constant airflow rate over a significant change of the static pressure in a ventilation duct. One control is a constant I·RPM control, which is primarily used in a low static pressure range. Another control is a constant RPM control, which is primarily used in a high static pressure range. These controls requires neither a static pressure sensor nor an airflow rate sensor to accomplish substantially constant airflow rate while static pressure changes. This is because these controls use only intrinsic control variables which are electric current and rotational speed of the motor. Also, the method improves the accuracy of the control by correcting certain deviations that are caused by the motor's current-RPM characteristics. To compensate the deviation, the method adopts a test operation in a minimum static pressure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: SNTech Inc.
    Inventor: Young-Chun Jeung
  • Patent number: 8049592
    Abstract: A network-based lighting equipment remote monitoring and management system is proposed, which is designed for use with a network system to allow the user to carry out monitoring and management tasks on one or more remotely-located lighting equipment systems in a real-time manner via the network system. The proposed system is characterized by the provision of a user-operated network-based real-time monitoring and management function for remotely-located lighting equipment, the capability to provide efficient and cost-effective management in the utilization of lighting equipment for saving energy and cost, and the capability to provide real-time warning of abnormal operating conditions of the lighting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Huan Wang, Shu-Fen Lin, Shiue-Juan Liao, Chun-Hung Huang, Chien-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 8037931
    Abstract: A hybrid heating apparatus heats potable water with waste heat from heat recovery units and insolation from solar collectors. A single circulation pump circulates fluid between at least one heat exchanger and each of the heat recovery units and preferably the solar collector. A single controller receives sensor readings from the heat recovery units and the solar collector units and receives a demand to heat the potable water. To satisfy the demand, the controller determines the extent to which the demand may be satisfied from heat available from the heat recovery units and the solar collector units and sends command signals both to the circulating pump to circulate the fluid and to appropriate ones of valves at connections to those heat recovery units and solar collector units to allow fluid to circulate to be heated to flow to the heat exchanger for effecting heat exchange to heat the potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventors: Krassimire Mihaylov Penev, Gordon Patrick Whelan
  • Patent number: 8037925
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more particularly, to a heat exchanger in which a partition wall integrally formed with a header is fixedly inserted into a partition inserting groove of a tank and it is easy to check leakage of a heat exchange medium between the tank and the partition wall through a leakage checking hole formed in the partition inserting groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Kwang Hun Oh, Hong-Young Lim, Li-Yong Park
  • Patent number: 7974740
    Abstract: An integrated management system for controlling multi-type air conditioners can use a remote integrated management system to securely and automatically back up setting information for a local controller provided in at least one air conditioner system, which is disposed in a room or office and is being operated, thereby allowing an improvement of stability of the integrated management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jun-Tae Kim, Sang-Chul Youn, Duck-Gu Jeon
  • Publication number: 20110120693
    Abstract: This invention is an integrated system comprised of a flat plate, air-to-air heat exchanger, ducting and controls, and an AZFlowâ„¢ direct evaporative cooler in configurations where the system is able to provide air that has been cooled well below the ambient wet-bulb to temperatures approaching the dew point. These include: A) a two stage cooler where one evaporative cooler performs the stage one cooling by direct evaporative cooling, of the ambient air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: AZ EVAP, LLC
    Inventors: Larry L. Kammerzell, Donald L. Kammerzell
  • Patent number: 7946055
    Abstract: A drying apparatus has a casing, a cavity formed in the casing for receiving an object, and a fan located in the casing and creating an airflow. At least one slot-like opening communicates with the fan and is arranged in the casing so as to direct an airflow transversely across the cavity. The slot-like opening is formed between opposing walls which are manufactured from a thermosetting plastics material. By manufacturing the walls of the slot-like opening from a thermosetting plastic material such as melamine, the walls of the slot-like opening can be molded economically instead of machined from metal. The thermosetting plastic material is dimensionally stable when moulded, thermally resistant and impact resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: John Churchill, James Dyson, Peter David Gammack
  • Patent number: 7938174
    Abstract: A temperature controlling apparatus that controls the temperature of a temperature-controlling object is disclosed. The temperature controlling apparatus includes an atmospheric coolant circulating line that circulates a coolant through a cooling path arranged at the temperature-controlling object; a heat transfer plate heater that heats the temperature-controlling object; and a coolant discharge part that discharges the coolant remaining in the cooling path when the circulation of the coolant is stopped. When the temperature of the temperature-controlling object is to be controlled to change from a low temperature to a high temperature, the circulation of the coolant is stopped and the coolant discharge part discharges the coolant remaining in the cooling path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihito Yanagida, Shunji Yamada
  • Publication number: 20110106504
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and program product to synthesize a grass-roots heat exchanger network for hot process streams to be cooled and cold process streams to be heated and to identify optimal topology for future retrofit, are provided. An exemplary system includes a heat exchange network synthesizing computer and heat exchange network synthesizing program product configured to analyze the waste heat recovery problem, without decomposition, to produce a result having a better number of heat exchanger units and/or better waste heat recovery through application of advanced process-to-process matching schemes for both non-constrained and non-thermodynamically constrained problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Mahmoud Bahy Noureldin
  • Publication number: 20110094724
    Abstract: The temperature control circuit, to keep a temperature of an enclosed space within a temperature range, comprises a cooling unit to keep the temperature of the enclosed space below a maximum temperature of the temperature range, a heating unit to keep the temperature of the enclosed space above the minimum temperature of the temperature range, and an indicating unit to indicate whether the temperature is within the temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YONG-ZHAO HUANG
  • Publication number: 20110056673
    Abstract: An air conditioner and a controlling method thereof are provided. The controlling method may include determining an initial operation temperature based on a received external input or setting, cooling or heating a room at the determined initial operation temperature for a preset initial operation time period, and thereafter increasing or decreasing the room temperature at a preset time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Jae Dong JANG, Su Chang WOO, Mi Jin JUNG, Ho Jung KIM, Ju Youn LEE, Choong Hee LEE
  • Publication number: 20110042054
    Abstract: A thermodynamic cycle of refrigeration system for controlling heating and cooling in a room/storage consisting of compressor (1) circulating refrigerant which enters in the compressor (1) as vapor. The vapor is compressed and then exists the compressor superheated, the superheated vapor passes through the condenser (2) which first cools and removes the superheat. The vapor is condensed into a liquid by removing additional heat pressure and temperature by fan (5) across the condenser coil. The warm air in hot room passes through the condenser coil and gets heated up, this heat is absorbed by the products kept in hot room, the said liquid refrigerant goes through the expansion valve (3) when pressure suddenly drops down, flash evaporations takes place. The cold liquid vapor mixture then travels through the evaporation coil (4) and is vaporized by the cooling of the warm air by a fan (6) across the evaporation coil, the refrigerant vapor returns to the condenser inlet to repeat the cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Rajendra Vithal Ladkat
  • Publication number: 20100233763
    Abstract: A device, system, and method are provided for thermally treating a fluid processing device. According to various embodiments, a system is provided that can include a thermal device and a fluid processing device holder. The thermal device can include a first block having a thermal conductivity greater than 0.5 Watt per centimeter Kelvin (W/cm·K), a second block having a thermal conductivity greater than 0.5 W/cm·K, and a heat-pump device disposed between the first block and the second block. The heat-pump device can transfer thermal energy from at least one of the first block and the second block to the other of the first block and the second block. The fluid processing device holder can hold a fluid processing device in a heat-transfer position with respect to the first block and the second block. The fluid processing device can be a microfluidic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: John S. SHIGEURA, Janice G. SHIGEURA, Sean M. DESMOND, David M. COX
  • Publication number: 20100224355
    Abstract: A device for controlling a temperature of a mounting table for mounting thereon a target object includes a first and a second coolant passageway provided at the mounting table, a coolant circulator for circulating a coolant in the first and the second coolant passageway, channels, a coolant temperature controller for raising or lowering the temperature of the coolant, a channel switching unit for connecting, blocking and changing the channels among a first to a fourth port; and a channel controller. Various modes for controlling a temperature of the mounting table can be obtained by combining an ON/OFF state of the heating operation in the coolant temperature controller with ON/OFF states of opening/closing valves in the channel switching unit under the control of the channel controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Masahide IWASAKI
  • Publication number: 20100116484
    Abstract: The temperature control device comprises a heating pathway that heats and circulates the fluid in the temperature adjustment unit, a cooling pathway that cools and circulates the fluid in the temperature adjustment unit, a bypass pathway that circulates the fluid in the temperature adjustment unit without passing the fluid through the heating pathway and the cooling pathway, an adjustment means that adjusts a flow ratio of the fluid that is supplied from the heating pathway, cooling pathway, and bypass pathway to the temperature adjustment unit, and a flow means that flows the fluid in order to circulate the fluid, and wherein a heating unit for heating the fluid is arranged in the heating pathway, and the flow means is disposed downstream from the heating unit along at least one of the pathways for circulating the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicants: CKD CORPORATION, TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Norio KOKUBO, Yasuhisa HIROSE, Kazuhiko KUSAKA, Keiichi NISHIKAWA, Takahiro MINATANI
  • Patent number: 7693591
    Abstract: A zone control panel may be adapted to accommodate a method of verifying communication and/or connections between the zone control panel and one or more thermostats that are electrically connected to the zone control panel. In some cases, the one or more thermostats may be set to a particular state or condition, and the zone control panel may be adapted to sequentially or simultaneously display the particular state or condition of each of the one or more thermostats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Hoglund, Paul G. Schwendinger
  • Patent number: 7664575
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus including a heater or furnace includes a controller for receiving control signals from a thermostat and from a user interface for initiating a contingency mode of operation when a signal from the thermostat is not available. The user interface includes a visual display and multiple keys for entering the contingency mode which includes selecting a capacity of heat output of the apparatus and a duty cycle. The user interface may be disposed in the apparatus cabinet and connected directly to a microprocessor based controller for the apparatus. The contingency mode is automatically aborted if a fault signal is received by the controller, a signal is received from a thermostat or power to the apparatus is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Boydstun, Gordon Jeffrey Hugghins
  • Patent number: 7607475
    Abstract: An apparatus includes heat-generating structure disposed in an environment having an ambient pressure, and a cooling system for removing heat from the heat-generating structure. The cooling system includes a fluid coolant, structure which reduces a pressure of the coolant to a subambient pressure at which the coolant has a boiling temperature less than a temperature of the heat-generating structure; and structure which directs a flow of the liquid coolant at the subambient pressure so that it is brought into thermal communication with the heat-generating structure, the coolant then absorbing heat and changing to a vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Richard M. Weber
  • Patent number: 7574283
    Abstract: A network-based air-conditioning equipment remote monitoring and management system is proposed, which is designed for use with a network system to allow the user to carry out monitoring and management tasks on one or more remotely-located air-conditioning equipment systems in a real-time manner via the network system. The proposed system is characterized by the provision of a user-operated network-based real-time monitoring and management function for remotely-located air-conditioning equipment, the capability to provide efficient and cost-effective management in the utilization of air-conditioning equipment for saving energy and cost, and the capability to provide real-time warning of abnormal operating conditions of the air-conditioning equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Huan Wang, Shu-Fen Lin, Shiue-Juan Liao, Chun-Hung Huang, Chien-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 7565926
    Abstract: A heat exchange method which uses a heat exchange unit for exchanging heat between first and second media to adjust a temperature of the first medium. The method includes (a) a detection step of detecting temperatures of the first and second media to enter the heat exchange unit, and (b) an adjustment step of adjusting a flow rate of the second medium based on the temperatures of the first and second media detected in the detection step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Okada
  • Patent number: 7558648
    Abstract: A zone control panel that is easy and intuitive to use and to program. In some embodiments, a zone control panel may be configured to have an easy to use, single level menu structure with, for example, a configuration mode and/or a checkout mode. The configuration mode may, if present, include a number of menu screens sometimes without any sub-menu levels. Likewise, the checkout mode may, if present, include a number of menu screens sometimes without any sub-menu levels. A mode selector may be provided to select a particular mode, after which, the menu screens that correspond to the selected mode may be sequentially displayed to the user. Other features and aspects are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Hoglund, Paul G. Schwendinger, David J. Arneson
  • Publication number: 20090114381
    Abstract: A modular heat exchange system for use in a central heat exchange installation in buildings, including at least one heat exchange element equipped for exchanging heat between environmental air and a fluid which is conducted through the heat exchange element. The heat exchange element has a predetermined first shape with opposite lateral sides. At least one non-heat-exchange add-on element, equipped for adding a given additional functionality to the system, has a predetermined second shape with a complementary lateral side to one of the opposite lateral sides of the heat exchange element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: MARCEL STROOBANTS
  • Patent number: 7509998
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the temperature and aromatically conditioning the air and surfaces within a bed environment. In preferred embodiments, the invention is a self-contained, forced air bed warmer or bed warmer/cooler and aromatic infuser which pre-heats, pre-cools and infuses aromatic influences into the interior sheets and covers of a bed to provide a controlled micro-environment that facilitates relaxation into restful sleep on cold or hot nights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: James W Rodney
  • Patent number: 7428919
    Abstract: A heat exchanger evaluation system (84) includes a refrigeration subsystem (126) and a platform (94) in communication with the subsystem (126) for attachment of a heat exchanger (32). The system, (84) further includes a thermal imaging camera (168) and a monitor (100). A method (180) entails routing a fluid (38) through the heat exchanger (32) via the refrigeration subsystem (126). The camera (168) detects the temperature variation across the heat exchanger (32) as the fluid (38) flows through the heat exchanger, and provides successive thermal images representing the temperature variation responsive to the flow of the fluid (38). The thermal images are utilized to determine an efficacy of the flow through the heat exchanger (32). In particular, a determination can be made as to whether the flow deviates from a pre-determined flow path (79) of the fluid (38) through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventors: David P. Young, John Allen Coates, James D. Snow
  • Patent number: 7383875
    Abstract: A heating/cooling method, a manufacturing method of an image displaying apparatus, a heating/cooling apparatus, and a heating/cooling processing apparatus, in which the heating and cooling of a substrate can be executed at a high speed are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanao Yoshimura, Takeshi Yakou, Akihiko Komura, Akihiro Kimura, Shigeto Kamata
  • Publication number: 20080110187
    Abstract: An apparatus to control an air conditioner system and a method for controlling the same, in which an operational priority is given to an air conditioner or a ventilation system according to peripheral environment and a season such that the air conditioner and the ventilation system are selectively operated to provide optimum air conditioning environment. The method of controlling the air conditioner system including the air conditioner to cool and heat a room and the ventilation device to perform a ventilation operation includes detecting an outdoor temperature, determining a season by comparing the outdoor temperature with a preset reference temperature, and determining an operational priority relative to the air conditioner and the ventilation device based on the determined season.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Jin HAN, Seung Hee Ma
  • Patent number: 7370691
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger of a plate-type construction having first flow channels for a first medium, each formed by a pair of plates, and having corrugated ribs, around which a second medium flows, arranged between neighboring plate pairs. In order to provide an improved heat exchanger which allows a more compact construction of the plant when used in a heating or air conditioning unit of a motor vehicle, it is proposed that the corrugated ribs and at least one of the neighboring plate pairs form second flow channels for the second medium and the second flow channels have a curved course, so that the second medium undergoes a change of flow direction on flowing through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: BEHR GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Dietrich Klingler, Klaus Voigt
  • Patent number: 7361016
    Abstract: A temperature control assembly for use in etching processes includes a housing, a cooling conduit, fasteners, and a mounting block. The fasteners couple to the housing and operate to associate the cooling conduit, which is formed from a non-corrosive metallic material, with the housing. The mounting block is coupled to the cooling conduit. Also, a method for retrofitting an existing temperature control assembly includes removing an original cooling mechanism, selecting a retrofit cooling conduit formed from a non-corrosive metallic material, coupling fasteners to a housing of the temperature control assembly to associate the retrofit cooling conduit with the housing, and coupling a retrofit mounting block to the retrofit cooling conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher L. Kelley