Humidity Sensor Measures Humidity Of Air In Conditioned Space Patents (Class 165/223)
  • Patent number: 11897313
    Abstract: A method for defogging a window of a vehicle includes steps of automatically selecting a climate control system operating mode and determining a risk of window fogging. The climate control system operating mode is selected from an outside air mode, an air-conditioning mode, and a defrost mode. A controller determines the risk of window fogging according to one or more inputs, and the same or a different controller may automatically select the climate control system operating mode. The controller is configured to increase a climate control system blower speed to increase a rate of airflow provided by the currently-actuated climate control system operating mode. The controller may sequentially advance the climate control system operating mode through the outside air mode, air-conditioning mode, and defrost mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Gutowski, Manfred Koberstein, William Stewart Johnston
  • Patent number: 11796415
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring humidity at a property are disclosed. A monitoring system performs operations including: obtaining, from multiple humidity sensors within the property, humidity data; obtaining occupancy data that indicates whether people are within the property; determining, based on the humidity data and the occupancy data, that humidity in a first area of the property changed more relative to a change in humidity in a second area of the property during a time period when no person was present in the first area and no person was present in the second area; and in response to determining that humidity in the first area changed more relative to a change in humidity in a second area of the property during the time period, providing an indication of a water leak in the first area of the property to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Keane Jonathan Ellis, Gustaf Nicolaus Maxwell Lonaeus
  • Patent number: 11610867
    Abstract: A Light-Emitting Diode (LED) system for facilitating the growth of a plant includes at least one LED array having one or more LEDs for emitting colored light spectra absorbable by a plant, a light detector for detecting light reflected from the plant, and a LED light driver electrically coupled to the at least one LED array and the light detector. The LED light driver receives electrical power from a power source and drives the at least one LED array using the received electrical power; receives from the light detector a signal indicative of the reflected light spectra, and controls the at least one LED array to adjust at least one of the intensities and the spectra of the light emitted from the at least one LED array, based on the received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: 10644137 CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Majid Pahlevaninezhad, Sam Scherwitz, Hamid Pahlevaninezhad
  • Patent number: 11506417
    Abstract: An air handler includes a housing with a heat exchanger core. The housing includes a faceplate, a roof panel, a base panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A first tunnel and a second tunnel are connected to the housing at the faceplate. A septum protrudes from the faceplate and connects the core at a front edge. The air handler further includes a first recirculation path and a second recirculation path inside the housing. The first and second recirculation paths are defined by the septum, the housing, and the core. The first and second recirculation paths are configured to direct a portion of airflow from the first tunnel to the second tunnel. The air handler further includes a first damper and a second damper disposed on the faceplate and configured to obstruct the first recirculation path and the second recirculation path respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ganeson Kandasamy, Yuvaraja Kandasamy, Asit Mahanta, Arul Thangavelu Ekambaram
  • Patent number: 11500545
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a humidity level in a tape library and determining whether the humidity level is in a predefined range indicative of safe operation. In response to determining that the humidity level is in the predefined range, the method includes allowing performance of operations on magnetic recording tapes. In response to determining that the humidity level is not in the predefined range, the method includes preventing performance of the operations on magnetic recording tapes. A drive-implemented method includes detecting a humidity level within a housing of a tape drive and determining whether the humidity level is in a predefined range indicative of safe operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn M. Nave, Lee Jesionowski
  • Patent number: 11406046
    Abstract: An environmental system protects internal components of a data center from condensation due to exposure to outside air. An environmental controller of the environmental system monitors sensor(s) that detect an outside temperature value and an outside humidity value of the outside air and an interior air temperature value of the data center. The environmental controller identifies an external access request to open an access door that exposes heat-generating IT component(s) within the data center to outside air. Based on the outside and the interior air temperature values and the outside humidity value received from sensor(s), the environmental controller determines that a dew point temperature of the outside air is greater than the interior air temperature. In response, the environmental controller increases a temperature set point of the cooling system to a first temperature value that increases the interior air temperature above the dew point temperature of the outside air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark M. Bailey, Tyler B. Duncan
  • Patent number: 11377218
    Abstract: A system includes a primary heat exchanger with a first passage connected to a hot fluid source, a second passage connected to the first passage, and a third passage connected to the second passage and an outlet line. A compressor inlet is connected to the outlet line. A secondary heat exchanger is connected to a compressor outlet. First and second turbines are connected to an outlet of the secondary heat exchanger. A first load heat exchanger is connected to the first turbine. A second load heat exchanger is between the second turbine and a system outlet. A first valve connects the hot fluid source to the second and third passages. A second valve connects the first and second passages with the outlet line. A third valve is between the secondary heat exchanger and the second turbine. A fourth valve is between the first load heat exchanger and the system outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Retersdorf
  • Patent number: 10780761
    Abstract: An inside-outside air switching unit includes a switching member in an inside-outside air case and a drive unit that is configured to operate the switching member. The switching member is configured to open and close an outside-air inlet and an inside-air inlet. The switching member includes a first switching door and the second switching door. The first switching door is configured to be positioned by the drive unit to open the outside-air inlet in the inside-outside air intake mode. The second switching door is configured to be positioned by the drive unit to open the inside-air inlet in the inside-outside air intake mode. The drive unit is configured to move the first switching door to close an inside-outside communication passage, which is defined in the inside-outside case between the outside-air inlet and the inside-air inlet, in the inside-outside air intake mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki Hirata
  • Patent number: 10746424
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a device is configured for use in a climate control system. The device is operable to determine, based on configuration information, whether thermostat functionality of the device is enabled or disabled and whether sensor functionality of the device is enabled or disabled. The device is further operable to operate according to the configuration information. Thus, according to certain embodiments, the device can be configured as a thermostat, a sensor, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Farhad Abrishamkar, Anna Vishinsky, Alan E. Bennett
  • Patent number: 9902505
    Abstract: A preconditioned air unit for supplying preconditioned air to an aircraft parked on the ground, the preconditioned air unit comprising a main unit with a housing accommodating a flow duct with an air inlet for ambient air and an air outlet for connection to the parked aircraft, a blower connected with the flow duct for generation of an air flow from the air inlet toward the air outlet, and a plurality of compartments, each of which is configured for accommodation of a self-contained cooling module comprising at least one refrigeration system, each of which includes at least one compressor, at least one condenser, at least one expansion valve, and at least one evaporator connected in a flow circuit containing a refrigerant, and wherein each compartment is further configured so that the at least one evaporator interacts with the air flow in the flow duct when the self-contained cooling module is installed in the compartment, and wherein at least one self-contained cooling module is installed in the plurality of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: AXA POWER APS
    Inventors: Soren Risgaard Dahl, Bo Vork Nielsen, Henrik Olsson, Lars Schroder
  • Patent number: 9862250
    Abstract: A method and device for influencing a climate in the interior of a motor vehicle, the influence occurring at least as a function of one operating state and/or operating behavior of the motor vehicle ascertained before the influence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Roland Galbas, Volker Hofsaess
  • Patent number: 9861213
    Abstract: A cold food display unit includes a well defining a receptacle, an insert positioned within the receptacle, a refrigeration system, a first cooling air discharge, and a second cooling air discharge. The insert is positioned within the receptacle to form a first cooling air flow path and a second cooling air flow path. The refrigeration system includes a cooling air outlet positioned within the receptacle to provide cooling air to the first and second cooling air flow paths. The first cooling air discharge discharges a first flow of cooling air toward the second side of the well, and the second cooling air discharge discharges a second flow of cooling air toward the first side of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Vollrath Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Goch, Kathleen A. Wollenberg
  • Patent number: 9845966
    Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an air handling unit (AHU) configured to control outdoor air that is externally supplied, exhaust air that is discharged from indoors to outdoors, and return air that is circulated indoors and supplied again, control the outdoor air or mixed air of the return air and the outdoor air at a set temperature, and supply cool/warm supply air indoors, at least one outdoor unit configured to supply a refrigerant to the AHU, a controller configured to control the AHU through communication with the outdoor unit, and an interface unit configured to operate as an input/output unit of the controller. The interface unit displays setting menus for devices forming the AHU, sets basis data for controlling the devices in response to data received through the setting menus, inputs the set basis data to the controller, and outputs a control menu and a monitoring menu in accordance with functions of the AHU changed according to a configuration of the plurality of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Sanghye Son
  • Patent number: 9668490
    Abstract: A vacuum cooling device for the cooling of foodstuff, in particular hot bakery products comprises a vacuum chamber (2) containing a product chamber (7) for receiving the foodstuff for its cooling and a separation chamber (28), a vacuum source (3), such as a vacuum pump which is connected to the separation chamber (28) and a vapor condenser (4) for condensation of vapor generated during the cooling process in the product chamber. The vapor condenser comprises a cooling medium in a sump (11) and comprises a vapor introduction element (8, 9, 10) for introducing the vapor into the cooling medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventors: Ulrich Giger, Florian Bäbler, Kaspar Bäbler
  • Patent number: 9615489
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for providing air to a room is provided. The arrangement comprises a first inlet for taking in air from the room, a first outlet for providing air to the room, a second inlet for taking in air from a space other than the room, the second inlet being connected to the first outlet and a second outlet for exhausting air to the space other than the room; the second outlet being connected to the first inlet. The arrangement further comprises a cooling duct connecting the first inlet and the first outlet, the cooling duct having a cooling module disposed therein for cooling air in the duct and a first flow control module for controlling a first airflow ratio between an exhaust airflow flowing from the first inlet to the second outlet and a cooling airflow from the first inlet to the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: EvoSwitch IP B.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis Albert Zwinkels
  • Patent number: 9581345
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an air inlet configured to receive an inlet airflow. The inlet airflow comprises a process airflow and a bypass airflow. An evaporator unit receives a flow of refrigerant and is cools the process airflow by facilitating heat transfer from the process airflow to the flow of refrigerant. A condenser unit receives the flow of refrigerant and (1) reheats the process airflow by facilitating heat transfer from the flow of refrigerant to the process airflow, and (2) heats the bypass airflow by facilitating heat transfer from the flow of refrigerant to the bypass airflow. The process airflow is discharged via a process airflow outlet and the bypass airflow is discharged via a bypass airflow outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Steven S. Dingle, Marco A. Tejeda, Timothy S. O'Brien, Todd R. DeMonte, Vincent Yu
  • Patent number: 9571986
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and using equipment location in a building management system are provided. Location information is measured by one or more measurement devices at a physical location of building equipment. The measured location information is used to automatically determine the physical location of the building equipment in or around a building. The location of the building equipment is integrated with an architectural model of a building served by the building equipment and a graphical visualization of the integrated model is generated. The location of the building equipment can be used to automatically associate the building equipment with other building equipment or with a building zone, to automatically generate control parameters and control algorithms, and/or to generate an augmented reality display of the building equipment in the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Donald A. Gottschalk, Troy A. Goldschmidt, Christopher Brophy
  • Patent number: 9528752
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pressure control in a vegetable room of a refrigerator, and particularly, to a vegetable room of a refrigerator in which pressure is controlled according to vegetable, fruit, and mixture modes. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vegetable room of a refrigerator in which different pressures are applied according to vegetable, fruit, and mixture modes such that each pressure corresponds to storage conditions of storage items such as vegetable and fruit stored in an airtight state therein, whereby each storage item is maintained with optimal freshness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Ahreum Park, Dullae Min, Moongyo Jung
  • Patent number: 9429334
    Abstract: A heating ventilation and cooling system includes a cooling source and/or a heating source, and a controller. The cooling and/or heating sources are configured to respectively cool and heat an enclosed space. The controller is configured to receive an apparent temperature set point. The controller is further configure to operate the cooling and/or heating sources to maintain an absolute air temperature that is different from the apparent temperature set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Castillo, Bobby DiFulgentiz, Tom Kerber, Doug Young
  • Patent number: 9060497
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for brooding or growing poultry, wherein eggs of the first 3-5 layings of young animals, preferably hens younger than 29 weeks, usually starting from about 26 weeks, are collected and are hatched together, directly after hatching the hatched chicks are provided in crates with about 10-500 animals arranged in stacks in an incubator chamber, in which incubator chamber food and drinking are provided to each crate and the temperature, humidity, CO2 level and flow rate of air are controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Hatchtech Group B.V.
    Inventor: Tjitze Meter
  • Publication number: 20150129192
    Abstract: A vehicle climate control system. An air conditioner and heater are operatively connected to a controller and control the temperature of the cabin area of a vehicle. A processor, operatively connected to the controller, determines the amount of time for an operator of the vehicle to travel between their location and the location of the vehicle. The processor determines an amount of time required to adjust the temperature of the cabin area of the vehicle to a selected temperature by using one of the air conditioner and the heater. The processor automatically operates one of the air conditioner and the heater to begin adjusting the temperature of the cabin area to the selected temperature when the amount of time required for the operator to travel between their location and the location of the vehicle is less than or equal to the amount of time required to adjust the temperature of the cabin area vehicle to the selected temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Andrew R. Jones, Charles S. Lingafelt, Kevin C. McConnell, John E. Moore, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150021005
    Abstract: An HVAC system controller has at least one processor configured to monitor at least one of a first humidity and a first temperature of a first air volume sensed by a first sensor and at least one of a second humidity and a second temperature of a second air volume sensed by a second sensor, configured to calculate an environmental metric, and configured to determine whether mixing the first air volume with the second air volume can cause the environmental metric to conform to a first threshold requirement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Trane International Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph George Land, III
  • Publication number: 20140216706
    Abstract: An improved humidity control sensor is provided that cost effectively allows for a more efficient operation of a refrigerator by using two temperature sensors to determine ambient conditions of a room housing the refrigerator. Based on the two temperature sensor measurements, the humidity control sensor may e.g., use a processing device to efficiently control a heating element in thermal communication with an exterior surface of the refrigerator's cabinet to prevent condensation from forming on that exterior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: John Eldon Melton, Brent Alden Junge, Vineeth Vijayan
  • Publication number: 20140048609
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the temperature and humidity of warehouses are disclosed. The method includes: installing a detecting module in a cartridge, transporting the cartridge to a plurality of storages of the warehouse by a transmission assembly so as to measure the temperature and humidity of each of the storages by the detecting module, transmitting the measured results to a control unit by a wireless network, and dynamically monitoring the temperature and humidity of the warehouses according to the measured results by the control unit. The method and the system not only control and adjust the temperature and humidity of each of the storages of the warehouses in time, but also reduce detection cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO, LTD.
    Inventors: Zenghong Chen, Chunhao Wu, Kunhsien Lin, Xiande Li, Yongqiang Wang, Weibing Yang, Minghu Qi, Zhenhua Guo, Yunshao Jiang
  • Patent number: 8590801
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature and humidity of ambient air entering an air supply unit at conditions falling within an atmospheric window to produce optimal temperature and humidity conditions inside a paint booth. The system includes a humidity control loop and a temperature control loop. The humidity control loop monitors the humidity within the paint booth, and directs the temperature control loop to increase the temperature within the paint booth when humidity therein is above a set value. The temperature and humidity within the paint booth are thus maintained within an optimal window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryan Moran, Mike Sakich
  • Publication number: 20130176675
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a substantially closed space with recirculation air having at least one cooling unit which includes a heat exchanger with a primary set of ducts and a secondary set of ducts, each set of ducts having an in- and outlet. The unit includes a controller to control an operation of the unit, and a sensor to provide a sensor signal representative of a parameter of the unit. The controller is arranged to derive a control signal from the sensor signal, whereby the unit includes a control signal output for outputting the control signal to another unit and a control signal input for receiving a control signal from another unit, the controller being arranged to control the operation of the unit in response to the control signal and the control signal from another unit as received at the control signal input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: DEERNS RAADGEVENDE INGENIEURS B.V.
    Inventor: Thomas Ferdinand Willem Hundertmark
  • Patent number: 8312918
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting low levels of humidity (i.e. less than 10%) inside an automotive vehicle is provided whereby the total absolute humidity inside the vehicle is determined by multiplying the number of occupants in the vehicle by an absolute humidity factor to obtain a total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants. The absolute humidity outside the vehicle is added to the total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants to arrive at a total vehicle cabin absolute humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Trevor Burns, Junichi Kanemaru
  • Patent number: 8297526
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting low levels of humidity (i.e. less than 10%) inside an automotive vehicle is provided whereby the total absolute humidity inside the vehicle is determined by multiplying the number of occupants in the vehicle by an absolute humidity factor to obtain a total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants. The absolute humidity outside the vehicle is added to the total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants to arrive at a total vehicle cabin absolute humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Trevor Burns, Junichi Kanemaru
  • Patent number: 8209059
    Abstract: In an energy efficient building, a thermostatic controller receives temperature and humidity input signals indicative of an inside, outside and air mass buffer. According to one or more algorithms, the thermostatic controller controls the operations of various actuators, such as blower speed, a fresh air intake vent damper, an exhaust vent and a heat pump, so as to adjust the internal climate of the energy-efficient building towards a control point (e.g., an inside temperature and humidity comfort level).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Zeta Communites, Zero Energy Technology & Architecture
    Inventor: John Stockton
  • Patent number: 8172154
    Abstract: A detection and monitoring method and system which makes it possible to detect the presence of moisture problems when they manifest as abnormal humidity in one or more discrete ventilation zones within a building envelope. The abnormal humidity can then be investigated and resolved or mitigated to minimize the potential for building damage or adverse occupant health effects occur. The present invention provides an early warning system that will alert personnel of the occurrence of a moisture problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Donald A. Figley, Chase R. Figley, Sarah A. Figley, Curtis M. Figley
  • Patent number: 7958740
    Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioner provided with an inside air-conditioning unit introducing at least one of inside air and outside air, adjusting the state of the introduced air, and blowing it out into the vehicle compartment, where an air-conditioning electronic control device judges if window glass is liable to fog up based on a window glass surface relative humidity near the window glass in the compartment (degree of ease of fogging). When it is judged that the window glass is liable to fog up, the inside air-conditioning unit is controlled to prevent the window glass from fogging up in defrost control, while when it is judged that the window glass is resistant to fogging, the inside air-conditioning unit is controlled to introduce at least inside air into the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Hirai, Takuya Kataoka
  • Publication number: 20100307731
    Abstract: An air-conditioning control system (1) includes: an air conditioner (10) having an outer air cooling coil (11) for cooling outer air and a return air cooling coil (12) for cooling return air in a room; a central heat source device (40) for supplying cold water to each coil (11, 12) of the air conditioner (10); and an air-conditioning linkage controller (50) for calculating a set value of the air conditioner (10) so that the total necessary consumption energy in the air-conditioning control system (1) is the minimum value within a preset range of a comfort index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Kenzo Yonezawa, Yasuo Takagi, Nobutaka Nishimura, Yuuichi Hanada, Naoki Makino, Hiroshi Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20100212879
    Abstract: Methods of providing dehumidification control in unoccupied spaces are disclosed. An illustrative method can include the steps of providing a controller having an away mode of operation adapted to provide dehumidification within the interior space of a building or room, providing one or more system components adapted to control the humidity and/or temperature within the interior space, initiating the away mode of operation within the controller, and operating the one or more system components for at least one cycle to reduce the humidity within the interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Schnell, Heidi J. Finch, David A. Schultz, Cary Leen, Patrick C. Tessier, James Grenkoski
  • Patent number: 7690421
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting low levels of humidity (i.e. less than 10%) inside an automotive vehicle is provided whereby the total absolute humidity inside the vehicle is determined by multiplying the number of occupants in the vehicle by an absolute humidity factor to obtain a total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants. The absolute humidity outside the vehicle is added to the total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants to arrive at a total vehicle cabin absolute humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Trevor Burns, Junichi Kanemaru
  • Publication number: 20090261175
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for the heat storage of foodstuffs, provided with an aperture for taking foodstuffs out of the interior (T) of the apparatus and for setting them in the interior (T) of the apparatus, adjusting devices (4) for adjusting the relative humidity and temperature of air located in the interior (T) of the apparatus, said adjusting devices comprising at least one air moisturizing unit (2) provided with an essentially horizontal water reservoir (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: PORKKA FINLAND OY
    Inventors: Juha KAUPPINEN, Paavo SAVELIUS
  • Patent number: 7600561
    Abstract: A method for air conditioning a motor vehicle, in which, in a heating mode, the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle is heated via a passenger compartment heat exchanger (5) through heat pump operation of a refrigerating circuit (1). To prevent fogging of the windows of the motor vehicle from the outset, the temperature and humidity in the passenger compartment are recorded by measurement technology, and when the temperature is in a predefined range and the atmospheric humidity reaches a defined threshold, the mass flow of refrigerant in the circuit is throttled upstream of the passenger compartment heat exchanger (5), in such a manner that the moisture contained in the air stream passing the passenger compartment heat exchanger (5) is at least substantially condensed at the passenger compartment heat exchanger (5), and the moisture which has already condensed at the heat exchanger (5) remains at the heat exchanger (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Roland Caesar, Jan Gaertner, Juergen Wertenbach
  • Publication number: 20080173438
    Abstract: The dehumidifier uses an all-plastic air-to-air heat exchanger together with an integral chiller to cool the incoming air to remove water vapor, and then exchange heat with incoming air to cool the incoming air and re-heat the outgoing air. The degree of dehumidification and the temperature of the outgoing air can be controlled by varying the speed of a variable speed fan so as to provide varying degrees of cooling as well as dehumidification. A programmable controller can be used to operate the dehumidifier automatically, either together with a humidistat and thermostat, or in accordance with a predetermined time profile for the conditioned space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Building Performance Equipment Inc. (a Delaware Corporation)
    Inventor: Klas C. Haglid
  • Patent number: 7392838
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a vehicle HVAC system to automatically defog a windshield glass and to prevent fogging or condensation of the windshield glass. The ambient air temperature and vehicle speed are measured and used to determine a windshield glass temperature. The in-cabin air temperature and relative humidity are measured and used to determine a dewpoint. An dewpoint margin is calculated to compensate for sensor accuracy and fog predictability. A fog margin, which is based upon calculated windshield glass temperature and dewpoint, is calculated and used, in conjunction with the dewpoint margin, to control the HVAC system to anticipate potential fogging conditions and to scale the intensity of the HVAC system response based upon the severity of fogging conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Errington, Junichi Kanemaru
  • Patent number: 7340907
    Abstract: An anti-condensation control apparatus for a refrigeration device generally includes a sensor module and a control module. The control module receives an input from the sensor module and compares the input to a set point. The control module generates an output indicative of a difference between the input and the set point and updates the output based on the input from the sensor module. A heater modulator controls a heater based on the output from the control module to maintain a temperature of the outer surface of a refrigerated device such that relative humidity adjacent the sensor module is substantially between 90-95 percent relative humidity, or slightly above dew point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Computer Process Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard P. Vogh, III
  • Patent number: 7281669
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a defined environment for particle-shaped samples, comprises a support element with a rest end for a particle-shaped sample and an apparatus for generating a humid gas flow at a mouth end thereof. The mouth end is directed to the rest end. A gas provider provides gas having a first dew-point temperature. A cooler cools the gas to a cooler temperature under condensation of moisture to adjust a second dew-point temperature of the gas. A guide guides the gas with the second dew-point temperature to the mouth end, preventing condensation of moisture from the gas. A controller adjusts the relative humidity of the gas at the mouth end by adjusting the cooler temperature and adjusting the temperature of the gas at the mouth end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Proteros Biostructures GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Neuefeind, Reiner Kiefersauer, Holger Venzke, Martin Still
  • Patent number: 6957696
    Abstract: A method and controller for controlling the operation of a zoned climate control system including a primary heat source, a secondary heat source, a cooling unit, and a humidifier unit. The controller is configured to receive both heating demand signals and cooling demand signals from a plurality of zone thermostats positioned throughout the residence. Upon receiving a heating demand signal, the controller operates the primary heat source to provide heat to the zone issuing the heating demand signal. The controller determines whether the primary heat source satisfies the heating demand signal within a maximum heating period. If the heating demand is not satisfied within this period, the controller activates the secondary heat source to supplement the heat being supplied by the primary heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Mark J. Krumnow
  • Patent number: 6843068
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using humidity level to adjust the temperature set point of an HVAC system for increased occupant comfort. In one illustrative embodiment, the temperature set point for the inside space is moved downward when the humidity of the inside space rises above a predetermined humidity set point threshold value. In warm climates, this causes the air conditioner of the HVAC system to be activated, which lowers the temperature of the inside space to a new lower temperature set point. In some embodiments, the HVAC system retains the new lower temperature set point for a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may be dependent on a number of factors, including whether the space is expected to occupied or unoccupied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Paul C. Wacker
  • Patent number: 6715540
    Abstract: The air heating capability of an indoor heat exchanger is limited to set the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger to a first predetermined temperature Tel or lower during heating. Thereby, fogging is prevented through re-evaporation of the condensed water in the indoor heat exchanger during heating within an air-conditioning apparatus with a hot water heater core using hot water as the heat source and the heating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Kobayashi, Yasushi Yamanaka, Yoshitaka Tomatsu, Satoshi Itoh, Motohiro Yamaguchi, Satoshi Izawa, Yoshiaki Takano, Toshitaka Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6575233
    Abstract: A method utilizing a controller for controlling the operation of a zoned climate control system including a primary heat source, a secondary heat source, a cooling unit, and a humidifier unit. The controller is configured to receive both heating demand signals and cooling demand signals from a plurality of zone thermostats positioned throughout the residence. Upon receiving a heating demand signal, the controller operates the primary heat source to provide heat to the zone issuing the heating demand signal. The primary heat source is a radiant heating system. The controller determines whether the primary heat source satisfies the heating demand signal within a maximum heating period. If the heating demand is not satisfied within this period, the controller activates the secondary heat source to supplement the heat being supplied by the primary heat source. The secondary heat source is a forced air HVAC system which also includes the cooling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Mark J. Krumnow
  • Patent number: 6431268
    Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of an air distribution fan and the operation of a motorized outside air damper of an air conditioning system, having heating and/or cooling and/or humidifying and/or dehumidifying operating modes. The system includes a fan recycling control for periodically energizing and de-energizing an air distribution fan in an air conditioning system in order to operate the air distribution fan for a first selectable time period after a second selectable time period from the end of the last operation of the air distribution fan. The last operation of the air distribution fan could have been due to the heating or cooling or humidifying or dehumidifying or constant fan modes of the air conditioning system, or due to fan operation initiated by the fan recycling control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: University of Central Florida
    Inventor: Armin Rudd
  • Patent number: 5934987
    Abstract: A device and method for controlling air conduction in a vehicle includes an air conduction element. The air conduction element is controlled as a function of the moisture in the vehicle interior, intermediate positions of the air conduction element being possible between a maximum proportion of circulating air and a maximum proportion of fresh air. In this way, the proportion of fresh air is increased only gradually when there is a high pollution impact if the interior moisture does not exceed a maximum moisture value .PHI..sub.max. Control of the moisture in the vehicle interior increases the comfort of the vehicle occupants. A circulating-air dryer makes it possible, in principle, to continue in circulating-air operation for an unlimited period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Wilhelm Baruschke, Alexander Boehlendorf, Markus Flik, Oliver Kaefer, Hans Kampf, Karl Lochmahr, Tilo Rinckleb, Dieter Schmadl
  • Patent number: 5887651
    Abstract: A space comfort system controls humidity in a space by applying heat to air recirculated to the space when the humidity is excessive and cooling of the air is not required. In a preferred embodiment, the call for heat occurs from the time the humidity increases to a level above a differential band within which is the humidity set point until humidity falls to below the differential band. Heat is applied to the air only when there is no demand for cooling of the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5850968
    Abstract: An air conditioning system with temperature and relative humidity sensors connected to a computerized control system. The control system acts on preselected stored data to turn on the air conditioning system to maintain the environment within a selected comfort zone. Air flow through finless coils and a preset damper enter a constant speed blower to an air duct. The air in the ducts remains over the dew point. In an alternative arrangement a coil with fins as well as a coil without fins is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Teppo K. Jokinen
  • Patent number: 5675979
    Abstract: A controller for a climate control system has a relative humidity sensor as well as a dry-bulb temperature sensor within the enclosure. The humidity value is used in conjunction with the dry-bulb temperature to generate an enthalpy error signal which is a function of both the dry-bulb temperature and the relative humidity values. This permits robust control of both enclosure temperature and enclosure humidity without abnormal cycling of the climate control system. Instead of using a sensor which directly measures the enthalpy, the enthalpy can be synthesized from the relative humidity and dry-bulb temperature within the enclosure. Alternately, the sensed and set point enthalpy values can be synthesized from any two thermodynamic properties of the moist air within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Dipak J. Shah
  • Patent number: 5651498
    Abstract: A space heating system with a controllable air humidification capability calculates a theoretical value for the temperature of the interior surface of the space's windows. The system controls humidity in the space to a level just below that at which water will condense on the window surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Meyer, T. Michael Tinsley