Responsive To Temperature Patents (Class 165/247)
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Publication number: 20090078783Abstract: A heating and cooling system operates in a supplemental heating mode or a supplemental cooling mode. In supplemental heating mode, the system carries water from a hot water supply of the water heater to a heat exchanger within an air passage in the furnace to heat the building. In the supplemental cooling mode, the system carries cool water from a cool water storage tank to the heat exchanger within the furnace to assist in cooling the building.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Robert D. Cuppetilli
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Publication number: 20090056929Abstract: An inline duct supplemental heating and cooling device provides heated and/or cooled air to a room in a building to supplement the heating provided by the existing furnace or the cooling provided by the existing cooling unit in the building. The device includes an electric heater and fan that are activated and deactivated individually by a controller, which receives room temperature data from a thermostat. The device may include one or more separate safety devices to prevent overheating of heater air or of the device itself. Optionally, a vibration-insulating sleeve may be used to couple the device to an existing ventilation duct of the building.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: ERIVATIONS, INC.Inventor: Eric P. Mulder
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Patent number: 7497252Abstract: A modular apparatus for active heat exchange involving continuous atomization of chilled or heated fluid droplets, droplets projection, and formation of fluid film on a large surface for reciprocal two way heat transfer with circulating air. A closed, pleated, corrugated, thin-wall, heat conductive chamber (1) provides the large surface for formation of fluid film and separation between fluid and air offering short and rapid heat conductive path between fluid and air. An axial blower (11) integrated with the heat exchanger module provides re-circulation of air where the heat exchanger module (28) is situated. The modular heat exchanger (28) or multiple of which is integrated with other components such as a refrigeration unit (37), a heating element (25), and a central fluid reservoir (23) in which fluid is pre-chilled or preheated in the application of air conditioning and heating.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Inventor: John Yenkai Pun
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Publication number: 20090032235Abstract: Fan coil thermostats can provide energy savings by, for example, operating a fan coil system more efficiently. Fan coil systems employing such a fan coil thermostat may be more energy efficient. A fan coil system may include a fan coil that is configured for fluid communication with a source of heated fluid and/or a source of cooled fluid, a valve that controls fluid flow through the fan coil and a fan that blows air across the fan coil. The fan coil thermostat may include a controller that implements a control algorithm that calculates an error percentage value relating to a temperature difference between the current temperature and the temperature set point. The error percentage value may include a proportional term related to the temperature difference and an integral term related to the temperature difference. The controller may regulate the fan speed in accordance with the calculated error percentage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Daniel J. Sullivan, Levi H. Geadelmann, Paul Wacker
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Publication number: 20090032236Abstract: Fan coil thermostats can provide energy savings by, for example, not unnecessarily running a fan for longer than necessary or at a higher speed than necessary. Fan coil systems employing such a fan coil thermostat may be more energy efficient. A fan coil system may include a fan coil, a valve that controls fluid flow through the fan coil and a fan that blows air across the fan coil. The fan coil thermostat may include a controller that implements a control algorithm that may include an Auto fan speed mode. The controller may be programmed to permit a user to manually select a fan speed setting using the user interface. In response, the controller may initiate a timer, and may automatically return to the Auto fan speed mode once the timer expires.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Levi H. Geadelmann, Daniel J. Sullivan
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Patent number: 7398821Abstract: A system and method for cooling and heating of buildings comprising an integrated assembly of devices, including a variable speed air handler, hot water heating coil, outside air damper, controller, and optional compressor-based air conditioner. During the summer the system utilizes nighttime outside air for cooling and uses air temperature predictions to provide information about optimal control settings and to maintain comfort. During the winter the system varies airflow with heating demand and ventilates with outside air to maintain indoor air quality.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Davis Energy GroupInventors: Leo I. Rainer, David A. Springer
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Patent number: 7366588Abstract: A method and system for efficiently managing indoor air through cooperation between a mobile device and a stationary air conditioner. The system may include at least one stationary air conditioner and at least one mobile assistant device that move with a predetermined management area and cooperates with the air conditioner. The air conditioner may include an air quality improving unit improving a value of a predetermined air quality index into an appropriate range, a first forced flow unit generating a main flow to transport improved air toward the abnormal region, and a control unit controlling the air quality improving unit and the first forced flow unit to perform a main operation on the abnormal region and transmitting a command instructing the assistant device to perform an assistant operation on the abnormal region to the assistant device.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jay-woo Kim, Dong-kwan Kim
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Patent number: 7337838Abstract: A plant for tempering a building, including an energy storage unit formed by ground heat exchangers coupled in parallel and each including a heat insulated leg and a non-insulated leg in thermal contact with surrounding soil. The heat exchangers are included in a circulating circuit for a circulation fluid which includes a circulation pump and room temperature keeping devices. The energy storage unit has a continuously varying temperature in a depth direction from a cold end to a warm end. The flow direction in the ground heat exchangers is controlled by a reversing valve such that for a warm keeping function, circulation fluid is received from the warm end and for a cool keeping function, circulation fluid is received from the cold end.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Lowte ABInventor: Ove Platell
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Patent number: 7272945Abstract: A system for detecting at least one environmental condition in a room. The system includes one or more detecting devices having a sensor configured to detect the at least one environmental condition and to display the detected at least one environmental condition. The system also includes one or more reader devices configured to image the one or more detecting devices and a controller configured to communicate with the one or more reader devices. The controller is operable to control the one or more reader devices and to receive the images from the one or more reader devices. In addition, the controller is configured to determine the at least one environmental condition based upon the images of the one or more detecting devices. The system further includes a memory accessible by the controller, and the controller is configured to store the at least one environmental condition in the memory.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Cullen Edwin Bash, George Henry Forman, Chandrakant D. Patel
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Patent number: 7261241Abstract: A system for regulating the temperature of multiple areas within a facility using multiple energy savings devices (ESD) that each regulate the temperature of individual rooms or areas within a facility having a central heating and cooling plant. The device includes a fan and thermostats to control the temperature in each room. A first thermostat is located within the energy savings device to activate a fan only when a baseboard-heating element, cooling element or conduit provides a pre-selected sufficient temperature level range to activate a fan. Another thermostat is located remotely in each room and communicates to each ESD to deactivate the fan when the temperature in any room exceeds or is less than the desired temperature level. The desired temperature level may be higher or lower than a main thermostat setting that controls the central heating and cooling plant, in accordance with a heating or cooling mode, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Inventor: Anthony B. Eoga
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Patent number: 7191826Abstract: A fan motor speed control system for controlling the fan motor speed of an air conditioning system includes a power output circuit including a power triac which is turned on and off by an opto-isolator connected to a pulse generator circuit for varying an AC voltage waveform imposed on the fan motor. The pulse generator circuit is connected to heating and cooling ramp circuits and a minimum speed circuit to provide a variable voltage signal imposed on the pulse generator circuit corresponding to the temperature difference sensed by a return air sensor and a heating or cooling sensor or by separate heating and cooling sensors disposed adjacent respective heating and cooling heat exchangers of the air conditioning system. An adjustable minimum speed circuit and a cutoff circuit are provided to control motor minimum speed or motor shutoff when a predetermined minimum speed is reached to prevent motor bearing failure or overheating.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Hoffman Controls Corp.Inventors: Howard P. Byrnes, Walter William Bowman
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Patent number: 7178346Abstract: A constant temperature refrigeration system for extensive temperature range application comprising a refrigerator, a low-temperature heat exchanger, a medium-temperature heat exchanger, a high-temperature heat exchanger, a pump, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a third solenoid valve, a temperature sensor, a power regulator, a controller and a plurality of heaters, the temperature sensor is utilized for determining the working fluid temperature and compare the actual input temperature, the actual output temperature and the predetermined temperature, and the controller is utilized for switching the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve and the third solenoid valve for conveying the fluid to flow through various heat exchangers so that the working fluid is heated or cooled, with the result being that the working fluid temperature outputted is to reach the predetermined temperature, so as to acquire the working fluid having the exactly and precisely predetermined low temperature (?40° CType: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Eh Dih Huang, Wen Ruey Chang
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Patent number: 7114555Abstract: A device for sensing at least one environmental condition in a data center. The device includes a chassis, a propelling mechanism, a power supply, a steering mechanism, and a controller supported on the chassis. The chassis also supports at least one environmental condition sensor and is operable to travel through the data center and sense at least one environmental condition at various locations throughout the data center.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Chandrakant D. Patel, Ratnesh K. Sharma, Cullen E. Bash, Abdlmonem H. Beitelmal
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Patent number: 7114556Abstract: A heat exchange system that can accommodate a high power integrated circuit chip for burn-in temperature stressing includes a heat sink having a chip engaging surface that is adapted to engage a surface of the chip. A liquid layer fills a heat exchange gap between the surface of the chip and the chip engaging surface of the heat sink. The liquid layer provides a low thermal resistance juncture between the chip engaging surface of the heat sink and the surface of the chip, which allows for greater heat transfer therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Micro Control CompanyInventors: Harold E. Hamilton, Tom A. Tremmel
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Patent number: 7013968Abstract: A cooling system is configured to supply individually metered amounts of cooling fluid to heat generating components, e.g., processors, micro-controllers, high speed video cards, disk drives, semi-conductor devices, and the like, of an electronic system. The cooling system includes at least one variable speed fan, e.g., blower, configured to supply fluid through a centralized plenum and thereafter through a plurality of nozzles to the components of the electronic system. Each of the nozzles contains a valve to control the amount of fluid flow through the each of the nozzles. A controller is provided to control the operation of the variable speed fan and the operation of each of the valves is also controlled by a controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Abdlmonem H. Beitelmal, Chandrakant D. Patel
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Patent number: 7000412Abstract: A constant temperature refrigeration system for extensive temperature range application comprising a refrigerator, a low-temperature heat exchanger, a medium-temperature heat exchanger, a high-temperature heat exchanger, a pump, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a third solenoid valve, a temperature sensor, a power regulator, a controller and a plurality of heaters, the temperature sensor is utilized for determining the working fluid temperature and compare the actual input temperature, the actual output temperature and the predetermined temperature, and the controller is utilized for switching the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve and the third solenoid valve for conveying the fluid to flow through various heat exchangers so that the working fluid is heated or cooled, with the result being that the working fluid temperature outputted is to reach the predetermined temperature, so as to acquire the working fluid having the exactly and precisely predetermined low temperature (?40° CType: GrantFiled: June 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Eh-Dih Huang, Wen-Ruey Chang
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Patent number: 6994158Abstract: System and method for reducing temperature variation among components in a multi-component system. In this respect, component temperatures are controlled to remain relatively constant (approximately within 5° C.) with respect to other components, while allowing for multiple fluctuating heat loads between components. A refrigeration system possessing a variable capacity (speed) compressor and an electronic valve is utilized to control the flow of refrigerant through the refrigeration system. The temperature of the components is reduced by metering the mass flow rate of the refrigerant cooling the components to compensate for the heat load applied to the refrigeration system.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Abdlmonem H. Beitelmal, Cullen E. Bash, Chandrakant D. Patel
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Patent number: 6945324Abstract: The invention relates to a controlling method of the discharge of coolant medium, and more particularly to a controlling method of the discharge of coolant medium in the heat exchange wind box. By mainly controlling the discharge of coolant medium in the heat exchange wind box, it is able to directly control the volume of discharged coolant medium that supplies the circulation need of the heat exchange tube according to the variations of the target volumes of environmental heat energy in the freezing and air-conditioning area. Therefore, it increases the operation efficiency of the freezing and air-conditioning equipment and achieves the heat balance stability of the freezing and air-conditioning area. Furthermore, by saving the circulated volume of the coolant medium, it achieves the energy saving objective.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Cohand Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kuo-Liang Weng
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Patent number: 6904968Abstract: A cooling system is configured to supply individually metered amounts of cooling fluid to heat generating components of an electronic system. The cooling system includes at least one variable speed fan configured to supply fluid through a centralized plenum and thereafter through a plurality of nozzles to the components of the electronic system. Each of the nozzles contains a valve to control the amount of fluid flow through the each of the nozzles. A controller is provided to control the operation of the variable speed fan and the operation of each of the valves is also controlled by a controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Abdlmonem H. Beitelmal, Chandrakant D. Patel
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Patent number: 6828528Abstract: A control circuit for a vehicle seat having at least one heating element and at least one fan is provided. The control circuit includes a two-pole switch having two synchronously actuated switch elements. The switch elements are operatively connected to the heating element and the fan to operate the heating element and the fan in a first operating mode wherein only the heating element is active, and a second operating mode wherein both the heating element and the fan are active. When two heating elements are employed, the two heating elements are connected in parallel by the switch elements in the first operating mode and are connected in series by the switch elements in the second operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AGInventors: Stefan Stöwe, Michael Seifert, Alexander Eilez
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Patent number: 6827142Abstract: An apparatus providing effective control of fluid temperature to achieve temperature control precision of ±0.1° F. at flow rates exceeding five gallons/minute includes a hot and a cold reservoir of process fluid maintained at their desired temperatures by a high-accuracy industrial chiller and an industrial heater, respectively. A control valve mixes fluid from the reservoirs to produce a precisely controlled stream of process fluid delivered to the point of usage. Another flow control valve maintains system flow at a precise value.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Innoventor Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Gary Winkler, Jere Poteat
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Publication number: 20040210283Abstract: An apparatus for supplying liquid to a heat exchanger for body temperature control for a human or animal comprises an inlet port for receiving liquid from a heat exchanger for body temperature control and for passing the liquid to a temperature conditioner to condition the temperature of the liquid. A pump is provided for pumping liquid from the temperature conditioner to the heat exchanger. The apparatus includes a sensor for sensing a parameter indicative of a condition of the liquid, for example, flow rate, pressure or temperature, and a controller for controlling the pump in response to the parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Joseph Lorney Rose, Lucien Potvin, Kevin Semeniuk
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Patent number: 6802369Abstract: A control system for a refrigerator quick chill and thaw system comprises an electronic controller coupled to the operable components of a modular air handler for producing a convective airstream in a sealed pan for rapid chilling and safe thawing. The controller is configured to operate the air handler to execute a chill mode when selected by a user, operate the air handler to execute a thaw mode when selected by a user, adjust the air handler components for the selected chill mode or thaw mode, and maintain a constant temperature airstream in the pan to execute the selected chill mode or the thaw mode. Adaptive chill and thaw algorithms are executable by the controller in response to user input and temperature conditions inside the sealed pan.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Martin M. Zentner, Wolfgang Daum
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Publication number: 20040182564Abstract: A chip temperature sensor includes a support member, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), and signal leads. The support member is slidably mountable within a heat sink bore of a burn-in oven heat exchange system and includes first and second ends, a socket formed in the first end, a bore extending from the socket through the second end, and a flange positioned between the first and second ends. The RTD is seated in the socket and includes a chip contact surface that is raised relative to the first end. The RTD is configured to produce a temperature signal that is indicative of a temperature at the chip contact surface. The signal leads are attached to the RTD and extend through the bore of the support member and out the second end of the support member. A heat exchange system that includes the above-described chip temperature sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: Micro Control CompanyInventor: Tom A. Tremmel
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Publication number: 20040123982Abstract: A constant temperature refrigeration system for extensive temperature range application comprising a refrigerator, a low-temperature heat exchanger, a medium-temperature heat exchanger, a high-temperature heat exchanger, a pump, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a third solenoid valve, a temperature sensor, a power regulator and a controller, the temperature sensor is utilized for determining the working fluid temperature and compare the actual input temperature, the actual output temperature and the predetermined temperature, and the controller is utilized for controlling the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve and the third solenoid valve for conveying the fluid to flow through various heat exchangers so that the working fluid is heated or cooled, with the result being that the working fluid temperature outputted is to reach the predetermined temperature, so as to acquire the working fluid having the exactly and precisely predetermined low temperature (−40° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2002Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Wen-Ruey Chang, Der-Yung Liu, Chan-Hsiang Chang
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Publication number: 20040112581Abstract: A heat exchange system that can accommodate a high power integrated circuit chip for burn-in temperature stressing includes a heat sink having a chip engaging surface that is adapted to engage a surface of the chip. A liquid layer fills a heat exchange gap between the surface of the chip and the chip engaging surface of the heat sink. The liquid layer provides a low thermal resistance juncture between the chip engaging surface of the heat sink and the surface of the chip, which allows for greater heat transfer therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Harold E. Hamilton, Tom A. Tremmel
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Publication number: 20040112582Abstract: A cooling system is configured to supply individually metered amounts of cooling fluid to heat generating components, e.g., processors, micro-controllers, high speed video cards, disk drives, semi-conductor devices, and the like, of an electronic system. The cooling system includes at least one variable speed fan, e.g., blower, configured to supply fluid through a centralized plenum and thereafter through a plurality of nozzles to the components of the electronic system. Each of the nozzles contains a valve to control the amount of fluid flow through the each of the nozzles. A controller is provided to control the operation of the variable speed fan and the operation of each of the valves is also controlled by a controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Abdlmonem H. Beitelmal, Chandrakant D. Patel
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Patent number: 6750562Abstract: A fan control module is provided for a system unit. The fan control module includes power outputs for supplying power to a plurality of fan. It also includes a temperature sensor for giving a temperature signal. It further includes a control unit connected to receive the temperature signal and including preprogrammed control information for determining power signals to be supplied to each of the fan units for controlling the speed thereof. The fan control module can control the fan units in a coordinated manner enabling reliable and effective cooling of the system unit under widely varying parameters. It can mean that existing system components can be employed in harsher temperature environments that they were originally designed for, without needed a complete redesign thereof. The fan control module can be provided with electrical noise isolation circuitry to isolate other components from electrical noise generated by the fan units.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy B. Rolls, Michael J. Bushue, Rhod J. Jones, Stepan Tatulian
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Patent number: 6742582Abstract: An apparatus for internal climate control. The apparatus comprises an inlet and outlet for air, a tangential fan that rotates about a vertically oriented axis, a fan coil assembly through which air is circulated by the tangential fan from the inlet to the outlet, a barrier to prevent recirculation of the air within the apparatus after it is circulated over the fan coil assembly, and a joint to provide fluidic communication with a source of recirculating fluid. The fan coil assembly is connected in series to the source of recirculating fluid and provides thermal communication between the recirculating fluid and the circulating air.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Vent-Rite Valve Corp.Inventors: Parker Wheat, Barry Spouge, Gary Webster
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Publication number: 20040079523Abstract: In an initial time of a warming-up control of a vehicle air conditioner, a control unit controls a mode switching member to set a foot mode, a first linear bi-level mode, a fixed bi-level mode, a second linear bi-level mode and the foot mode. In the first and second linear bi-level modes, a face-foot air blowing ratio between air blown from a face opening and air blown from a foot opening is gradually changed as the time passes. Therefore, the face-foot air blowing ratio can be smoothly changed in a mode switching between the foot mode and the fixed bi-level mode. Accordingly, when the mode switching is performed in the warming-up control in the winter, the face-foot air blowing ratio is prevented from being suddenly changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Hiroaki Shiraishi, Makoto Umebayashi, Yoshinori Yanagimachi, Tomohiro Inada
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Patent number: 6695046Abstract: A fan motor speed control system for controlling the fan motor speed of an air conditioning system includes a power output circuit including a power triac which is turned on and off by an opto-isolator connected to a pulse generator circuit for varying an AC voltage waveform imposed on the fan motor. The pulse generator circuit is connected to heating and cooling ramp circuits and a minimum speed circuit to provide a variable voltage signal imposed on the pulse generator circuit corresponding to the temperature difference sensed by a return air sensor and a heating or cooling sensor or by separate heating and cooling sensors disposed adjacent respective heating and cooling heat exchangers of the air conditioning system. An adjustable minimum speed circuit and a cutoff circuit are provided to control motor minimum speed or motor shutoff when a predetermined minimum speed is reached to prevent motor bearing failure or overheating.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Hoffman Controls Corp.Inventors: Howard P. Byrnes, Walter William Bowman
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Patent number: 6688384Abstract: An energy savings device (ESD) for regulating the temperature of individual rooms or areas within a facility having a central heating and cooling plant. The device includes a fan and thermostats to control the temperature in each room. A first thermostat is located within the energy savings device to activate a fan only when a baseboard-heating element, cooling element or conduit provides a pre-selected sufficient temperature level range to activate a fan. Another thermostat is located remotely in each room and communicates to each ESD to deactivate the fan when the temperature in any room exceeds or is less than the desired temperature level. The desired temperature level may be higher or lower than a main thermostat setting that controls the central heating and cooling plant, in accordance with a heating or cooling mode, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: Anthony B. Eoga
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Patent number: 6684944Abstract: A forced air heating and/or cooling system utilizing an induction type fan motor is controlled by a controller circuit which is operable to continuously vary the speed of the fan motor during a start-up phase and a shut-down phase of the heating and/or cooling cycle. The controller circuit includes terminals for connection to the source of electrical energy for the heating and/or cooling system and for connection to the system controls without altering the control function or circuitry thereof. The controller circuit includes temperature sensors which are operable to control start-up and shutdown of the fan motor over continuously variable speed operating cycles in response to sensed temperature of the air being circulated by the fan.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2000Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Hoffman Controls Corp.Inventors: Howard P. Byrnes, Daniel B. Steffen
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Publication number: 20030234100Abstract: A personal dryer capable of expelling temperatured air uniformly throughout the dryer and/or different temperatured air at different regions of the dryer, so as to provide a user with the option of drying their entire body with a more desirable uniformly temperatured air and/or drying different bodily regions with different or varied, user-selectable temperatured air, and wherein such a personal dryer is capable of being pre-programmed to enable a user to dry his/her body in a user-specified regimen or manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2002Publication date: December 25, 2003Inventor: Sherry Ross
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Publication number: 20030221821Abstract: A device for sensing at least one environmental condition in a data center. The device includes a chassis, a propelling mechanism, a power supply, a steering mechanism, and a controller supported on the chassis. The chassis also supports at least one environmental condition sensor and is operable to travel through the data center and sense at least one environmental condition at various locations throughout the data center.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Chandrakant D. Patel, Ratnesh K. Sharma, Cullen E. Bash, Abdlmonem H. Beitelmal
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Patent number: 6575234Abstract: A heating and cooling system and a method for controlling and regulating the temperature within a building envelope (10) having roof and wall cavities (14) adapted to receive replaceable foam liquid. The interior of the building envelope (10) is maintained at any specific controlled temperature by controlling the temperature of the liquid foam. The temperature of the liquid foam within the roof and wall cavities (14) is sensed and when a change in temperature is detected, a dynamic liquid foam regeneration unit is triggered so as to supply new liquid foam at an appropriate temperature so as to maintain the overall temperature of the liquid foam in the roof and wall cavities (14) substantially constant.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Sunarc Structures Inc.Inventor: Richard C. Nelson
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Patent number: 6505099Abstract: In a radiant energy heating system having one or more types of radiant energy heating sub-systems, a control system comprising a solid state electronic control panel pre-programmed to control two or more of the types of radiant heating sub-systems, wherein the control panel controls one or more of the types of sub-systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1998Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Roberts-Gordon, L.L.C.Inventors: Martin S. Brice, Gordon M. Kay, Peter W. Cook
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Patent number: 6488213Abstract: In a control system of a vehicle air conditioner, when a temperature difference between a previous target air temperature at the previous manual operation and a present target air temperature at the present manual operation is smaller than a predetermined value, that is, when it is estimated that a passenger's desired air amount is not set by the previous manual operation, a blower voltage control characteristic for controlling an air amount of a blower is corrected so that a set value at the previous manual operation is not affected to the present learning. Accordingly, it can prevent air-conditioning feeling from being deteriorated due to mis-learning.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Akira Ohga, Yuichi Kajino, Takayoshi Kawai, Toshifumi Kamiya, Yoshinori Ichishi
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Patent number: 6464000Abstract: An air comfort control device is disclosed which has a furnace with a furnace fan, an air conditioner with an air conditioner fan positioned remote from the furnace fan, and a temperature controller responsive to temperature changes in air in a partially enclosed environment, wherein the temperature controller sends a fan output signal to both the furnace fan and the air conditioner fan to run together to circulate air through the partially enclosed environment. The thermostat controller may also provide for multiple operation settings, including both automatic and manual options. The air comfort control device may also have a motor controller capable of sending more than one voltage to a blower motor to set a furnace fan at more than one speed. The motor controller can be produced separate from an ignition controller where the ignition controller determines whether a gas valve is open or closed and the motor controller sets the gas valve to a high position or a low position.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Atwood Mobile ProductsInventor: John M. Kloster
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Publication number: 20020134541Abstract: A heating and cooling system for controlling and regulating the temperature within a building envelope (10) having roof and wall cavities (14) adapted to receive replaceable foam liquid. The interior of the building envelope (10) is maintained at any specific controlled temperature by controlling the temperature of the liquid foam. The temperature of the liquid foam within the roof and wall cavities (14) is sensed and when a change in temperature is detected, a dynamic liquid foam regeneration unit is triggered so as to supply new liquid foam at an appropriate temperature so as to maintain the overall temperature of the liquid foam in the roof and wall cavities (14) substantially constant.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventor: Richard C. Nelson
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Patent number: 6449969Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a coolant circulation system including a coolant circuit and a refrigerating or refrigerating/heating machine in which a portion of the coolant circuit passes through the refrigerating or refrigerating/heating machine and includes a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet provided at opposite ends thereof, with the output of the refrigerating or refrigerating/heating machine being controlled on the basis of a temperature of the coolant at either one of the coolant inlet or the coolant outlet of the coolant circuit, the control method comprising controlling a flow rate of coolant flowing in the coolant circuit on the basis of a coolant temperature at the coolant inlet.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Masakazu Fujimoto, Takashi Okada
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Publication number: 20020124992Abstract: A system and method for cooling and heating of buildings consisting of an integrated assembly of devices, including a variable speed air handler, hot water heating coil, outside air damper, controller, and optional compressor-based air conditioner. During summer the system utilizes nighttime outside air for cooling and uses air temperature predictions to provide information about optimal control settings and to maintain comfort. During winter the system varies airflow with heating demand and ventilates with outside air to maintain indoor air quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: Leo I. Rainer, David A. Springer
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Publication number: 20020020179Abstract: An apparatus providing effective control of fluid temperature to achieve temperature control precision of ±0.1° F. at flow rates exceeding 5 gallons/minute includes a hot and a cold reservoir of process fluid maintained at their desired temperatures by a high-accuracy industrial chiller and an industrial heater, respectively. A three-way control valve mixes fluid from the reservoirs to produce a precisely controlled stream of process fluid delivered to the point of usage. Another flow control valve maintains system flow at a precise value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventors: Gary Winkler, Jere Poteat
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Patent number: 6070660Abstract: A forced air heating and/or cooling system utilizing a permanent split capacitor (PSC) or shaded pole AC induction motor and including an actuator for energizing a source of heating and/or cooling effect may be controlled by a controller circuit which is operable to continuously vary the speed of the fan motor during a start-up phase and a shut-down phase of the heating and/or cooling cycle. The controller circuit includes terminals for connection to the source of electrical energy for the heating and/or cooling system and for connection to the system controls without altering the control function or circuitry thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Hoffman Controls Corp.Inventors: Howard P. Byrnes, Daniel B. Steffen
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Patent number: 6000622Abstract: A forced air furnace circulation fan controller adjusts the speed of the circulation fan according to the incidence of air delivery restrictions. Upon detecting insufficient air delivery as a function of the temperature of the furnace heat exchanger, the control system increases the circulation fan speed to increase the air delivery within the heating system. The controller utilizes fuzzy logic techniques to determine a speed adjustment for the furnace fan motor, based on the value of the furnace heat exchanger temperature. The use of fuzzy logic control allows the circulation fan controller to provide a highly adaptive response to changes in air delivery. The resulting balanced air delivery provides for efficient furnace operation and superior occupant comfort.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1997Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Integrated Control Devices, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Tonner, Steven G. McNutt
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Patent number: 5937940Abstract: Method and system for predicting air discharge temperature in a control system which controls an automotive HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system using a model. The model is based on signals generated by various climate control sensors and actuation outputs to predict air discharge temperature without the need for an additional sensor. The model allows the avoidance of uncomfortable air discharge temperatures to thereby increase passenger comfort.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1993Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Leighton Ira Davis, Jr., Thomas Francis Sieja, Gerhard Allan Dage, Robert Wayne Matteson
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Patent number: 5937941Abstract: An air conditioning installation for the cabin of a motor vehicle comprises an air treatment and distribution unit, consisting of a trunk containing distribution valves and a mixing valve, together with a heater. The installation treats fresh air, drawn from outside and/or recirculated air and delivered by a blower, and distributes the treated air into the cabin of the vehicle. The installation includes sensors for periodic measurement of the temperature inside the cabin, the outside temperature and the temperature of the engine coolant fluid. It also includes a setting module whereby the demand temperature in the cabin can be set by the user, and control means for measuring a difference between the demand temperature and the prevailing inside temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Valeo ClimatisationInventor: Beatrice Gach
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Patent number: 5787321Abstract: A temperature controlling device for an electrophotographic imaging device which has a fixing unit including a heat roller, the fixing unit performing a fixing operation in which toner is fixed on a recording sheet. The temperature controlling device includes a temperature sensing system, arranged about an outer surface of the heat roller such that, for the purpose of temperature measurement, the heat roller is divided into a plurality of areas along a rotational axis of the heat roller, and a temperature of each area is detected by the temperature sensing system; an air blowing system which blows air to each of the plurality of areas separately; and a controller which controls the air blowing system to blow air in accordance with temperatures of the plurality of areas in order to prevent overheating of any portions of the heat roller.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1997Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomoyuki Nishikawa, Tsukasa Yanashima
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Patent number: 5765636Abstract: A method and system for improving indoor air quality by controlling the circulation of air by a system fan of a conventional environmental control system in order to achieve a minimum circulation cycle. The method and system prevent nuisance short cycling of the system fan by extending the circulation cycle when the method and system predict the system fan will be activated by the environmental control system for heating or cooling shortly after the termination of the controlled circulation.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey R. Meyer, Gary A. Smith
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Patent number: 5676196Abstract: An attachment unit (28) to an existing central air conditioning thermostat controller (24) like the ones found in most homes and offices; which provides two independent modes of saving energy, first by turning on a light to indicate when to change the filter and secondly by extending the fan operation for a few minutes without disruption. Uniquely conceived, smaller than the typical thermostat controller, automatic, maintenance free, no batteries or auxiliary power of any kind. Has one button (32) to reset the light (30) after changing the filter and one switch (34) to select the optional extended fan operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: M.G. General CorporationInventors: Marcelo E. Jakubzick, Luis F. Noriega