Related To Wall, Floor Or Ceiling Structure Of A Chamber Patents (Class 165/53)
  • Patent number: 6170561
    Abstract: A heat absorbent device is comprised of a container filled with a phase change material selected to melt at about 75° F. It is arranged to be installed in a room with business critical electronics equipment that requires constant cooling by a cooling system, typically, to about 72° F. In some embodiments, the container is comprised of a container for attaching to a T-rail of a ceiling tile system. In another embodiment, the container is comprised of a container with hooks for attaching to holes on computer cabinets. In yet another embodiment, the container is comprised of a ceiling tile with a plurality of individually sealed cells containing the phase change material. In the event of a cooling system failure and rapidly rising room temperature, the phase change material will begin absorbing heat and cooling the room when the room temperature has reached its melting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Mark O'Grady
  • Patent number: 6142214
    Abstract: A method and device for altering the temperature of a premises, wherein a medium in the summertime is cooled by the cool night air and is brought into a floor layer directly under the premises for cooling the premises during the day. In order to minimize the risk of migration of moisture from the ground and upwards to the floor layer, the floor layer and an underlying foundation are cooled so that at least an upper portion of the floor layer reaches a minimum temperature which substantially exceeds the temperature of the ground under the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Hans Arne Bertil Liljedahl
  • Patent number: 6141983
    Abstract: The constitution comprises a grille for sucking air, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the air, a blower for feeding the air exchanged of heat by the heat exchanger, and an air diffuser for blowing out the wind generated by the blower. The air diffuser has such a shape that the direction of the wind blown out from both ends in a horizontal direction may be the lower direction than the direction of the wind blown out from the center in the horizontal direction. The air diffuser has such a shape that the outer circumference of the section in the horizontal direction has a nearly arc shape. It can be installed at a corner of mutually adjacent walls of a room or on a wall. In this constitution, the heat exchanged wind reaches uniformly all parts of the room, and the comfort is notably enhanced. At the same time, generation of unusual sound is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nishikawa, Hirozumi Ito, Noriya Asada, Chiaki Morimoto, Hirokazu Sakai, Shigeki Tomita
  • Patent number: 6065531
    Abstract: An improvement to an air-water heat exchanger having an exchanger unit and a blower that are located in a housing constructed of a shell surrounded by a hood that is connected to a cabinet wall where the cabinet wall and the floor of the shell include openings and the housing is divided by at least one separating wall into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber that connect to the openings in the floor of the shell. The improvement involves a blower, having an air outlet, that is located in the inlet chamber of the heat exchanger in such a manner so as to draw air through an air suction opening in the floor of the shell, and then supply that air through an opening in the separating wall to the exchanger unit located in the outlet chamber where the air is cooled and then directed by a drip separator and a baffle plate toward the associated air outlet opening in the floor of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Schneider, Adam Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6035654
    Abstract: An air-conditioning element includes ducts, through which gaseous or liquid media are passed for cooling or heating. The air-conditioning element is constructed as a solid metal sandwich with a light core of corrugated aluminum and covering layers of smooth aluminum strip. The media guides are formed between the corrugated aluminum and the covering layers, and the media guides are connected with one another by way of the ducts. A method for the production of the air-conditioning element includes the steps of joining together at a joint a stack of two covering layers and a core of corrugated aluminum, which is disposed between the covering layers, by hot rolling, adhesives, lacquers or other adhesion promoters that have been previously brought into the regions of the joint; and after the stack has cooled, milling a duct in a perpendicular direction to the course of the corrugations, and then closing off the open sections of the duct by a metal strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: VAW Metawell GmbH metal sandwich technology
    Inventor: Frank Rothe
  • Patent number: 6029471
    Abstract: In refrigeration; in order to transfer heat from the heat supplier, or to the heat absorber, it is necessary that temperature gradients be maintained between said heat exchangers and the interacting medium. These temperature gradients increase the difference between the temperature of the heat supplier and that of the heat absorber. The efficiency of refrigeration systems decrease as said temperature differences increase. Said mediums, if gaseous, as they frequently are, offer great resistance to heat transfer. This results in large temperature gradients and substantially reduces refrigeration efficiency. The present invention involves enveloping the enclosed space with the enclosure heat exchanger so that less heat has to be transferred through the gaseous contents, and additional, inexpensive, heat transfer surface becomes available. The reduction in temperature gradients result in increased efficiency.Recovery of reject heat for residential type water heating is also included as a natural extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Christopher Taylor
  • Patent number: 6006541
    Abstract: The surroundings heat exchanger envelops an enclosure's insulation so that it exchanges part of its heat load directly through the enclosure, instead of indirectly with the surroundings which would then exchange an equal amount of heat with the enclosure. This reduces the temperature differentials required to drive heat a transfer because little heat remains to be transferred by the indirect path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Christopher Taylor
  • Patent number: 6003596
    Abstract: A cover for a steam radiator and for circulating air passing therepast. The cover includes a cover and blower apparatus. The cover covers the steam radiator. The blower apparatus is connected to the cover and circulates the air passing past the steam radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Ralph J. Barba
  • Patent number: 5988264
    Abstract: A system for cooling, heating and fire-protecting an enclosure or dwelling, consisting of six principal entities acting in cooperation. The first is an expansive system of wide, shallow ducting installed just outboard and against the innermost wall layers of the peripheral walls, ceiling and at times, the floor, thermally intimate but physically isolated from the interior volume of the enclosure. The second is an evaporatively-cooled air source, supplying the duct system, which cools the innermost wall layers and in turn, the interior volume, by radiation and convection. The third entity, being an encompassing layer of efficient insulation, just outboard of the ducting and within the enclosure, biasing the cooling and heating action to the interior volume. The fourth is a network of hot-water circulating tubes, lying within, or adjacent to said cooling ducts, and against the innermost wall layer, or inboard plate thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Aaron Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 5916255
    Abstract: An outdoor unit of a separate type air conditioner has suction ports and a blow-out port which can be disposed freely on the same side of the unit. Also, an outdoor unit of a one-side suction and exhaust type is excellent in static pressure characteristic, sufficient in air flow rate using only one blower, and is easy to install. Suction ports (8) are disposed at both sides in the front side of an outdoor unit main body (outer case 7), and a blow-out port (6a) is disposed in the center of the front side. A heat exchanger (3), an orifice (5), and one centripetal fan (1) are sequentially disposed behind the blow-out port (6a), thereby forming a draft circuit for sucking air from the suction ports (8) at the outer circumference of blades (1a) of the centripetal fan (1). The air is blown out ahead of the blades (1a) through the orifice (5) and heat exchanger (3). Therefore, since suction space is not required, the outdoor unit can be installed close to a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Izumi, Katsuhiko Fujiwara, Kiyoshi Sano, Takashi Sugio
  • Patent number: 5885475
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fiber composition comprising a fiber forming polymer and a phase change material integrally incorporated throughout the fiber forming polymer which is either a polyalkylene oxide, polyalkylene ether or mixture of various polyolefins. The phase change material has a melting temperature between about 15.degree. C. and about 65.degree. C. The fiber composition can be used as a loose fill insulating material for use in clothing or bedding articles or can be formed into a fabric for the same uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: The University of Dayton
    Inventor: Ival O. Salyer
  • Patent number: 5884694
    Abstract: A dehumidifier for use in a bathroom or the like utilizes the cold surface of a heat exchanger to condense moisture, and the hot surface of a heat exchanger to warm the air after the moisture is removed. The cold surface is provided by having the cold water supplied to the room pass through the cold heat exchanger; and, the hot surface is provided by having the hot water supplied to the room head pass through the hot heat exchanger. The heat exchangers may be concentric circles, so a recirculation fan centrally of the heat exchangers will move air across the two, or may be rectangular with a plenum at each end so air moves across the two. A drip pan beneath the cold heat exchanger catches the condensate. The circular heat exchangers may be less than a full circle, and a light housed in the space defined. Also, an exhaust fan may be mounted concentrically with the recirculation fan in the circular heat exchanger, or may be mounted in the output plenum of the rectangular device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Aaron Tanenbaum
  • Patent number: 5884500
    Abstract: A ceiling or overhead air conditioner unit is configured to fit into a standard space, e.g., two-foot by four-foot, in a dropped ceiling. The unit can be a self-contained air conditioning unit with HEPA filter, or an air conditioner attachment adapted to fit onto a blower and filter assembly. The positions of the condenser air intake and outlet can be field-selected at either the end, the top, or the side, e.g., using a movable plate. The evaporator return inlet can similarly be field-selected at the top, side, or end. The return bypass inlet can be field-selected at the side or top. The room air intake can be connected by a duct either to outside air or to an intake air grille in the ceiling. The air conditioning attachment unit that fits an existing or available ceiling mounted filter and blower assembly has its condenser section on one side of the unit, and its evaporator section at the other side, guiding conditioned air into a centrally situated cool air plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Floratech Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Wetzel
  • Patent number: 5875835
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel thermal filtering system and method for making such a thermal filtering system to filter out external temperature fluctuations within an enclosure. In accordance with one aspect of the invention the system includes an external insulation layer, an internal insulation layer, and a layer of phase change material located in between and thermally in series with the layers of insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventors: Daniel J. Shramo, Kenneth Loparo
  • Patent number: 5804266
    Abstract: A microwavable thermal energy storage material is provided which includes a mixture of a phase change material and silica, and a carbon black additive in the form of a conformable dry powder of phase change material/silica/carbon black, or solid pellets, films, fibers, moldings or strands of phase change material/high density polyethylene/ethylene-vinyl acetate/silica/carbon black which allows the phase change material to be rapidly heated in a microwave oven. The carbon black additive, which is preferably an electrically conductive carbon black, may be added in low concentrations of from 0.5 to 15% by weight, and may be used to tailor the heating times of the phase change material as desired. The microwavable thermal energy storage material can be used in food serving applications such as tableware items or pizza warmers, and in medical wraps and garments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: The University of Dayton
    Inventor: Ival O. Salyer
  • Patent number: 5799723
    Abstract: A ceiling element for a heating and cooling ceiling, having a pipe (3) and a ceiling panel (1), comprises, for the purpose of producing good heat-conducting contact between these parts, a contact element (4), which is formed by bending sheet metal, consisting, for example, of a copper alloy, and a guide channel (5) which is open at the bottom and by means of which the contact element is snap-fitted onto the pipe (3). Provided on each of the two side borders of the contact element (4) is a row of contact fingers (6) which are produced by punching or chemical milling, are designed as thin elastically deformable strips, project downwards and outwards, fit snugly against the upper side of the ceiling panel (1) in each case and rest closely up against said ceiling panel even if it has irregularities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Barcol-Air AG
    Inventor: Helmuth Sokolean
  • Patent number: 5746271
    Abstract: A doghouse having an heating and air conditioning unit installed therein with insulated walls, an insulated roof, hinges connecting the roof on one of its sides to the upright walls for easy access by the pet owner to the controls of the heating and air conditioning unit. The present invention also has a flexible door covering with laterally overlapping parallel strips that are made from a heavy material so as to be minimally affected by tangling and frequent wind interaction. The strips are vertically hung from the upper part of the door opening to allow pets freedom of access in and out of the doghouse, while at the same time retaining the major portion of the climate controlled air within the insulated walls and roof of the doghouse during pet use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel J. DeCosta
  • Patent number: 5724479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid flow controlling member including a primary flow path having a relatively small capacity of containing fluid and a secondary flow path located on a side of the primary flow path and having a relatively large capacity of containing fluid. The primary flow path absorbs part of the flowing fluid and the remaining fluid flows along the surface of the primary flow path in an exposed manner.A difference between the velocities of the exposed fluid flows moving through the primary and secondary flow paths is created so as to define a boundary area for restrictedly controlling at least the exposed flowing fluid on the primary flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Kei Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5709099
    Abstract: An ice rink and an aquatic facility are combined into a single multi-purpose recreational facility. A new ice rink can be created or an existing ice rink can be modified. This multi-purpose recreational facility also permits the shared design, use, infrastructure and cost. The multi-purpose facility has modular components that can be added within the rink structure to create lazy rivers, islands, lap pools, bridges, decks, splash areas, water parks, slides and play features. A rink base may be adapted to support both a layer of ice and water. Furthermore, a membrane can be incorporated into the floor and rink boards to create an impervious tank for the water. The rink dasher board or wall system and gates can be modified to create a sealed enclosure which can withstand the force from the static and dynamic loads (water, people, equipment, decking, etc.). The wall may also be adapted to provide a means and support for the pool water recirculation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Bassai Limited
    Inventors: Russell W. Blades, Roger E. Bacci, Brendan J. Lenko
  • Patent number: 5707591
    Abstract: A circulating fluidized bed reactor comprising a top zone surrounded by walls provided with heat exchange tubes, the heat exchange tubes being interconnected by fins, and a bottom zone provided with a fluidization grid, a primary air injection device beneath the grid, a secondary air injection device above the grid, and a fuel injection device, the walls surrounding the bottom zone being provided with heat exchange tubes. The walls of the zones are provided with vertical heat exchange panels referred to as "extensions" that extend perpendicularly to the walls of the zones, that are made up of tubes inside the reactor, that are of horizontal width lying in the range 150 mm to 500 mm, and that are spaced apart from one another via a distance lying in the range 1.5 times to 4 times their width, the width being defined as the distance between the inside faces of the fins of the walls and the most distant generator lines of the most distant tubes of the extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom Stein Industrie
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Semedard, Pierre Gauville, Pascale Amadieu, Jean Aubry, Jean-Xavier Morin
  • Patent number: 5669229
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to make a housing for a ceiling-mounted type air conditioner small-sized without decreasing the performance and capacity of the air conditioner, and particularly to decrease the length of the housing in the depth direction, thereby facilitating the installation of the air conditioner and improving the room appearance. To achieve the above object, a heat exchanger is bent into a doglegged shape, the bent portion thereof is convex to the air inlet side, and the heat exchanger is inclined so as to be raised on the air inlet side. A cross flow fan rotating around a horizontal axis is disposed on the downstream side of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumi Ohbayashi, Susumu Yamashita, Masami Ito, Kenji Matsuda, Shin Watabe, Mitsuru Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5632327
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling (C) comprises one or more panels (P) containing water (W) arranged so that the water is in contact with substantially all of the lower surface (10) of the panels (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Energy Ceiling Company Limited
    Inventor: Heimer Andersson
  • Patent number: 5619864
    Abstract: A heat pump unit for use in small buildings where the unit must be stored in a confined space, not having access to the exterior walls of the building. The unit is contained within a rectangular housing that is divided into three compartments. An outdoor air compartment is vertically disposed between the top and bottom walls at the rear of the housing and an indoor air compartment and a compressor compartment are mounted one over the other at the front of the housing. An outdoor air blower is mounted outside of the housing to save space and is arranged to move air through the outdoor air compartment along a vertical path of travel. An interior vertical wall separates the rear compartment from the two front compartments and contains an upper vertical section and rear wall offset lower vertical section joined by an angularly disposed intermediate section along a vertical path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Nordyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne R. Reedy
  • Patent number: 5597033
    Abstract: A fluid dependent baseboard heating device for placement along the base of vertical walls. A support member attaches to each wall and utilizes bendable projections for locking heat transfer panels to the support member. For larger spaces a multiple support member will hold up to three heat transfer panels or a combination of heat transfer panels and non-functional panels. The device allows for placement of the baseboard around the circumference of the room for similarity of baseboard design, yet provides a functional heat panel only for areas requiring warmth. The heat transfer panel accepts hot fluid and by use of a chamber formed between the heat transfer panel and the support member provides an even distribution of heat throughout the chamber and the adjoining room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Philip Cali
  • Patent number: 5577554
    Abstract: A radiant heating system uses a conductive heat shield comprising a flat portion designed to be placed in contact with the underside of a floor and an elongated tube holding portion extending from the opposite side of the heat shield. Preferably the tube holding portion has an elongated opening for receiving tubing after the floor-contacting portion has been placed in contact with the underside of a floor, and has resilient restraining portions to hold the tubing in place once it has been inserted into that opening. It is also preferred that the tube holding portion be at least three quarters of an inch below the underside of any floor to which the flat portion is attached or is covered with a puncture-proof nail guard, so tubing in the tube holding portion will not be punctured by nails driven into the floor to which the heat shield is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: John T. Umina
  • Patent number: 5565132
    Abstract: A thermoplastic, moldable, non-exuding phase change material in the form of a composite useful for thermal energy storage. The composite is preferably a solidified melt mixture of a polyolefin resin, and ethylene copolymer, silica particles and a fatty acid, fatty acid ester, primary alcohol or hydrocarbon phase change material. For a microwave heating capability, a microwave absorbing additive may be added as a fifth major ingredient. The composite can be formed into a variety of configurations such as pellets, sheets, rods, tubes, plugs for hollow core cement blocks, films, and fibers, all for thermal energy storage uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: The University of Dayton
    Inventor: Ival O. Salyer
  • Patent number: 5542469
    Abstract: An indoor air conditioner unit cools separate rooms through the use of a common fan. The fan comprises a rotary member positioned to physically separate first air inlet and outlet ports from second air inlet and outlet ports. The fan sucks-in air from both inlet ports and discharges air through both outlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-Wug Kim
  • Patent number: 5542603
    Abstract: A hydronic heating system for radiantly heating habitable space is disclosed. The radiant heating system uses heated fluid circulated through under-floor or in-wall endless pipe loops and heat radiation fins which clip onto the pipe loops. The system permits heated fluid to be circulated at boiler temperatures, obviating a requirement for mixing valves, heat exchangers or buffer tanks, because the endless pipe loop is spaced away from the wall or floor and all heat is exchanged through convection by air surrounding the heat radiation fins. The advantages include a more affordable heating system due to less pipe, fewer components and faster installation. As well, the system provides a more even heat distribution and the eliminates hot spots. Furthermore, the endless pipe loops are spaced from the floor or wall surface, and thereby protected from danger of puncture by a nail or screw driven through the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Jim Macduff
  • Patent number: 5524450
    Abstract: An air-conditioning ceiling fan including a body portion provided with an electric motor and a plurality of blades, an evaporator mounted on the body portion, a hollow supporter adapted to be fixedly mounted on a ceiling and having a tubular lower end depending downwardly through the evaporator, a water tray arranged under the evaporator, a condensing case including a compressor, a condenser and an exhaust fan, the compressor being connected between the condenser and the evaporator via refrigerant pipes, the condenser being connected with the evaporator via refrigerant pipes, and a connecting pipe connecting the hollow supporter and the condensing case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Tze L. Chen
  • Patent number: 5495724
    Abstract: A cooling system which can be fastened on a ceiling with a suspension provided beneath the ceiling disposed above a space to be cooled and with cooling pipes between the ceiling and the suspension wherein the space to be cooled and the space between the ceiling and the suspension are connected with each other through air current paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Helmut Koster
  • Patent number: 5489532
    Abstract: An automatic test apparatus for use in a test method to determine antimicrobial drugs. The test apparatus comprises a first aluminum, electrically heatable block with holes for the insertion of test containers and a separate, second cooling aluminum block adapted to be placed periodically in contact with the heated aluminum block to cool rapidly the heated block. The test apparatus includes timed signals existing therein to alert the test user. The test apparatus is adapted to provide for the timed sequential solid heating and cooling of one or more test containers containing a test sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley E. Charm, Eliezer Zomer, Thomas Lieu, Max Gandman, Lee Gandman
  • Patent number: 5392846
    Abstract: This invention provides a heating/cooling system including a heating/cooling apparatus, the apparatus comprising a blower unit connected to a heat exchanger unit and both units are enclosed within a duct structure which is continuous from an upstream input end to a downstream output end. The blower unit comprises an electric motor direct-coupled to an impeller and the heat exchanger unit comprises a heat transfer assembly and both blower and heat exchanger units are of a size and configuration as to facilitate their mounting within the space defined by, for example, a pair of building floor joists. The space between the floor joists may be enclosed to function as a return air duct to the apparatus. The heating/cooling apparatus may be adapted for humidifying and dehumidifying air being pumped through the apparatus by the blower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Ernest A. Gardner
  • Patent number: 5361981
    Abstract: An air conditioning unit for use with a central thermal unit supply system. The air conditioning unit includes a formed wall mounting member which is secured to a wall, and from which is supported a heat exchange unit consisting of a heat transfer fluid coil and an air moving assembly including a tangential blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Heat Exchangers, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Albert, John Spencer
  • Patent number: 5318099
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for emulating a perimeter induction unit, in which the perimeter induction unit is replaced by an emulation unit carried in a plenum above the space to be heated or cooled. A temperature sensor is mounted within the space, and a computer provides programmed control, either centrally or locally. The emulation unit is connected to the primary air ducts and secondary liquid source formerly used for the perimeter induction unit. It includes a primary air inlet for accepting and regulating a flow of ventilated, preconditioned primary air from the primary air ducts, and a secondary air inlet for accepting a flow of return air from the space as well as filtering the return air and passing it over a heat exchanger carrying secondary cooling liquid at a preselected temperature. Primary and secondary air is mixed within a mixing chamber and delivered to the space by a blower at a preselected combined air volumetric flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Johnson Service Company
    Inventor: Tony J. Zivalich, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5309980
    Abstract: A device for heat supply is disclosed having a heat absorber connected to a heat emitter via a heat conductor. The heat absorber collects the throw-away heat bound in the vicinity of the ceiling and transfers it via insulated metal core (that is, the heat conductor) to be emitted proximate the floor. This makes a sizable energy saving while no maintenance is required, and cold feet at home or in the office can be avoided throughout the year.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Oscar Mendeleev
  • Patent number: 5290904
    Abstract: A thermal shield comprising first and second substantially flat flame resistant covering layers adapted to overlie each other. A thermal energy absorbing material is positioned between the respective layers in sandwich fashion. The thermal energy absorbing material may comprise a phase change material in bulk, micro or macro encapsulated and which may further be embedded within a base material to provide enhanced thermal protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Triangle Research and Development Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Colvin, Yvonne G. Bryant, James C. Mulligan
  • Patent number: 5263290
    Abstract: A modular assembly applicable to building constructions combines fire-safety sprinkler system piping, heating and cooling system heat exchangers, and lighting system fixtures and communication system wiring into an integrated unit installation. A channel which defines an enclosed duct for the passage of air is mounted in association with sprinkler system piping while a condensate pan is mounted in association with heating and cooling system heat exchangers. An air diffuser is positioned vertically between the channel and pan to direct environmental and make-up air about the heat exchangers for conditioning and a lighting fixture is positioned below the condensate pan. The channel, pan, and lighting fixture are all in standardized lengths and are maintained in a vertical alignment below the sprinkler system piping by a plurality of brackets, straps, and fasteners, various of the brackets being mounted over the channel and piping while others are mounted below the pan and lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Ernest A. Gardner
  • Patent number: 5263061
    Abstract: A control room 10 for a nuclear plant is disclosed. In the control room, objects 12, 20, 22, 26, 30 are no less than four inches from walls 10.2. A ceiling 32 contains cooling fins 35 that extend downwards toward the floor from metal plates 34. A concrete slab 33 is poured over the plates. Studs 36 are welded to the plates and are encased in the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Robert C. Lamuro, Richard Orr
  • Patent number: 5197111
    Abstract: An electric convection space heater for placement adjacent to a wall includes a plurality of elongated electric heating elements positioned in an elongated housing having a front panel having an elongated cold air inlet, a back panel for placement adjacent to a wall and a top portion with a plurality of elongated heated air outlet slots. The heating elements are arranged to extend longitudinally in the housing below the outlet slots with the heating elements horizontally disposed in spaced apart stair-step configuration with each heating element being located at progressively lower elevations from the front panel to the rear panel. The outlet slots occupy a front to back dimension on the housing top portion which exceeds the distance between the front and back elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: The Marley Company
    Inventors: David S. Mills, II, Robert D. Rendel, Carl P. Hinesley
  • Patent number: 5173378
    Abstract: A battery exposed to heating from incident sunlight is cooled by rejecting heat to air drawn through a chimney by the heating of at least portions of the chimney by the incident sunlight. The battery is placed within the chimney so that the air flow in the chimney passes around the battery, enabling heat to be transferred directly from the battery to the air. Air flow in the chimney is generated by sunlight incident on the exterior of the chimney, causing heating of air within at least a portion of the chimney to create a natural convective air flow within the chimney, with relatively cool outside ambient air being drawn in at one end of the chimney and heated air being exhausted out the other end of the chimney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dale M. Brown, Philip G. Kosky, Lionel M. Levinson, Roy F. Thornton
  • Patent number: 5123258
    Abstract: A replacement rear door for a van comprising in combination an interior front panel, an exterior rear panel with exterior peripheral panels defining an internal equipment storage zone; an air conditioning system housed entirely within the equipment storage zone for cooling the warm air generated in the passenger section of the van; a gasoline powered internal combustion engine for generating the power to operate the air conditioning system; gasoline connection means adapted to be coupled into the main gasoline supply line for supplying fuel to the engine; electric connection means adapted to couple the main battery of the van to the peripheral equipment of the engine; electronic means for controlling the stopping and starting of the air conditioning system; and hinge means extending outwardly from one of the exterior side panels for mating with the body hinges on the van.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventors: George S. Brown, James J. Queen
  • Patent number: 5117900
    Abstract: A system for providing individual comfort control. The system includes means, such as an air diffuser, for distributing conditioned air into an environment; a personal comfort device for selectively providing conditioned air to a portion of the environment; and means for remotely controlling the operation of the personal comfort device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Cox
  • Patent number: 5111875
    Abstract: A heat installation for buildings, with water as the heat transmitting medium which comprises a forward pipe and a return pipe (19 and 18 respectively) as well as radiators (11) connected to said pipes. Said installation is designed as a building element system and comprises differently designed buildings elements (1-10), which are strip- and block-shaped and can be inserted into each other and with which said forward pipe and said return pipe are integral parts. Said installation includes a main connection element (1), connection elements (2), inner corner and outer corner elements (3 and 4 respectively), threshold transition elements (5, 7), thresholds (6), radiator connection elements (8) and terminal parts (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Curt Hammarstedt
  • Patent number: 5095716
    Abstract: In a room air conditioner, at least the condenser, and preferably both the compressor and the condenser, are separated from the main body of the air conditioning apparatus, and are mounted in an exteriorly facing wall, outside the room which is to be cooled. The main body of the air conditioning apparatus is connected with compressor and condensor mounted in the wall by connecting piping and fittings and is mounted on the wall by a hanging bracket and position-fixing spacer bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee S. You
  • Patent number: 5060717
    Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a heat exchanger, through which room air circulates in a predetermined direction, and an air cleaner, The air cleaner includes an electric duct collecting portion for capturing fine duct in the circulating air, a filter portion for absorbing the odor from the circulating air, and a control unit for controlling the operations of the indoor unit and the collecting portion. The collecting portion, filter portion, and control unit are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction so that filter portion is situated between the collecting portion and the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Keiichi Morita, Akihiko Sugiyama, Oserojoin Watabiki, Mithuo Murano
  • Patent number: 5060718
    Abstract: A prefabricated wall is constructed of pre-cast concrete in such a way as to have embedded therein (1) a plurality of heat-accumulator elements and (2) channels adapted to receive, after installation of the prefabricated wall element, suitable pipes and plumbing connectors for the conveyance of heated water. Each heat-accumulator element is substantially filled with water prior to being embedded in the concrete of the wall element. Each heat accumulator element is positioned so that at least one channel passes close thereto, so that heat flows from the heated water to the water in the heat accumulator element through membranes which separate the heated water from the water in the heat accumulator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventors: Sergio Capilli, Anna D. Capilli
  • Patent number: 5047786
    Abstract: Electric heating apparatus having at least one electrical heating resistor (24) arranged in a body (1) of sheet metal provided with an air inlet in its lower part and an air outlet in its upper part. The body (1) is formed by a double-walled hollow element in the form of a trough (2, 3) provided with end walls (14, 15) and at least one opening (12) for the entry of air and defining a first space (20) for the admission of air. The electrical resistor (24) is mounted on the concave part of the double-walled element in the form of a trough (2, 3) on the exterior of the latter. A perforated panel (30) is arranged on the concave wall and defines with the latter a second space (33) for the heating of the air by convection and for the direct radiation of the heat by the resistor through the perforations in the perforated panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Airelec Industries
    Inventor: Pierre Levy
  • Patent number: 5046327
    Abstract: Air conditioning conversion kits ideally adapted to be retrofitted to vans, trailers, campers, or other recreational vehicles providing improved air conditioning efficiency and flexibility for campers. The kits are esthetically harmonious with the existing vehicle, both on the outside of the vehicle and on the inside. Our preferred systems enable use of the A.C. outlet at a campground or trailer park for air conditioning the vehicle while stopped, without running the engine or draining the battery. Bulk is reduced by physically separating the condenser from the evaporator. The preferred "Continental kit" version incorporates major structural air conditioning components within an attractive spare tire carrier disposed on the vehicle rear. The vented circular carrier attractively houses the condenser and the compressor, along with related accessories. The evaporator portion of the system is incorporated into the vehicle's interior door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventors: Steve A. Walker, Wayne S. Reese
  • Patent number: 5042570
    Abstract: A ceiling construction comprising a frame built out of longitudinal girders 1 and cross girders 2 connected to the longitudinal girders. Tiles 3 are suspended in fields defined by the frames. Heat-exchanger elements 4 are arranged above the tiles 3. In order to assure that an as good as possible heat transfer between the heat-exchanger elements 4 and the tiles 3 is guaranteed, the tiles are mounted according to the invention on the heat-exchanger elements by means of holding magnets 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignees: Wilhelmi Werke GmbH & Co. KG, Flaekt AB
    Inventors: Karl A. Schmitt-Raiser, Fritz Nussle
  • Patent number: 5035964
    Abstract: An electrical-energy-supplying device having an extended storage life includes a finned heat sink; a battery for supplying electrical energy is thermally connected to the finned heat sink by a copper or aluminum bar for transferring heat from the battery to the heat sink. The heat sink is enclosed in a chimney structure which has an air inlet in a lower portion and an outlet in an upper portion thereof. The chimney lower portion has a heat and light absorbing coating which causes air to flow in a path between the air inlet and outlet by convention. The heat sink is positioned in the air flow path the facilitate heat dissipation from the sink to the atmosphere. The storage life of the battery may be extended by maintaining the battery temperature below a selected temperature level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lionel M. Levinson, Dale M. Brown, Roy F. Thornton