Refrigeration Producer Patents (Class 165/63)
-
Publication number: 20100084115Abstract: An air conditioning system for vehicles is provided to include an evaporator, a heating unit, and a case having a passage to fluidly-communicate between inside and outside the vehicle and including the evaporator and the heating unit in series therein, wherein the heating unit is pivotally coupled to the case and configured to control flow direction of air flowing from the evaporator through the passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Nak Sup Sung
-
Patent number: 7644590Abstract: A control system for a refrigeration system having a refrigeration compartment and a quick chill/thaw pan. A main controller board, electrically connected to a temperature adjustment board and a dispenser board through the serial communications bus, controls the temperature of the refrigeration compartment and the quick chill/thaw pan. The control system accepts a plurality of inputs to determine a refrigeration mode and to execute a plurality of software algorithms to control the refrigeration compartment as both a chill pan to rapidly chill food and beverage items without freezing and a thaw pan to timely thaw frozen items at controlled temperature levels.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John S. Holmes, Jerry J. Queen, II, Rollie R. Herzog, Mark Robert Mathews, Robert M. Bultman, Tim Holder, Wolfgang Daum
-
Patent number: 7628023Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for cooling a dispensed beverage. Direct cooling of the beverage is achieved by circulation of a refrigerant in contact with a reservoir that holds the beverage just prior to being dispensed. The reservoir is disposed within a dispense font. The open space within the font acts as an evaporator of a closed refrigeration loop thereby achieving cooling without having to use a separate heat transfer loop. A refrigeration subsystem is mounted directly adjacent the dispense font to provide a controlled flow of refrigerant to the open space within the font. Evaporated refrigerant is recycled in the refrigeration subsystem.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Millercoors LLCInventor: Philip John Lucas
-
Publication number: 20090294097Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention pertain to a method and apparatus for heating or cooling. Embodiments relate to a method and apparatus utilizing a vapor compression cycle to accomplish active heating or cooling. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention relates to a lightweight, compact, reliable, and efficient heating or cooling system for underwater applications. The subject system can provide heating or cooling stress relief to individuals operating under, for example, hazardous conditions, or in low temperature underwater environments where passive protective clothing provides insufficient mitigation of cooling stress. Further embodiments can be utilized to provide heat stress relief to users who are working in thermally encapsulated ensembles that hinder the body's natural ability to expel heat. The subject system can be utilized in other applications that can benefit from this type of heating or cooling system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Rini Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Rini, Benjamin A. Saarloos, Jose Mauricio Recio, James R. Hughes
-
Publication number: 20090272518Abstract: Disclosed is a cooling and heating air conditioner capable of performing heating more stably, preventing frost formation on coils of an outdoor unit even at subzero temperature in winter by using first and second heat exchangers and an auxiliary expansion valve. The air conditioner according to the present invention comprises an electronic control valve opened when the outside temperature is less than a preset value, a first heat exchanger performing heat exchange between high temperature liquid coolant and coolant passed through the outdoor unit and an auxiliary expansion valve, and a second heat exchanger disposed in front of the outdoor unit to induct thereinto the high temperature coolant. Since the second heat exchanger heats up the outside air through heat exchange before supplying the air to the outdoor unit, evaporation of the coolant can be stably performed in the outdoor unit, while preventing frost formation. Accordingly, heating can be performed constantly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2007Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: Chang Duk Jeon, Dai Hee Lee, Kyeong Min Lee, Doo Hwan Ji, Hong Keun Chae
-
Patent number: 7487823Abstract: A heating and cooling system is equipped with a fist receiving chamber for receiving a material to be heated and a second receiving chamber for receiving a material to be cooled, having a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a gas cooler, a capillary tube, and an evaporator are circularly connected by pipes and in which carbon dioxide is used as a refrigerant. The inside of the first receiving chamber is heated by the gas cooler and the inside of the second receiving chamber is cooled by the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Haruhisa Yamasaki
-
Publication number: 20090032216Abstract: An air conditioning system, which can automatically remove a malodor generated due to condensate water remaining in an evaporator during a predetermined period of time after operation of an air conditioner or turning-off of the air conditioner and control a filtering mode time of a filter to filter an air. The air conditioning system characteristically comprises a shiftable deodorization filter (30 or 40) located on a flow channel of the cool air passageway and operationally moved to a filtering mode position so as to screen the flow channel of the cool air passageway during a predetermined period of time after an air conditioner is turned on or off, whereby the air passing through the cool air passageway C and a malodor contained in the air are filtered.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2006Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Jae-Ho Kim, Yong-Jun Jee, Seong-Seok Han
-
Publication number: 20080307804Abstract: The system uses a batch method process absorption cooling through a number of separate sealed two compartment containers which are moved physically between a heating area, a cooling area, a storage area and a refrigeration area. Pressure differentials alone between the two sections of a vessel power refrigerant movement and evaporation of refrigerant. A valve separates a refrigerant collector and evaporator section from an absorber/desorber section allowing the absorbent and refrigerant to be kept separate until needed. This system can be used with either ammonia water mixtures or with lithium bromide water mixtures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: FOI Group, LLCInventor: David Murray Munson
-
Publication number: 20080245505Abstract: A CO2 cooling and heating apparatus and method permit simultaneous production of high-temperature heat source and low-temperature heat source having a temperature difference therebetween. The apparatus/method uses CO2 (carbon dioxide) as a refrigerant, and has a first refrigerating cycle circuit where the refrigerant is compressed to a supercritical zone and then decompressed via an expansion device to a pressure/temperature level of the CO2 triple point or below to thereby attain evaporation. The apparatus can include multistage compressors, intermediate cooler disposed in a first refrigerant flow path between a condenser and the expansion device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicants: MAYEKAWA MFG. CO., LTD., DOSHISHA UNIVERSITYInventors: Hiroshi YAMAGUCHI, Katsumi FUJIMA, Nelson MUGABI, Choiku YOSHIKAWA
-
Publication number: 20080156029Abstract: A storage assembly for a refrigerator having a freezer storage compartment includes a second storage compartment positioned within the freezer storage compartment, and a cooling plate positioned within the second storage compartment. The cooling plate is configured to support a food item and transfer thermal energy between the food item and the cooling plate through conduction. The storage assembly also includes a fan positioned at a first end of the second storage compartment. The fan is configured to draw cool air into the second storage compartment and direct the cool air across the food item.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Sheena Leigh Ritchie, Mark W. Wilson, Arunkumar Pappusamy
-
Publication number: 20080083241Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle has a unit case, a heat exchanger for generating a heated air, a bypass passage through which a bypass air flows while bypassing the heat exchanger, and a baffle member having first passages and second passages. The unit case has openings for introducing a conditioned air into a passenger compartment. The openings are aligned in an alignment direction across a width of the unit case. The first passages and second passages are alternately arranged in the alignment direction. One of the bypass air and the heated air has an uneven distribution of a flow speed in the alignment direction at a position upstream of the baffle member, and flows in the first passages. Widths of the first passages are varied according to the distribution of the flow speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Applicant: DENSO CorporationInventors: Kyoko Nagata, Yukio Uemura
-
Publication number: 20070215317Abstract: A movable multi-functional air-conditioner equipped with wheels for high mobility is disclosed having a front chamber with an air inlet and an air outlet, an evaporator and a fan mounted in the front chamber, a rear chamber with an air inlet and an air outlet, a heater and a condenser mounted in the rear chamber, a front valve mounted in the air inlet of the front chamber, a rear valve mounted in the air inlet of the rear chamber, and an intermediate valve for controlling the air passage between the front chamber and the rear chamber so that the user to select hot mode, cold mode, dehumidifying mode, or simultaneous dehumidifying and drying mode by opening/closing the front valve, the rear valve, and the intermediate valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2006Publication date: September 20, 2007Inventors: King-Leung Wong, Tsung-Lieh Hsien, Shih-Shih Ku, Huann-Ming Chou
-
Patent number: 7237598Abstract: A refrigerating device for a water station comprises cold storage cabinet, cold water container and refrigerating system. Said cold water container is installed in the cold storage cabinet, one end of which is connected to a water storage pail via a pipeline, and the other end is provided with a water intake pipeline. The cold water container is used for holding water that needs temperature drop. Said refrigerating system comprises compressor, condensator, capillary tubes, first evaporator and refrigerating pipelines. Said first evaporator can be installed in the cold storage cabinet or can also be installed outside the cold storage cabinet in coordination with it. Said compressor is installed under the cold storage cabinet, said refrigerating pipelines are filled with refrigerating liquid.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Oidi Electric Group Co., Ltd.Inventor: Qizhan Zhou
-
Patent number: 7207189Abstract: A dispenser of a conventional refrigerator supplies only cold water. Therefore, the dispenser cannot meet a variety of users' needs. Further, the conventional refrigerator has a problem in that various kinds of water supplied from a water source cannot be properly purified. The present invention relates to a refrigerator including a main body with a storage space defined therein and a door for opening and closing the storage space.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Si-Yeon An, Seong-Ook Kim, Oh-Chul Kwon, Ill-Shin Kim, Yi-Bum Sik, Dong-Yeoi Yoo
-
Patent number: 7117937Abstract: A combined refrigerator-oven (20) includes an enclosed chamber (28) having a top wall (22), a bottom wall (24), and vertical side walls (26). The refrigerator-oven (20) further includes a heating unit (50) and a refrigeration unit (70). A controller (118) is in communication with the heating unit (50) and the refrigeration unit (70). When a cooling mode is selected, the controller (118) activates the refrigeration unit (70) to deliver cool air (62) into the enclosed chamber (28). When a heating mode is selected, the controller (118) activates the heating unit (50) to produce heat (66) in the enclosed chamber (28).Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Inventors: Ron D. Clark, Mark A. George
-
Patent number: 7044213Abstract: 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. to 25° C.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Wen-Ruey Chang, Der-Yung Liu, Chan-Hsiang Chang
-
Patent number: 6996995Abstract: The present invention provides a system for freezing, thawing, and storing biopharmaceutical materials which includes a flexible container, a conduit, and a temperature control unit. The flexible container is adapted to receive a biopharmaceutical material therein for freezing, thawing, and storing. The container is formed of a first substantially flat sheet of flexible material joined together by a seam with a second substantially flat sheet of flexible material so as to lie substantially flat when empty. The container fully encloses an interior portion for receiving the biopharmaceutical material. Also, the container is configured to form a three dimensional shape when filled with the biopharmaceutical material, wherein the three dimensional shape has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The conduit is connected to the flexible container with the outside of the container being in fluid communication with the interior portion via the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Integrated Biosystems, Inc.Inventors: Nicolas Voute, Maxime N. Lok, Leonidas Cartwright Leonard, Timothy Gerard Hughes, Richard Wisniewski
-
Patent number: 6976524Abstract: An apparatus for maximum work comprising central equipment comprising a refrigeration machine, a water heater, an evaporative cooler and hot and cold storage tanks. Airside equipment for providing supply air to a room or zone. A hot supply/return pipe, a cold supply pipe, and a cold return pipe. A water blending circuit comprising a hot supply runout pipe extending from the hot supply/return pipe and a cold supply runout pipe extending from the cold supply pipe, wherein the water blending circuit further comprises an upstream two position three way changeover valve comprising a first port, a second port, and a third port. The hot supply runout pipe connects to first port and the cold supply runout pipe connects to the second port. A modulating three way zone blending valve connected to the third port of the upstream two position three way valve, and a blending pump for pumping water through a roomside coil, so that return water exits the coil through a return pipe.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Inventor: Paul J. Walsh
-
Patent number: 6973958Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus includes one heat exchanging system having a compressor coupled between a condenser and a heat exchanger. A further heat exchanging system includes a water pump, an ion exchange filter coupled between the water pump and the heat exchanger, to filter negative ions, positive ions, mineral materials, and/or impurities from the water. A temperature detecting member may actuate a heater to maintain the water temperature. A water cycling system includes a water reservoir to maintain the water pressure in the further heat exchanging system. An air relief valve may relieve air bubbles to reduce shocks and vibrations in the heat exchanging system.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Ching-Lung Chou
-
Patent number: 6866094Abstract: A system and method for controlling temperature in a workpiece chuck are described. A fluid circulation system circulates a temperature control fluid, such as an engineered HFE fluid, through te workpiece chuck. A fluid recovery system coupled to the fluid circulation system recovers a portion of the temperature control fluid from the fluid circulation system by circulating a gas through the fluid circulation system including fluid tubes and fluid passages in the chuck. The gas, which can be air, carries a portion of residual or excess fluid through the fluid circulation system as it is circulated. The residual fluid is carried back to a reservoir such that it can continue to be used to control temperature of the chuck. Where gas and temperature control fluid vapors are displaced from the reservoir, they are routed through a suction line heat exchanger which condenses the vapor. The gas and condensed fluid are separated in a fluid separator.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Temptronic CorporationInventors: Shawn M. Cousineau, Robert D. Kelso, Douglas S. Olsen, David Stura
-
Patent number: 6802368Abstract: A system for and method of controlling the temperature of a flat workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer are disclosed. The workpiece is mounted on a workpiece chuck which is mounted over a base between the chuck and a host machine such as a wafer prober used to test integrated circuits on a wafer. The chuck includes an upper portion on which the workpiece is mounted. The temperature of the upper portion of the chuck is controlled to control the temperature of the workpiece. The temperature of the base is controlled to reduce the amount of heat flow between the chuck and the host machine. A power and control system includes a switching power supply which provides power to system components including heaters in the chuck used to heat the workpiece. A series of filters removes electrical noise generated by the switching power supply such that low-noise operation is realized.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Temptronic CorporationInventors: Paul A. Getchel, Kenneth M. Cole, Sr., Henry A. Lyden
-
Patent number: 6679314Abstract: A method of operating a frozen beverage machine is disclosed that utilizes a short “burst” heating of the beverage machine's freezing chamber. The method includes monitoring a beverage mixture within the freezing chamber of the frozen beverage machine, and heating the freezing chamber for a predetermined time period in response to the beverage mixture reaching a first predetermined state. The freezing chamber is then refrigerated until the beverage mixture reaches a second predetermined state.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2003Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Inventor: Jimmy I. Frank
-
Patent number: 6513578Abstract: A method of operating a frozen beverage machine is disclosed that utilizes a short “burst” heating of the beverage machine's freezing chamber. The method includes monitoring a beverage mixture within the freezing chamber of the frozen beverage machine, and heating the freezing chamber for a predetermined time period in response to the beverage mixture reaching a first predetermined state. The freezing chamber is then refrigerated until the beverage mixture reaches a second predetermined state.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Inventor: Jimmy I. Frank
-
Patent number: 6497276Abstract: A combined refrigerator-oven (20) includes an enclosed chamber (28) having a top wall (22), a bottom wall (24), and vertical side walls (26). The refrigerator-oven (20) further includes a heating unit (50) and a refrigeration unit (70). A controller (118) is in communication with the heating unit (50) and the refrigeration unit (70). When a cooling mode is selected, the controller (118) activates the refrigeration unit (70) to deliver cool air (62) into the enclosed chamber (28). When a heating mode is selected, the controller (118) activates the heating unit (50) to produce heat (66) in the enclosed chamber (28).Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Inventors: Ron D. Clark, Mark A. George
-
Publication number: 20020139137Abstract: A method of preventing refrigerant condensation in a discharge volume or discharge line of a compressor is disclosed. The method involves the application of one or more heaters to a cooling circuit to prevent condensed refrigerant from migrating into the discharge line and/or discharge volume of the compressor. In one embodiment, a heater is in thermal communication with the dome of the compressor. The heater may be a band heater. In another embodiment, a flexible strip heater is used on the discharge line of the cooling circuit. In another embodiment, both a heater on the discharge volume of the compressor and a heater on the discharge line may be used to prevent migration and condensation of refrigerant.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: Russ Tipton
-
Publication number: 20020112495Abstract: A blowerless air conditioning or heat pump system for use in providing conditioned air includes an outdoor section that is preferably coupled to an indoor section, and is advantageously used with a forced hot air furnace and a corresponding air distribution duct system of a home or building. The two sections are preferably installed along a boundary of the home or building such that outdoor section is outside of the home and the indoor section is inside or below the home and proximate to a forced hot air furnace. Disposed within the outdoor unit are a compressor, an outdoor coil and an outdoor fan. Disposed within the indoor section is an evaporator coil. There is no separate fan or blower disposed within the indoor section. An inlet air tube couples the indoor section to a first point in the air distribution system, and an outlet air tube couples the indoor section to a second point in the air distribution system. The second point is downstream of the first point relative to the furnace.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventor: Bradley J. Campbell
-
Patent number: 6427761Abstract: A meal trolley has an insulated casing and food dishes or plates supported therein for cooling and heating by thermochemical reactions. The reagents of the chemical reactions are stored in containers and reservoirs carried by the trolley and selectively connected to provide the self-contained cooling or heating.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Societe de Constructions de Material Metallique et Electrique-SocamelInventor: René Georges
-
Patent number: 6415858Abstract: A system for and method of controlling the temperature of a flat workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer are disclosed. The workpiece is mounted on a workpiece chuck which is mounted over a base between the chuck and a host machine such as a wafer prober used to test integrated circuits on a wafer. The chuck includes an upper portion on which the workpiece is mounted. The temperature of the upper portion of the chuck is controlled to control the temperature of the workpiece. The temperature of the base is controlled to reduce the amount of heat flow between the chuck and the host machine. A power and control system includes a switching power supply which provides power to system components including heaters in the chuck used to heat the workpiece. A series of filters removes electrical noise generated by the switching power supply such that low-noise operation is realized.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1997Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Temptronic CorporationInventors: Paul A. Getchel, Kenneth M. Cole, Sr., Henry A. Lyden
-
Publication number: 20010018831Abstract: An air conditioning system includes compressor protective means for protecting a compressor. The compressor protective means includes first and second protective values. The first protective value is set for preventing a failure of a compressor. The second protective value is lower than the first protective value in order to prevent a high pressure in a refrigerant cycle system from reaching the first protective value. The compressor protective means sets the second protective value such that the second protective value used before an elapse of a predetermined time period from startup of the compressor is lower than the second protective value used after the elapse of the predetermined time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2001Publication date: September 6, 2001Inventor: Keita Honda
-
Patent number: 6250372Abstract: An air condition includes a suction grill for sucking the air in a room, a front panel including an inlet port for sucking the air from the suction grill inside and a blowout port for blowing the air out into the room, a heat exchanger for heat exchange of the air, and a blower for circulating the air, wherein a concave air passage for room temperature detection is formed on the front face of the front panel, and an air suction port for sucking air for room temperature detection is formed in suction grill at an opposite part to air passage.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuyuki Arai, Masaharu Miwa, Tetsuji Uchiyama, Yoshiaki Kuwahara, Kengo Takahashi
-
Patent number: 6244329Abstract: A system and method for producing controlled cooling of a liquid including the steps of: removing heat from the liquid so as to cause formation of solid portions therein; and generally simultaneously with removing heat from the liquid, supplying energy to the solid portions at a frequency which is absorbed by the solid portions to a significantly greater extent than by the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Inventor: Shimon Ullman
-
Publication number: 20010000880Abstract: Supplemental heat mechanisms are employed to ensure that refrigerant in evaporative cold plates for electronic modules not only returns to the compressor in a vapor phase but also further operates to maintain electronic circuit junction temperatures at relatively constant temperature levels. Furthermore, the supplemental heating system responds within a time frame which is faster than other methods which may be employed to achieve the same or similar objectives. In particular, in preferred embodiments of the present invention pressure and temperature measurements of refrigerant exiting the evaporative cold plate are employed to control the turning on of supplemental electrical resistive heating elements to make up for thermal dissipation fluctuations occurring in the electronic module. The supplemental heat may be provided either with a single flat element or through the use of in-line heating elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2000Publication date: May 10, 2001Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Richard C. Chu, Gregory M. Chrysler
-
Patent number: 6213199Abstract: A temperature selectable water supply device for one of heating and cooling water provided by a water supply system to an outlet in a structure. The device includes a main water tank including an inlet conduit for receiving water from a water supply tank connected to the water supply system and an outlet conduit for supplying the water to the outlet connected thereto. The temperature selectable water supply device also includes a water refrigeration tank connected to receive water from the main water supply tank for cooling to a desired temperature. A heating device is connected to the main water supply tank for heating the water therein and a cooling device is connected to the water refrigeration tank for cooling the water received thereby. A return conduit is connected between the water refrigeration tank and the main water tank for returning the cooled water to the main water tank for mixing with the water therein and thereby cooling the water.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventor: Osama Othman Mostaeen Al-Khateeb
-
Patent number: 6123147Abstract: A system for controlling the humidity with a residential air conditioning system without compressor or air flow control employs a simple control technique of matching inlet air temperature prior to the refrigeration coils of the air conditioning system to outlet temperature after the refrigeration coil and as raised by a reheat coil supplied with hot water from the residential hot water heater. The system permits heating and cooling cycles and may be retrofit into existing residential units.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1996Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Inventor: Jerry R. Pittman
-
Patent number: 6073547Abstract: A food temperature maintenance cart transports meals of hot and cold food items prepared at a meal assembly area to a meal serving area where the meals are to be served, while keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold for extended periods of time. The cart includes a cabinet having tray storage compartments for storing meal serving trays containing refrigerated and heated food items. Thermal barriers subdivide each of the tray storage compartments into a refrigerated compartment for maintaining refrigerated foods in a refrigerated state and a heated compartment for maintaining heated foods in a heated state. A refrigerated air delivery compartment separates adjacent refrigerated compartments and produces laminar flows of refrigerated air across refrigerated food items contained on the trays.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Standex International CorporationInventors: John W. Westbrooks, Jr., Randal L. Delbridge
-
Patent number: 5967226Abstract: A slush machine which is capable of selectively providing a slush state or hot drink.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: LG Industrial Systems, Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang Kyong Choi
-
Patent number: 5894615Abstract: A bed pad has embedded in it a circuit of continuous tubing. Portable heating and refrigerating means are operatively connected to a second tubing circuit by quick disconnect couplings. Electrical control means are selectively operated to heat or cool the liquid in said second tubing circuit. Thermostatic controls may optionally be applied to both the heating and refrigerating means. This has particular use in surgical operating rooms for raising and lowering the temperature of the patient. It is also useful in the recovery room, hospital and or convalescent home.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Inventor: Marvin J. Alexander
-
Patent number: 5692556Abstract: Milli-Kelvin temperature control in an air chamber by use of coarse and fine temperature control systems, and through the use of structure for handling air flow within the chamber. The coarse control system provides enough heating or cooling power to hold the chamber temperature at a value near, but below, the desired operating temperature, thus leaving a small differential to be made up by the fine control loop. The coarse control has a fairly large thermal time constant (in the order of tens of seconds). The fine control loop has a very fast response time (in the order of fractional seconds). This fast response time is achieved by the use of a heater having minimal thermal mass, a fast response sensor, and a high precision controller. Air circulation within the chamber is forced by an in-line assembly of a number of high volume blowers, all having a common shaft, driven by a constant speed motor.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1994Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Inventor: Erich Hafner
-
Patent number: 5507337Abstract: A heat pump and air conditioning system is provided with a thermal storage device, a variety of distribution devices for blocking or allowing flow of the system working fluid, and a controller for manipulating the distribution devices to control flow of the working fluid through the thermal storage device to allow thermal energy storage or thermal energy discharged depending upon sensed conditions. In addition, a thermal storage device is provided which is suitable for use in a heat pump and air conditioning system. The thermal storage device includes a container through which refrigerant coils pass. The container is filled with an unencapsulated phase change material having a first melt temperature and an encapsulated phase change material having a second melt temperature higher than the first melt temperature. Further disclosed is a method for conditioning a space by use of heat pump and air conditioning systems incorporating thermal storage.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1994Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: Shape, Inc.Inventors: Alexander P. Rafalovich, David B. Phillips, Joseph A. Gustin
-
Patent number: 5448838Abstract: An apparatus for finishing or restoring the surface of a plastic article. A receiving chamber receives the article and conveys the article to a finishing chamber. The surface of the article is exposed to a control led concentration of solvent vapor for a period of time in the finishing chamber. The solvent vapor is absorbed into the surface of the article and reforms the surface of the article to a smooth finish. The solvent evaporates off of the surface of the article leaving a smooth glass like finish. A refrigeration system condenser and evaporator are provided to respectively vaporize the solvent in a heating zone, and condense the vaporized solvent in a cooling zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1993Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Assignee: Hess, Inc.Inventor: Frederick E. Edmonds
-
Patent number: 5388427Abstract: A refrigerator has a freezer compartment, a refrigeration compartment located beneath the freezer compartment, and a heating/cooling compartment located beneath the refrigeration compartment. The heating/cooling compartment contains its own heating and cooling mechanisms mounted on external surfaces of walls which form the heating/cooling compartment. The heating/cooling compartment can be used to ferment and then store food such as kimchi.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1993Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sun G. Lee
-
Patent number: 5289868Abstract: An unit-type air conditioning system is provided to enable low-load operation of an absorption chiller heater, to thereby improve the load responsiveness, and to use such a chiller heater as an outdoor unit. A plurality of burners are provided in a high temperature generator of the absorption chiller heater, thereby enabling the low-load operation. A refrigerant return valve is provided so as to speed up the stop operation. Flow rates of pumps are controlled in accordance with detected values of temperatures in the chiller heater and a load change, thus improving the load responsiveness. Further, in the air conditioning system with this chiller heater serving as an outdoor unit, required operation prediction is performed on the basis of outer signals from load units and the like, and prediction control according to its result is conducted, further improving the load responsiveness.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1992Date of Patent: March 1, 1994Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuo Koseki, Ryuichi Kaji, Hiroaki Yoda, Takashi Nakao, Tomihisa Ohuchi, Akira Nishiguchi, Daisuke Hisajima, Katsuya Ebara
-
Patent number: 5245150Abstract: Device for reheating and dispensing cooked meals arranged on a meal tray and stored on stand-by in a refrigerated enclosure. Each tray may contain different foodstuffs, and can therefore be selected by the consumer. Reheating is carried out by a sliding oven on an endless ballscrew, assisted by two slide rails. The oven moves in front of the selected tray. In the refrigerated enclosure, trays are stacked on shelves with slide rails, and an endless screw slides a camshaft provided with snugs so that it triggers the tray-moving mechanism, and a detector determines which snug corresponds to the selected tray. Once the snug is engaged in the mechanism the camshaft rotates from left to right and vice-versa to activate the mechanism's rocker bars which slide the tray into or out of the oven.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1991Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Inventor: Rene Grandi
-
Patent number: 5211713Abstract: A temperature control method for controlling a temperature in a chamber comprises the steps of: providing heating means which can select large and small heating powers for heating the chamber and refrigerating means for cooling the chamber; detecting a process temperature in the chamber; operating the heating means with a small heating power for attaining an intended set value when a detected temperature is equal to or higher than a lower tolerable deviation value, and operating the heating means with a large heating power when the detected temperature is lower than the lower tolerable deviation value; and operating the refrigerating means when the detected temperature is higher than an upper tolerable deviation value.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1991Date of Patent: May 18, 1993Assignee: Tabai Espec Corp.Inventor: Katsumasa Suyama
-
Patent number: 4984628Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining liquid temperature at a constant level comprises a reaction vessel for containing liquid, a cooling device connected with the reaction vessel for cooling the liquid, a heating device connected with the cooling device for heating the liquid cooled by the cooling device, a circulating device for circulating the liquid through and among the reaction vessel, the cooling device and the heating device, a temperature detecting device for detecting the temperature of the liquid heated by the heating device, a heat exchange rate control device for controlling the heat exchange rate between the cooling device and the liquid, and a control device for controlling the heating device and the heat exchange rate control device based on a control state of the apparatus and on the temperature difference between the detected temperature and a desired temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1989Date of Patent: January 15, 1991Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyasu Uchida, Tetsuaki Abe, Hiroaki Ishizawa
-
Patent number: 4963499Abstract: A calorimeter for measuring the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of chemical reactions, microbial fermentations, and other processes of industrial importance is described. The present invention also relates to a method of operation of this apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1989Date of Patent: October 16, 1990Assignee: American Cyanamid CompanyInventors: Gerald W. Stockton, Dale H. Chidester, Susan J. Ehrlich
-
Patent number: 4913223Abstract: A defrosting apparatus comprises a housing defining therein a frozen food storage space. Within the housing, air is heated and supplied to the storage space through a hot-air entrance passage formed between a side wall of the housing and one of paired shelf receiving members which cooperate to define the storage space. The hot-air entrance passage incorporates a guide plate having a communication aperture provided at a lower end. The guide plate cooperates with the side wall of the housing and one of the shelf receiving members to force the hot air fed from a ventilating fan to flow first downwardly along the hot-air inlet passage. The hot-air flow is then changed in the flow direction upon passing through the communication aperture so as to flow upwardly. In the course of flowing upwardly, the hot air is fed into the storage space successively through a plurality of inlet ports formed in one of the shelf receiving members.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1989Date of Patent: April 3, 1990Assignee: Hoshizaki Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeo Mizuno, Yuji Wakatuki, Nobuya Suzuki
-
Patent number: 4911230Abstract: The heat exchanger located in an air-conditioning room adjourning the test room of a climatic test chamber for testing equipment and devices for their resistance to extremes of climate is equipped for producing rapid changes of test chamber air temperature towards extremes of cold and heat by means of a so called "tempering" heat transfer medium which boils or condenses in the heat exchanger in the air-conditioning room. The heat transfer loop of the tempering medium is designed to withstand pressures from a low value such a 0.1 bar to a high value such as 20 bar in order that the boiling point of the tempering medium may automatically rise and fall with the air temperature of the testing room while heat is transferred in one direction or the other in great quantity through a low temperature gradient at the boiling point temperature. For cooling, a condensate separator is included in the tempering medium loop and is cooled by the cooling loop of another cooling medium.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1989Date of Patent: March 27, 1990Assignee: Heraeus-Votsch GmbHInventors: Xaver Mayer, Hermann Ruoss, Werner Hezel
-
Patent number: 4884626Abstract: A self-contained refrigerator-oven for refrigerating and cooking food in the same enclosed chamber, has both heating elements and cooling elements located in the same appliance. The heating elements may be conventional heating elements and/or a convection unit and a microwave unit. Additonally, the apparatus has cooling controls, heating controls, and temperature controls which are activated by a microprocessor, programmable for up to two weeks in advance, so that the cooling elements and the heating elements are subsequently activated to treat the food at particular temperatures for particular specific periods of time. The sequence of heating and cooling may be performed in any desired order. The apparatus includes a battery backup to maintain the time, microprocessor and logic circuits during a power outage and utilizes a frozen food, probe-receiving sheath to facilitate cooking from a frozen state.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1987Date of Patent: December 5, 1989Inventor: Merle M. Filipowski
-
Patent number: 4881591Abstract: Over for the burn-in of integrated circuits (12), comprising: a chamber (B) for receiving such circuits (12); first means (4), for heating such integrated circuits (12) in the chamber (B) with the circuits (12) fed with supply voltages; and control means for controlling the first means (4), including a computer (15) for monitoring power consumed by the circuits (12), the computer (15) being capable of storing information concerning the number of said circuits (12) and being adapted to provide from said power, a signal dependent on the mean power dissipation of the circuits (12): and in which oven the control means controls the heating of the circuits (12) in dependence on said signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1987Date of Patent: November 21, 1989Assignee: Sharetree LimitedInventor: Michael W. Rignall