By Electrical Energy Patents (Class 222/146.5)
  • Patent number: 9482586
    Abstract: A heating control apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The heating control apparatus includes a heating module, a temperature sensing module, a pulse width modulation circuit, and a comparator. Input terminals of the comparator are respectively coupled to the temperature sensing module and the pulse width modulation circuit, and an output terminal of the comparator is coupled to the heating module. In the control method, a heating temperature of the heating module is sensed by the temperature sensing module, so as to provide a temperature sensing signal. The comparator receives the temperature sensing signal and a pulse width modulation signal generated by the pulse width modulation circuit and compares the temperature sensing signal and the pulse width modulation signal to generate a comparing pulse width modulation signal, so as to control the heating temperature of the heating module by using the comparing pulse width modulation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: XYZprinting, Inc., Kinpo Electronics, Inc., Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited
    Inventors: Ju-Chou Chen, Chih-Ming Chang
  • Patent number: 9427768
    Abstract: An adhesive dispensing system and method are configured to melt adhesive on demand and maintain the adhesive in a liquid state between dispensing cycles. The dispensing system includes a dispensing applicator with a manifold passage, a receiving device including a receiving chamber for holding a small amount of solid adhesive at the dispensing applicator and a first heating device for melting the adhesive on demand, and a second heating device at the manifold to maintain the temperature of the melted adhesive before dispensing. The receiving device is positioned adjacent to or partially nested within a manifold of the dispensing applicator such that the melted adhesive is delivered directly into the dispensing applicator. The second heating device applies heat energy to maintain the adhesive in the manifold passage as a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Leslie J. Varga
  • Patent number: 9291160
    Abstract: An inductor pump system comprises a fluid activated ram, an inductor pump platen, a fluid activated motor and a fluid control. The inductor pump platen is driven by the fluid activated ram. The fluid activated motor is coupled to the platen. The fluid control comprises an inlet for receiving a source of pressurized fluid, a first circuit and a second circuit. The first and second circuits are configured to receive pressurized fluid from the inlet. The first circuit comprises a switching valve connected to the inlet; an actuator line connected to the ram and the switching valve; and a blow-off line connected to the inductor pump platen and the switching valve. The second circuit is connected to the inlet to receive pressurized fluid and to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Quam
  • Patent number: 9278572
    Abstract: A melted crayon painting system for effectively painting with melted crayon. The melted crayon painting system generally includes providing a tube having a distal end, a receiver-dispenser opening within the distal end and a lumen fluidly connected to the receiver-dispenser opening, heating the tube to a temperature of at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit, inserting the distal end of the tube into a crayon, melting a portion of the crayon with the tube, receiving a volume of melted crayon from the crayon into the lumen from the receiver-dispenser opening, removing the distal end of the tube from the crayon, and dispensing the volume of melted crayon within the lumen from the receiver-dispenser opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: FPC Corporation
    Inventors: Michael B. Kamins, Sandra L. Palmer
  • Patent number: 9260234
    Abstract: A liquid material discharge apparatus and a method which can easily adjust a movement speed of a plunger. The liquid material discharge apparatus includes a liquid chamber (50) which communicates with a discharging port (11) and to which a liquid material is supplied; a plunger whose rear end portion has a piston (33) and whose front end portion moves forward and rearward inside the liquid chamber (50); an elastic body (47) which applies a biasing force to the plunger; and a pressurizing chamber (49) in which the piston (33) is arranged and to which compressed gas is supplied. The liquid material is discharged through the discharging port (11) by the plunger to move forward fast, the elastic body (47) biases the plunger in a rearward movement direction, and the compressed gas applies a driving force to the piston (33) to cause the plunger to move forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: MUSASHI ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
  • Patent number: 9167628
    Abstract: An electric heating unit for hot runner systems, and in particular for hot runner nozzles and/or hot runner manifolds includes at least one tubular or muff-like support and at least one heating layer fitted with heating conductor tracks. The heating layer is a fired foil or a fired thick-film paste and the muff-like support is able to be slipped onto a material feed pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: GÜNTHER Heisskanaltechnik
    Inventor: Herbert Gunther
  • Patent number: 9156053
    Abstract: A melt system capable of heating hot melt pellets into a liquid includes a melter including a body, a chamber, a collector, channels, and a heater. The thermally conductive body forms an interior with a surface area. The chamber is at an upper end of the body for receiving the pellets. The collector is within the body and located below the chamber for receiving the liquid from the melted pellets. The channels extend between the chamber and the collector to increase the surface area of the interior, and the walls of the channels form heat exchange surfaces. The heater is for transferring heat to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Paul R. Quam, Daniel P. Ross
  • Patent number: 9113750
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for producing beverages or other food products which includes, generally and broadly, controllably dispensing water from the system for use in brewing. Water is introduced to a heated water reservoir (20) heating and subsequent use in a process such as brewing. A thermal expansion system (86) is provided to accommodate water which expands from the reservoir (20) as a result of the heating process. One form of thermal expansion system (86) may include a venturi device (88) which allows the accumulation of water which expands during the heating process and then returns the water to the flow of water during a brew cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Charles H. Clark, Suresh Radhakrishnan
  • Patent number: 9061316
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a heated liquid, such as a hot melt adhesive, includes a vertically oriented mounting plate; a melter subassembly including an adhesive manifold, a heater, and a pump adapted to dispense the heated liquid; a control subassembly adapted to control one or more components of the melter subassembly; and a subassembly cover coupled to the mounting plate for movement between an open condition and a closed condition. The subassembly cover thermally insulates the melter assembly from the control assembly when in the closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: David R. Jeter
  • Patent number: 9038856
    Abstract: A dispensing unit is provided having a circulation system for circulating a fluid in the dispensing unit. The circulation system includes a circulation circuit and a mechanism for circulating the fluid in the circulation circuit. By circulating the fluid, the fluid is counteracted from crystallizing. A method for circulating a fluid in a dispensing unit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Wayne Fueling Systems LLC
    Inventor: Bengt I. Larsson
  • Publication number: 20150102057
    Abstract: A system for dispensing a flowable food product from a reservoir is provided. A wall of the reservoir defines an aperture therethrough allowing the flowable food product to exit the reservoir. The system includes a valve having a base member having a first passageway extending therethrough and a moving member having a second passageway extending therethrough, the moving member configured to slide relative to the base member between a closed position in which the first passageway and the second passageway do not overlap and an open position in which the first passageway and the second passageway overlap. When the moving member is in the open position, an axis extending through the first passageway and the second passageway extends through the aperture in the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: GEHL FOODS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Gehl, Michael Sowieja, Christoph Albiez, Paul Hatch, Thomas Mitchell, David Mucci, Anders Olof Rostlund
  • Publication number: 20150083752
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dental compound gun. A body unit has a gun shape. A compound material stick is inserted into the body unit through an insert hole formed in the body unit. A feeding unit transfers the compound material stick to an outlet. A melting unit heats the compound material stick and discharges melted compound material out of the body unit. A drive unit includes a trigger and a motor. A control unit controls power to be supplied to the motor. A support unit is coupled to a lower end of the body unit so that the body unit can be placed upright on a support surface. The control unit controls the motor in such a way that when the operation signal of the trigger is generated, the motor is forwardly rotated, and when the operation signal of the trigger is interrupted, the motor is reversely rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Hummer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong Sup SHIN
  • Patent number: 8985391
    Abstract: A hot melt dispensing system including a container for storing adhesive pellets, a feed system for transporting adhesive pellets from the container, and a blower. The blower is positioned with respect to an inlet of the feed system for applying a flow of air for agitating the adhesive pellets and moving the adhesive pellets toward the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, Joseph E. Tix
  • Publication number: 20150076173
    Abstract: A heat exchange device for heating liquid adhesive material to an application temperature suitable for an adhesive bonding application includes a body having an inlet configured to receive a flow of liquid adhesive material and an outlet configured to provide the liquid adhesive material to a dispensing device for the adhesive bonding application. A fluid passageway in the body connects the inlet and the outlet. The fluid passageway includes a thin slit section having a length along a fluid flow direction between the inlet and the outlet, the thin slit section further having a first dimension and a second dimension transverse to the fluid flow direction. The first dimension and the length are substantially greater than the second dimension. The heat exchange further includes a heating element for heating the liquid adhesive material flowing through the thin slit section to the application temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Steven Clark, Wesley C. Fort, Mark A. Gould, Leonard J. Lanier, Laurence B. Saidman
  • Publication number: 20150060490
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The dispensing assembly includes a tank that defines a fluid chamber and a heating element for heating fluid within the fluid chamber. An inlet conduit directs liquid into the fluid chamber, a first outlet conduit directs liquid out of the fluid chamber, and a second outlet conduit directs gas out of the fluid chamber. The dispensing assembly also includes valves for regulating fluid flow through the inlet conduit and the first and second outlet conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Christopher Francis Bird
  • Patent number: 8967432
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet formed with at least one refrigerated compartment, and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet. A vented exhaust conduit is provided at least partially within an interior of the door and defines a pathway in fluid communication with an environment exterior of the cabinet. A water heater includes a heating element located at least partially within the vented exhaust conduit and configured to heat water supplied from the refrigerator, wherein heat generated by said heating element can escape through the pathway of the vented exhaust to said environment exterior of the cabinet. A hot water dispenser is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water supplied from the water heater into a receiver vessel. A method of dispensing hot water is also provided. The method utilizes at least two distinct, user-initiated steps to permit the dispensing of hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nilton Carlos Bertolini, Jorge Sanchez, David L. Hall
  • Patent number: 8950316
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing baby milk from water and dry formula includes a formula supply system having a reservoir for holding formula and a feeder for feeding formula out off the reservoir through an outlet opening in the reservoir. The apparatus further includes a scraper for guiding formula towards and through the outlet opening into the feeder. The scraper is arranged to move closely along an inner wall portion of the reservoir that borders on the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Anke Sinnema, Gertrude Riette Van Der Kamp, Klaas Kooijker
  • Publication number: 20150034169
    Abstract: A system and method for inflating an inflatable device is disclosed. The system includes an inflation cylinder configured to hold a gas mixture under pressure, a heating element configured to selectively heat the gas mixture and a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the gas mixture. A control module is coupled to the heating element and the temperature sensor. The the control module controls heating of the gas mixture based on the measured temperature, a mass of the gas mixture and a volume of the inflation cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jayant V. Deshpande, Wilfred Ray McBurnett, III
  • Publication number: 20150021359
    Abstract: A dispenser for a fluid material includes a handle portion and a cartridge having the material to be dispensed. The cartridge is easily mounted to the handle portion or removed, whereby the handle portion may be used with a variety of cartridges, each of which may contain a selected material. The handle portion includes a plunger that is moved linearly by actuation of a trigger mechanism, which is engaged by a user's finger. The trigger mechanism is configured to release pressure applied to the plunger quickly upon release of pressure on the trigger and to allow the plunger to move away from the cartridge to ensure release of pressure in the material to be dispensed to prevent dripping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Richard A. BELANGER, Peter S. MELENDY
  • Patent number: 8905268
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wax dispenser for dental technology comprising: a wax reservoir in the shape of a hollow tube which contains a liquid wax therein; a nozzle which is disposed on the front end of the wax reservoir and which is in fluid communication with the wax reservoir; a heater which heats wax to keep wax contained in the wax reservoir in liquid state; an air-pressure supplier which increases the pressure in the wax reservoir by the introduction of air from the outside in a pressurization mode and decreases the pressure in the wax reservoir by the discharge of air to the outside in a depressurization mode; and a dispenser actuator comprising a wax passage which allows the wax reservoir to be in fluid communication with the nozzle, and a passage open/shut device arranged to open and shut the wax passage to discharge wax contained in the wax reservoir through the nozzle in the pressurization mode and to introduce wax from the outside to the wax reservoir through the nozzle in the depressurization m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hummer Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hong-Sub Shin
  • Patent number: 8893930
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge orifice, a valve stem and a filter. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge orifice is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharger orifice. The filter is disposed within the fluid passage and surrounds the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Mark T. Weinberger, Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, John S. Lihwa
  • Patent number: 8870029
    Abstract: A heating and dispensing apparatus has a first portion defining a main, active reservoir for the molten material to be dispensed. A second portion has a heater and a seat for pre-heating a supply of replacement molten material. The main reservoir is pressurized, such that molten material therein is urged to flow out the outflow passageway when the valve is opened. The apparatus includes a heated receptacle support structure positioned to hold a disposable receptacle underneath the outflow. The outflow is mounted to the lid of the main reservoir, and can be cleaned when the lid is removed. The outflow outlet and the receptacle support structure are both located in exposed positions to facilitate cleaning. The pre-heat, main reservoir, outflow, and receptacle support structure are heated by a single heating system, by thermal conduction. The outside of the unit is kept substantially free of unnecessary obstructions to facilitate cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: Mileta Stanojlovic, Dragica Stanojlovic
  • Patent number: 8851332
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses for filtering hot adhesives. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a filter plate that is used in conjunction with a heater and a valve assembly. In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a filter screen that is located in a recess of the valve assembly housing, in addition to or in lieu of the use of a separate filter plate. Both embodiments utilize one or more ribs, which aid the flow of adhesive, facilitate the transfer of heat from the heater to the valve assembly, and optionally, physically support the filter screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Jeff L. Mercer
  • Publication number: 20140284351
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide for an apparatus for storing and dispensing a fluid from a flexible portable fluid container. The apparatus includes a bottom surface and at least one sidewall that defining a cavity configured to receive a flexible portable fluid container. A support member extends from the bottom surface of the body into the cavity to help support the flexible portable fluid container. An extruding member extends outwardly from the outside portion of the sidewall and defines a channel that extends from the inside portion of the sidewall through the extruding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: BAM! & Co., LLC
    Inventors: Berrishea Carter, Michelle Bunton
  • Publication number: 20140270724
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet formed with at least one refrigerated compartment and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet via a hollow hinge to selectively open and close at least a portion of the refrigerated compartment. A water heater is mounted on an exterior surface of the cabinet about the hollow hinge and configured to heat water supplied from the refrigerator. A hot water dispenser is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water supplied from the water heater into a receiver vessel, and a hot water conduit is guided through the hollow hinge and extending from the water heater to the hot water dispenser to supply the hot water from the heater to the dispenser. A method of dispensing hot water is also provided. The method utilizes at least two distinct, user-initiated steps to permit the dispensing of hot water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: David L. Hall, Nilton Carlos Bertolini
  • Publication number: 20140263452
    Abstract: A melting system includes a hopper for receiving solid hot melt material, a heated conduit in communication with the hopper for melting the solid hot melt material, and a valve for allowing solid hot melt material to flow from the hopper to the heated conduit. The valve includes a disk movable between a closed position and an open position, a stem connected to the disk and an actuator for controlling the position of the disk. The disk prevents solid hot melt material from flowing from the hopper to the conduit in the closed position and allows solid hot melt material to flow from the hopper to the conduit in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Sebion, Nicholas D. Long, Shaun M. Cook, Mark W. Sheahan, Mark T. Weinberger, Mark J. Brudevold, Joseph E. Tix, John S. Lihwa, Douglas B. Farrow, Robert J. Lind, Paul R. Quam, Daniel P. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140270725
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet formed with at least one refrigerated compartment, and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet. A vented exhaust conduit is provided at least partially within an interior of the door and defines a pathway in fluid communication with an environment exterior of the cabinet. A water heater includes a heating element located at least partially within the vented exhaust conduit and configured to heat water supplied from the refrigerator, wherein heat generated by said heating element can escape through the pathway of the vented exhaust to said environment exterior of the cabinet. A hot water dispenser is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water supplied from the water heater into a receiver vessel. A method of dispensing hot water is also provided. The method utilizes at least two distinct, user-initiated steps to permit the dispensing of hot water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Nilton Carlos Bertolini, Jorge Sanchez, David L. Hall
  • Patent number: 8820593
    Abstract: A water dispensing system for an automobile includes a docking mechanism in a trunk of the car to detachably hold a water bar that is linked by a water pipe to supply water to a water dispenser in a cabin of the automobile. The water bar includes a rechargeable power unit to provide power to the water bar when the water bar is removed from the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Aqua Car Ltd.
    Inventor: Moshe Pesach
  • Publication number: 20140231010
    Abstract: A chemical supplier includes a chemical reservoir containing a chemical mixture at a room temperature, an inner space of the chemical reservoir being separated from surroundings, a supply line through which the chemical mixture is supplied to a process chamber from the chemical reservoir, an inline heater positioned on the supply line and heating the chemical mixture in the supply line to a process temperature, and a power source driving the chemical mixture to move the chemical mixture toward the process chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Sang-Jine PARK, Bo-Un YOON, Jeong-Nam HAN, Kee-Sang KWON, Doo-Sung YUN, Won-Sang CHOI
  • Patent number: 8809744
    Abstract: A wax remover for removing solidified wax within a wax container of a scent-warmer device includes a base having a size and shape configured to fit within a wax container of a scent-warmer device, and at least one tab attached to and extending from the base for removing the base from a wax container of a scented warmer device. Such wax removers are used to remove wax from a wax container of a scent-warmer device. A scent-warmer assembly includes a scent-warmer device that comprises a base housing a heat source, and a wax container configured to be heated by the heat source during operation of the scent-warmer device. The assembly further includes a wax remover disposed within the wax container, and a wax disposed at least partially over the wax remover within the wax container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Scentsy, Inc.
    Inventor: Julie Stewart
  • Publication number: 20140203040
    Abstract: A melter includes a heater unit for melting adhesive, a reservoir for receiving melted adhesive from the heater unit, and a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir and located within a heated housing. The heated housing heats the pump during startup and regular operation of the adhesive melter, thereby reducing delays in operation caused by slow warming of adhesive within the pump. The heated housing may be a manifold in fluid communication with the reservoir and with fluid outlets in some embodiments, but the heated housing may also be a separate heat block. In either type of embodiment, the pump is configured to be inserted cartridge-style into the heated housing and held in position using a single locking fastener. Additional elements such as insulating external housings and mounting hooks may also be used to further encourage conductive heat transfer into the structure surrounding the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Clark, David R. Jeter
  • Publication number: 20140196443
    Abstract: Embodiments of a heating system maintains the temperature of a fuel additive (e.g., AUS32) at and/or above freezing temperature to avoid crystallization. The heating system can form a fluid circuit with one or more coaxially arranged sleeves disposed about hoses that transport the additives. The fluid circuit can also include a central compartment that encloses a flow meter. A fluid heater couples with the fluid circuit to provide heating fluid, e.g., to the central compartment. The heating fluid disperses throughout the heating compartment and into the sleeves, thereby direction heating fluid in thermal proximity to the hoses and other components that handle the fuel additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Dresser Inc.
    Inventors: Bengt Ingemar Larsson, Harry Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20140183220
    Abstract: An instant drink vending machine is described. The instant drink vending machine has a water supply system for obtaining mixed warm water with a temperature selected among a set of pre-determined temperatures comprised between an upper and a lower value corresponding to temperatures of hot water and cold water to be mixed, said system including thermostatic shape memory alloy devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SAES GETTERS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Butera, Stefano Alacqua, Emanuele Nicolini
  • Patent number: 8763422
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body defining a storage space therein and a door for opening and closing the storage space. The refrigerator comprises a water conduit for directing water supplied from an external water source to the main body of the refrigerator. An inlet valve distributes the water supplied from the water conduit into a hot water conduit and a separate cold water conduit. A cold water tank is mounted to one of the main body and the door for cooling the water supplied through the cold water conduit and then storing the cooled water therein. A hot water tube is mounted to one of the main body and the door for receiving the water supplied through the hot water conduit. The hot water tube includes a heater operably installed within the hot water tube and in direct contact with the water therein. The heater generates heat through the application of electric power thereto to heat the water within the hot water tube to a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Compan
    Inventors: Martin Zentner, John J. Roetker, Mahesh Natarajan, Umakant Suresh Katu, Suresh Palanki
  • Publication number: 20140169774
    Abstract: A water heating assembly for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The water heating assembly includes a vacuum insulated container and a heating element received within a heated chamber of the vacuum insulated container for heating water therein. An inlet conduit is configured for directing water into the heated chamber, and an outlet conduit is configured for directing heated water out of the heated chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Brent Alden Junge, Vineeth Vijayan
  • Patent number: 8729429
    Abstract: A heated food storage and display cabinet including a flow inducer and heater arranged in an upper region thereof, the flow inducer being operable to draw air from an upper portion of the cabinet, to direct the air over the heater, and subsequently urge the heated air down the rear wall of the cabinet and across the floor of the cabinet towards the open front of the cabinet. The heated air is subsequently directed upwardly and rearwardly across the open front of the cabinet by an airflow direction member of the cabinet so as to provide a heated air curtain across the open front of the cabinet, and a portion of the heated air is also passed into the cabinet as the heated air moves down the rear wall and across the floor so as to pass over and around packs of food stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Alan Nuttall Limited
    Inventors: Alan David Nuttall, Michael James Steele, Gareth Richardson
  • Publication number: 20140117048
    Abstract: Heating of hot melt adhesive in a hot melt dispensing system is provided by heaters distributed in a plurality of zones of the system. A controller receives input electric power and distributes that electric power to the heaters on a time sharing basis. The controller delivers power to the heaters as a function of the total current target, a temperature set point, the current draw of each of the heaters, and stored priority criteria such as heating priorities of the zones, a history of on and off periods for each heater, and distance from the temperature set point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventor: Mark J. Brudevold
  • Publication number: 20140117049
    Abstract: An adhesive dispensing system and method are configured to melt adhesive on demand and maintain the adhesive in a liquid state between dispensing cycles. The dispensing system includes a dispensing applicator with a manifold passage, a receiving device including a receiving chamber for holding a small amount of solid adhesive at the dispensing applicator and a first heating device for melting the adhesive on demand, and a second heating device at the manifold to maintain the temperature of the melted adhesive before dispensing. The receiving device is positioned adjacent to or partially nested within a manifold of the dispensing applicator such that the melted adhesive is delivered directly into the dispensing applicator. The second heating device applies heat energy to maintain the adhesive in the manifold passage as a liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Leslie J. Varga
  • Publication number: 20140117050
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a hot melt unit delivering heated adhesive through a hose to at least one dispenser gun, which is actuated by an outside source of gun actuation. Rather than directly connecting the source of gun actuation to the dispenser gun, the source of gun actuation is connected to the hot melt unit and then to the dispenser gun. For example, the gun actuation signals may be terminated at a terminal block in the hot melt unit, which enables the hot melt unit to monitor the gun actuation signals. The dispensing system is operable to perform various diagnostics pertaining to the dispenser gun and the system as a whole based on these monitored gun actuation signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: James R. Beal, Peter W. Estelle, Howard B. Evans, III, Scott B. Means, Raymond J. Slattery, III
  • Publication number: 20140097206
    Abstract: A heating unit for use in heating a fluid storage and dispensing system includes a wall module and a lid module. The modules include cover layers. Each module may include a heating component disposed between the cover layers and which is configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy and to distribute the heat energy. The heating component includes a heat generating element for converting electrical current to heat energy and a heat spreading element comprising carbon thermally coupled to the heat generating element. The modules may further include a thermal insulation layer. The modules may also include a receiving power connector electrically connected to the heat generating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: 417 and 7/8, LLC
    Inventors: David Naylor, Arthur J. Fillion, David Hall, Aaron Evans, Brad Terry, Thomas Roe
  • Patent number: 8692163
    Abstract: An electrical sleeve heater for heating an elongated part has a metallic and tubular casing extending coaxially along an axis with the part and surrounding the part. The casing has a front end is with a radially inwardly open cutout. A electrical heating element set in the casing is energizeable to heat the casing and the part surrounded by the casing. A thermocouple has a sensing tip in the cutout. A retaining body of at most low thermal conductivity is fitted in the cutout, holds the tip out of contact with the metallic casing, and urges the tip radially inward into direct engagement with an outer surface of the part. The retaining body is a molded part, a plate, or a spring of a material with low or negligible thermal conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hotset Heizpatronen und Zubehoer GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Vogt, Bernward Seeberg
  • Publication number: 20140076923
    Abstract: An adhesive dispensing device includes a heater unit for melting adhesive, a fill system communicating with a receiving space for feeding the heater unit, and a reservoir for receiving melted adhesive from the heater unit. The dispensing device also includes a capacitive level sensor located along a sidewall of the receiving space such that the level of adhesive in the receiving space can be detected by sensing the difference in dielectric capacitance where the adhesive is located compared to where air acts as the dielectric. The size of the driven electrode produces a broader sensing window capable of generating multiple control signals corresponding to different fill levels of adhesive. The receiving space and reservoir are minimized in size so that adhesive is not held at elevated temperatures long enough to char or degrade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Justin A. Clark, Steven Clark, Peter W. Estelle, Jeffrey E. Owen, Robert J. Woodlief
  • Patent number: 8668884
    Abstract: The present invention provides the identification codes to the plurality of smell information and databases them, making it possible to identify the information on each smell and adds the smell data and smell reproducing information for at least one smell to the media data, making it possible to provide the contents with the plurality of smell reproducing information. Further, the smell diffusing apparatus includes the plurality of smell diffusing components to combine at least two smell diffusing components corresponding to the smell data and discharge them to the outside such that it can reproduce complex smells, thereby making it possible to effectively process a plurality of smell information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Myungeun Kim, Hyoungsun Kim
  • Publication number: 20140061241
    Abstract: A heating and dispensing apparatus has a first portion defining a main, active reservoir for the molten material to be dispensed. A second portion has a heater and a seat for pre-heating a supply of replacement molten material. The main reservoir is pressurized, such that molten material therein is urged to flow out the outflow passageway when the valve is opened. The apparatus includes a heated receptacle support structure positioned to hold a disposable receptacle underneath the outflow. The outflow is mounted to the lid of the main reservoir, and can be cleaned when the lid is removed. The outflow outlet and the receptacle support structure are both located in exposed positions to facilitate cleaning. The pre-heat, main reservoir, outflow, and receptacle support structure are heated by a single heating system, by thermal conduction. The outside of the unit is kept substantially free of unnecessary obstructions to facilitate cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Mileta STANOJLOVIC, Dragica STANOJLOVIC
  • Publication number: 20140054319
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wax dispenser for dental technology comprising: a wax reservoir in the shape of a hollow tube which contains a liquid wax therein; a nozzle which is disposed on the front end of the wax reservoir and which is in fluid communication with the wax reservoir; a heater which heats wax to keep wax contained in the wax reservoir in liquid state; an air-pressure supplier which increases the pressure in the wax reservoir by the introduction of air from the outside in a pressurization mode and decreases the pressure in the wax reservoir by the discharge of air to the outside in a depressurization mode; and a dispenser actuator comprising a wax passage which allows the wax reservoir to be in fluid communication with the nozzle, and a passage open/shut device arranged to open and shut the wax passage to discharge wax contained in the wax reservoir through the nozzle in the pressurization mode and to introduce wax from the outside to the wax reservoir through the nozzle in the depressurization m
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Hong-Sub Shin
  • Publication number: 20140014686
    Abstract: A hot melt adhesive dispensing unit includes an adhesive supply for receiving solid or semi-solid hot melt adhesive material, an adhesive supply heater associated with the adhesive supply for melting the solid or semi-solid hot melt adhesive material into a liquid hot melt adhesive material, a manifold connected to the adhesive supply and including a flow rate sensor for measuring a flow rate of the liquid hot melt adhesive material, the flow rate sensor generating flow rate information, a pump connected to the manifold for pumping liquid hot melt adhesive material from the adhesive supply into the manifold, the pump including a pump motor, and a variable frequency drive for controlling the pump motor. The variable frequency drive is in communication with the flow rate sensor for receiving the flow rate information and the pump motor for controlling the speed of the pump motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Robert Bacco, David Mark Pendley
  • Publication number: 20140014683
    Abstract: A hot melt adhesive dispensing unit includes an adhesive supply for receiving solid or semi-solid hot melt adhesive material, an adhesive supply heater associated with the adhesive supply for melting the solid or semi-solid hot melt adhesive material into a liquid hot melt adhesive material, a manifold connected to the adhesive supply, a pump connected to the manifold for pumping the liquid hot melt adhesive from the adhesive supply into the manifold, a controller connected to the adhesive supply heater and the pump, and a user interface connected to the controller. The user interface is for providing information about and control over heating and pumping functions of the hot melt adhesive dispensing unit, and the controller controls the adhesive supply heater and the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Owen, Michael A. Fornes
  • Patent number: 8621980
    Abstract: A temperature control system and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a beverage contained within a beverage server. The temperature control system enabling a user to control of a plurality of attributes of temperature of a beverage from the making of a beverage until the dispensing and disposal of the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur H. Bunn
  • Patent number: 8617406
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the actively-controlled deposition of microdrops of biological solutions. The inventive device includes at least one flat silicon lever comprising a central body and an end area which forms a point, a slit or groove being disposed in said point. The invention is characterized in that it also comprises at least one metallic track which is disposed on one face of the central body and which runs alongside said slit or groove at least partially. The invention also relates to a method of producing the inventive device and a method for the active-controlled deposition and sampling of microdrops of biological solutions using said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Christian Bergaud, Matthieu Guirardel, Pascal Belaubre, Benoit Belier, Jean-Bernard Pourciel
  • Publication number: 20130334077
    Abstract: A system for storing an internal combustion engine exhaust gas liquid additive, and including a tank for storing the additive, the tank including two halve shells manufactured as two separate parts that are assembled, at least one of the shells including an active component fixed inside of it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Joel Op De Beeck, Jae Sik Choi