Mixing Fluid Of Dissimilar Temperature Patents (Class 236/12.1)
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Mixed Water Control Valve Having a Water Pressure Balance Function to Stabilized a Water Temperature
Publication number: 20110174888Abstract: A mixed water control valve for a faucet includes a control unit, two mounting seats and a balance unit. The control unit includes a valve housing, a rotation plate and a control handle. The balance unit includes a fixed sleeve and a pressure regulating sleeve. The pressure regulating sleeve is movable in the fixed sleeve by a pressure differential between the two mounting seats to control the water flow rate of the cold and hot water of the two mounting seats and to regulate the water pressure automatically so as to provide a pressure balance and to stabilize the temperature of the mixed cold and hot water in the valve housing so that the mixed water flowing from the valve housing is kept at a constant temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventor: Mei-Fen Lin -
Publication number: 20110132989Abstract: A water control fixture for use in a water circulation system includes a housing having a plurality of ports defining a hot water inlet port, a bypass port, and a fixture outlet port, wherein water is dispensed via the fixture outlet port. The water control fixture includes at least one operating valve disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water from the hot water inlet port to the fixture outlet port, and a bypass valve disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water through a bypass path between the hot water inlet port and the bypass port. The bypass valve includes a valve unit in the bypass path of the water circulation system that is operable in a closed state, an open state, and a failed state. The valve unit restricts water flow through the bypass path in the closed state, the valve unit allows water flow through the bypass path in the open state, and the valve unit restricts water flow through the bypass path in the failed state.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: GRUNDFOS PUMP CORPORATIONInventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
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Publication number: 20110127339Abstract: The invention provides a thermostatic mixing valve for use within a water discharge fixture. The mixing valve comprises a cover defining an interior region, a stationary lower disk residing within the interior region, and a moveable upper disk. The lower and upper disks each have a central opening and at least one peripheral groove, wherein the grooves are alignable to form a peripheral water outlet. The mixing valve also includes a spindle assembly extending through the cover region and operably connected to the upper disk to enable alignment of the grooves and formation of the water outlet. A pressure relief cavity is formed between the spindle assembly and the cover, and wherein water flows through an opening in the spindle assembly and into the relief cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2011Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: XIAMEN LOTA INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Keping Li, Jusheng Xiong
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Patent number: 7934662Abstract: An automated water control system for a shower or bath that provides means for automated controls that give the user management of both water temperature and water flow as well as historical statistics on consumption.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Inventor: Robert Jenkins
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Publication number: 20110042468Abstract: [Technical Problem] The discharge of mixed hot and cold water by means of a manually operated faucet handle or a manual control valve is not convenient to get an optimum temperature as the temperature of discharged water varies from user to user, and because the temperature of discharged water changes while in use, users have to operate the faucet handle again until an optimum temperature is realized. [Technical Solution] Meanwhile, the temperature-controlled mixed water and hot/cold water supply system of the present invention is designed to have start-up/stop control over a water heater and the control over a circulating water pump such that mixed water having a user-set temperature may be provided via respective water spouts that are installed in a shared bathroom, a kitchen, a private bathroom and a laundry room, respectively, thereby discharging mixed water having a preset temperature ready for immediate use.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2009Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: PIP CO., LTD.Inventor: Yeong-Chun Lee
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Patent number: 7886982Abstract: An automatic temperature control for a washing machine or the like may adopt in a first embodiment a single triac switched between a hot-water valve and cold-water valve by mechanical switch elements to provide for a range of temperature control via a microprocessor receiving a temperature command input. In a second embodiment two triacs may be used to permit a range of temperature controls to be effected by voltage signals generated by low-voltage low current switches implemented on an integrated circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Illimois Tool Works, Inc.Inventors: Eric K. Larson, David C. Gill, Juan J. Barrena, Mark A. Romo
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Publication number: 20110024513Abstract: A diverter valve comprises a valve body defining first (1), second (5) and third (9) inlets and first (3) and second (7) outlets. A passage between the first inlet and the first outlet and first (11) and second (13) interconnected valve members within the valve body, the valve members being jointly movable between first and second positions. In the first position, fluid is able to pass from the first inlet to the second outlet and from the third inlet to the first outlet, the passage between the first inlet and the first outlet being closed. In the second position, fluid is able to pass from the second inlet to the second outlet and along the passage from the first inlet to the first outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventor: Matthew Davidson
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Patent number: 7857234Abstract: A remote shower actuator and temperature sensing unit installs in a shower having a shower head in a water line that is downstream of hot and cold water mixing for the shower. The shower actuator includes a battery powered wireless actuated blocking valve, a digital temperature sensor mechanism, a temperature indicating mechanism and generally two independent one wireless controllers. The valve may move between a closed position, an open position and a trickle flow position. The trickle flow position is a significantly reduced flow in response to a potentially hazardous temperature reading. The temperature indicating mechanism may be a visible display on the controllers that constantly displays the measured temperatures, or may be a visible or audible indicator on the controllers that identifies that the flowing water temperature has reached an acceptable steady state temperature, or a combination of the two.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Thorley Industries LLCInventors: Robert D Daley, Henry F. Thorne
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Patent number: 7854135Abstract: The described method and apparatus pertains namely to the HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) industry, though its many functions extend into any and all forms of air-fluid movement, metering, distribution, and containment. Essentially, the scope of operation of the method and apparatus encompasses all forms of scientific and engineering measurement dealing with fluid dynamics, fluid statics, fluid mechanics, thermal dynamics, and mechanical engineering as they pertain to precise, articulated control of air-fluid distribution and delivery. The described method and apparatus offers complete, comprehensive, and correct utilization of air-fluid movers and terminal devices under unique sensor logic control, from initial lab testing stages through to equipment cataloguing, selection, design and construction of any and all air-fluid distribution systems in entirety, whereas previously there was no such cohesive, total and terminal method of control for these systems or their components.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Inventor: Daniel Stanimirovic
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Patent number: 7850088Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermostatic water mixing valve having a sub-base coupled to a base, both having a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet and a mixed water outlet. A disk assembly including a lower or stationary disk and an upper or rotatable disk are positioned on the base. The lower disk also has a peripheral notch that receives an extent of an engaging member that extends from a sidewall of the base, while the upper disk has a peripheral cavity that also receives an extent of the engaging member. A cap is coupled to the upper disk, wherein the cap and the upper disk rotate as a unit with respect to the lower disk. The cap has a hot water cavity and cold water cavity positioned about a central opening. A cartridge assembly includes a collar with at least one aperture aligned with the cold water cavity of the cap and a depending skirt with at least one aperture aligned with the hot water cavity of the cap.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Xiamen Lota International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wu Wei, Keping Li
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Patent number: 7845574Abstract: The cartridge comprises two ceramic disks (20, 24) for regulating the temperature and flow of a mixture (M) of two entering fluids. In order to ensure that the temperature of the mixture remains lower than a predetermined value, the cartridge comprises thermostatic means (16) designed for, in the event of a high-temperature mixture, automatically shutting off, upstream from these disks, the circulation of the entering fluid (C) of the highest temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: VernetInventor: Christian Mace
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Patent number: 7819171Abstract: An air conditioning system for providing air conditioning to the interior of an automotive vehicle with a mixing chamber designed to create, by controlled mixing of a warm and of a cool partial air flow, at least one warmer and one cooler air-conditionable air flow. The flow paths of the warm partial air flow and of the cool partial air flow intersect in the mixing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Alberternst, Michael Fietz, Graham R. Johnstone, Andrew William Rowntree, Graham Kirby
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Publication number: 20100237154Abstract: A shower arrangement (10) includes a mixer valve assembly (110) and conduit means (120) for the supply of water to the assembly (110). The conduit means (120) includes a conduit casing (2) defining an interior (122), a hot water pipe (3) defining a passage (103) for hot water and a cold water pipe (4) defining a passage (104) for cold water, the hot and cold water pipes (3, 4) being located in the interior (122).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2005Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventor: Andrew Boulton Renfrew
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Publication number: 20100230502Abstract: A mixing valve (10) includes a valve body (12) having a hot fluid inlet (14), a cold fluid inlet (16), a mixed fluid outlet (18), and a cavity (20) in the valve body (12) between the inlets (14, 16) and the outlet (18). Mixing valve (10) includes a liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) positioned in valve body (12) and a valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840) movable therein between a first position restricting the flow of hot fluid and a second position. Liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) includes a downstream valve seat (74, 174, 274, 474, 574, 674, 774) that, when engaged by valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840), restricts flow of hot fluid past valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: MAGARL, LLCInventor: Kevin B. Kline
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Publication number: 20100219255Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve has an enhanced response to temperature change by arranging one of the hot water and cold water flows into a series of jets that intersect the other flow such that the proportions of hot water and cold water mixing at the surface of the thermostat is made to respond to the inlet water pressure to augment the temperature change normally experienced at the surface of the thermostat.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: Kohler Mira LimitedInventors: Nigel Paul Sansum, Richard Timothy Hopson
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Publication number: 20100206955Abstract: The invention relates to a single-unit faucet that comprises a tubular faucet body (2) and a thermostatic cartridge (3) defining a pre-assembled assembly provided inside the faucet body and including a hollow shell (4) made of a plastic material, in which is provided a thermostatic means (5) for adjusting the temperature of a cold-fluid and hot-fluid mixture. In order to firmly and simply secure the shell in the faucet body, a rigid part (6) is provided between them, and is capable of movement along a movement axis (Z-Z) transverse to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the faucet body, while being kinematically connected to the shell both in the direction of the axis of the faucet body and in rotation about said axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: VernetInventor: Frederic Robert Jager
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Patent number: 7770807Abstract: A water valve assembly including a housing, an inlet chamber defining a water inlet for receiving a flow of water into the inlet chamber and a valve for controlling the flow of water through the inlet into the inlet chamber. A mixing chamber is connected to the inlet chamber so as to receive water from the inlet chamber, the mixing chamber defining a supplementary water inlet for receiving a supplementary flow of water and defining a mixed water outlet from which a mixture of water from the inlet chamber and the supplementary water inlet may be provided. The inlet chamber and the mixing chamber are both provided within the first housing and are arranged one within the other. A second housing may be provided with an inlet chamber, a valve for controlling flow of water into the inlet chamber and a supplementary water outlet for connection to the supplementary water inlet of the first housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Aqualisa Products LimitedInventors: Paul Andrew Robinson, John Patrick Cheek, Matthew Robert Riley
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Patent number: 7770808Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostatic mixing valve in which the access path of the hot water to the mixing chamber is completely formed within a bottom base (2) and the ceramic disks (4, 5) of the valve group, the slider (8) of the thermostatic member sealingly sliding in a central seat of the upper disk (5). By having the hot water not pass through the metallic members of the valve it is possible to eliminate the problems of asymmetric thermal expansion of said metallic members when only hot water is delivered, and also to greatly reduce the problems of calcareous encrustations since the latter build up with difficulty on the ceramic material. Furthermore, the valve is manufactured with a compact and simplified structure, including a small number of pieces, with totally independent temperature and flow rate controls.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventors: Manolo Ruga, Osvaldo Ruga
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Patent number: 7742883Abstract: A battery powered, low voltage faucet flow timer, water usage calculator, and energy consumption awareness meter is simple to install and calibrate and may enable a user to understand the water usage associated with showering, bathing or other open faucet water use activity. The device may provide a simple method for calculating the flow characteristics for a shower, bath or other faucet and entering this flow rate into the timing device so that the timer provides an accurate calculation of water usage indicating both the time spent with the water running and approximate total water usage.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Umagination Labs, L.P.Inventors: Douglas C. Dayton, Sung Park, Mark R Florence
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Publication number: 20100140363Abstract: An air powered terminal unit comprising a housing, a fluid to air heat exchanger, an induced flow air inlet upstream of the heat exchanger, a venturi downstream of the heat exchanger, a nozzle cooperatively disposed with the venturi so as to direct a primary air jet discharged from the nozzle through the venturi, such that an air flow through the heat exchanger is induced, and an outlet downstream of the venturi for discharging a mixture of the induced flow air and the primary air.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: Joachim Hirsch, Michael C. Winn
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Publication number: 20100123013Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve having a hot water inlet for connection to a supply of hot water, a cold water inlet for connection to a supply of cold water, an outlet for temperature controlled water and a valve device for controlling the relative proportions of hot and cold water admitted to a mixing chamber. The outlet communicates with the mixing chamber to receive temperature controlled water having a desired temperature. A temperature control adjusts the valve device in accordance with the desired temperature of the temperature controlled water where the valve device and the mixing chamber form flow passages for the incoming streams of hot and cold water and are configured such that the velocity of the incoming water streams is maintained and the incoming water streams are turned to flow in the same direction so that flow of one stream can entrain and assist flow of the other stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2010Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: Kohler Mira LimitedInventors: Nicholas John Beck, Sean Patrick Conway, Bruce Lewin John Hayward, Kevin Taylor Peel
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Patent number: 7673808Abstract: A thermostatic cartridge regulates hot and cold fluids to be mixed, and a mixer tap one such cartridge. The cartridge includes two disks which are used to adjust the flow of hot and cold fluids and which each include a passage for hot fluid, a passage for cold fluid, and a passage for a mixture of both. The disks are movably joined to one another. One of the disks is connected in rotation to a member for controlling the flow of the mixture, while the other is fixed. In order to do without a turbulator in the cartridge, the flow section for the mixture through the disks, which is defined by stacking passages for the mixture in the joining plane of the disks, varies according to the configuration of the control member. The majority of the thermo sensitive part of a thermostatic regulation element is positioned upstream of the disk joining plane in the direction of flow of the mixture.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Vernet S.A.Inventors: Christian Mace, Gérard Le Clanche
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Patent number: 7665671Abstract: Thermostatic mixing valve has a valve body, a cold fluid inlet, a hot fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet. Mixing chamber is located between the respective fluid inlets and the fluid outlet. Thermostatic element is located in or adjacent to the mixing chamber and is arranged to contact a piston at one end and via a mixing tube the valve body at the other end. Piston regulates flow through the fluid inlets into the mixing chamber. The piston is can move due to continued expansion of the thermostatic element after the piston has closed off the second fluid inlet. Valve body has an internal thread with which a thread on mixing tube permits adjustment of the relative position of the thermostatic element within the valve body and hence the set temperature of the thermostatic mixing valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: GSA Industries (Aust) Pty LtdInventors: Aaron Christian Cunningham, Tony Mark Scott
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Publication number: 20100032488Abstract: The mixing valve controller is a device that is used to control the position of a mixing valve used to regulate the temperature of flowing water. The device uses an embedded system programmed to control a stepper motor and read inputs from a thermocouple, position sensor, and graphical user interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventor: Garry Edward Yates
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Publication number: 20090314844Abstract: The thermostatic cartridge (C) comprises a thermostatic assembly (2) for regulating the temperature of an outgoing mixture (F3) of incoming hot and cold fluids (F1 and F2), two ceramic disks (3, 4) for controlling the flow rates of the hot and cold fluids delivered to the thermostatic assembly, and a disk-actuating sleeve (5) receiving therein in leaktight manner the outer body (2.1) of the thermostatic assembly. To limit costs and any risk of leakage from the cartridge, the actuator sleeve is a single part that defines two internal channels (52, 53) for passing flows respectively of the hot and cold fluids from the disks to respective admission slots (2.2, 2.3) defined by the outer body of the thermostatic assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2007Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: VERNETInventor: Christian Mace
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Patent number: 7611068Abstract: A device is provided to prevent the autorotation of the temperature adjustment handle in an automatic hot and cold water mixing valve. A member is prevented from moving in the circumferential direction of the body and is pressed in the radial direction by a spring against the periphery of an adjusting screw receiver, which forms the rotation shaft of the temperature adjustment handle incorporated in the body. Alternatively, the member is dressed against a connecting sleeve connected to the adjusting screw receiver and the temperature adjustment handle. The member is pressed with sufficient force to oppose autorotation in the temperature adjusting handle when the temperature is set.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Iwai, Takeshi Hagiwara
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Publication number: 20090110979Abstract: A fuel reforming device that prevents a flash-back phenomenon includes a reforming reactor and a heater. The reforming reactor reforms a fuel, and the heater provides thermal energy to the reforming reactor by generating the thermal energy by a catalytic oxidation reaction between a catalytic layer and an oxidation reaction material. The heater includes an inflow pipe that receives the oxidation reaction material, an outflow pipe that outputs a flue gas generated by the catalytic oxidation reaction, and a flue gas retrieving pipe that connects the outflow pipe and the inflow pipe to direct the flue gas to the inflow pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung-Chul Lee, Ju-Yong Kim, Woo-Cheol Shin, Yong-Kul Lee, Sang-Jun Kong, In-Hyuk Son, jin-Goo Ahn, Tae-Keun Kim
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Publication number: 20090000026Abstract: A thermostatic faucet including a holder configured to be coupled to a mounting deck and a thermostatic valve assembly supported by the holder and configured to be removed from above the deck.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventor: James Richard Hanson
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Publication number: 20080308643Abstract: An automatic temperature control for a washing machine or the like may adopt in a first embodiment a single triac switched between a hot-water valve and cold-water valve by mechanical switch elements to provide for a range of temperature control via a microprocessor receiving a temperature command input. In a second embodiment two triacs may be used to permit a range of temperature controls to be effected by voltage signals generated by low-voltage low current switches implemented on an integrated circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Eric K. Larson, David C. Gill, Juan J. Barrena, Mark A. Romo
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Publication number: 20080164330Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermostatic water mixing valve having a sub-base coupled to a base, both having a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet and a mixed water outlet. A disk assembly including a lower or stationary disk and an upper or rotatable disk are positioned on the base. Each disk includes a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet and a central opening. The lower disk also has a peripheral notch that receives an extent of an engaging member that extends from a sidewall of the base, while the upper disk has a peripheral cavity that also receives an extent of the engaging member. A cap is coupled to the upper disk, wherein the cap and the upper disk rotate as a unit with respect to the lower disk. The cap has a hot water cavity and cold water cavity positioned about a central opening. A cartridge assembly extends through the cap and includes a collar with at least one aperture aligned with the cold water cavity of the cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventors: Wu Wei, Keping Li
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Publication number: 20080156887Abstract: The described method and apparatus pertains namely to the HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) industry, though its many functions extend into any and all forms of air-fluid movement, metering, distribution, and containment. Essentially, the scope of operation of the method and apparatus encompasses all forms of scientific and engineering measurement dealing with fluid dynamics, fluid statics, fluid mechanics, thermal dynamics, and mechanical engineering as they pertain to precise, articulated control of air-fluid distribution and delivery. The described method and apparatus offers complete, comprehensive, and correct utilization of air-fluid movers and terminal devices under unique sensor logic control, from initial lab testing stages through to equipment cataloguing, selection, design and construction of any and all air-fluid distribution systems in entirety, whereas previously there was no such cohesive, total and terminal method of control for these systems or their components.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2008Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventor: Daniel Stanimirovic
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Publication number: 20080152543Abstract: A temperature regulation method of a microfluidic chip for controlling a temperature of a liquid accumulated in a reaction channel formed in a flat plate of the microfluidic chip, the method includes: heating the reaction channel to a reaction temperature; and at the same time as the reaction channel is heated to the reaction temperature, keeping a first channel communicating with one end of the reaction channel and a second channel communicating with an opposite end of the reaction channel at the same temperature different from the reaction temperature by heating or cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Hideyuki KARAKI, Tatsuo Fujikura, Akira Wakabayashi, Yoshihide Iwaki
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Patent number: 7347899Abstract: A decorator temperature control system includes a recirculation loop configured to recirculate a solution and a feeder line configured to receive the solution from the recirculation loop and deliver the solution to at least one ink roller on a decorator. A feed valve is located between the recirculation loop and the feeder line and proximate the decorator and is configured to control the flow of the solution from the recirculation loop to the feeder line. The valve is controlled from a location remote from the decorator.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Inventor: Benjamin F. Day
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Publication number: 20070267188Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for setting and controlling temperature of a device that includes: (a) thermally contacting the device to a heat transfer apparatus, the heat transfer apparatus having an apparatus intake to receive thermal transfer fluid, an apparatus exhaust to output thermal transfer fluid, and a conduit to conduct thermal transfer fluid from the apparatus intake to the apparatus exhaust through the heat transfer apparatus; (b) flowing a first thermal transfer fluid in a first thermal control circuit at a first temperature, and flowing a second thermal transfer fluid in a second thermal control circuit at a second temperature; (c) at a first predetermined time, directing the first thermal transfer fluid to flow to the apparatus intake, and from the apparatus exhaust back to the first thermal control circuit and the second thermal transfer fluid to flow in the second thermal control circuit without flowing to the apparatus intake; and (d) at a second predetermined time, diType: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: Centipede Systems, Inc.Inventors: Peter T. Di Stefano, Thomas H. Di Stefano
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Publication number: 20070252012Abstract: A device for controlling a temperature of a fluid includes a plurality of valve assemblies, each coupled to a cold fluid supply, a hot fluid supply, and an outlet line. An orifice is coupled to each outlet line and to a combined outlet line that is common to all orifices. Each of the orifices has a proportionally different flow area. Hot and cold fluid supply temperature sensing elements are coupled to supplies. A controller is coupled to the hot and cold fluid supply temperature sensing elements and the plurality of valve assemblies. The controller selectively couples one of the cold fluid supply or the hot fluid supply to the outlet line for each of the plurality of valve assemblies responsive to the cold fluid supply temperature sensing element, the hot fluid supply temperature sensing element, and a desired temperature in the combined outlet line.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2007Publication date: November 1, 2007Applicant: STURMAN DIGITAL SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Jeffrey T. Gardner, Oded Eddie Sturman, Timothy P. Kranz
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Patent number: 7168628Abstract: The present invention provides a device for monitoring the operation of a control valve (1), which is adapted to supply fluid at a predetermined temperature via an outlet (4). The device includes a sensor (10) adapted to be coupled to the outlet (4) so as to sense the temperature of the fluid. An indication device (16) and a processor (18) are provided. In use, the processor is adapted to determine the temperature of the fluid from the sensor and, provide an indication of this via the indication device.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Smart Flow Pty LtdInventors: Howard Stephen Sheeran, Jeffrey James Watts, Christopher Joachim Bullen, Scott Milan, Paul Degnan, Timothy Fisher
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Patent number: 7104461Abstract: A control valve for preventing freezing in a pipe. A ball valve selectively biased against a valve seat is controlled by a bimetallic snap disk. The control valve is connected to one or more water pipes. When the temperature in the pipe or in the control valve is below a certain temperature, the valve opens to allow a small quantity of water to flow through the valve to allow warmer ground water to warm liquid in the pipes. When the water is warmed to a set temperature the valve closes again allowing normal operation of the supply pipes.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Restivo & Holland, LLCInventors: Angelo S. Restivo, Sr., Clifford D. Holland
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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
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Patent number: 6845917Abstract: A water outlet structure of a ceramic control valve for a single-handled faucet is made up of a valve body having a housing chamber for a regulating seat with a control stick joined thereto to be adapted therein, and an upper switching control valve having a regulating cavity of proper width and length disposed: at the lower bottom thereof matching to cold/hot water inlet holes and a water outlet hole of a lower switching control valve, and cold/hot water inlet passages and a water outlet passage of a switching control valve. The regulating cavity thereof has a slant plane facet defining at one front side in a trapezoid-like design.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Kuching International, Ltd.Inventor: Mei-Li Chen
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Publication number: 20040149831Abstract: The present invention provides a device for monitoring the operation of a control valve (1), which is adapted to supply fluid at a predetermined temperature via an outlet (4). The device includes a sensor (10) adapted to be coupled to the outlet (4) so as to sense the temperature of the fluid. An indication device (16) and a processor (18) are provided. In use, the processor is adapted to determine the temperature of the fluid from the sensor and, provide an indication of this via the indication device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2004Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventors: Howard Stephen Sheeran, Jeffrey James Watts, Christopher Joachim Bullen, Scott Milan, Paul Degnan, Timothy Fisher
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Publication number: 20040104277Abstract: A variable constant volume cooling/heating unit comprising a warm fluid delivery pipe; a cool fluid delivery pipe wherein the warm fluid deliver pipe and cool fluid deliver pipe lead to a two position three way valve, a modulating three way valve for mixing the flow of fluid, a thermostat to control the two position three way valve and the modulating three way valve, a return fluid pipe, means for pumping the fluid through a coil and means for drawing air to be conditioned over the coil. A damper controlled by the thermostat for controlling incoming outside out into the variable constant volume cooling/heating unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Inventor: Paul J. Walsh
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Publication number: 20040104278Abstract: An apparatus for refrigeration and heating comprising a refrigeration machine for providing cold and hot fluid, the cold and hot fluid delivered through a cold supply pipe and a hot supply/return pipe to a fan coil unit. An upstream two position three-way valve connected to the cold supply pipe and to the hot supply/return pipe, a modulating three-way mixing valve located downstream of the upstream two position three-way valve, and a fan coil unit pump located downstream of the modulating three-way mixing valve. The modulating three-way mixing valve is for allowing none, a portion of, or all of the fluid in the coil to be recirculated through the coil by the fan coil unit pump. A downstream two position three-way valve located downstream of the modulating three-way mixing valve and for returning fluid to the cold return pipe or the hot supply/return pipe. The fan coil unit for refrigerating a room or walk in cooler by pumping cold fluid through the coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Inventor: Paul J. Walsh
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Publication number: 20040098797Abstract: The invention proposes a plumbing fixture block, which has seatings for a mixing device and a shut-off valve. Furthermore, the plumbing fixture block has seatings to accommodate at least one nonreturn valve and one pipe air-release valve. The nonreturn valve and the pipe air-release valve are located one behind the other in a water channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Bernd Kronenbitter
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Publication number: 20040068998Abstract: An air-conditioner is operated under one mode selected from among three modes, i.e., a cooling mode, a heating mode and an air-mixing mode. Conditioned air temperature is controlled by changing a cooling ability in the cooling mode, a heating ability in the heating mode, and a position of an air-mixing door in the air-mixing mode. When the operating mode is switched to the cooling mode or to the heating mode from another mode, the position of the air-mixing door is gradually changed to prevent an abrupt temperature drop or rise until a difference between a target temperature and an actual temperature becomes smaller than a predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Hisashi Ieda, Mitsuyo Oomura
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Patent number: 6708895Abstract: A new use of a flow rate regulating device (5, 6) is disclosed whose feature consists of the fact that, when inserted in a water pipeline, it permits the passage of a flow of water having a substantially constant flow rate and predetermined in keeping with the variation within certain limits of the pressure at which the water is supplied to the device, thus constituting a variable resistance that is opposed to the water flow. The new use is especially designed to perform the function of reducing the temperature peak presented by the mixed water drawn from a thermostatic mixing device (1) during the transitory period of regulation when the pressure of the water supplied to one of the inlets (2, 3) of the thermostatic mixing device (1) varies abruptly with respect to the pressure of the water supplied to the other inlet of the thermostatic mixing device (1).Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Masco Corporation of IndianaInventor: Alfons Knapp
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Publication number: 20040011879Abstract: A cartridge intended for insertion in a sanitary fitting contains a control disk rotated with respect to a fixed distributor disk. The cartridge contains a thermostatic valve. The disk control formed by the two disks constitutes both a quantity control and a switching device between at least two and preferably three outlets.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventor: Werner Lorch
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Publication number: 20030218074Abstract: A water supply installation for ablutionary appliances has a mixer valve for mixing and blending hot and cold water in accordance with user selection of water temperature and a damping chamber downstream of the mixer valve for reducing transient temperature overshoots when the selected water temperature is changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventors: Nicholas John Beck, Sean Patrick Conway
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Publication number: 20030209609Abstract: A brine supply unit for supplying brine to at least one load after controlling the brine so as to meet a target temperature of the load comprises: a heat exchanger disposed at a brine-cooling channel, through which the brine returned from the load flows, for cooling the brine with water for industrial use; a heater disposed at a brine-heating channel formed in parallel with the brine-cooling channel, through which the brine flows, for heating the brine; a mixing section disposed at a connecting portion between the brine-cooling channel and the brine-heating channel, for mixing the cooled brine and the heated brine; and a tank disposed between the mixing section and the load, which has a capacity of about 10 liters or more and is constructed so that the brine can pass therethrough slowly to relieve a sudden temperature change of the brine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: Tomio Takamura, Tadashi Hirayama, Yoshiyuki Ikemura, Masahiko Tamaru, Yasumi Sago, Masayoshi Ikeda, Kazuaki Kaneko, Jun Miyaji, Noriaki Tateno
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Publication number: 20030201332Abstract: The present invention refers to a dual control thermostatic mixer with a regulator suited to stabilize the mixed water temperature upon exit, using a stabilizing mechanism and a switching device for choosing either spout or handset flow. It has a main body (A), a close, setting and commutation valve (B), a switch handle lever (C) and a water temperature-regulating knob (D). The main body of the mixer (A) has central part internally divided and separated by four ringed chambers were the switching valve set (B) operates.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Applicant: EUROEXPORInventor: Manuel Joaquim Costa e Silva
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Patent number: 6557770Abstract: To obtain an exact regulation of temperature, a strong flow, and a moderate cost, the cartridge comprises a first disc having two transverse hot fluid passages and two transverse cold fluid passages as well as a groove, the base of which forms a seat for a regulating valve which is joined to a thermostatic element, and a second disc having two passages for hot and cold fluid respectively, and which is coupled and rotatable relative to the first disc, between a communicating position and a non-communicating position of the two hot fluid passages on the one hand and the two cold fluid passages on the other of the first disc. The cartridge may be used for thermostatic water mixer taps, in particular for sinks, washbasins, showers and bathtubs.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Vernet S.A.Inventors: Christian Mace, Jean Chamot