Automatic Control Patents (Class 261/26)
  • Patent number: 11534009
    Abstract: An electronic picture frame and an odor releasing method thereof are provided. The electronic picture frame includes: a picture frame body having a display screen on the picture frame body; an odor releasing device disposed on the picture frame body and configured to release a plurality of different odors; and a processing device connected with the display screen and the odor releasing device, respectively, and configured to acquire material type information of a picture displayed on the display screen (2), and control the odor releasing device to release an odor corresponding to the material type information according to the material type information of the picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zijun Liu
  • Patent number: 11337456
    Abstract: An aerosol delivery device includes a cartridge of aerosol precursor composition, and a control body coupled or coupleable to the cartridge. The control body includes a control component to control delivery of components of the aerosol precursor composition in response to detection of airflow through at least a portion of the cartridge or control body, and includes a camera system with a digital camera to capture video imagery of a scene in a field of view thereof. The camera system or the control component is configured to perform video content analytics on the video imagery to detect a temporal or spatial event in the scene, and transfer at least one of the video imagery or information indicative of the temporal or spatial event externally to a computing device configured to store or display the video imagery or information, or perform at least one control operation based on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: RAI STRATEGIC HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Rajesh Sur
  • Patent number: 11333437
    Abstract: A refrigeration unit includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a water pump, and a heat exchanging arrangement. The heat exchanging arrangement includes a main casing having a receiving cavity divided into a water atomizing compartment and one water showering compartment, a water atomizing unit, a water showering head, a fill material unit provided underneath the water showering head, and a water collection basin provided underneath the water atomizing unit and the fill material unit. A predetermined amount of heated water from the first heat exchanger is guided to flow to the water showering head and the water in the water showering head is sprinkled on the fill material unit. A predetermined amount of water from the water pump guided to flow to the water atomizing unit and the water flowing to the water atomizing unit is sprayed and atomized in the water atomizing compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Sui Liu
  • Patent number: 11045622
    Abstract: A device for diffusing a liquid into a vapor proximate a face of a person comprises a U-shaped enclosure that has two legs connected with a back portion for resting on shoulders of the person around a neck of the person. A top side of the enclosure has at least one diffusion port. A control circuit disposed within the interior space of the enclosure includes a controller, at least one user interface, a power source, and a diffusion mechanism connecting a reservoir containing the liquid with the at least one diffusion port. Wherein the person has a smart phone running a software application, the controller may further include a processor, a non-volatile memory, and a wireless network module adapted to wirelessly communicate with the software application running on the smart phone to control a diffusion rate, an on/off status of the device, and a timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventors: James M. Johnson, Joel Johnson
  • Patent number: 11027037
    Abstract: A device for evaporating volatile substances includes a wick (1) impregnated with volatile substances and a heating element (2) that heats the wick (1) for purposes of evaporating said volatile substances. The device further includes a reflective element (3) for reflecting the heat from the heating element (2) to said wick (1). The heating element (2) can be preferably a resistor or a ceramic heater. The reflective element (3) directs substantially all the heat provided by the heating element to the wick, thereby preventing an excessive rising of the temperature of the surface of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Zobele Holding SPA
    Inventors: Stefano Deflorian, Cedric Morhain
  • Patent number: 10973453
    Abstract: A hand held olfactory tester includes an elongated housing (12) with an opening at its forward end (30) thereof. An odorant chamber (22) located within the housing moveable axially between a forward (FIG. 4) and a backward position (FIG. 5). A wick (34) extends from the odorant chamber forwardly into a nozzle (32) carried at the forward end of the chamber. A thumb collar (24) located around the outside of the housing allows to move the odor chamber and nozzle forwardly. The forward end of the wick exposed to outside through the opening when moved forward so that vapors from the odorant can be smelled by a patient. O-rings (40, 42) seal the nozzle from the outside when in backward position to prevent vapors from escaping. An elongated spring (28) biases the odorant chamber and nozzle backwardly into its rear sealed position when the thumb collar is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Sensonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dominick Daniel Martino
  • Patent number: 10947098
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator capable of producing carbonated water and a control method thereof. The refrigerator includes a carbonated water tank to store carbonated water a carbon dioxide gas supply valve to open/close a carbon dioxide gas flow path to guide carbon dioxide gas from a carbon dioxide gas cylinder to the carbonated water tank, and a carbonated water tank pressure sensor to detect an internal pressure of the carbonated water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Koog An, Kyung Ho Hwang, Yong Soo Kyong, Jea Won Lee, Jong Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 10752532
    Abstract: A system for mixing and mixing processes and structures are disclosed. In addition a nozzle used for mixing is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: ENVIROMIX, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Elliott Locklair, Theodore K. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 10712106
    Abstract: A cooling tower controlling system includes a plurality of cooling towers, a plurality of pumps, a circulation line through which circulating cooling water flows, a temperature measuring unit, a first load controlling unit, and a second load controlling unit. The temperature measuring unit measures a temperature TE1 of the circulating cooling water at a position upstream of a heat exchange unit and downstream of a storage unit. The first load controlling unit controls a rotational speed of the cooling fans so that an absolute value ?TE of the difference between the temperature TE1 and an outside air wet-bulb temperature TE0 comes within a first approach temperature AP1 corresponding to a first load in a first load period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Takuya Kaneda
  • Patent number: 10675373
    Abstract: A fragrance dispenser unit has a piezoelectric discharge nozzle and a disposable snap-in air freshener containing aromatic liquid. The dispenser unit incorporates a battery power source and a piezoelectric driver circuit on a printed circuit board. The dispenser unit The cartridge includes a housing and an induction-sealed fragrance bottle that snaps into a socket at the bottom of the housing when the cartridge is to be activated. A membrane seal on the mouth of the bottle is pierced by a knife in the housing as the bottle is snapped into place. Liquid fragrance is directed to a micro-perforated vibratory plate in the piezoelectric nozzle by an airtight path that includes: first, a horizontal channel; second, a vertical wick; and, finally, a horizontal wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Newmarket Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Rami Sidawi, Asad Rahman
  • Patent number: 10534339
    Abstract: A method for controlling one or more scent delivery units includes maintaining one or more scheduled events, maintaining one or more scheduled anti-events, and generating, based on the one or more scheduled events and the one or more scheduled anti-events, command data to be communicated to the one or more scent delivery units to control their activation and deactivation. Generating the command data includes identifying a conflicting period of time during which control specified by the one or more scheduled events differs from control specified by the one or more scheduled anti-events and also includes generating command data that gives priority to control specified by the one or more scheduled anti-events. Control for the one or more scent delivery units during the conflicting period of time is in accordance with control logic of the one or more scheduled anti-events and not the one or more scheduled events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: ScentAir Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Thurston Chandler, Chad Alan Morton
  • Patent number: 10426855
    Abstract: A system and method for the decontamination of indoor air and surfaces having biological, chemical or physical contamination wherein the system is mounted on a wall or the like in the area to be treated. An ozone gas generator is positioned within the housing of the system for generating ozone gas in the housing. The housing also includes an exhaust fan assembly which exhausts the ozone gas and air mixture from the housing into the area to be treated. The system may be operated continuously or at predetermined times and for predetermined lengths of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Daniel W. Lynn
  • Patent number: 10288304
    Abstract: An atmosphere adjustment system includes a steam supply unit and a control unit. The steam supply unit has: a layered structure including a first lava sand layer, a mineral layer, a second lava sand layer and a lava plate, which are stacked in this order from the bottom; a heater arranged under the first lava sand layer; and a water supply pipe arranged between the first lava sand layer and the mineral layer. The control unit is able to adjust the temperature of the second lava sand layer at 60° C. or higher and 80° C. or lower by controlling at least one of the amount of water discharged through the water supply pipe or the temperature of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Shota Koizumi
  • Patent number: 10150074
    Abstract: An air filter element with a filter cover and a filter body, whereby the filter body is connected to the filter cover with a water drainage duct, whereby the filter cover has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, whereby the filter body is connected to the first side and the water drainage duct is connected to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Hilmar Hegner, Florian Klein, Jochen Schaudt
  • Patent number: 10032359
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hand sanitizer system that includes a proximity detector, a dispensing system and an alarm feature, and is operative to provide an indication corresponding to a person in proximity of the system failing to dispense antiseptic or other solution from the dispenser within a predetermined period of time after moving within a predetermined range of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: CLEAN HANDS SAFE HANDS, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Hermann
  • Patent number: 9999698
    Abstract: An olfactory display includes a housing and a plurality of fragrance chambers formed in the housing. In each fragrance chamber, a solid-like fragrance source is accommodated and an airflow source is provided to send air into the fragrance chamber from an air intake port. An auxiliary airflow source that emits odorless air is also provided in the housing. The airflow source and the auxiliary airflow source are operated alternately or simultaneously. In response to a user operating an adjustment knob of a controller, operating time periods and stopping time periods of the airflow source and the auxiliary airflow source are changed, or the number of operating times is changed within a predetermined operating time period. A mixing ratio of the fragrance and the odorless air may also be adjusted by changing a voltage value of an alternating voltage to be applied to a piezoelectric device of the airflow source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Dong Wook Kim, Hiroshi Ando
  • Patent number: 9927789
    Abstract: A method for controlling one or more scent delivery units includes maintaining one or more scheduled events, maintaining one or more scheduled anti-events, and generating, based on the one or more scheduled events and the one or more scheduled anti-events, command data to be communicated to the one or more scent delivery units to control their activation and deactivation. Generating the command data includes identifying a conflicting period of time during which control specified by the one or more scheduled events differs from control specified by the one or more scheduled anti-events and also includes generating command data that gives priority to control specified by the one or more scheduled anti-events. Control for the one or more scent delivery units during the conflicting period of time is in accordance with control logic of the one or more scheduled anti-events and not the one or more scheduled events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SCENTAIR TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John Thurston Chandler, Chad Alan Morton
  • Patent number: 9809089
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aroma-diffusing cartridge for a vehicle wherein the structures of the cartridge and a carrier of an aroma are so optimized that the capacity of the carrier for carrying the aroma may become excellent together with stable and continuous performance of diffusing the aroma. An aroma-diffusing cartridge for a vehicle includes: a cartridge body having one side formed with a pair of air holes for receiving and discharging air, and an internal space for circulating the received air; and at least two carriers put in the cartridge body with different duration of keeping an aroma. Thus, the capacity of the carriers for carrying an aroma is excellent together with stable and continuous performance of diffusing the aroma in a limited space, so that the air in the vehicle may be kept agreeable for a long time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Jaeho Kim, Kihong Kim, Yongjun Jee, Junseong Ahn, Giwoo Ro
  • Patent number: 9795801
    Abstract: The disclosure relates in general to a device for providing combination aroma and magnetic therapy, as well as mild heating. Specifically, the disclosure relates to a kite-shape device constructed of pure copper with magnets, coupled to a vapor generator for delivering aroma therapy as well as mild heating to a subject in need thereof, fully enclosed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Talal Zoabi
  • Patent number: 9723863
    Abstract: A batch carbonation apparatus includes a housing defining a vessel cavity. The housing includes an agitation mechanism. The pressure vessel includes a cap that has a CO2 inlet and a CO2 outlet is provided. The pressure vessel also includes a seal. The pressure vessel is moveable into an out of the vessel cavity. A locking mechanism is provided and is attached to the agitation mechanism to removably lock the cap and seal relative to the pressure vessel. A CO2 source is connected to a plurality of valves where each valve has a differing pressure. A selection toggle is attached to the housing. A control mechanism is coupled to the plurality of valves. A user selects a desired carbonation level using the selection toggle and CO2 is introduced to the pressure vessel at a specified pressure wherein the agitation mechanism agitates liquid within the pressure vessel forming a carbonated beverage having a selected carbonation level. Also disclosed is a process of forming a carbonated beverage in a batch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Njaastad, Scott Sevcik, Peter S. Tinucci
  • Patent number: 9682388
    Abstract: A system for delivering vortex rings to an intended target includes a vortex ring generator, one or more component storage containers, and a component additive mechanism. The vortex ring generator is configured to deliver and air vortex rings. The component additive mechanism is configured to remove a component from at least one of the one or more component storage containers, generate a gas from the component, and to add the gas to a vortex ring after the vortex ring is generated by the vortex ring generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Ehren J. Brav, William D. Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9339772
    Abstract: A system for delivering vortex rings to an intended target includes a vortex ring generator, one or more component storage containers, and a component additive mechanism. The vortex ring generator is configured to deliver and air vortex rings. The component additive mechanism is configured to remove a component from at least one of the one or more component storage containers, generate a gas from the component, and to add the gas to a vortex ring after the vortex ring is generated by the vortex ring generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Ehren J. Brav, William D. Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9249988
    Abstract: A water heater includes a combustor, a gas valve, a blower, a detector, and an operating device. The detector senses a speed of a motor of the blower. The operating device is stored with reference speed ranges under various gas supplies to control the gas valve to cut off the gas supply when the detector senses that the speed of the motor of the blower is beyond the reference speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Grand Mate Co., Ted.
    Inventors: Chung-Chin Huang, Chin-Ying Huang, Hsin-Ming Huang, Hsing-Hsiung Huang, Kuan-Chou Lin
  • Patent number: 9175889
    Abstract: An object is to provide a heat source system capable of realizing energy saving. In a heat source system including: a chilled-water main control heat pump (1) having a lower-stage evaporator (9) that cools chilled water and a lower-stage condenser (7) that dissipates heat into cooling water, and outputting the chilled water cooled in the lower-stage evaporator (9) to an external load; and a hot-water main control heat pump (51) having a higher-stage evaporator (59) to which heat is provided by medium-temperature water that has been heated with the exhaust heat from the lower-stage condenser (7) and a higher-stage condenser (57) that heats high-temperature water, and outputting the high-temperature water heated in the higher-stage condenser (57) to an external load; a lower temperature limit of the cooling water is set on the basis of a set temperature of the high-temperature water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Kenji Ueda
  • Patent number: 9123233
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hand sanitizer system that includes a proximity detector, a dispensing system and alarm feature, and is operative to provide an indication corresponding to a person in proximity of the system failing to dispense antiseptic or other solution from the dispenser within a predetermined period of time after moving within a predetermined range of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Clean Hands Safe Hands
    Inventor: Christopher Hermann
  • Publication number: 20150130087
    Abstract: A low dispersion scent sampler for point of sale display has a housing with a front panel to which a label advertising products sold at the point of sale may be affixed. Inside of the housing is a blower connected to a timer control circuit and battery through a pushbutton actuated switch. A scented material is provided in the air flow path from the blower to one or more exhaust ports. When the pushbutton is pressed by a consumer, the blower turns on for a brief period of time to force air over the scented material and then through the exhaust ports for sampling of the scent emitted by the scented material. The on time for the blower is brief to limit exposure to the scent to the space occupied by the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: James Berard, Tom Lockwood
  • Patent number: 8991795
    Abstract: An automated frothing assembly. The automated frothing assembly has a wand module that includes an elongate member having an inlet, one or more outlets, and a fluid passageway extending between and in fluid communication with the inlet and the plurality of outlets. At least one of the one or more outlets extends parallel to a vertical plane that includes the centerline of the elongate member and at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to both the vertical plane and the centerline of the elongate member. The assembly further includes an actuator configured to be operatively coupled to the wand module and to drive the movement of at least a portion of the wand module along an axis, and an electronic controller configured to be electrically coupled to the actuator and to control the operation of the actuator to control the movement of the wand module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Briggo, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Studor, Brent Clafferty, Stephen A. Miller, Marwan Hassoun, Pete P. Garcia, Jr., Lynn Warren Hamrick
  • Patent number: 8939435
    Abstract: A delivery apparatus includes a volatile agent source, a controller, and an emanator material. The volatile agent source stores a volume of a volatile agent such as a fragrance. The volatile agent source includes an outlet for delivery of the volatile agent from the volatile agent source. The controller controls a delivery rate of the volatile agent from the volatile agent source. The emanator material is disposed at approximately the outlet of the volatile agent source. The emanator material absorbs at least a portion of the volatile agent and maintains the volatile agent until the volatile agent evaporates into an ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Microlin, LLC
    Inventors: John Howard Gordon, Ashok V. Joshi
  • Patent number: 8925905
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing volatile substances, in particular fragrances and/or insecticides, comprising at least one storage medium (34, 35) that contains, in particular temporarily stores, the at least one substance to be dispensed, and at least one means (9) for producing at least one air flow, wherein the at least one air flow (47, 54) is directed toward the at least one storage medium (34, 35) in such a way that the air flow increases the rate of dispensation to the environment of the substance to be dispensed relative to the state in which a flow is not directed at the storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: CTR, LDA
    Inventor: Pedro Queiroz Vieira
  • Patent number: 8905383
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a carbonated water tank in which carbonated water is stored; a water level sensor sensing a water level of carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank; a water tank supplying filtered water to the carbonated water tank; a carbon dioxide cylinder supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank; and a controller, if the water level of carbonated water sensed by the water level sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined minimum water level, supplying the filtered water to the carbonated water tank, and if supply of the filtered water is completed, supplying the carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank so as to produce the carbonated water. If the carbonated water is discharged, the controller controls the water level sensor to sense the water lever of the carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung Tae Ko, Seung Wan Kang, Jung Yeob Kim, Ji Hoon Kim, Byung Mo Yu, Sung Ho Cho, Yong Soo Kyong
  • Patent number: 8894043
    Abstract: In order to create an electrically activated carburettor for petrol engines with an air funnel for sucking in fuel from a fuel line leading into the air funnel which is connected to a fuel chamber and between fuel chamber and orifice in the air funnel a fuel jet for adjusting a fuel quantity that can be sucked in from the fuel chamber because of vacuum in the air funnel that can be flexibly adapted as carburettor more preferably for power implements, which overcomes the abovementioned disadvantages of the prior art and has a simple, sturdy construction which allows constant long-term behavior, it is proposed that in series connection with the fuel jet at least two Tesla diodes are provided, between which a pumping chamber with a pumping unit is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Christian Kellermann
  • Patent number: 8894044
    Abstract: Dispensing devices are disclosed that include a base, a reservoir that has a volatile active, and a housing. The housing includes a horizontal component and a vertical wall extending upwardly from the horizontal component. The horizontal component and the vertical wall define an interior volume of the housing. An activator is operatively connected to the reservoir. When the activator is activated, the volatile active is released from the reservoir into the interior volume of the housing to create a first quantity of volatile active having a first emanation rate and a second quantity of volatile active having a second emanation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Furner, Jeffrey L. Harwig, William G. Parsons
  • Patent number: 8882084
    Abstract: An inline carbonation apparatus includes a fluid tube having an inner diameter. At least one water orifice is linked to a water source and is attached at one end of the fluid tube. The water orifice atomizes water passing therethrough. A carbon dioxide source is connected to a carbon dioxide solenoid valve. The carbon dioxide solenoid valve is connected to a carbon dioxide regulator that is coupled to a carbon dioxide orifice and attached to the fluid tube in a spaced relationship from the water orifice. The atomized water has a pressure less than the carbon dioxide such that carbon dioxide is absorbed into the water forming carbonated water having a specified volume of carbonation. The carbon dioxide solenoid valve is opened and closed for a predetermined portion of a drink dispense time providing a volume of carbonated and non-carbonated fluid which upon mixing achieves a desired carbonation level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayateertha Malagi, Servesh Adderi Ranganath
  • Patent number: 8864111
    Abstract: A mist humidifier includes a water supply, at least one nebulization device and at least one heater mechanism. The nebulization device nebulizes at least a portion of a flow of water from the water supply and discharges a flow of mist particles. The heater mechanism selectively heats at least a portion of the flow of mist particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Raymond Industrial Limited
    Inventors: Ying Man John Wong, Kwok Yung Anthony Law
  • Patent number: 8857797
    Abstract: An inline carbonation apparatus that includes a fluid tube having an inner diameter. At least one water orifice is linked to a water source and is attached to one end of the fluid tube. The water orifice includes a plurality of holes atomizing water that passes therethrough. A carbon dioxide orifice is linked to a carbon dioxide source and is attached to the fluid tube in a spaced relationship from the water orifice. The atomized water has a pressure less than the carbon dioxide such that carbon dioxide is absorbed into the water forming carbonated water having a specified volume of carbonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: Santhosh Kumar, Ted Jablonski, Jayateertha Malagi, Servesh Adderi Ranganath, Nishant Kulkarni, Ravi Malavat
  • Patent number: 8840092
    Abstract: An inline carbonation apparatus includes a fluid tube having an inner diameter. A water flow control module is connected to a water source. At least one water orifice is linked to the water flow control module and is attached at one end of the fluid tube. The water orifice includes a plurality of holes atomizing water passing therethrough. A carbon dioxide source is connected to a carbon dioxide valve. The carbon dioxide solenoid valve is connected to a carbon dioxide regulator that is coupled to a carbon dioxide orifice and attached to the fluid tube in a spaced relationship from the water orifice. The atomized water has a pressure less than the carbon dioxide such that carbon dioxide is absorbed into the water forming carbonated water having a specified volume of carbonation. The water control module regulates a water flow rate into the inline carbonation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: Santhosh Kumar, Ted Jablonski, Jayateertha Malagi, Servesh Adderi Ranganath, Nishant Kulkarni, Ravi Malavat
  • Publication number: 20140225285
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients is described. The beverage preparation machine is configured for controlling the volume of air resident in at least a part of a delivery system of the machine to produce predetermined characteristics in a prepared beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Kraft Foods R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Andrew Hansen, Andrew Charles Bentley, Elizabeth Jane Hinckley, Mark Richard Thomas Norton
  • Patent number: 8800970
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifier for humidifying medical gases, comprising a humidification module including a control unit, wherein the humidification module is adapted for receiving a humidification chamber. Furthermore, the humidification module is further adapted to sense and/or receive information upon connection of the humidification chamber and/or additional equipment such as hoses, power supply pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Gründler GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Heine, Markus Gruendler, Christoph Gruendler, Philipp Hiereth, Martin Busch
  • Patent number: 8800969
    Abstract: Provided is a system for dissolving gas into liquid contained within a body. The system may include a tubular body extending between a bottom end and a top end, a gas diffuser coupleable to a gas source and configured for discharging gas bubbles into the tubular body, and a liquid pump for propelling liquid within the tubular body in a downwards direction, against uprising gas bubbles, where the liquid egresses at the bottom end of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Diffusaire Ltd
    Inventors: Gil Yousfan, Ronen-Itzhak Shechter
  • Patent number: 8727323
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employed in wet cleaning semiconductor devices are provided. In particular, systems that can deliver deionized water with the desired concentration of CO2 and methods of generating deionized water with a desired concentration of CO2 for use in wet cleaning of semiconductor devices are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Seiwart, Ulrich Brammer, Christiane Gottschalk, Joachim Lohr
  • Patent number: 8727322
    Abstract: An enclosure defines a confined space configured to store goods that can be advantageously maintained by controlling the water vapor levels to which the goods are exposed. A water vapor conversion element, at which liquid water is converted to water vapor, can be operably associated with the confined space to distribute that water vapor to the confined space. A water delivery unit is operatively associated with the water vapor conversion element and is configured to deliver water in liquid form to the water vapor conversion element. The water delivery unit can comprise a drip chamber configured to deliver the water essentially one drop at a time. The enclosure can comprise a drawer in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator. A sensor configured to determine the water vapor level present in the confined space can be operable to selectively control the distribution of water vapor to the confined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Hall
  • Patent number: 8702070
    Abstract: A system for mixing and mixing processes and structures are disclosed. In addition a nozzle used for mixing is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Enviromix, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Elliott Locklair, Theodore K. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8678359
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems directed to reducing mineral buildup on drift eliminators of a cooling tower. Some embodiments of the invention allow irrigation of the drift eliminators of the cooling tower with fluid in the basin of the cooling tower to reduce mineral buildup. In other embodiments, the systems disclosed can be integrated with the drift eliminators to provide constant irrigation of to reduce mineral buildup. In some other embodiments, a control unit is used to selectively irrigate the drift eliminators based on the fluid temperature in the basin and the temperature inside and outside of the cooling tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventor: Ty Sween
  • Patent number: 8662480
    Abstract: An air freshener includes a housing with a stem and a head with a cavity therein. An air displacement mechanism is carried by the housing and includes a rotatable fan carried by the head, and a motor coupled to the fan to rotate the fan. A scent capsule is removably carried by the head and has a chamber containing a fragrant material and a permeable membrane through which a fragrance of the fragrant material can permeate over time. The permeable membrane is located adjacent the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: American Covers, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Irvin
  • Patent number: 8657262
    Abstract: A device for foaming a liquid foodstuff, especially milk, is provided including a pump (2) that has, on the suction side, a feed line (3) that can be connected in a fluid-conducting way to a storage container for the liquid foodstuff. An air feed line (3a) by which air can be fed to the foodstuff is arranged in a path of flow of the liquid foodstuff on the suction side of the pump (2) and, a throttle (4a) is arranged in the path of flow of the foodstuff on the downstream side of the pump (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Niro-Plan AG
    Inventors: Adrian Burri, Andreas Kaiser, Heinz Vetterli, Mariano Turi
  • Publication number: 20140007604
    Abstract: A humidity controlling ventilator includes: an air flow rate calculator configured to calculate an air volume flow rate of an air blowing fan based on a specific volume of air located downstream of an adsorption heat exchanger and an air mass flow rate of the air blowing fan; and an air blow controller configured to control the air blowing fan such that the air volume flow rate calculated by the air flow rate calculator approaches a predetermined target air volume flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Gakuto Sakai, Akihiro Eguchi, Tomohiro Yabu
  • Patent number: 8579264
    Abstract: A pontoon based evaporative system has a weather monitoring station and control algorithm to shut down or slow down the atomizing fans in certain wind conditions. The central control system can control droplet size by slowing the fans down. The watercraft is collapsible to provide a fourteen foot width while afloat to support a plurality of atomizing fans high in the air. For transport the watercraft folds down to a nine foot trailer width with the atomizing fans resting on the base. An alternate embodiment is a land based frame having the same atomizing fans and weather monitoring and control algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Aston Evaporative Service
    Inventor: Russell E. Fowles
  • Patent number: 8505881
    Abstract: A system for mixing and mixing processes and structures are disclosed. In addition a nozzle used for mixing is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: EnviroMix, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Elliott Locklair, Theodore K. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8490951
    Abstract: A high pressure water injection humidifier includes a high pressure pump driven by a stepper motor, which provides pressurized water to a plurality of exit nozzles, each exit nozzle having a precision orifice that atomizes the pressurized water into a mist, where the volume rate of the mist is dependent only on the motor speed and the diameter of the precision orifice. Proper nozzle flow can be determined by monitoring the torque of the stepper motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Creston Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: George Feldstein, Jeff Wilson
  • Publication number: 20130168880
    Abstract: An electronic vaporizing device that includes an atomizing device connected to an external shell. The external shell has an internal compartment that contains an airflow activated switch; a bottle of liquid; a liquid chamber; a battery; and a circuit board comprising a microchip. A user inhaling through the atomizing device triggers the airflow activated switch which in turn activates the microchip and the battery, causing the atomizing device to guide the liquid through the liquid chamber. The liquid is then vaporized by the atomizing device and can be inhaled by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: BRENT DUKE