Cooling Apparatus Making, E.g., Air Conditioner, Refrigerator Patents (Class 29/890.035)
  • Patent number: 8020298
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a heat exchanger which includes: obtaining multiple coolant-carrying conduit sections, each having a non-circular cross-section, and first and second main surfaces; providing multiple primary folded fins secured to the conduit sections. Each folded fin includes a solid fin surface with multiple bends defining alternating, U-shaped air-passage channels, and a base surface and a top surface. Each folded fin is secured at the base or top surface to a main surface of a conduit section, and the folded fins have leading and trailing edges relative to airflow direction. The method includes forming a plurality of sets of secondary fins, each set extending from the leading or trailing edge of a respective folded fin at an angle other than 0. At least one conduit section has a first folded fin secured to its first main surface, and a second folded fin secured to its second main surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Roger R. Schmidt, Robert E. Simons
  • Publication number: 20110219794
    Abstract: An apparatus using refrigerant is provided. The apparatus includes, a refrigerant circuit including, a refrigerant circuit component part of an outdoor unit including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a decompressor, and a liquid reservoir, in which an incombustible refrigerant is sealed before factory shipment, and a load-side apparatus which is connected to the refrigerant circuit component part of the outdoor unit by way of extension pipes, and a refrigerant sealing connecting port which is provided in the refrigerant circuit and which seals a combustible refrigerant or a slightly combustible refrigerant, wherein, when setting the outdoor unit and the load-side apparatus at a place of use, the combustible refrigerant or the slightly combustible refrigerant is additionally sealed in the refrigerant circuit from the refrigerant sealing connecting port while the incombustible refrigerant is sealed in the refrigerant circuit component part of the outdoor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirokuni SHIBA
  • Patent number: 8006379
    Abstract: In a positioning apparatus, a fixed scroll engaged with a movable scroll is pressed against a housing member, and then, is stirred to an appropriate position by applying impact force to the fixed scroll in this state. Thus, the stirring of the fixed scroll terminates in the state that the fixed scroll is pressed against the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Susa, Takayuki Takahashi, Takashi Hirouchi, Hiroyuki Yamaji
  • Publication number: 20110205709
    Abstract: A sandwich structure and method thereof is disclosed for double-sided cooling, EMI noise shielding and current carrying in mini-modules. The proposed structure comprises a top structure and a bottom structure to achieve double-sided cooling. Meanwhile, the top structure is configured to shield EMI noises as well. The proposed structure further comprises a first set of connecting structures for connecting devices of the mini-modules with the top structure and a second set of connecting structure for connecting the top structure with the bottom structure. The connecting structures are capable of carrying current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Jian Yin, Hunt H. Jiang, Kaiwei Yao
  • Publication number: 20110203773
    Abstract: A cooling member includes a heat-transfer member having a groove and a refrigerant introducing pipe pressed into the groove. The refrigerant introducing pipe has a pressed region positioned inwardly of the edge of the heat-transfer member, and at least one curbed surface portion. A method for manufacturing a cooling member includes preparing a punch having at least one curved corner and a pressing surface, positioning the corner, and moving the punch closer to the groove to press the refrigerant introducing pipe into the groove with the pressing surface. A device for manufacturing a cooling member includes the punch and a support configured to support the heat-transfer member so the groove is positioned opposite the punch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Junichi Teraki, Mitsuhiro Tanaka, Noriyuki Okuda
  • Publication number: 20110179820
    Abstract: A refrigerated case includes a body having a left and a right side, a top, and a back. A refrigerated compartment is located within the body. A number of shelves are within the refrigerated compartment. A base compartment is below the refrigerated compartment. A dividing wall separates the base compartment from the refrigerated compartment. A refrigeration module is located within the base compartment. A support member intermediate to the left and right sides supports the shelves. A transverse beam supports the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: CARRIER COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION, INC.
    Inventors: Luis F. Avila, Mark A. Daniels, Stephen Kenney, Martin C. Bezon
  • Publication number: 20110138821
    Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet and a cabinet door and an ice maker. A primary ice bin is disposed in the cabinet door of the appliance. A secondary ice bin is disposed in the cabinet of the appliance. A routing device is disposed inside the cabinet. The routing device includes a stationary base that supports an adjustable ramp. The ramp is operable between a first position that directs ice to the primary ice bin and a second position that directs ice to the secondary ice bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: KEVIN M. CHASE, TONY L. KOENIGSKNECHT, JOHN A. WILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20110127896
    Abstract: A refrigerator which includes a refrigerator cabinet, a door attached to the refrigerator cabinet, a refrigerator drawer assembly disposed within the cabinet, the assembly including: (a) a refrigerator drawer body with a bottom and a plurality of upright walls operatively connected to the bottom; (b) a perimeter frame with front, back and opposite portions; (c) a support member having a first end, a second end, a bottom, a top, and a plurality of walls, the support member interchangeably connected to the front and back portions of the perimeter frame; and (d) a refrigerator drawer subassembly configured to support and allow for movement of the refrigerator drawer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: TROY M. ANDERSON, TODD E. JACKSON
  • Publication number: 20110107786
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for improving the cooling of the attic of a building by increasing the air flow therethrough includes the use of an air diverter attached to an A/C condenser unit casing partially around the exhaust fan opening in the casing for directing air from the exhaust fan into an air stream through open space towards a building soffit. A separate air hood mounted to the building soffit captures the air stream and directs it through the soffit into the attic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Jimmy L. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20110107787
    Abstract: In a heat pump with an evaporator and a liquefier as well as a gas region extending between the evaporator and the liquefier, the liquefier is arranged above the evaporator in a setup direction for operation of the heat pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Holger Sedlak, Oliver Kniffler
  • Publication number: 20110100054
    Abstract: A liquefier for a heat pump includes a liquefier space, a compressor motor and a motor fixture for holding the stationary motor part, wherein the motor further has a motor shaft and a compressor wheel connected to the motor shaft. The motor fixture is formed so that the stationary motor part is held so that it is in contact with liquefied working fluid when liquefied working fluid is filled in the liquefier space. Furthermore, the compressor wheel extends into a region of the heat pump in which a channel for gaseous working fluid to be compressed passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Holger Sedlak, Oliver Kniffler
  • Publication number: 20110100041
    Abstract: A heat pump system includes a controller and a closed system that includes a condensing heat exchanger coil, an evaporating heat exchanger coil, a refrigerant and a compressor. The compressor is configured to compress the refrigerant, thereby causing the refrigerant to have a greater pressure in the condensing heat exchanger coil than in the evaporating heat exchanger coil. The controller is configured to perform a passive defrost of the evaporating heat exchanger coil. The passive defrost includes disabling the compressor and providing a bypass path between the condensing and evaporating heat exchanger coils that bypasses the compressor. The bypass path allows the refrigerant to flow from the condensing heat exchanger coil to the evaporating heat exchanger coil while the compressor is disabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Carl T. Crawford, Robert B. Uselton, Bruce Perkins
  • Publication number: 20110095668
    Abstract: A water cooler with a rapidly detachable exterior panel. A water cooler with a detachable panel may have a wrapper with at least one detachable panel, and the wrapper may have multiple apertures to receive fasteners that may receive corresponding rear surface projections located on the rear surface of the panel. A water cooler with a detachable exterior panel may have a wrapper with at least one detachable panel, and one or more tensioning devices to cause the exterior panel to be placed in frictional and removable engagement against the wrapper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: MTN PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Chun-Yen Wang
  • Publication number: 20110095669
    Abstract: A refrigerator wall has an outer shell an inner liner, a cavity formed by the outer shell and the inner liner, insulation filling the cavity, and a vacuum insulation panel positioned in the cavity such that at least one edge of the vacuum insulation panel is located in a substantially maximum volume of insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: William T. Moon, William Brown, JR., Kenneth R. Davis
  • Publication number: 20110094256
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a sub door which reduces energy loss and a method of manufacturing method the sub door. The refrigerator includes a main body provided with storage chambers formed therein, doors opening and closing the storage chambers, and provided with an opening, a sub door to open and close the opening, and a cooling unit provided on the rear surface of the sub door. When the sub door is opened, cool air of the cooling unit is transmitted to a stored article put on the rear surface of the sub door, and when the sub door is closed, relatively uniform temperature distribution in the storage chamber is achieved and thus storage performance of the refrigerator is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joo Hee Song, Jeong Wook Lee, Ha Jin Jeong
  • Publication number: 20110088600
    Abstract: A cooling system comprises serpentine cooling fluid passages cast into a work piece with carefully controlled turning radii and profiles. Individual interdigitated baffles are contoured in the plane of coolant flow to have walls that thicken and then round off at their distal ends. The outside radii at these turns is similarly rounded and controlled such that the coolant flow will not be swirled into eddies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Allan J. MacRae
  • Publication number: 20110089790
    Abstract: A refrigerator and a method of manufacturing the same include a door that opens and closes a storage chamber. The door includes a frame, and a panel fixed to the frame. An end of the panel is supported by the frame on one or two sides thereof. Accordingly, manufacturing processes are simplified while the design of the refrigerator is optimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyoung Suk Lee, Hyo Sik Kang, Sang Chul Ryu, Young Gwi Park
  • Patent number: 7900354
    Abstract: A complete refrigeration system (CRS) including at least one heat exchanger which is designed to occupy an irregular volume to reduce the overall profile of the CRS. The heat exchanger may be a condenser or an evaporator, and includes a substantially solid body made of a thermally conductive metal, plastic, or other material. A plurality of fluid and refrigerant passageways are defined substantially within the solid body for conducing fluid and refrigerant, respectively, through the solid body and facilitating the transfer of heat between the fluid and refrigerant. Also disclosed is a method wherein the spatial orientation of each passageway is optimized with respect to all of the other passageways and the walls of the solid body by determining the relative distance of each passageway from all of the other passageways and the walls of the solid body at a plurality of points along each passageway, followed by adjusting the spatial orientation of the passageway accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Dan M. Manole, Donald L. Coffey
  • Publication number: 20110048047
    Abstract: The present embodiment provides a refrigerator. The refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes a panel member forming at least a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator, an inner case of which at least portion is spaced from the panel, a display case provided at one side of the panel member, insulating material filled in space between the panel member and the inner case, and a display unit mounted on the display case after the filling of the insulating material is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Pansoo Kim
  • Publication number: 20110041520
    Abstract: An inventive cryostat for use in a biomagnetic measurement system. The cryostat comprises at least one inner vessel and at least one outer vessel, and at least one cavity arranged between the inner vessel and the outer vessel, wherein negative pressure can be applied to the cavity. At least one radiation shield for shielding the cryostat from electromagnetic radiation is housed in the cavity. The cryostat furthermore comprises at least one ground lead for connecting the radiation shield to an electrical ground or earth. The ground lead is connected to the radiation shield in the cavity. The cryostat has at least one electrical feed-through, by means of which the ground lead can be contacted electrically from an outer side of the cryostat through the outer vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Sergio Nicola Erné, Hannes Nowak
  • Publication number: 20110031861
    Abstract: An attachment means of insulation within a container to prevent heat leakage from the ambient to an apparatus located within the container that operates at a cryogenic temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew C. Gentry, Stuart L. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110016894
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a new high-efficiency air conditioning system for cooling a motor vehicle control cabin. Various components of the system have been optimized (including the motor, the drive train and the condenser) in a way that minimizes battery draw-down, and allows long-term operation on battery power alone. The main engine of the vehicle can be shut down during loading or when the driver is resting overnight, and does not need to be restarted for 8 hours or more. The air conditioning system of this invention enhances the driver's comfort and alertness after resting, decreases vehicle weight, and substantially reduces air pollution and noise. The invention has the added benefits of reducing fuel consumption and wear and tear on the truck's engine, thereby sustaining considerable cost benefit for the fleet operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Hammond Air Conditioning Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lemon, Hank J. Stuyt
  • Publication number: 20100314075
    Abstract: A cooling plate configured so that the cooling efficiency can be improved, the weight can be reduced, high corrosion resistance can be provided, the work efficiency can be improved, and furthermore the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and a manufacturing method for the cooling plate is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Satoshi TAKAHASHI, Seiji Matsushima
  • Publication number: 20100313590
    Abstract: Liquid-cooled electronics racks and methods of fabrication are provided wherein a liquid-based cooling apparatus facilitates cooling of electronic subsystems when docked within the electronics rack. The cooling apparatus includes a liquid-cooled cooling structure mounted to a front of the rack, and a plurality of heat transfer elements. The cooling structure is a thermally conductive material which has a coolant-carrying channel for facilitating coolant flow through the structure. Each heat transfer element couples to one or more heat-generating components of a respective electronic subsystem, physically contacts the cooling structure when that electronic subsystem is docked within the rack, and provides a thermal transport path from the heat-generating components of the electronic subsystem to the liquid-cooled cooling structure. Advantageously, electronic subsystems may be docked within or undocked from the electronics rack without affecting flow of coolant through the liquid-cooled cooling structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Richard C. CHU, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, JR., Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Robert E. Simons
  • Publication number: 20100293991
    Abstract: A wiring system for use in an air conditioning system comprising a printed circuit board having a perimeter and wiring receptacles located proximate the perimeter and wiring connectors. In one aspect, at least some of the wiring receptacles comprise two or more wiring sub-receptacles, and each of the wiring sub-receptacles includes a slotted sub-receptacle connection pattern. Furthermore, the slotted sub-receptacle connection pattern of each of the wiring sub-receptacles is different from every other sub-receptacle connection pattern. Each of the wiring connectors includes a ridged connection pattern that is different from every other ridged connection pattern of the wiring connectors, such that a given wiring connector is receivable within only one of the wiring sub-receptacles. An air conditioning system and a method of manufacturing is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Lennox Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven C. Brown, Carlos O. Chamorro, Merlin K. Chapin, Robert W. Gilkison, Aylan A. Him, Randall L. Lisbona, Richard A. Mauk, Michael Renker
  • Publication number: 20100298983
    Abstract: An HVAC unit includes an HVAC motor and a system controller. The HVAC motor is coupled to a motor controller. The motor controller is configured to receive a command signal bearing a digitally encoded operating level of the HVAC motor. The system controller is coupled to the motor controller, and is configured to transmit the command signal to the motor controller. The system controller modulates the command signal with the digitally encoded operating level in response to a service demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Lennox Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark G. Beste, Brian Hudson, Roger C. Hundt, David Omlor, Stephen A. Walter, David M. Wynnick
  • Publication number: 20100287974
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and having a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall. Each of the rear wall, first side wall, second side wall, top wall, and bottom wall include an interior liner and an exterior wrapper. A door is disposed on the cabinet operable between an open position and a closed position. The door includes an interior liner and an exterior wrapper. At least one pocket is disposed in at least one of the rear wall, first side wall, second side wall, top wall, bottom wall, and door between the interior liner and the exterior wrapper. The at least one pocket includes an access opening. A removable insulation panel is disposed in the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: NIHAT O. CUR, STEVEN J. KUEHL, LUIZ ANTONIO D. LOPES, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, JOHN R. WISNOSKI
  • Publication number: 20100269521
    Abstract: One embodiment comprises an apparatus with an evaporative unit for a refrigerant having a flow direction opposing the airflow direction and an adjustable airflow rate to utilize to produce both cold/dehumidified exit air and warmed exit refrigerant for high efficiency and to maintain an airflow sufficient to avoid freeze-up of evaporative unit or freeze-up to an extent that blocks the airflow. This may produce low humidity even when the room thermostat is set warm (e.g. 85 F) and 5%-30% lower A/C bills. Other embodiments comprise systems and methods related to the adjustable airflow. A further embodiment comprises a controller to adjust the humidity in an air-conditioned space to produce air, which is both temperature and humidity controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Clay Moore
  • Publication number: 20100230423
    Abstract: An object is to provide a method of manufacturing a low-temperature storage in which an insulating performance of an insulating box article is enhanced, and an amount of contents of an inner box can be enlarged. In the low-temperature storage comprising: the insulating box article constituted by placing a foamed insulating material between an outer box and the inner box; and a vacuum insulating panel disposed on the surface of the outer box on the side of the foamed insulating material, a thickness dimension of the foamed insulating material between the inner box and the vacuum insulating panel is set so that a temperature of the surface of the vacuum insulating panel on the side of the inner box is not less than a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Shinya, Yasushi Sakata
  • Publication number: 20100218920
    Abstract: A cooling system that has a fan having a plurality of fan blades disposed in a housing, with the fan having an input side and an exhaust side. A flow divider component may be disposed parallel to an axial center of the fan and positioned adjacent to the housing of the fan, and adjacent to one of the input side or the exhaust side. The flow divider may further project away from the fan blades for channeling an air flow created by the fan blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: EMERSON NETWORK POWER - EMBEDDED COMPUTING, INC.
    Inventors: Pasi Jukka Vaananen, Stephen A. Hauser, George Paul Zemke
  • Publication number: 20100205999
    Abstract: Disclosed is a casing structure by which stiffness of a casing of a container refrigeration unit for cooling the interior of a container can be increased without affecting the arrangement, shape, and maintainability of devices accommodated in the casing. A container interior side of the external casing (12) which constitutes the casing (11) is provided with flanges (34) which extend vertically and which are located at both end portions of the external casing (12) along a dimension of the container width. Each of the flanges (34) has a rectangular cylindrical portion (34a) extending vertically along the external casing (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Ikemiya, Takayuki Uo, Keiji Tomioka, Shouzou Kameyama
  • Publication number: 20100192620
    Abstract: Disclosed is a structure in which part of an internal casing of a container refrigeration unit for cooling the container interior is reinforced, and which enables the internal casings to be produced more efficiently. A casing includes an external casing whose periphery is fixed to a container body to close an open end of the container body, and an internal casing which covers a container interior side of the external casing. The internal casing is formed by hot-pressing a material sheet as a resin material by a pair of mold halves, with the material sheet covering an entire press surface of one of the pair of mold halves and with a reinforcement sheet which is made of a glass fiber being layered at part of the material sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Makoto Ikemiya, Takayuki Uo, Hideaki Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 7743502
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus including a magnesium alloy vessel that is substantially free of aluminum and zinc, but including magnesium in combination with a gettering metal and a method for making such apparatus. The magnesium alloy vessel has a hollow interior cavity containing a working fluid, with a stable, protective layer formed on the inside wall of the vessel so as to establish non-corrosive compatibility with the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Thermal Corp.
    Inventors: John H. Rosenfeld, G. Yale Eastman
  • Patent number: 7735224
    Abstract: Systems and methods of applying an ozone-depleting catalytic coating to an air stream component for producing a durable surface with optimal ozone depletion characteristics are provided. An air stream component having a surface with favorable adhesive properties or coatings is exposed to a concentration of ozone-depleting catalytic particles, wherein the receptive surface of the coated substrate binds the ozone-depleting catalytic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: JW Aluminum Company
    Inventor: Mark Thompson
  • Publication number: 20100127608
    Abstract: In a casing structure for a container refrigerator which includes an outer casing and an inner casing between which a thermal barrier is formed, a structure is provided in which a foaming agent for forming the thermal barrier can be prevented from leaking and operation time and manufacturing cost can be reduced. On an inner side surface (30a) of a flange (34) of the outer casing (30), a rib (34c) is formed so as to be engaged with an outer peripheral edge (35b) of the inner casing (35) when the foaming agent (38) is foamed in a foaming space (V) between the outer casing (30) and the inner casing (35). A sealant (40) is provided in a gap between the outer peripheral edge (35b) of the inner casing (35) and the inner side surface (30a) of the outer casing (30) and/or in part of the gap on a side of the foaming space (V).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Yoshinori Kitamura, Hirofumi Hirade
  • Publication number: 20100128431
    Abstract: A hybrid liquid-air cooling system which may be easily adapted to provide a liquid cooling mechanism for use with a wide range of heat sources on components or adapter boards (10) in a personal computer system, and which functions cooperatively with an air cooling system (106). The liquid cooling mechanism includes a cold plate component (100) adapted for use with a wide range of applications, and Is secured in place by an exchangeable mounting clip (104) which eliminates the need to breach the liquid cooling system flow pathways (102) to insert, remove, or replace heat source components. The cold plate component (100) functions cooperatively with an air cooling structure (106) consisting generally of an aluminum heat sink, cooling fins (106a), heat pipes (106b), and a cooling fan (106c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Andre Sloth Eriksen, Flemming Ferlov Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7721439
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for processing a container body into a heat dissipating device includes: a support for supporting the container body thereon; an elastically deformable member covering a periphery of an opening in an upper wall of the container body and defining a cavity in fluid communication with interior of the container body through the opening; a vacuuming device connected to the elastically deformable member for vacuuming the inner space; a working fluid-loading device connected to the elastically deformable member for filling a predetermined amount of the working fluid into the container body; a depressing device including opposite upper and lower pressing members; and a driving mechanism for driving movement of at least one of the upper and lower pressing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jao-Ching Lin, Pei-Pei Ding, Hsiu-Wei Yang, Wen-Hwa Yu, Yen-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 7716829
    Abstract: A heat exchanger including a header having a plurality of header openings with rigid tubes that may be made of plastic are inserted in the openings. The tubes are sealed to the header to prevent leakage between the header and the tubes to prevent water and air leakage between the wet, scavenger air stream flowing through the tubes and a dry air stream flowing around the tubes. A method of making the heat exchanger includes providing the openings with a flange and uses an interference fit between the rigid heat exchange tubes and the header openings. A self-leveling sealant may be used to seal the heat exchanger tubes to the header using, for example, a paint roller and/or a paint sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: The Munters Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas H. Des Champs
  • Patent number: 7717568
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a cooling unit that includes a cooling plate in which a cooling fluid flows, the cooling plate having a cooling pipe through which the cooling fluid flows, and a pair of tabular members arranged to be opposed to each other across the cooling pipe, the manufacturing method for a cooling unit includes: forming a groove in which the cooling pipe is housed at least in one opposed surface of the pair of tabular members; combining the pair of tabular members while housing the cooling pipe in the groove; and filling a heat conduction material in a gap between the groove and the cooling pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Motoyuki Fujimori, Satoshi Kinoshita, Makoto Zakoji
  • Publication number: 20100101238
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems for heating and cooling the interior climate of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the system comprises a conduit having a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, a fluid diversion channel configured to divert fluid flow between the first and second channels, and a thermoelectric device operatively connected to the fluid conduit. In certain embodiments, the thermoelectric device comprises a plurality of thermal zones. In some embodiments, the plurality of thermal zones comprises a first thermal zone connected to a first electric circuit switchable between a first polarity and a second polarity and a second thermal zone connected to a second electric circuit switchable between the first polarity and the second polarity independent of the polarity of the first electric circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: John LaGrandeur, Lon E. Bell
  • Patent number: 7703504
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes fins arranged in parallel with each other with a predetermined spacing along the rotational axis direction of a blower. Heat exchanger tubes are inserted into the fins to form rows along a longitudinal direction of the fins connected to each other along the airflow direction, to form refrigerant channels. A branch portion is provided to connection portions of the heat exchanger tubes to increase or decrease the number of paths in the refrigerant channels. Refrigerant flows through each of the refrigerant channels passing through paths mutually different at least at one portion between the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlets, flows along one direction from the windward-side row to the leeward-side row, or from the leeward-side row to the windward-side row in the airflow direction, in sequence between rows. One-path portion is provided in the most windward-side row heat exchanger tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Ishibashi, Kunihiko Kaga, Riichi Kondou, Takuya Mukouyama
  • Publication number: 20100095699
    Abstract: A pre-cooling system for use with a condenser of an air conditioning system is provided. In one embodiment, the pre-cooling system comprises a housing that is coupleable to a top of a condenser of an air conditioner wherein the condenser has a substantially-vertical exhaust. The pre-cooling system further comprises a valve mounted in the housing that is coupleable to a water source and wherein the valve is capable of operating independent of electrical power. The pre-cooling system further comprises a vane that is coupled to the valve and positionable in the substantially-vertical exhaust, wherein the vane has an aerodynamically-shaped cross section useable to operate the valve. The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing the pre-cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Larry D. McKenna
  • Patent number: 7685716
    Abstract: The invention refers to a method of brazing together thin heat exchanging plates of an iron based base material provided with port holes and a pressing pattern of elevations and depressions over the heat exchanging area of the plates and, if present, also over the distribution area to a plate heat exchanger. The plates are coated with brazing material and are arranged such that contact between elevations and depressions in adjacent plates is obtained prior to the brazing together. The plates are then brazed together at the resultant contact points. Only 5-40%, preferably 10-30%, of the heat exchanging area and the distribution area are coated with brazing material prior to the brazing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Jens Erik Johannes Rassmus, Per Erik Sjodin
  • Publication number: 20100064720
    Abstract: The present invention is a unitary cooling apparatus capable of standard freezing time despite heavy insulation. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a zipper component which extends along the edges of a top surface and bottom surface allowing the top and bottom to be pivoted outward or inward and the cooling apparatus flattened along the seams which connect the sides. A plurality of cube structures positioned along a plurality of channels allows rapid cooling using a minimum of frozen fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Mark D. Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20100037624
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are electrocaloric devices, pyroelectric devices and methods of forming them. A device which can be a pyroelectric energy generator or an electrocaloric cooling device, can include a first reservoir at a first temperature and a second reservoir at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature. The device can also include a plurality of liquid crystal thermal switches disposed between the first reservoir and the second reservoir and one or more active layers disposed between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, such that each of the one or more active layers is sandwiched between two liquid crystal thermal switches. The device can further include one or more power supplies to apply voltage to the plurality of liquid crystal thermal switches and the one or more the active layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Richard I. EPSTEIN, Kevin J. Malloy
  • Publication number: 20100028764
    Abstract: A modular battery unit with at least two battery cells (1-6) and a heat sink (8), which is arranged between the battery cells (1-6), conforms laterally to the battery cells, has a cooling medium flowing through it and, on the one hand, transports heat which has developed in the battery cells away in a suitable manner and, on the other hand, supports the battery cells, and with two covering caps (11, 12), which can be arranged on the heat sink, wherein a first one of the two covering caps (11) is provided for closing the first end face of the heat sink and a second one of the two covering caps (12) is provided for closing the second end face of the heat sink and an inlet (16) and an outlet (17) for the cooling medium are provided, and wherein the inlet and/or the outlet of the cooling medium is arranged at the first covering cap (11) or the second covering cap (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: MAGNA STEYR FAHRZEUGTECHNIK AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Günter Maier, Martin Michelitsch
  • Patent number: 7640662
    Abstract: The heat exchanger is made economically by pressure-forming cavities in relatively thick thermo-plastic panels, interleaving them with other thermo-plastic panels having separate gas flow conduit structures, and securing the panels together. Preferably, the heat exchanger is an opposed-flow-heat-exchanger giving improved heat-transfer efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Building Performance Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Klas C. Haglid
  • Publication number: 20090297368
    Abstract: A water over air intercooler for use in a reciprocating air compressor includes a central core unit having an interior which contains a plurality of air passage tubes, a cooling water inlet and at least one cooling water outlet. A first manifold has at least one air inlet and is in communication with the plurality of air passage tubes so as to receive air from the at least one air inlet and direct the air to the plurality of air passage tubes. A second manifold has an air outlet and is in communication with the plurality of air passage tubes so as to receive air from the plurality of finned air passage tubes and direct the air to the at least one air outlet. The central core unit, the first manifold and the second manifold are integrally connected by welding to form a single piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.
    Inventors: Steven Knox, Matthew D. Mitsch
  • Publication number: 20090288446
    Abstract: Provided is a suction pipe assembly with improved heat conductivity and a manufacturing method thereof. The suction pipe assembly includes a suction pipe, a capillary, a heat transmission pipe, and an adhesive agent. The suction pipe is disposed between a compressor and an evaporator and guides a refrigerant ejected from the evaporator to the compressor in a cooling system executing cooling by circulating the refrigerant and including the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator. The capillary is disposed between the condenser and the evaporator and guides the refrigerant ejected from the condenser to the evaporator. The heat transmission pipe includes the capillary inside and a contact portion for widening a contact area to the suction pipe outside to tightly contact the suction pipe. The adhesive agent is interposed between an external surface of the suction pipe and the contact portion to connect the heat transmission pipe with the suction pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Byung Hee Ryoo
  • Publication number: 20090241588
    Abstract: A component mounting plate (s1) of a casing for a refrigeration system includes an inner sub-plate (2), an outer sub-plate (3) and a heat insulating layer (4) filled with a heat insulating material, such as urethane. The inner sub-plate (2) is formed with a mounting hole (31) through which a mounting bolt (30) for mounting a component (16) to the inner sub-plate (2) passes. The heat insulating layer (4) contains a nut (40) disposed to correspond to the mounting hole (31) and an L-piece (41) disposed to correspond to the mounting hole (31) and including an extension (43) and a seat (42) with the nut (40) welded thereto. The L-piece is disposed in the heat insulating layer (4) with the seat (42) in contact with the inner sub-plate (2) and the extension (43) extending towards the outer sub-plate (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Yoshinori Kitamura, Hiroki Ishihara