Pipe Or Tube Forms Flow Path Patents (Class 392/480)
  • Publication number: 20140023354
    Abstract: A heating unit for heating fluid is described having a first manifold having at least one inlet, a second manifold connected to the first manifold and having at least one outlet, and a third manifold. The heating unit also includes one or more heating systems which extend from the third manifold to the first manifold via the second manifold, where the one or more heating systems have an inner tube and an outer tube. Further, the heating unit includes a fluid flow path from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet via the first manifold, an area between the inner tube and outer tube, the interior of the inner tube and the second manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: EEMAX, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff HANKINS, Chris Hayden, Eric Jurczyszak
  • Publication number: 20130336643
    Abstract: A line connector having a connector piece with at least one junction portion for junction connection to a media line or to an assembly, a transitional portion contiguous to the junction portion, and a flow duct. In at least the region of the transitional portion, an electrical heating element for the media line is provided in an arrangement at least partially surrounding the flow duct. The connector piece, together with the heating element, is surrounded by an outer cladding. At least one of the junction portions is designed as a hollow, cylindrical receptacle for directly plugging in the end of the media line, the media line being capable of being fastened in a materially integral manner. The junction portion including, at least in regions, a material transparent to laser beams in such a way that the media line can be fastened by way of laser welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: VOSS Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Olav Borgmeier, Eduard Brück, Ulrich Erb, Reiner Gründel, Martin Lechner, Frank Peters, Sascha Rosenfeldt, Otfried Schwarzkopf, Ahmet Gündüz, Marco Isenburg
  • Patent number: 8554064
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for vaporizing a liquid to form vapor preferably in a gas stream. The apparatus includes a composite metal structure, the structure comprising a plurality of passageways for providing heat to vaporize the liquid in the gas stream to form a gas/vapor mixture. A non-corrosive interface lies between the metal structure and the gas/vapor mixture, the interface being chemically inert to the gas/vapor mixture and the structure permitting heat to be conducted rapidly therethrough to vaporize the liquid. The apparatus further includes an inlet for the gas and an inlet for the liquid to be vaporized to flow into the plurality of passageways and an exit through which the gas/vapor mixture exits the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: MSP Corporation
    Inventors: Thuc Dinh, Yamin Ma, Benjamin Y. H. Liu
  • Publication number: 20130259458
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating a dialysis liquid includes a receiving section for receiving a heating bag through which dialysis liquid to be heated can flow, and a sensor system for determining or monitoring the deformation or the position of the heating bag in the receiving section of the heating apparatus or both. A dialysis liquid tube set, a set, a medical apparatus and a method are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Nicolas BEISSER, Stefan OESTERREICH
  • Patent number: 8528467
    Abstract: A coffee machine for preparing coffee, particularly on the basis of coffee pads, comprising a continuous flow heater which is fixed in a housing and provided with a tube for guiding water. In order to fix the continuous flow heater and, preferably, other components in the coffee machine in a low-cost and secure manner, the at least one flexible tube connecting piece is provided with receiving elements for integrating additional component parts of the coffee machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Magg, Andreas Mayr
  • Patent number: 8526801
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a line connector for media lines, consisting of a connector piece with at least one junction portion for junction connection to a media line or to an assembly and with a transitional portion contiguous to the junction portion and having a flow duct. In this case, at least in the region of the transitional portion, electrical heating means are provided in an arrangement at least partially surrounding the flow duct. Furthermore, the invention relates to a ready-made media line consisting of a pipeline with a heating conductor arranged on the circumference and with a heatable line connector fastened at least to one pipeline end of the media line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: VOSS Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Olav Borgmeier, Eduard Brück, Erb Ulrich, Reiner Gründel, Martin Lechner, Frank Peters, Sascha Rosenfeldt, Otfried Schwarzkopf, Ahmet Gündüz, Marco Isenburg
  • Publication number: 20130202279
    Abstract: A fluid heater of the continuous flow type, comprising a fluid channel having a first fluid channel section (35), at least one substantially cylindrical metal pipe (2), a heating device (6) preferably having two tubular heating elements (6a, 6b) spaced apart from each other over equidistant circumferential sections of the metal pipe, and heat conducting means for providing a heat-conducting connection to the metal pipe (2), wherein a fluid guiding core (30) made of plastic is disposed in the metal pipe (2) and forms the first fluid channel section (35) between the metal pipe and the fluid guiding core (30), wherein the first fluid channel section (35) runs substantially helically in the form of a groove in an outer surface of the fluid guiding core, and wherein the fluid channel has a first fluid connector for fluid supply means and a second fluid connector for fluid discharge means, wherein the fluid guiding core (30) further comprises a substantially coaxial second fluid channel section (34) disposed therei
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Bleckmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Reichl, Andreas Pleschinger
  • Publication number: 20130168379
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of an electrical heating element and a heat dissipater to be heated thereby; the heating element comprises a substrate, an insulating layer located on the substrate and a thick film conductor located on the insulating layer, wherein the second side of the metallic substrate is in contact with the heat dissipater, comprising a layer of metallic material on its face towards the heater and wherein the substrate is brazed to the heat dissipater and the surface of the heating element over which the thick film conductor extends, is substantially equal to the surface of the heat dissipater. The brazing leads to a permanent contact between the heating element and the heat dissipater, so that the possible tendency for warping as caused by the heating and cooling cycles will be withstood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: OTTER CONTROLS LIMITED
    Inventors: Reinardus Hermanus Bernardus Deenen, Willem Antoon Bernard Nijman, Johannes Gerardus Maria Gelinck, Martijn Van Dongen, Gradus Johannes Kloppers, Robert Henry Hadfield
  • Patent number: 8455293
    Abstract: A method for processing solar cells comprising: providing a vertical furnace to receive an array of mutually spaced circular semiconductor wafers for integrated circuit processing; composing a process chamber loading configuration for solar cell substrates, wherein a size of the solar cell substrates that extends along a first surface to be processed is smaller than a corresponding size of the circular semiconductor wafers, such that multiple arrays of mutually spaced solar cell substrates can be accommodated in the process chamber, loading the solar cell substrates into the process chamber; subjecting the solar cell substrates to a process in the process chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: ASM International N.V.
    Inventors: Chris G. M. de Ridder, Klaas P. Boonstra, Adriaan Garssen, Frank Huussen
  • Patent number: 8450666
    Abstract: A water boiling device includes a heat tank unit received in a machine body, a high frequency induction heater, and a heat pipe unit. The heat tank unit includes first and second heating tanks in communication with each other. Outside water can flow into the first and second heating tanks. The high frequency induction heater includes a heat pipe induction coil and first and second induction coils. The heat pipe unit includes first and second heating pipes. An upper section of each heating pipe is received in one of the heating tanks, and a lower section of each heating pipe extends out of the heating tanks and is inserted into the heat pipe induction coil. The first and second heating tanks will heat up to heat the water in the first and second heating tanks when a high frequency current is passed through the heat pipe induction coil and first and second induction coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Shun-Chi Yang, Mao-Hsiung Yang, Tsung-Chuan Yang, Fang-Ming Wu, Cheng-Yen Wu
  • Publication number: 20130114946
    Abstract: A water heating element (98) is disclosed which is in the form of a tube that is open at both ends thereby to form a through passage, wherein the tube comprises a metal outer sleeve and a co-axial metal inner sleeve having an electrically insulating material in the form of ceramic beads or magnesium oxide powder therebetween with electrical resistance wires running through the insulating material. The element (98) is mounted in an inclined position in the hot water cylinder (102) with the open lower end of the element close to the bottom wall of the hot water cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Jan Petrus Human
  • Patent number: 8380056
    Abstract: An inter-axial inline fluid heater is presented. The inter-axial inline fluid heater includes an outer retaining sheath defining a first area, and an interior flow tube disposed within the outer sheath and capable of having fluid flow therethrough. Further, the inter-axial inline fluid heater includes a resistance wire disposed between the interior flow tube and the outer retaining sheath, the resistance wire capable of producing heat for heating a fluid passing through the interior flow tube when power is applied to the resistance wire. Also includes is a dielectric heat transfer material disposed between the interior flow tube and the outer retaining sheath and surrounding at least a portion of the resistance wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Infinity Fluids Corp.
    Inventor: Robert Evans
  • Patent number: 8350193
    Abstract: An oil water mixture heating apparatus comprises a metal outer barrel with a helical trough formed inside, a metal inner barrel held in the metal outer barrel to form a helical passage with the helical trough, a first and a second guide cap coupled on two sides of the metal outer and inner barrels, a first and a second seal cap coupled respectively on the first and second guide caps, a first and a second holder fixedly located on outer sides of the two seal caps and an electric heater encasing the metal outer barrel. When combustible oil or oil water mixture enters the helical passage and are heated by the electric heater, the oil or oil water mixture also is constantly blended in the helical passage so that it is heated rapidly to a required temperature and forms a finer oil water mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Feng-Hui Lu
  • Patent number: 8291939
    Abstract: A sturdy electrical power circuit and grounding circuit for an electrically-heated hose is formed by electrically connecting a grounding wire extending along the length of the hose to a pair of fluid couplings fitted on opposite ends of the hose. The grounding wire is mechanically clamped against the inner wall of the hose by radially-outwardly expanding a tube on each coupling against the grounding wire to secure the grounding wire in place while simultaneously forming an electrical connection between the grounding wire and the fluid couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sykes Hollow Innovations, Ltd.
    Inventor: William Ferrone
  • Publication number: 20120237192
    Abstract: Provided is a heat medium heating apparatus including: a plurality of flat heat exchanger tubes 12; PTC heaters 13 that are respectively incorporated between flat tube parts of the flat heat exchanger tubes 12; a heat exchanger holding member 15 that press-fixes the flat heat exchanger tubes 12 and the PTC heaters 13, from one side of the flat heat exchanger tubes 12 to an inner surface of a casing 11; and a control board 17 that has a surface on which a control circuit 21 is mounted, the control circuit 21 including heat-generating electrical components 20 that control the PTC heaters 13, in which the control board 17 includes heat penetration parts that are formed so as to pass through the control board 17 correspondingly to mounting positions of the heat-generating electrical components 20, and the heat-generating electrical components 20 are mounted so as to be cooled via the heat penetration parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kominami, Hidetaka Sato, Takashi Nakagami
  • Publication number: 20120183282
    Abstract: In a PTC heater unit configured to heat gas flowing through an inside of a heating gas passage with a PTC element, a gap passage (60) forming at least part of the heating gas passage (59) is formed between an inner peripheral surface of a base tube portion (42a) having the PTC element (43) disposed on an outer peripheral surface thereof and an outer peripheral surface of an insertion tube (61) inserted in the base tube portion (42a). Accordingly, it is possible to provide a pressure reduction valve for LPG fuel attached with a PTC heater unit capable of improving efficiency of heating using a PTC element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: KEIHIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takushi Hatakeyama, Jun Ono
  • Patent number: 8109328
    Abstract: A fluid temperature control device, which is particularly suitably applied to the temperature control of a processing liquid in a semiconductor device manufacturing process, capable of performing quickly and precisely the temperature control of a temperature-controlled fluid, and the device can also be made as small as possible. This fluid temperature control device includes a body block having flow passage grooves formed therein; heat transfer plates which are disposed on surfaces of the body block to form flow passages where a temperature-controlled fluid flows; heaters which heat the temperature-controlled fluid flowing through the flow passages via at least one of the heat transfer plates; and thermoelectric modules which heat and cool the temperature-controlled fluid flowing through the flow passages via at least one of the heat transfer plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Kelk Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Takechi
  • Publication number: 20110274418
    Abstract: Fluid conduit segments are provided that include, but are not limited to integrated heating systems for protection against freezing. To this effect PTC-fabric heating elements are provided that are integrated in the fluid conduit segments and that in the negative temperature range include, but are not limited to a PTC-temperature-dependent resistance. The heating system thus provides a higher output in the negative temperature range and a lower output in the positive temperature range, i.e., the heating limits itself until temperature equalization has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Juergen MEISIEK, Torsten MAULITZ
  • Patent number: 8028721
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a heated garden hose that has a flexible hose with an inlet and an outlet. The garden hose has an inlet coupler and an outlet coupler. A heating cable coupler is connected between the inlet and the outlet of the flexible hose. A heating cable has a first end with an electrical plug and extends through the heating cable coupler into the interior of the flexible hose. The heating cable is free floating inside the flexible hose. A thermostat, attached to the exterior portion of the heating cable, controls the heating cable and is designed to turn the heating cable off just above the freezing temperature of water. A clip is inserted into the flexible hose near the outlet to hold the heating cable inside of the flexible hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: K & H Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: James Donald Koskey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8023808
    Abstract: A device for transferring heat to a fluid with a heat generator comprising an electric resistance inserted in a first pipe integrally connected to a second pipe in which the fluid flows. The second pipe may comprise a steel tube coaxially inserted inside. First and second pipes are obtained inside a single block by means of an extrusion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: I.R.C.A. S.p.A. - Industria Resistenze Corazzate E Affini
    Inventor: Duilio Capraro
  • Patent number: 8019206
    Abstract: A hollow tubular body for molten glass by which local-overheating in the electrode for conduction heating is prevented. A hollow tubular body for molten glass by which local-overheating in the electrode for conduction heating is prevented. A hollow tubular body having a platinum or platinum alloy hollow tube, used for conduction heating is characterized in that a ring electrode is joined to the outer circumference of the hollow tube, at least one lead-out electrode is joined to an outer edge of the ring electrode, and the ring electrode comprises a core portion of electrode of platinum or platinum alloy and a thick portion of platinum or platinum alloy or of a metallic material other than platinum or platinum alloy, provided at an outer side of the core portion of electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yasuharu Hirabara, Hajime Itoh
  • Patent number: 8009970
    Abstract: There is provided a method for electrically energizing and heating a platinum or platinum-alloy composite tube structure having a structure including a first main tube, a second main tube, and a branch tube connecting the first main tube and the second main tube, which prevents a local part of the branch tube from being electrically energized and heated in an excessive or insufficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Sei Nagano, Yasuharu Hirabara, Hajime Itoh
  • Patent number: 7959090
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus also has expandable and compressible features and parts for protection against freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
  • Patent number: 7941038
    Abstract: A hollow tubular body for molten glass in which local-overheating is reduced at the time of conduction heating. The hollow tubular body has a platinum or platinum alloy hollow tube, used for conduction heating, wherein a platinum or platinum alloy ring electrode is joined to the outer circumference of the hollow tube, a lead-out electrode is joined to an outer edge of the ring electrode, and a thick portion is provided in at least the joint portion closest to the lead-out electrode, of the ring electrode and in the vicinity thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hajime Itoh, Sei Nagano, Yasuharu Hirabara
  • Patent number: 7918109
    Abstract: A steam generator having a steam generation tube defining a chamber for receiving water and converting the water to steam, and a heating element wrapped around the tube and having a first portion emitting a greater thermal output than a second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Pinkowski, Alvaro Vallejo Noriega, Markus Beck, Karl Furderer, Floyd G. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20110069942
    Abstract: The embodiment relates to a refrigerant heating apparatus. The refrigerant heating apparatus includes: a refrigerant pipe in which a refrigerant flows; and a heating unit that is provided on an outer surface of the refrigerant pipe, wherein the heating unit includes: a plurality of electrodes that are provided at an outer surface of the refrigerant pipe and are spaced from each other; and a plurality of carbon nanotube heating elements that are electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes, are heated by an applied power, and are disposed to be spaced from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Sanghun LEE, Beomsoo Seo
  • Patent number: 7905119
    Abstract: A steam generator according to one embodiment of the invention includes a steam generation chamber for converting the water to steam, and a heating element thermally coupled with the steam generation chamber and having a first portion below an operational water level of the steam generation chamber and a second portion above the operational water level, with the first portion having a greater thermal output than the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Pinkowski, Alvaro Vallejo Noriega, Markus Beck, Karl Furderer, Floyd G. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20110052162
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for heating a product stream, in particular a basic material for the beverage industry, and especially a milk drink or a mixed milk drink. Due to the fact that, in a heating module, a treatment channel is formed between alternating current electrodes in such a way that the product flows from the first electrode to the second electrode substantially in a main flow direction, the electrode spacing and the cross-section of the treatment channel can be dimensioned largely independently from one another and the energy input in the product as well as the flow behavior of the product can be optimized. This promotes uniform heating of the product and helps to avoid undesirable depositions in the treatment channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Hans-Peter WILD, Wolfgang Tilz, Dominique Chatard, Axel De With
  • Patent number: 7881593
    Abstract: A gas cooking appliance for use with at least one removable burner, the cooking appliance including a structural housing supporting a cooktop surface having at least one convertible area for use with the at least one removable burner. When the at least one removable burner is operable with the cooking appliance, it resides above the convertible area and is supplied a fuel mixture from the cooking appliance by a gas-to-air type fuel supplier. According to various preferred embodiments there are provided a gas shutoff device for stopping the flow of gaseous fuel to the removable gas burner when the burner is relocated or not properly installed to the appliance proper; and an interlock so that during cooking, the removable burner does not move about in an unsafe way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: CFOM Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Grassi, Anne C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7875835
    Abstract: The present invention makes a proposal of a heating component for a pipe joint which can be easily mounted on a pipe joint and also can stabilize the assembly quality to the pipe joint. The heating component for a pipe joint is characterized in that the heating component for a pipe joint has partially thereon fitting portions each having an inner face shape fitted with a part of an outer shape of the pipe joint, and also, a holding recess portion for holding therein a heating wire is formed on an inner face portion other than the fitting portions; when the heating wire is held in the holding recess portion, and then, the heating component for piping joint is mounted to the joint by fitting the fitting portions with the parts of the outer shape of the joint, the heating wire held in the holding recess portion comes in contact with the pipe joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignees: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd., Nitta Moore Company
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Tanaka, Atsushi Izumi, Akinobu Tsuda, Kazunori Sawada
  • Patent number: 7865073
    Abstract: A heating module is provided for integrating into an electrical appliance, for example in a household appliance such as a coffee machine, or in a laboratory apparatus. Said module includes at least one heating surface formed from a body, at least one heating element that comprises at least one PTC element and is fixed in the body, and a flow heater that is integrated into the heating module. The heating module is configured to be easy to mount and have a wide range of applications. In one embodiment, the body is embodied as an extruded shape having at least one tube receiving element and a tube through which a fluid flows arranged on or in the tube receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: DBK David + Baader GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Von Der Lühe, William Muirhead
  • Patent number: 7858879
    Abstract: A tube is thermally insulated for protecting a fluid flowing therethrough from a high includes temperature surrounding environment of a gas turbine engine. The tube includes a conduit, an insulating layer wrapped around the conduit, and an elongated contractible braided sleeve for preventing a separation of the insulating layer from the rigid conduit. The contractible braided sleeve is flexible along a longitudinal axis thereof and removably pulled over the insulating layer to snugly surround and maintain the insulating layer around the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Jason Todd Herborth, Vittorio Bruno
  • Patent number: 7847222
    Abstract: A heater includes at least two leads, and a heating element which is formed between the at least two leads, a material of the heating element being different from a material of the at least two leads such that a location of a hot spot in the heater is controllable based on a polarity of current in the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Supratik Guha, Hendrik F. Hamann
  • Publication number: 20100232110
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus with high strength and good heat radiation characteristics. In the cooling apparatus, a heat exchanger is joined to an evaporator disposed on the lower side in a face to face manner; a containing unit of the heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger high temperature liquid outlet, and a two-phase fluid inlet in a joint portion with the evaporator; an outlet header of the heat exchanger includes an intermediate liquid outlet at a joint portion with the evaporator; and the evaporator includes a two-phase fluid outlet in the joint portion with the heat exchanger in opposition to the two-phase fluid inlet of the containing unit, and including an intermediate liquid inlet at the joint portion with the heat exchanger in opposition to the intermediate liquid outlet of the outlet header.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigetoshi Ippoushi, Tetsuya Takahashi, Kazuyoshi Toya, Fumiharu Yabunaka, Kunihiko Kaga
  • Patent number: 7741815
    Abstract: A lithium polymer (LiPo) battery pack having LiPo battery cells is provided which includes battery protection circuitry, charging circuitry, cell balancing circuitry, and control and communication circuitry. The batteries can be charged while in use by an internal charger. Battery charging and discharging are accomplished in a controlled and protected manner to avoid overcharging and overdischarging conditions. The novel battery pack has built-in safeguards against dangerous LiPo battery conditions and is implemented in a small, portable unit which contains the battery cells, control and protection circuitry, internal charger and display gauge. The battery pack is useful for powering an intravenous fluid warmer or other medical or electrical devices and equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David Cassidy
  • Patent number: 7732736
    Abstract: A hot melt adhesive hose assembly comprises a heater circuit wrapped around an external surface portion of the hose assembly, a temperature sensor, and an elongated thermal fuse which is likewise wrapped around an external surface portion of the hose assembly such that successive spiral turns of the thermal fuse are effectively interposed between successive spiral turns of the heater circuit. The thermal fuse may be electrically connected in series with the heater circuit so as to effectively terminate electrical power to the heater circuit as a result of the melting of the thermal fuse, or alternatively, the thermal fuse may be electrically connected in series with the temperature sensor, so as to detect abnormal temperature levels at substantially any location throughout the length of the hose assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mairi MacLean, Dieter B. Heerdt, Christopher R. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7687745
    Abstract: A fluid line with a pipe provided with a sleeve of a woven or braided fabric, wherein the pipe, in turn, includes at least one conductor. In the finished state of the fluid line, the sleeve immediately surrounds the pipe and each conductor is loosely arranged in the sleeve. In accordance with another embodiment, the at least one conductor forms the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: NORMA Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Janos Kertesz
  • Publication number: 20100061710
    Abstract: A feed gas conditioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Gaumer Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. McClanahan, Craig S. Tiras
  • Patent number: 7673814
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom, John Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20100046934
    Abstract: A fluid heating system with a heat exchanger includes an elongated cylindrical tube with an inlet end and an opposed end. An array of film resistive elements is positioned on the outer surface of the cylindrical tube and extends circumferentially at least partially around the outer surface. A spiral channel guide is coaxially positioned within the cylindrical tube so as to force fluid flowing in the tube into a spiral path at least partially against an inner surface of the cylindrical tube. The spiral channel guide directs fluid flowing in the cylindrical tube so as to cause turbulence to occur in the flow and increase thermal transfer from the inner surface of the cylindrical tube to the fluid flowing in the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Gregg C. Johnson, Stephen D. Neale, Scott A. Holland
  • Patent number: 7657961
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element coil or tube covered with a plastic sheath that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus also has expandable and compressible features and parts for protection against freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
  • Publication number: 20090294545
    Abstract: A slim type automatic temperature controlled water heater is described. The slim type automatic temperature controlled water heater includes a first heat conductive plate, a second heat conductive plate, a heat conductive pipe sandwiched in the first heat conductive plate and the second heat conductive plate, and a plurality of band heaters encircling the first heat conductive plate and the second heat conductive plate to respectively heat the water in the heat conductive pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Chih Chen
  • Publication number: 20090277188
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger for a mobile refrigerated vehicle having a tank for liquefied gas comprising a pipe for accepting a flow of a liquefied gas and for the evaporation of at least one part of the liquefied gas, in conjunction with which the pipe, at least in sections, exhibits a longitudinal axis, and the heat exchanger comprises an inlet side for liquefied gas and an outlet side for at least partially evaporated gas, and in conjunction with which the outlet side is connected to an exhaust pipe in such a way as to permit a flow, in conjunction with which the pipe exhibits elements in its interior for the purpose of generating turbulences in the flow or a radial phase separation. The invention is characterized in that, with the help of the elements, the thickness of a gas interface layer on a wall of the pipe, which occurs as a result of vaporization of the gas, is reduced considerably, whereby the efficiency of the heat exchanger is increased considerably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Dirk Teegen, Franz Lurken, Helmut Henrich, Reinhard Kost
  • Publication number: 20090266435
    Abstract: A sturdy electrical power circuit and grounding circuit for an electrically-heated hose is formed by electrically connecting a grounding wire extending along the length of the hose to a pair of fluid couplings fitted on opposite ends of the hose. The grounding wire is mechanically clamped against the inner wall of the hose by radially-outwardly expanding a tube on each coupling against the grounding wire to secure the grounding wire in place while simultaneously forming an electrical connection between the grounding wire and the fluid couplings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: William Ferrone
  • Publication number: 20090214196
    Abstract: A direct electric heating system for subsea steel pipeline with a piggyback cable arranged on the pipeline, where at least one shell-type magnetic core encompasses the pipeline with its piggyback cable. The shell-type magnetic core may be continuously or discretely arranged on the pipeline. The shell-type magnetic core may be applied around the pipeline with piggyback cable. This direct electric heating system improves the pipeline current ratio through introduction of magnetic coupling between piggyback cable and pipeline thus significantly reducing power consumption and current in sea water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Jarle Jansen Bremnes
  • Patent number: 7576306
    Abstract: An electric heating element with radiant tube comprising a radiation pipe (1) and an electric heating element (2, 3) contained in said pipe, wherein the heating element has legs that run to and fro in the pipe, and wherein the heating element is connected at one end of the pipe close to a furnace wall with electric power outlets through which electric current is fed to the element, wherein the element is supported in the pipe by ceramic discs (9) that are provided with through-penetrating holes through which the legs of the elements extend, and wherein two elements (2, 3) are disposed sequentially in said radiation pipe along its long axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventor: Thomas Lewin
  • Patent number: 7544890
    Abstract: A method of insulating an article including at least a portion of the article with an insulating layer, inserting the article portion surrounded by the insulating layer into an outer protective sleeve, and shrinking the outer protective sleeve around the insulating layer to compress and hold the insulating layer around the portion of the article by applying tension on the outer protective sleeve along a longitudinal direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Jason Todd Herborth, Vittorio Bruno
  • Patent number: 7496284
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating a fluid, in particular in domestic appliances, which comprises a tubular casing, at least one electrical resistance heating wire which is arranged in the interior of the tubular casing and which is embedded in an electrically insulating, heat-conducting insulating material in the tubular casing, at least one connection unit which is arranged in the interior of the tubular casing and which is passed outwardly out of the tubular casing for connection of the electrical resistance heating wire to an electrical energy source disposed outside the tubular casing, and at least one closure bead which closes the opening of the tubular casing. It is further provided that the connection unit is also surrounded by the insulating material within the tubular casing to the closure bead and the closure bead is, at its outside, provided with at least one filling slot which extends over its entire axial length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Bleckmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Pleschinger, René Hendler
  • Publication number: 20090010625
    Abstract: An improved construction for a flow-through heater for heating water or other liquid and/or generating steam is disclosed. The flow-through heater has a cylindrical member formed from an inner tubular portion and an outer tubular portion that extends over a portion of the exterior surface of the inner tubular portion. The outer tubular portion houses a plurality of heating elements, which can be electrically connected in series or in parallel, thus providing more control over the heat distribution from the heater to the fluid flowing through it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: Lucas L. Fowler, Ronald R. Barnes
  • Publication number: 20080279540
    Abstract: An air delivery pipe of a humidifying apparatus comprises a hollow tube used for delivering warm and humid air and is wrapped by a heating device on its outer peripheries. The heating device includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member, where the first connecting member is disposed at one lateral side of the heating device while the second connecting member is disposed at another lateral side of the heating device for attaching the heating device to the outer peripheries of the tube. Air in the tube is heated by means of a heating element within the heating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Chao-Chih Huang