Automatic Control Patents (Class 62/132)
  • Publication number: 20090151371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compressor (5) and a refrigerator with the same, and more particularly, to a power saving type compressor which can prevent unnecessary consumption of a current for the compressor to have high energy efficiency, and a refrigerator with the same and a method for controlling the same, wherein the power saving type compressor includes a main winding and a sub-winding respectively having a main terminal (R) and a sub-terminal(s) main winding and a sub-winding being connected with a common terminal to each other, and a PTC switching unit between a PTC unit connected to the sub-terminal for increasing a starting torque in operation of the compressor and the main terminal, for making selective switching on/off of a power input to the PTC unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Joon Eum, Yun Hi Lee, Yeon Woo Kim, Seoung Min Kang, Jea Young Choi, Jeong Ho Lee, Bum Dong Sa, Chang Gyu Kim, Jae Hun Lee
  • Publication number: 20090133417
    Abstract: When there is a command for pre-air conditioning to be performed, an inlet switches to an inside air recirculating mode and a compressor and a blower fan are driven to blow air that was drawn in toward a lower portion in a vehicle cabin (130 to 136). Then when a door switch detects that an occupant may get into the vehicle (100, 102), air is blown from an outlet toward the upper portion in the vehicle cabin while the inlet remains in the inside air recirculation mode (114 to 124). That is, cooled air in the lower portion in the vehicle cabin is drawn in, cooled, and then blown toward the occupant. Also, when starting the pre-air conditioning, the battery state-of-charge is detected and pre-air conditioning is prohibited if the battery state-of-charge is less than a predetermined value (116, 126, 128).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Yukio Egawa
  • Publication number: 20090126378
    Abstract: A chiller for etching equipment for processing a semiconductor includes: a chuck for controlling a temperature of a semiconductor wafer, a coolant pipeline connected to the chuck, a coolant tank connected to the coolant pipeline, an evaporator in the coolant tank, a refrigerant in the evaporator, a compressor for compressing refrigerant flowing from the evaporator, a condenser for condensing the compressed refrigerant from the compressor, and an electronically controlled expansion valve connected to the condenser to receive compressed refrigerant, and connected to the evaporator for feeding the expanded refrigerant into evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Hyun-Myung Oh
  • Publication number: 20090120111
    Abstract: There is provided a refrigerant system including a plurality of components for regulating operational parameters of the refrigerant system, at least one transducer connected to the refrigerant system for monitoring the operational parameters of the refrigerant system, and a controller. The controller is remotely connected to the at least one transducer and to at least one component of the plurality of components for at least periodically receiving parameter information from the at least one transducer to monitor the operational parameters and determine, based on variations in at least one parameter of the operational parameters, whether a condition exists in the refrigerant system that requires corrective action. The corrective action may include moving the refrigerant system to a lighter mode of operation by unloading or even shutting down some of the refrigerant system components. There is also provided a method for monitoring the refrigerant system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
  • Patent number: 7523619
    Abstract: An air conditioning system is arranged to use a power line for communication. The air conditioning system includes one or more indoor units, one or more outdoor units, and a system controller for controlling the indoor units or outdoor units and executes communications between the indoor units and the outdoor units as overlapping a signal on the power line for supplying electric power. The outdoor units are connected with the system controller through a leased communication line. The indoor unit provides a power line communication device being connected with the power line. The outdoor unit provides a leased communication device being connected with the leased communication line. A bridge is also provided for connecting the leased communication line and the power line. The control information is exchanged mutually between the indoor units, the outdoor units and the system controller through the power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Appliances, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kojima, Noboru Akiyama, Takeshi Onaka, Tatsumi Yamauchi, Koichi Taniguchi, Koichi Tokushige, Noriyuki Bunkou, Keiji Sato
  • Publication number: 20090100859
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having a sensor cover slidingly-coupled to inside of a cooling chamber and accommodating a sensor therein. Since the sensor cover is easily coupled to or separated from the cooling chamber, damage of components is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Dae-Jin CHOI
  • Publication number: 20090100848
    Abstract: An electronic cooling apparatus has a cabinet which is open at the front and rear sides thereof and accommodates plural electronic devices each having a fan, and a rear door which is provided with an evaporator. Air blown by the fan is cooled by the evaporator and then returned to a room. An expansion valve and control. A drain pan with an extension portion having hole portions through which refrigerant pipes extend is provided. A drain hose discharges drain water from the drain pan. An exhaust heat temperature detecting unit and a control for controlling the refrigerant supply to the evaporator are provided. When the exhaust heat temperature is equal to or less than a set exhaust temperature, the controller stops the refrigerant supply to the evaporator. When the exhaust heat temperature exceeds the set temperature, the controller starts the refrigerant supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kuriyama, Kazuo Nomura, Kazutoyo Kagami, Junichi Saito, Takashi Sekine, Koji Nagae, Shigetaka Nishino
  • Publication number: 20090094999
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the escape of a fluid from a cooling system having a passage (1, 2, 3), comprises: a housing (4, 5) defining a volume abutting one or more portions of said passage; and sensor means (6, 7) adapted to detect the presence of said fluid within said volume; and wherein the housing is adapted to collect the escaped fluid such that the sensor can detect the escaped fluid before the operation of the cooling system is compromised. The passage of the cooling system may be a pipe of a heat exchange circuit, and the fluid may be a heat transfer fluid such as carbon dioxide. The apparatus may be adapted to signal to alarm means or other monitoring systems on detection of escaped fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Trox UK Limited
    Inventor: David Leatherbarrow
  • Publication number: 20090090113
    Abstract: A system, compressor, and method that cools an electronics module with a low-pressure refrigerant. The system, compressor, and method utilize a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the low pressure refrigerant and communicates with the electronics module. Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the electronics module controls a liquid dry out point of the refrigerant that is used to cool the electronics module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Jean-Luc M. Caillat
  • Publication number: 20090064710
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus which stably cools a target. The cooling apparatus includes a primary circuit that has a first heat exchanging section which is provided at a heat exchanger, and vaporizes a liquid-phase primary coolant to be a gas-phase primary coolant, and a condenser which condenses the gas-phase primary coolant to be the liquid-phase primary coolant, and lets the liquid-phase primary coolant flow to the first heat exchanging section from the condenser through a liquid piping and lets the gas-phase primary coolant flow to the condenser from the first heat exchanging section through a gas piping. The cooling apparatus further includes a secondary circuit having a second heat exchanging section, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a compressor connected together by a coolant piping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Shinichi Kaga, Akihiko Hirano, Kazuyoshi Seki
  • Publication number: 20090056350
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus, includes: one or more bimetallic deflectors attached to a mounting post, the mounting post configured for mating engagement with a protrusion of a heat sink, such that the one or more bimetallic deflectors are in thermal contact with the protrusion when the mounting post is engaged therewith; wherein the bimetallic deflectors are configured to deflect in response to thermal energy conducted from the protrusions so as to change a direction of airflow incident thereupon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machine Corporation
    Inventors: Philip R. Germann, Don A. Gilliland, Cary M. Huettner, Mark J. Jeanson, George Zettles
  • Publication number: 20090044549
    Abstract: A tabletop quick cooling device comprises a housing with at least one door allowing access to at least one quick cooling chamber. The tabletop quick cooling device provides for a control panel electrically connected to an appropriate control circuit and control cooling time for a food or beverage inserted therein. Air intake openings and exhaust ports are also provided. An optional rack may be inserted into the quick cooling chamber to conveniently cool cans or bottles. In one embodiment, the tabletop cooling device utilizes liquid nitrogen circulating around the heat conductive surface within the quick cooling chamber. Another embodiment uses a conventional micro compressor to effectuate cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Shaam P. Sundhar
  • Patent number: 7472555
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated refrigerator cabinet comprises an evacuation system for evacuating an insulation space of the cabinet when pressure inside such space is higher than a predetermined value. The cabinet presents sensor means comprising a temperature sensor and a heater both located within the insulation space and a control system for activating the heater according to a predetermined heating cycle and for receiving a signal from the temperature sensor, such control system being able to provide the evacuation system with a signal related to the insulation level within the insulation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: David Kirby, Luigi Martinella, Giorgio Giudici
  • Patent number: 7472556
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated refrigerator cabinet comprises an evacuation system for evacuating an insulation space of the cabinet when pressure inside such space is higher than a predetermined value. It comprises a sensor device having an insulation reference element located on one side of said insulation space and temperature sensors for assessing the differences of temperature across the insulation space) and across the insulation reference element, such sensor device being suitable for providing the evacuation system with a signal related to the ratio of the above differences of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: David Kirby, Luigi Martinella, Giorgio Giudici
  • Publication number: 20080310112
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for an electrical component enclosure that controls the temperature of the coolant in the internal coolant loop through the enclosure to prevent the formation of condensation on the coolant tubes. Warm coolant is diverted from a heat exchanger to a mixing valve where it is mixed with chilled coolant before entering the enclosure. Humidity and temperature levels are monitored within the enclosure and processed by a microprocessor to determine the temperature of the coolant needed in the tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph Milton Long, Delmar Eugene Lehman
  • Publication number: 20080282711
    Abstract: An ice making, and delivery apparatus for making and delivering ice to different ones of a plurality of receptacle units is provided, in which ice delivered via a conduit to a diverter valve mechanism, is diverted from alignment with one ice discharge line to another, depending upon sensors in ice receptacles recognizing a level of build-up of ice in any given receptacle, for computer control of a gearmotor for moving the diverter valve from one position to another. Various controls are provided for preventing ice build-up, and for operating the diverter valve during a “dwell” period of ice movement in the conduit, as distinguished from a “push” period of ice movement in the conduit to the diverter valve. A force multiplication technique is employed for moving the diverter valve notwithstanding the presence of ice therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Richard B. Hawkes, Edward V. Twiggar, III
  • Publication number: 20080276631
    Abstract: A system is provided for cooling an energy storage system of a hybrid electric vehicle. The energy storage system includes at least one energy storage device. The system includes at least one inner casing configured to encapsulate at least one inner core of at least one respective energy storage device of the energy storage system. Additionally, the system includes at least one outer layer configured to surround the at least one inner casing. The system further includes an inner space positioned between the at least one inner casing and the at least one outer layer, where the inner space is configured to receive cooling fluid through at least one inlet in the outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, John D. Butine
  • Publication number: 20080276632
    Abstract: A system is provided for cooling an energy storage system of a hybrid electric vehicle. The energy storage system includes at least one energy storage device, including a maximum temperature storage device with a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature storage device with a minimum temperature. The system includes a cooling fluid duct in flow communication with an inlet and the at least one energy storage device, and a blower positioned within the cooling fluid duct to draw cooling fluid into the inlet and through the cooling fluid duct. The system further includes a controller coupled with the at least one energy storage device to increase the temperature of the at least one energy storage device having a temperature below the maximum temperature reduced by at least a predetermined threshold. The cooling fluid duct and blower are coupled to form a common cooling system for the at least one energy storage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
  • Publication number: 20080271469
    Abstract: An automated ice transport device and method that can service one or more remote locations is provided. When ice is needed, the container is automatically filled, and then is transported mechanically along a predetermined pathway to the ice storage device in need, where the ice is dispensed therefrom. The container is returned to the source of ice following the predetermined pathway, remaining there until ice is needed at a location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Jimmie L. Coffey
  • Publication number: 20080264080
    Abstract: A method of controlling an air conditioning system of the type having a variable capacity compressor circulating refrigerant through a condenser, an expander, an evaporator and returning to the compressor. Sensors are disposed to sense a refrigerant condition selected from one of pressure and temperature on one or both the compressor high pressure and low pressure side; and, in the event of an overload condition, the sensors generate a control signal that effects operation of an actuator for moving a member in the compressor to vary the compressor capacity to the lowest capacity output. Alternatively, the generated control signal may vary the compressor speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: John L. Creed, Steven G. Skinner, Robert K. Crowder
  • Publication number: 20080264081
    Abstract: A cooling system for cooling a gas flow is provided having a heat exchanger heat exchanger with a plurality of chambers through which a coolant may flow. The system also has a plurality of chamber valves, wherein each of the plurality of chamber valves is configured to selectively control fluid flowing through an associated one of the plurality of chambers. In addition, the system has at least one gas sensor situated to sense a parameter indicative of a temperature of a gas flowing through the heat exchanger. The system further has a controller configured to actuate at least one of the plurality of chamber valves to prevent the flow of coolant through at least one of the plurality of chambers when the gas temperature is below a threshold temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas J. Crowell, Scott Alex Snoble
  • Publication number: 20080245081
    Abstract: A refrigerator and a method to control the same are provided. The refrigerator includes a body having a supercooling compartment, a cooling unit to provide cool air to the supercooling compartment, an electromagnetic radiation sensor to detect electromagnetic radiation emitted when a food placed in the supercooling compartment begins to freeze, an energy supply to apply energy to the food placed in the supercooling compartment to prevent freezing of the food, and a controller to receive a detection signal from the electromagnetic radiation and then to activate the energy supply. Electromagnetic radiation emitted from each beverage in a supercooled state when the beverage begins to freeze is detected and energy is applied to the beverage according to the detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Young Shik Shin, Vladimir Urazaev, Jin Ha Jeong, Jung Soo Lim, Bong Su Son
  • Publication number: 20080216496
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for controlling the temperature of a series of interconnected kennels. The system includes a primary reservoir and supply and return lines for delivering a refrigerant to the series of kennel beds. Each of the kennels includes a flexible bed for supporting the animal and an interior chamber which is adapted to receive a volume of the refrigerant. Thus, the refrigerant, by way of the supply and return valves, is continuously supplied to the beds to provide a pleasing temperature for the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Waldemar F. Kissel
  • Patent number: 7424344
    Abstract: A vehicle climate control system operates an evaporator at a minimum temperature adjusted by a temperature offset. The control system determines a desired temperature and a blend potentiometer position that is indicative of the desired temperature. The control system determines a target temperature for the evaporator according to the blend potentiometer position, and calculates the temperature offset according to the target temperature and the blend potentiometer position. A blend door position is controlled according to the blend potentiometer position, the target temperature, the temperature offset, and heater core air temperature in order to optimize the operation of the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignees: Chrysler LLC, Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Raza Mirza, Michael A Zabat, Erik Brom, Gary L. Baker, Christopher P Thomas, David K Ganss
  • Publication number: 20080209921
    Abstract: A temperature controlled case is provided that includes an enclosure defining an airspace for receiving products therein, a refrigeration system configured to circulate a refrigerant through an expansion device and at least one cooling element to cool the airspace and a control module having a first predetermined setpoint corresponding to a first cooling mode and a second predetermined setpoint corresponding to a second cooling mode. The control module is configured to determine which one of the first cooling mode and the second cooling mode the refrigeration system is to operate within and to apply the corresponding predetermined setpoint for reference in modulating a position of the expansion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Timothy Dean Swofford
  • Publication number: 20080190127
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body cabinet having a storage room formed with a front opening, a door which opens and closes the front opening, and a display unit that is mounted on at least one of the main body cabinet and the door. The display unit includes a display displaying an image, a power supply unit selectively supplying power to the display, a temperature detector detecting a temperature of the display, and a controller controlling the power supply unit to interrupt the power supplied to the display when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is higher than a predetermined maximum temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-ik Cho, Gi-hyeong Lee, Gyu-hwan An, Kyoung-hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20080178618
    Abstract: A bottle cooler includes an outer casing, an inner casing housed within the outer casing and being sized and shaped to receive bottles horizontally therein. A refrigeration package is housed externally of the inner casing within the outer casing, and a cooling fan is housed within the outer casing to cause airflow through the outer casing past the refrigeration package to cool the inner casing. The bottle cooler is designed to be affixed beneath a kitchen cupboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Eddie Man-Ying Chan
  • Publication number: 20080156005
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for automatically turning off an electrically powered actuator in a refrigeration mechanism upon detection of an unwanted condition. In one aspect of the invention, the electrically powered actuator can be the motor of an ice maker/dispenser. The detection can be accomplished by sensing the presence of an object along or near an ice dispensing pathway from the ice maker/dispenser. The unwanted condition could be the presence of the object for more than a preset time period. This would allow to distinguish between an unwanted object such as silverware or clogged ice versus a wanted object such as flowing ice cubes, crushed ice, or shaved ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: BRIAN KEITH CULLEY, PATRICK J. BOARMAN, RONALD L. VOGLEWEDE, RANDELL L. JEFFERY
  • Publication number: 20080115511
    Abstract: A method of fast freezing a food item using a freezing process that estimates a temperature value of a food item, selects from a plurality of freezing routines based on the estimated temperature, and activates the selected routine. This process is repeated until the temperature of the food item reaches a desired temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: DIEGO BARONE, CAROLINA BIOTTI, LORENZO BIANCHI, Raffaele Paganini, ALESSANDRO BOER
  • Patent number: 7373783
    Abstract: To provide an air conditioner capable of operating devices in an outdoor unit by connecting an indoor unit, which is capable of transmitting operational commands and operational modes using simple ON/OFF signals to the outdoor unit, even if the indoor unit does not have transmission means for transmitting and receiving information between the outdoor unit, or the indoor unit has transmission means with a different data transmission protocol from the outdoor unit. When it is determined that only ON/OFF signals of operational commands and operation modes have been transmitted, the devices disposed inside the outdoor unit are independently controlled based on the ON/OFF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Kanaya
  • Publication number: 20080072611
    Abstract: An arrangement for use in a refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, at least one evaporator unit, and at least one expansion valve. The arrangement includes first and second microsystems and first and second controllers. The first microsystem includes a first MEMs sensor configured to measure at least a first operational parameter of a first of the plurality of refrigeration devices. The first controller is operable to generate a first actuator control signal based on a first control signal, and is configured to generate the first control signal based directly or indirectly on the first operational parameter measurement. The second microsystem includes a second MEMs sensor configured to measure at least a second operational parameter of a second of the plurality of refrigeration devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Osman Ahmed, Michael Ramey Porter, Joseph James Rozsnaki
  • Publication number: 20080066472
    Abstract: A refrigerator and a safety control method thereof, which is capable of ensuring protection from a high voltage applied to a shelf on which food is placed in order to improve food preservation. The safety control method of a refrigerator having a storage chamber which stores food, the method includes sensing a chamber temperature of the storage chamber, comparing the sensed chamber temperature with a predetermined setting temperature and generating a high voltage when the chamber temperature is less than the predetermined setting temperature, supplying the generated high voltage to the inside of the storage chamber to preserve the food, determining whether a high voltage cutoff condition occurs while the high voltage is supplied to the inside of the storage chamber, and cutting off the high voltage supplied to the inside of the storage chamber when the high voltage cutoff condition occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Taek Lee, Young Shik Shin, Jung Soo Lim, Jae Seung Lee, Kyung Hee Hahm, Hye Ran Lee, Jeong Han Kim, Chang Hak Lim, Sook Hyun Hong, Joo Young Ha, Hee Won Jin, Bong Su Son
  • Publication number: 20080041074
    Abstract: To provide a stannane gas supply system capable of supplying a stannane gas to an extreme ultraviolet ray radiation source with a stable flow rate. A stannane gas supply system for supplying a stannane gas to an extreme ultraviolet ray radiation source characterized by comprising a sealed container for storing a mixture of a stannane liquid and a stannane gas, connected with the extreme ultraviolet ray radiation source via a pipe, cooling means for cooling the sealed container to a temperature lower than ?60° C., a low pressure mass flow controller provided in the pipe, a pressure detecting device mounted in the pipe part disposed between the sealed container and the low pressure mass flow controller, for detecting the pressure of the stannane gas in the pipe part, and controlling means for controlling the cooling degree of the sealed container by the cooling means based on the pressure detection value by the pressure detecting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour I'Etude et I'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Kohei TARUTANI
  • Publication number: 20080035307
    Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system includes a duct housing therein an evaporator, an air-mixing mechanism, and a heater core that are successively arranged along the direction in which air is delivered by a blower to flow through the duct. A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the evaporator is disposed upstream of the evaporator with respect to the direction in which the air flows through the duct. The temperature sensor has at least a portion inserted in the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: Keihin Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yamakawa
  • Publication number: 20080034762
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a controlling method thereof capable of effectively conditioning air in an operator cab of a vehicle even if a windshield or door of the operator cab is opened. An air conditioner for conditioning air in an operator cab of a vehicle comprises: a first blowout port for blowing out the conditioned air to a front of the operator; a second blowout port for blowing out the conditioned air; an open/close sensor for detecting whether the operator cab is opened or closed; and an air volume ratio adjustment unit for setting a ratio of the volume of the conditioned air, which is blown out from the first blowout port when the open/close sensor detects that the operator cab is opened to be higher than the ratio when the operator cab is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Yoshii
  • Publication number: 20070289325
    Abstract: An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) includes a Direct Current (DC) alternator run off an auxiliary engine, and a power inverter to convert the DC power to AC power. The APU also runs an Air Conditioning compressor to provide cooling and heat from engine coolant in the auxiliary engine is used to provide heating. The APU is particularly useful for providing cooling, heating, and AC power for long haul trucks, and motor homes. An alternative embodiment for local trucks does not include the inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Tyler Stone
  • Patent number: 7305839
    Abstract: A thermal transfer device having a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer and first and second electrodes disposed between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer. The thermal transfer device also includes a release layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and an actuator disposed adjacent the first and second electrodes. The actuator is adapted to separate the first and second electrodes from the release layer to open a thermotunneling gap between the first and second electrodes, and wherein the actuator is adapted to actively control the thermotunneling gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Stanton Earl Weaver, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7299644
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a housing that encloses at least one interior space, a low temperature generator or refrigerating machine for cooling the interior space, and a control device for receiving a target signal and for controlling the temperature of the interior space to a target temperature represented by the target signal, by controlling the operation of the refrigerating machine. A control element supplies the target signal to the control device with a level that varies in accordance with a predetermined course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Athanasios Athanasiou, Christian Mayershofer
  • Patent number: 7287392
    Abstract: A method for operating a water cooler, wherein the water cooler includes a cooling system, a storage compartment assembly, a water dispenser assembly, and a climate control assembly including a thermostat and a control capillary, includes coupling the control capillary to the thermostat, and coupling the thermostat to the cooling system such that the thermostat controls the operational state of the cooling system. The method includes positioning the control capillary adjacent each of the storage compartment assembly and the water dispenser assembly, determining the temperature of the storage compartment assembly and the water dispenser assembly using the control capillary, and cooling the storage compartment assembly and the water dispenser assembly using the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter Brand, Jeffery Wayne Borden, Virginia Lee Castillo, John Joseph Roetker, Mark Anthony Copelli, William Stanley Garrett
  • Patent number: 7287391
    Abstract: Modular expandable hyperpolarizers include a central control module and at least one optical pumping module that can be expandable to a plurality of optical pumping modules that can be separately operated depending on the capacity demands at the production site (hospital, clinic and the like). Methods for producing blended polarized gas products include introducing a pre-packaged pre-mixed amount of a polarizer-ready blend of unpolarized gas. Methods for producing the polarized gas can be carried out at the point of use site and the production run according to patient load. Other methods consider the patient load and automatically schedule the hyperpolarizer to yield the desired polarized gas doses to support the patient and/or MRI/NMR equipment schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Bolam
  • Patent number: 7287390
    Abstract: Hyperpolarizers for producing polarized noble gases can include: (a) a control module configured to direct the operation of a hyperpolarizer to produce polarized noble gas via spin-exchange interactions between a noble gas and an alkali metal; (b) at least one optical pumping module including an optical pumping cell operably associated with the control module; (c) a dispensing system operably associated with the control module and the optical pumping module to dispense meted volumes of polarized gas from the hyperpolarizer; and (d) a fluid distribution system operably associated with the control module, the optical pumping module, and the dispensing system, such that, in response to commands transmitted from the control module, the fluid distribution system operates to automatically direct purge gas into and out of a gas travel path that extends from the control module to the optical pumping cell prior to commencing the spin-exchange interactions in the optical pumping cell, then to receive unpolarized gas an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Bolam
  • Patent number: 7263847
    Abstract: An electric refrigerator comprising a cooling space in which a temperature sensor is arranged and which is closable by a heat-insulating door. The temperature sensor is connected to a device which regulates the cooling temperature and is adjustable by a temperature-setting device. The temperature sensor and the regulating device are disposed separately from the temperature-setting device inside or preferably outside the cooling space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Rudolf Faude
  • Patent number: 7228691
    Abstract: A refrigeration system including a compressor, condenser, valve, and refrigeration branch, all of which is in fluid communication. The refrigeration branch includes an evaporator coil. The refrigeration system further includes a case adapted to be cooled by the evaporator coil, and a system controller operable to control one or more aspects of the refrigeration system, and a subsystem controller in communication with the system controller. The subsystem controller is operable to control a subsystem having one of the compressor, condenser, valve, refrigeration branch, and case. The method of operating the refrigeration system includes at the subsystem controller, monitoring a parameter of the subsystem, comparing the monitored parameter with a parameter limit, generating an alarm when the parameter is not within the parameter limit, and communicating the alarm to the system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Norman E. Street, Ted W. Sunderland
  • Patent number: 7178738
    Abstract: A control system for an air conditioner is configured that can wirelessly transmit control signals, and allow the output power settings of transceiver units arranged in the outdoor unit and indoor units to be reduced. The air conditioner control system includes an outdoor unit transceiver unit, indoor unit transceiver units, and a center. The outdoor unit transceiver unit is arranged in an outdoor unit, and transmits and receives control signals. The indoor unit transceiver units are respectively arranged in the indoor units, and transmit and receive control signals. The center wirelessly relays control signals between the outdoor unit transceiver unit and the indoor unit transceiver units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiko Yamamoto, Nobuhiro Imada
  • Patent number: 7150157
    Abstract: A method for operating an air conditioning system that is operable both manually and automatically for a transportation means and an air conditioning system for implementing the method are provided. An automatic characteristic line is corrected based on a manual operation. The air conditioning system includes sensors for detecting parameter values that influence and represent the climate in the transportation means, memory means having a plurality of automatic characteristic lines for different operating states which represent the fixedly predetermined dependencies between the detected sensor signals of an operating state and the assigned manipulated variables for components of the air conditioning system during automatic operation, and equipment for manual adjustment of manipulated variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Jurthe
  • Patent number: 7082353
    Abstract: An airconditioner system for integrating multiple areas. A plurality of multi-airconditioners are grouped into some groups. CPU connected in parallel to individual multi-airconditioner groups, that have been distributed and installed in a wide area or building, controls individual multi-airconditioner groups to be operated simultaneously, resulting in a shorter control time. Although an unexpected communication failure occurs in one multi-airconditioner group, the remaining multi-airconditioner groups other than the erroneous multi-airconditioner group can be normally controlled, resulting in increased stability and reliability of an overall airconditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Hwan Kwon, Sang Chul Youn, Duck Gu Jeon, Jae Sik Jung, Young Soo Yoon, Jun Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 7062362
    Abstract: In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: American Calcar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Obradovich, Michael L. Kent, John G. Dinkel
  • Patent number: 6973795
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a desiccant wheel, wherein the wheel's speed varies with airflow, the wheel is energized for at least a set period at startup, and/or a heat recovery system (e.g., an air-to-air heat exchanger) upstream of the wheel enhances the system's ability to dehumidify air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventor: Ronnie R. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 6968707
    Abstract: A variable speed air handling system for cooling and/or heating a room and a method of controlling the system. The system includes a fan assembly to transport air from the system into the room, the fan assembly having a substantially continuously adjustable speed within a range of speeds defined by a predetermined upper limit and a predetermined lower limit. A user interface transmits a signal in response to a desired speed of the fan assembly input by an operator via the user interface. The system further includes a control unit to substantially continuously adjust the speed of the fan assembly to a speed in the range of speeds in response to the signal transmitted by the user interface, and a climate control unit for heating and/or cooling the air to be transported from the air conditioner by the fan assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Violand, Paul Fasolo
  • Patent number: 6907741
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining the processing of an ingredient of a manufactured product, particularly one that is manufactured “one-the-spot” to a consumer's specification, such as ice cream, among other products. A tag encoded on a container for the product carries indicia that, directly or indirectly, define one or more formulations for the product. Apparatus into which the ingredient is loaded sets the processing of ingredients in accordance with the formulations so specified. By connecting the apparatus which is to process the ingredients to a control station, the formulations may be changed at will.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Moobella, LLC
    Inventor: Paul R. Kateman