Preventing, Removing Or Handling Atmospheric Condensate Patents (Class 62/150)
-
Patent number: 10761578Abstract: A heat dissipation device for electronic device, a heat dissipation assembly, an air pipe assembly and a table. The heat dissipation device includes a refrigerator, an air pipe assembly and a heat dissipation assembly. The refrigerator has a cool air opening. The air pipe assembly has a first and second end portions, the first end portion detachably connects to the cool air opening. The heat dissipation assembly has a base body detachably connected to the refrigerator and a supporting plate pivoted to the base body. When the supporting plate is in a first position, the supporting plate has a first angle with a bottom plate of the base body. When the supporting plate is in a second position, the supporting plate has a second angle with the bottom plate. The second end portion is detachably connected to the supporting plate and is movably disposed in the air permeable.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: COOLER MASTER CO., LTD.Inventor: Wen-Hsien Lin
-
Patent number: 10677480Abstract: A portable dehumidifier includes a cabinet, an evaporator, a condenser, a drain pan, multiple support legs, a compressor, and a fan. The cabinet includes an airflow inlet, an airflow outlet, and at least two wheels. The evaporator is located adjacent to the airflow inlet. The condenser is located adjacent to the evaporator and on a side of the evaporator opposite the airflow inlet. The drain pan is located at least partially below the evaporator and the condenser. The support legs extend from a bottom side of the drain pan towards the bottom side of the cabinet. The compressor is located below the drain pan. The fan is located adjacent to the condenser and on a side of the condenser opposite the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Therma-Stor, LLCInventors: Kyle R. Williams, Steven S. Dingle, Dominic M. Moore, James A. Scharping, Jerome Verhoeven, Diane K. Bustamante, Conor DuBois
-
Patent number: 10627157Abstract: A climate controlled smartbox includes a battery, a sensor configured to detect a property of a medium of the smartbox, a climate control interface configured to change the property, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a first indication of a charge of the battery, receive from the sensor a second indication of the property, and determine a control input for the climate control interface based on the first indication and the second indication.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: MOTOGO, LLCInventors: David Brian Ruth, Yuan-Chang Lo
-
Patent number: 10458694Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for sensing and removing dew on a refrigerator. The apparatus may include a heater disposed at a refrigerator body or inside a surface of a door, and a sensor disposed in close proximity to the heater. The sensor may be configured to sense dew formed on a prescribed surface at the refrigerator body or the door. The sensor may be disposed physically separate from the prescribed surface to sense formation of dew on the prescribed surface. The heater is controlled to generate heat that removes the sensed dew on the prescribed surface based on a signal from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Seunguk Ahn
-
Patent number: 10415877Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a water-conducting conduit system which has a connector for connecting to a domestic water supply system. A monitoring device is configured to detect water leaks in the water-conducting conduit system of the refrigeration appliance. A monitoring device for installation into a refrigeration appliance and a monitoring device housing for such a monitoring device are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Elmar Faehnle, Eugen Gaplikow, Michael Krapp
-
Patent number: 10401054Abstract: An air handling unit has an interior wall configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit. An air handling unit has an interior wall configured as a drain pan. An air handling unit has an outer skin joined to the interior wall, an insulator disposed between the interior wall and the outer skin, and the interior wall has a mounting channel configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Keith Adam Novak, Leslie Zinger
-
Patent number: 10240848Abstract: A refrigerator including a moisture absorbing unit configured to absorb moisture in the cold air surrounding the evaporator. The moisture absorbing unit includes a moisture absorbing material. Therefore, undesirable frosting on the evaporator can be effectively prevented. The moisture absorbing unit can be heated by a defrosting heater disposed proximate to the evaporator and the moisture absorbing unit. Thus moisture in the moisture absorbing material can be removed and the moisture absorbing material can be repeatedly used.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics CorporationInventor: Jung Won Moon
-
Patent number: 10190813Abstract: Provided are a refrigerator and a method for controlling the same. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage compartment, a door selectively opening or closing the storage compartment, a heater disposed in the cabinet or door to prevent dew from being formed on a surface of the cabinet or door, a refrigerator temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the storage compartment of the refrigerator, and a control unit adjusting an operation factor or output of the heater on the basis of a temperature value detected by the refrigerator temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Myungjin Chung, Namsoo Cho, Kyongbae Park, Jangseok Lee
-
Patent number: 10132564Abstract: A plant dryer with improved convection flow is provided. The plant dryer has minimal corners in the drying vessel to promote efficient distribution of heated air through the device and to eliminate dead spots within the unit. The plant dryer has additional safety features where, unlike a conventional oven configuration, the unit may not be operated without the drying bowl properly placed within the unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Inventor: Harvey Romanek
-
Patent number: 9915464Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body having a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, a door for opening or closing the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment, a filter unit disposed within the refrigerating compartment for purifying water supplied from a water supply source outside the main body, water tank for receiving the purified water from the filter unit and to cool the received water by using cool air within the refrigerating compartment, and a dispenser disposed in the door to dispense the cooled water stored in the tube tank assembly. The tube tank assembly includes a tube defining a cold water passage that can allow the cooled water to flow therethrough, and a tube support around which the tube is wound multiple times.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Dongbeen Tae, Kyunghoon Koak, Siyeon An
-
Patent number: 9821632Abstract: A method of controlling the refrigerant pressure in an ambient heat exchanger of a refrigerant circuit, particularly a heat pump circuit, for vehicles, in which the current temperature and the current humidity of the ambient air is measured, the current dew point temperature of the ambient air is determined from the measured temperature and humidity, and if the ambient air temperature is below 0° C. the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant circuit is controlled by adjusting the rotational speed of a refrigerant compressor of the refrigerant circuit, the flow cross-section of a controllable expansion element of the refrigerant circuit and/or the ambient air volume flow flowing around or through the ambient heat exchanger, such that the temperature of the ambient heat exchanger is greater than the dew point temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Stefan Wiedemann, Oliver Horn, Martin Knott
-
Patent number: 9796243Abstract: An automatic climate controller device identifies an operating zone of the climate control system according to at least two input factors, and identifies a discharge temperature of the climate control system. Based on the operating zone and the discharge temperature, the automatic climate controller device determines whether to perform at least one override action to override a climate control system setting to reduce the possibility of evaporator core icing. The automatic climate controller device also adjusts an evaporator set point according to the at least one override action to reduce the discharge temperature. The input factors may include evaporator temperature and cabin relative humidity. The actions may include one or more of increasing blower speed or increasing use of recirculated air.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gary A. Dage, Steven L. Lambert
-
Patent number: 9772124Abstract: A heat pump system for conditioning regeneration air from a space is provided. The heat pump system is operable in a winter mode and/or a summer mode, and may be selectively operated in a defrost mode or cycle. During a defrost mode, hot refrigerant may be used to directly and sequentially defrost the regeneration air heat exchanger. A compressor may be configured to be overdriven during a defrost cycle.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2014Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc.Inventors: David Martin Wintemute, Mathieu Philippe Beliveau
-
Patent number: 9726387Abstract: A stepped approach to cooling capacity control and the HGRH status logic to achieve the requisite control of humidity and temperature provided to an interior area or building space receiving conditioned air. The system includes at least two independent circuits, each circuit having at least one compressor. At least one of the independent circuits includes hot gas reheat hardware thereby providing HGRH capability. The logic provides an efficient method for maintaining both humidity and temperature in the interior area comfortable for occupants within limits as determined by psychrometrics. The system and method match the sensible capacity and latent capacity of the system match to the sensible and latent loads of the conditioned space.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Rajiv Karkhanis, Curtis Wayne Caskey
-
Patent number: 9638367Abstract: A saturator includes: a flow path inside of which a first fluid flows; a first heat exchange unit that causes heat exchange between the first fluid and a second fluid; a second heat exchange unit that causes heat exchange between a third fluid and the first fluid after the first fluid has passed through the first heat exchange unit; a humidifying unit that adds water to the first fluid upstream from the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit; and a conveyance path that conveys the third fluid after heat exchange from the second heat exchange unit to the upstream side of the first heat exchange unit and causes said third fluid to flow into the flow path as the first fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Masaki Iijima, Masato Matsuzawa
-
Patent number: 9492035Abstract: A catering box with active climate control is configured to transport “delicate” foods, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, and hamburgers, without inducing substantial sogginess in the bread of those food items. The catering box includes a heat mass configured to retain heat generated by a hot plate and to then radiate that heat, during transport, after the hot plate has been disconnected from a power source. In addition, the catering box includes an exhaust fan that actively controls internal specific humidity levels in order to prevent moisture from settling within the bread of stored food items. A microcontroller within the catering box monitors temperature and absolute humidity levels, computes the current specific humidity level, and then selectively engages or disengages the exhaust fan in response. With his approach, the catering box may limit the degree to which humidity settles within the bread of delicate food items stored within.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: FISHSIX RC THE MELTInventors: Michael Pavel, Jonathan Kaplan, Will Tammen, Michael J. Strasser, Kyle Lamson, Curtis Chow, Carrie Eaton
-
Patent number: 9242734Abstract: A device for distributing air in a cargo aircraft includes using an air distribution system which is connected to a cargo deck. The air distribution system includes a source for bleed air, at least one air conditioning unit for treating the bleed air, a mixing unit which receives an air supply of recirculation air exiting the cargo deck and treated bleed air from the air conditioning unit, and at least one shut-off valve between the mixing unit and the cargo deck in order to interrupt or completely release the air supply to the cargo deck. A control unit establishes a desired air volume balance for the current operating state of the air distribution system and adjusts the flow volume through the at least one air conditioning unit such that the pressure prevailing in the mixing unit remains at a constant, predetermined value for all operating states.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Stefan Gumm, Manuela Horl, Dariusz Krakowski, Steffen Kalsow
-
Patent number: 9222689Abstract: An Air conditioning and potable water generating system in which a cooling element condenses water from atmospheric air is operable two switch between an air conditioning mode, in which cooled atmospheric air from which water has been extracted is supplied to a building's interior environment, and a water generating mode, in which communication of such supply air into the building interior is closed off. The system can thus be operated to collect water regardless of whether cooling of the building interior is required at a particular point in time. Use of the same cooling element in each mode provides and use of return air from the building to mix with incoming fresh air and cool the heat dissipating element of the cooling system make for efficient operation. Controls of the system are operable to change a mixture ratio of the fresh atmospheric air and circulating return air.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Inventor: Abdulrahman Abdulkader Mohammed Fakieh
-
Patent number: 9182166Abstract: A climate controller device may be configured to perform operations including comparing an outside air temperature to a threshold temperature; selecting, based on the comparison, one of a function to determine target compressor off setpoint values for relatively lower temperatures and a function to determine target compressor off setpoint values for relatively higher temperatures; retrieving a value according to the selection function to determine target compressor off setpoint values, the value specifying a compressor off setpoint value corresponding to airflow configuration settings; and determining a target compressor off setpoint value based at least in part on the retrieved value.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Alan Wong, Debasish Dhar, Manfred Koberstein, William Stewart Johnston, Alan Douglas Wallington, Tina Maurer
-
Patent number: 9038405Abstract: A control system to selectively control the operation of the compressor of a mini-split air conditioning system including at least one remote evaporator operatively coupled to the compressor to receive refrigerant therethrough, a sensor to monitor the operation of the evaporator and to generate an operating control signal to turn-off the compressor when a predetermined operating condition is sensed at the evaporator and a condensate drain pan to receive or catch condensate from the evaporator, the control system comprising a condensate sensor disposed to sense condensate in the condensate drain pan at a predetermined level and to generate a condensate level signal fed to a battery powered control device including an isolated solid state relay coupled to the sensor by a control coupling device to generate a condensate level control signal fed to the sensor causing the sensor to generate the operating control signal fed to turn off the compressor when condensate within the condensate drain pan reaches the predeType: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: THE RECTORSEAL CORPORATIONInventors: Christopher Cantolino, Mark Oudshoorn, Robert Dean Sells
-
Patent number: 9021818Abstract: Device for cool drying comprising a heat exchanger (2) whose primary part is the vaporizer (3) of a cooling circuit (4) which also includes a compressor (6) driven by a motor (5), a control device (16) for this motor (5) and measuring device (17) for the lowest air temperature (LAT), measuring device (18) for the ambient temperature (Tamb) and a flow meter (19), whereby this control device (16) can be at least switched in a first user mode in which the cooling circuit (4) is only activated when the gas flow exceeds a preset value and a second user mode in which the lowest air temperature (LAT) is maintained within a certain range by controlling the cooling circuit (4).Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Atlas Copco Airpower, Naamloze VennootschapInventors: Monica Dalla Valle, Wouter Denis Ann Van Dijck
-
Patent number: 8997507Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a low energy defrost system and method for melting frost formed on an evaporator of a cooling system for the refrigerator. The low energy defrost system includes using air from the refrigerator compartment or external air adjacent the refrigerator to be directed to the evaporator and passed adjacent the evaporator coils to melt any frost formed thereon. As the air is above freezing temperature, it will melt any frost formed on the coils without the need of use an electrical heater. Re-cooled air from the melted frost may then be directed back into the refrigerator compartment to be used to aid in cooling the refrigerator compartment or keeping the refrigerator compartment at the programmed or predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Patrick J. Boarman
-
Patent number: 8984902Abstract: A cooling system for an appliance includes an evaporator stage, a compressor stage coupled to the evaporator stage and a condenser stage coupled to the compressor stage. The condenser stage includes a condenser and a condenser cooling fan for cooling the condenser, and a condenser loop coupled between the condenser stage and the evaporator stage. A humidity sensor is configured to detect a humidity level in an area of the cooling system and a controller is configured to cycle an operating state of the condenser cooling fan from ON to a low speed or OFF prior to an end of a cooling cycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brent Alden Junge, Eric Paez, Joseph Thomas Waugh, Kristin Marie Weirich
-
Patent number: 8973381Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and a controller. The controller is operatively coupled to the compressor to manage operation of the compressor during a cooling operation that provides temperature reduction of air flowing across heat transferring portions of the evaporator. The controller further manages operation of the compressor in a moisture releasing operation in response to termination of the cooling operation. The moisture releasing operation includes, for example, finite operation of the compressor that retards release of moisture from the heat transferring portions of the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: Ronald S. Eisenhour
-
Patent number: 8961708Abstract: A condensate management system for an air conditioning condensate drainage system is provided. The condensate management system may comprise an inlet and an outlet; a primary condensate flow path from the inlet to the outlet; a check valve disposed along the primary condensate flow path; a flush path from the inlet to the outlet; a pump coupled to the flush path; and a logic panel configured to actuate the pump to a flushing mode. The check valve may be configured to allow fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. When the logic panel is configured to actuate the pump to the flushing mode, the pump is configured to exert a negative pressure at the inlet and a positive pressure at the outlet. Other system and methods to flush a condensate drain system are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Plexaire, LLCInventors: Stewart Kaiser, William G. Williams
-
Patent number: 8959934Abstract: The present invention relates to a supercooling system and a method for displaying a supercooled state which can accurately display a supercooled state of a stored object in spite of the external influence.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Won-Young Chung
-
Patent number: 8875528Abstract: A test chamber that is capable of operating in a mode where the temperature of the chamber is efficiently cooled without removing a substantial amount of moisture from the air. In one aspect, the test chamber includes a structure defining a work space having air, and a temperature control system (e.g., a refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator valve). The temperature control system includes a heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator) positioned to communicate with the air in the work space, a source of cold fluid (e.g., a compressed, condensed, and throttled refrigerant) coupled to the heat exchanger, a source of hot fluid (e.g., compressed refrigerant gas) coupled to the heat exchanger, and a controller for controlling a mixture of cold fluid and hot fluid entering the heat exchanger (e.g., by adjusting a cold fluid valve and/or a hot fluid valve).Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Venturedyne, Ltd.Inventors: Darin E. Immink, Clinton A. Peterson, Andrew R. Veldt
-
Publication number: 20140298837Abstract: To provide a vehicle air-conditioning apparatus which can ensure a dehumidifying ability even during an intermediate thermal load time where an outside air temperature becomes high during a dehumidifying heating operation time. In a vehicle air-conditioning apparatus, at least a compressor 6, a first heat exchanger 2, a first refrigerant control part 9 which is formed by connecting a first expansion device 7 and a first open/close valve 8 in parallel to each other, a vehicle exterior heat exchanger 4, a second refrigerant control part 13 which is formed by connecting a second expansion device 12 and a second open/close valve 11 in series, and a second heat exchanger 3 are connected in the preceding order in a loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2011Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: Valeo Japan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Tanda, Hiroyuki Ida
-
Patent number: 8840729Abstract: An air conditioning drain cleaning system with an automated blow-out cycle to clean out an evaporator pan drain pipe. The system has a pneumatic valve assembly, a controller, a float level switch assembly and a plurality of air lines in a manifold for actuating the pneumatic valve assembly and blowing out the drain pipe. The controller directs the system to initiate or repeat a blow-out cycle until the drain pipe is clear. The pneumatic valve assembly bisects the drain pipe to selectively close the pipe for cleaning with a pair of high pressure air shots, one shot toward each pipe end to dislodge a clog. The float level switch assembly signals the controller if the condensate level in the drain pan drops. If the condensate level does not drop, the controller initiates a further blow-out cycle at increased pressures until the line is clear.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Inventors: Michael Herren, Douglas Comeaux
-
Publication number: 20140260360Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser includes a sensor coupled to a case adjacent an air inlet. The sensor is in communication with a portion of a refrigerated airflow passing through the air inlet to sense a temperature of the airflow and to generate a signal indicative of an air return temperature. The merchandiser also includes a controller in communication with the sensor to receive the signal indicative of the air return temperature, the controller further in communication with a conductive film on a door and programmed to initiate a clearing interval to clear condensation from the door in response to the signal indicative of the air return temperature reaching a first predetermined temperature threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: HUSSMANN CORPORATIONInventor: John M. Rasch
-
Patent number: 8813510Abstract: A freezer with an outer and inner housing, wherein the inner housing has a cooling space and a trough-shaped configuration on its bottom. There is a channel in the trough-shaped configuration to capture dew water and/or condensation water. A refrigerant circuit including a compressor and evaporator lines is operably connected to the cooling space of the inner housing. The evaporator lines of the refrigerant circuit run around the cooling space and are attached to at least one sidewall of the inner housing. The evaporator lines are located in the space between the inner and outer housing with the lowermost evaporation line adjacent to the lowermost portion of the channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: AHT Cooling Systems GmbHInventor: Reinhold Resch
-
Patent number: 8806878Abstract: An insulator includes a step portion in a region where a sealing material support portion of a first division part comes into contact with a sealing material support portion of a second division part.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Keihin CorporationInventor: Shintaro Ikeda
-
Publication number: 20140216705Abstract: An automatic climate controller device may be configured to perform operations including identifying, by an automatic climate controller device, an operating zone of the climate control system according to at least two input factors; identifying a discharge temperature of the climate control system; determining, based on the operating zone and the discharge temperature, whether to perform at least one override action to override a climate control system setting to reduce the possibility of evaporator core icing; and adjusting an evaporator set point according to the at least one override action to reduce the discharge temperature. The input factors may include evaporator temperature and cabin relative humidity. The actions may include to increase blower speed and to increase use of recirculated air.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Gary A. Dage, Steven L. Lambert
-
Patent number: 8794018Abstract: A system for preventing icing in a conduit, as can occur in an aircraft's air conditioning system, includes at least one sensor for acquiring mechanical oscillations of the conduits, an electronic evaluation unit and an electronic control unit. The sensor is connected to the electronic evaluation unit, which knows characteristics relating to the oscillation behavior of the conduit and is equipped to compare the measured conduit oscillations with these characteristics, and through correlation to interpret them as conduit icing, and in the case of conduit icing to emit a signal to the control unit. If the operation-associated oscillations are inadequate, oscillations can be generated or amplified through an actuator. With this system an icing state within the conduit can be detected without the use of sensors located in the interior cross section of the conduit, which itself serves as a sensitive element.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Gleine
-
Patent number: 8798449Abstract: A conduit (51) for a condensate removal pump is disclosed comprising a tubular member (47) having a profiled rim (53, 54) at a distal end, profiled such that only a portion of the rim lies in a plane located at the extreme distal end of the tubular member perpendicular to the axis of the tubular. A resilient membrane (52) which has a slit extends across the interior of the tubular member and is arranged to open, to allow water to pass, when water is drawn through the conduit. A combined sensor and suction tube assembly (50) is also disclosed comprising a tube (55), a self heating thermistor (56) coupled to the tube, and a relay means (69) to relay an operational parameter of the self heating thermistor, indicative of the presence of water, to a condensate removal pump. The combined sensor and suction tube assembly is sized to fit within a pipe having an inner diameter of 20 mm.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Charles Austen Pumps LimitedInventor: Brian Howard Glover
-
Patent number: 8783054Abstract: A counter flow indirect evaporative heat exchanger (10) having vertically stacked alternate counter flow wet (14) and dry (12) passages where the wet passages are wetted during operation of the heat exchanger by wetting means (50, 52, 53, 54, 70, 72, 74, 76) travelling vertically of the stack. Elongately wetting of a small plurality of the total number of passages (14, 12) of the heat exchanger (10) occurs at a time during vertical travel of the wetting means.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: F.F. Seeley Nominees Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Robert William Gilbert
-
Patent number: 8783049Abstract: A cooling system for a data center in which equipment racks are disposed has a cooling unit and a controller coupled to the cooling unit. The cooling system includes temperature sensors at or near the cooling unit's air return inlet, at or near the cooling unit's air supply outlet, and at or near the equipment racks air inlet(s). The controller measures these temperatures. A relative humidity sensor is located at or near the air return inlet of the cooling unit. The relative humidity where the relative humidity sensor is located is measured by the controller using the relative humidity sensor. The controller calculates the dew point temperature from the temperature sensor and relative humidity. Using this dew point, which is essentially constant throughout the space being conditioned, and the temperatures from the other locations, the controller then calculates the relative humidity at each location.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Liebert CorporationInventors: Michael Jason Gloeckner, David V. Larson
-
Publication number: 20140130530Abstract: An in-vehicle absorption heat pump device comprises a regenerator; an in-vehicle heat source heating absorbent in the regenerator; a gas-liquid separator; a condenser condensing gas phase separated from the absorbent; an evaporator evaporating a condensate to form vapor; an absorber for bringing the relatively concentrated absorbent in liquid phase in contact with the gas phase to cause the absorbent to absorb the gas phase and be relatively diluted; an absorbent circulation source circulating the absorbent; a bypass passage connecting a liquid-phase storing portion of the gas-liquid separator and the regenerator while bypassing the absorber; and a bypass transfer source in the bypass passage returning the absorbent in the gas-liquid separator to the regenerator. To dilute absorbent in the absorber, a diluent passage allows the condenser and the absorber to communicate and the condensate in the condenser to be supplied to the absorber through the diluent passage by a dilution element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akifumi Tomita, Osamu Tsubouchi, Haruyuki Tsujihara
-
Publication number: 20140130529Abstract: A condensate management system for an air conditioning condensate drainage system is provided. The condensate management system may comprise an inlet and an outlet; a primary condensate flow path from the inlet to the outlet; a check valve disposed along the primary condensate flow path; a flush path from the inlet to the outlet; a pump coupled to the flush path; and a logic panel configured to actuate the pump to a flushing mode. The check valve may be configured to allow fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. When the logic panel is configured to actuate the pump to the flushing mode, the pump is configured to exert a negative pressure at the inlet and a positive pressure at the outlet. Other system and methods to flush a condensate drain system are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Plexaire LLCInventors: Stewart KAISER, William G. Williams
-
Patent number: 8707719Abstract: An air conditioner includes a refrigerant circuit, a switching valve, an outdoor fan and a controller. The refrigerant circuit sequentially circulates refrigerant through a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a decompression mechanism and an outdoor heat exchanger during a heating operation. The switching valve is connected to the refrigerant circuit to switch a flow direction of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. The controller executes a defrosting operation control in which the outdoor fan is deactivated and the switching valve directs refrigerant discharged from the compressor towards the outdoor heat exchanger during a defrosting operation. The controller further maintains the switching valve so refrigerant discharged from the compressor is directed towards the outdoor heat exchanger and executes a fan defrosting operation control in which the outdoor fan is rotated for a predetermined period of time after completion of the defrosting operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yamada, Tetsuya Ogasawara, Junichi Shimoda
-
Patent number: 8701427Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle HVAC system to automatically defog a windshield glass and to prevent fogging or condensation of the windshield glass. In-cabin air temperature and relative humidity are measured and used to determine a dewpoint. Further, ambient or outside temperature is measured. If windshield wipers are being used or if the cabin air temperature is less than a predetermined temperature, the ambient air temperature value is used as a glass temperature, otherwise the glass temperature is determined from the ambient air temperature and vehicle speed. A fog margin, which is a measure of the likelihood of fog formation, is based upon the difference between dewpoint and the windshield glass temperature. The fog margin is used to control the HVAC system to anticipate and respond to potential fogging conditions.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Daniel Yelles
-
Publication number: 20140102123Abstract: A control device including a condensate sensor to generate a control signal when the condensate sensor detects condensate accumulated in a condensate reservoir has reached a predetermined level wherein the condensate sensor comprises a first sensor pin and second sensor pin coupled to a control section by a first detection sensor component and a second detection sensor component respectively balanced to reduce electrolysis that occurs when the condensate reaches the predetermined level that would otherwise cause the first sensor pin and the second sensor pin to corrode excessively.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventors: Christopher Cantolino, Carlos M. Pena
-
Patent number: 8695365Abstract: An apparatus for managing operation of refrigerating machines controls defrosting of evaporators of refrigeration cycles. Each of the refrigeration cycles uses a compressor, a condenser, a decompressor, and the evaporator, and is formed for a corresponding one of cooling/heating devices installed in a single store. The apparatus obtains a total estimated power consumption in a case of a pull-down operation using power consumptions necessary for the pull-down operation performed for the cooling/heating devices after defrosting is performed and using a power consumption of the store that includes at least the power consumptions of the refrigeration cycles and that is estimated for each of predetermined time periods. The apparatus changes defrosting start times or defrosting end times of the cooling/heating devices so that the total estimated power consumption does not exceed an upper limit value of a power consumption set in advance by the store.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kei Yazaki, Kyoichi Takano
-
Publication number: 20140075976Abstract: Embodiments for controlling condensate in a charge air cooler are provided. One example method for an engine comprises cooling intake air through a charge air cooler and adjusting a vibration device of the charge air cooler based on charge air cooler condensation conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala
-
Patent number: 8650892Abstract: Disclosed is a system to extract water moisture from the atmosphere, highly purify and condition the extracted water, and provide beverages for human consumption. In one embodiment, the device collects water-vapor condensation from filtered intake air, and then subjects the condensate to a series of purification filters and to a sterilization process in order to produce drinking water. The system may then use the water produced to provide carbonated drinks, flavored drinks, coffee drinks, or ice. The system may also play music and charge a portable electronic device. The disclosed system may incorporate the variations in different combinations.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: EcoloBlue, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Ferreira, Henri-James Tieleman
-
Publication number: 20130340458Abstract: Water for data center uses is generated from the ambient air by a water generator that cools air below its dew point, thereby causing the water in such air to precipitate out. The water generator is powered by renewable energy sources that provide a sufficient amount of energy over an extended period of time, despite temporary interruptions. Heated air from the data center is exhausted so as to absorb moisture from the ambient air, with such heated air being capable of holding a greater amount of moisture, and is then directed through the water generator, thereby enabling the water generator to generate a greater amount of water. The level of water available is monitored and the water generator utilizes on-demand power sources to generate a greater amount of water so as to avoid emptying water storage units.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Mark Edward Shaw, Sean M. James
-
Publication number: 20130327070Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a case defining a product display area supporting product and an evaporator disposed in an air passageway in fluid communication with the product display area via an outlet to direct a refrigerated airflow into the product display area. The merchandiser also includes a control system in communication with and programmed to control the refrigeration system so that the product display area is maintained within a predetermined temperature range. The control system also varies the temperature of the refrigerated airflow through the outlet above an airflow temperature threshold between about 35 degrees Fahrenheit and 41 degrees Fahrenheit at least once during a predetermined time period to avoid formation of frost on the evaporator while maintaining the product display area within the predetermined temperature range.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: HUSSMANN CORPORATIONInventors: Brian J. Rees, Simon A. Johnston, Derek R. Lea
-
Patent number: 8584481Abstract: An integrated air conditioner that controls the operation of a water feed device according to the mode of use. The air conditioner includes a control section that determines whether or not exhaust heat from a condenser 3 is being released outdoors through an exhaust duct 7 according to whether or not an air intake duct 26 or an exhaust duct 7 is fitted, operates a water feed device 8 for leading drain wafer collected in the drain pan to the condenser 3 during both of a cooling operation and a dehumidifying operation if it determines that the heat to be released from the condenser 3 is being released outdoors, and operates the water feed device 8 during the cooling operation and stops the operation of the water feed device 8 during the dehumidifying operation if it determines that the exhaust heat from the condenser 3 is not being released outdoors.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tohru Ariga
-
Patent number: 8584475Abstract: A self-contained water generation system is disclosed. The present system allows for the generation of water using only wind power and standard air conditioning components. A wind turbine drives, directly or indirectly, a compressor that compresses refrigerant and provides the refrigerant to a condenser and evaporator. During the evaporation of the refrigerant, water is condensed and collected for use. The components of the water generation system may be configured in a housing and movably mounted atop a column so that the housing can rotate about the column, allowing the wind turbine maximize the use of wind forces.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventor: George Scesney
-
Patent number: 8561417Abstract: A fluid-sensing switch system that can monitor pre-established threshold fluid levels in the primary drain pan inside an air conditioning unit or other condensate-producing unit, and also in a secondary drain pan positioned under the unit. Once the threaded plug of a sensing probe is connected to the unit's weep hole, it positions a center sensor providing a first power potential through a false-trigger-reducing resilient piece in a position to wait for rising fluid capable of breaching a weep hole dam. A substantially circular sensor is also present provides the second power potential needed for signal generation. A signal-generating member connected to both sensors is electrically connected to the unit to shut it off, and/or activate a pump that removes fluid from the secondary drain pan. The signal-generating member provides the redundant safety alarm capability, when mounted on a secondary drain pan. Anti-microbial elements are optional, but preferred.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventor: Christopher Ralph Cantolino